At last nights’ BOE meeting, there was an item on the agenda for $112,000 to pay Torah Umesorah for a Shabbos retreat for Rebbeim. The money comes out of Federal Funds that are earmarked for children’s remedial services. The funds may be used for teachers to become better teachers and to learn new techniques. Some funds MUST be used for this type of Professional Development, as it is called.
The Board knew that there were differing opinions amongst the Mechanchim over whether or not the money can be put to better use, namely the children. As such, the issue was tabled until further investigation can be done.
The Board will probably vote on this item at the next meeting which can be as early as next week. TLS.
I educate my children all the time at home. Can I get a parenting retreat covered so i can learn new methods in training my children??
Please give those money to parents to pay for tutors. You cannot just benefit one group in expense of all others.
You’re not acting very brilliant. The government is trying to give your child the best education. It is very important for teachers to go to professional development so that they keep current. No one is saying that it has to be a retreat and it can’t be an in service day, but this is being done for your child’s best interest.
This is a big mistake,the money has to be used for Professional Development, every school can decide what to do with their own funds. There is no issue at all as it HAS to be used for teachers only ,thats the LAW
Hmmm….its a good thing your not my son’s Rebbi! Its sounds like you don’t have a CLUE ….how much heart and soul the Rebbiem POUR into our children…..Let’s just say THANK YOU!!!!!
I take it this website does not believe in freedom of speech for everyone….
😉
How many teachers could be hired or books purchased with that money? How does this fall under education – seems suspicious to me!
#1, There are many parenting programs availale. You just have to be interested. Please dont knock our Heilige Rabbeim whom are Moser Nefesh for our children.
Professional Development means Professional Development. What do you mean “the money can be put to better use, namely the children”?
Why not meet one day, in service,and serve rib stakes for everyone and save over $100,000 wow common sence
I do attend the infrequent Parenting programs available in town, but have yet to be able to afford a RETREAT..
Please tell me why it has to be a whole weekend.Why not 1 whole day
Th BOE acted responsibly in seeking more information and input before voting on this issue. This happens to be an excellent opportunity for mechanchim to grow and develop more and better instructional skills and tools. Keep in mind that the ultimate beneficiaries are the students. This program deserves the Board’s support; Lakewood Menahalim across the board advocate for this professional conference. The BOE will undoubtedly get strong backing for approving this agenda item. I hope they do so soon.
Why would ANYONE expect a line item expense secretly inserted at the last minute for the obscene amount of ONE HUNDRED AND TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS to get any yes votes without any kind of minimal and rational explanation???
Here’s an idea – how about an escrow account to cover Rebbeim/teacher emergent expenses (ie mortgages on the 14th of the month) salaries when the schools don’t pay on time? Given the peace of mind that would provide – that would certainly be Professional Development!
Something that all kvechers should be aware of; these are FEDERAL funds and have no effect on our property taxes.Every proffesional group recognizes the benefits of continuing education and the unique opportunities offered at a multi day confrence.members of the field get to hear from multiple leaders of their industry, often with specialized groups within its proffesion,while meeting many other members of their field in pleasant setting. I think that what the naysayers fail to recognize is that our Rabbeim,Moros,and principals are PROFFESIONALS who continually strive to become better at what they do.
Very good question.
As a matter of fact, this Invoice was submitted to the District Administration TWO MONTHS ago, with fully documented back-up of all the schools which asked to participate, how many rebbeim, etc. We do not control the Agenda. When and how the Administration decides to place it on the Board’s Agenda is beyond anyone’s control – – even the Board itself!
And while you are investigating the delayed processing and approval of Torah U’Mesorah’s Invoice, also look into the five (5) months’ delay in approving Hundreds of Thousands of Federal Dollars in rent due to 16 Lakewood NPS (Mosdos), lured into providing precious space to the District for special education, with the promise of timely rent payments. Provision and payment for this space is the District’s legal responsibility.
As of today, NOT ONE NPS (mosad) received a dime. Rent payments are being held up by the “Administration” with one flimsy excuse after another.
And when you are done investigating that, look into why it took the special ed vendors nearly FIVE MONTHS to receive THEIR payments for services rendered from the Lakewood Disrtrict.
The District Administration response?
Say thank you that we didn’t shut you down like Tiny Tots!!
Small wonder that members of the BOE are fed-up with this administration and are now galvanized into action.
_________________
Lakewood NPS Administrator
Just Trying To Do His Job.
I would like to clarify a bit of the true history and nature of this weekend. All Elementary boys schools Principals were contacted about this a few months ago. Each and every one was excited about the convention as it offers many Title 1 workshops throughout the weekend. Please understand that its average is appox. $6,000 per school, with the bigger schools being more and the smaller schools being less.[a mere $450 per Rebbi, which is a bargain for the number of work shops they will participate in] Each of the 24 schools made their own personal decision as where to allocate their money.