I have been a lifelong resident of the Southern Cayuga Central School District, and am raising five children within the district. Unfortunately lately, I have had serious concerns about the educational priorities in the district. Most troubling to me is the recent school board elections and defeat of the budget.
The behavior and actions taken by board members and their children, along with one or two teachers in our district is very disheartening to me. False statements and negative campaigning toward the budget and my wife, took place in our community, and at local businesses within the community.
The employees at these establishments had to listen to this negativity. Some of which were students. By doing this, not only was the result a defeated budget, but we managed to lose a committed board member. Michelle supported our children, our faculty and staff, and more importantly, our community.
The action by those involved, not only erodes the integrity of this school district, but has sent a message among parents and faculty alike. The message is quite clear: the bottom line is more important that a well rounded education.
I know Michelle didn't see things that way. She tried to look at how cuts to program and faculty would affect students
I have seen the time and effort that my wife has committed to her service on the board, spending many hours away from our family; done unselfishly for others with no agenda in mind. It would seem that the same integrity and character should be exhibited by all board members, even the newly elected ones. Actions taken in front of students, and our friends and family, have been relayed to me and unfortunately, our children.
Is this the message we send to people that volunteer their time and efforts in this district? It would seem that board members and teachers should hold themselves to a higher standard, as they are setting the examples for all of us.
Attacking a person's character based on false information should not be tolerated. Maybe you should have tried to find the facts before spreading misinformation.
Individuals on this school board and a few faculty members should be held accountable for their actions. What you did not only affected our school district, but our children's education. Shame on you!
Delrio Dean
Aurora
The employees at these establishments had to listen to this negativity. Some of which were students. By doing this, not only was the result a defeated budget, but we managed to lose a committed board member. Michelle supported our children, our faculty and staff, and more importantly, our community.
The action by those involved, not only erodes the integrity of this school district, but has sent a message among parents and faculty alike. The message is quite clear: the bottom line is more important that a well rounded education.
I know Michelle didn't see things that way. She tried to look at how cuts to program and faculty would affect students
I have seen the time and effort that my wife has committed to her service on the board, spending many hours away from our family; done unselfishly for others with no agenda in mind. It would seem that the same integrity and character should be exhibited by all board members, even the newly elected ones. Actions taken in front of students, and our friends and family, have been relayed to me and unfortunately, our children.
Is this the message we send to people that volunteer their time and efforts in this district? It would seem that board members and teachers should hold themselves to a higher standard, as they are setting the examples for all of us.
Attacking a person's character based on false information should not be tolerated. Maybe you should have tried to find the facts before spreading misinformation.
Individuals on this school board and a few faculty members should be held accountable for their actions. What you did not only affected our school district, but our children's education. Shame on you!
Delrio Dean
Aurora
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thinksensibly wrote on Jun 12, 2008 10:27 AM:
That said, having witnessed her behavior at BOE meetings, and other public places, as well as recent (see above) posts, I have to say that Ms. Dean has brought some of this on herself. That type of representation from a Board member has also contributed to the erosion of the integrity of this school district.
It sounds to me like it is best for our District, as well as your family that she was not re-elected. "
mdean wrote on Jun 9, 2008 12:45 PM:
a.mom wrote on Jun 9, 2008 12:38 PM:
I agree that Mrs. Dean has been tireless in her efforts to guide policy and serve the district - I certainly commend her for that. I'm sorry to hear that she has run into angry and destructive opposition, certainly it would be nice to think that we can disagree civilly and address our differences as adults. The behavior I have witnessed at BOE meetings in the past makes me wonder if that's possible though.
It seems, if I have my history correct, that factions within the district have used hard hitting and often nasty negativity to foster anger and ultimately to convince others to reject certain individuals they disagree with for the last 20 years to great success. This seems to be yet another chapter in this sorry mess.
There is no doubt in my mind that it is a thankless task to volunteer for much of anything within the district besides classroom assistance.
There is nothing wrong with demanding fiscal responsibility, a recognition that some of our community members simply CANNOT AFFORD higher taxes. There is also nothing wrong with demanding our BOE members remember that they represent the district as a whole, not just parents and teachers.
But those who volunteer their time and energy, which ever side of the fence they sit on, ABSOLUTELY DESERVE to be treated courteously and with respect. I don't know the details of this story, nor do I care to, but I do believe that we as a community have to grow up and treat each other with more respect, period. This includes Michelle Dean, Joe Lonsky, and every other board member who serves our community at a cost to their family and their time. "
brew1234 wrote on Jun 9, 2008 12:29 PM: