Trouble in Paradise
Printed From: MiddletownUSA.com
Category: Middletown City Schools
Forum Name: Other School Issues
Forum Description: Discuss other issues such as school security, student activities, etc.
URL: http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5993
Printed Date: Nov 21 2024 at 11:34am
Topic: Trouble in Paradise
Posted By: VietVet
Subject: Trouble in Paradise
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 6:41am
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Journal story.... MHS principal under fire for student performance MIDDLETOWN — Tension between the Middletown City Schools central office and one of its principals is having a negative impact on student performance, some in the 6,400-student district said. The Middletown Teachers Association says the district’s leadership has been lacking, and the superintendent and his staff are blaming their top administrators, namely popular Middletown High School Principal Carmela Cotter for not meeting performance standards for students and creating an environment of mistrust. Two years ago, when Cotter was evaluated by Superintendent Sam Ison, she was praised for her leadership ability, according to a review of Cotter’s personnel file that was obtained by the Journal-News. At the time Ison wrote Cotter was working toward becoming an “accomplished administrator,” though the high school and the district needed to improve its state test scores. When giving his assessment of Cotter after her first two years as principal, Ison wrote: “I have enjoyed working with Mrs. Cotter and have observed her deal with sensitive issues in a professional manner and always maintaining the dignity of all involved. That is a great trait for a leader.” He called her “a valuable administrative team member.” Now, it appears, Cotter’s contract as MHS principal, a position she has held for four years and a job that pays more than $100,000, may not be renewed, according to her latest evaluation performed by Elizabeth Lolli, the district’s senior director of curriculum. Cotter was asked what happened to her leadership ability from 2012 to now. She said it was ironic her evaluation dropped during the last two years because she obtained her superintendent’s license and attended additional leadership training. Word has spread throughout the district and Middletown community that Cotter’s contract may not be renewed. During the last several school board members, staff and students have made a point to compliment Cotter when addressing board members and school officials. Cotter, who said the comments weren’t orchestrated, said she was “touched” by the kind words and called them “feel good moments.” Dom Williams, president of the MTA, said what the district needs now more than ever — during a time when union members have expressed their displeasure with the district’s central office — is Cotter as MHS principal. He said her best assets, communication and compassion, are two of the things missing most in the district. He said during her four years as principal Cotter has improved morale throughout the building. Not renewing her contract, Williams said, would be “a blow to an already bad climate.” Cotter has been given an action plan, and Williams said he’s confident she can achieve anything. “She has the whole package,” said Williams, who added he was “shocked” and “very disappointed” when he learned her contract may not be renewed. Cotter’s contract ends of June 30, 2015. She makes $100,200 as principal, and said if her contract isn’t renewed she would seek employment in a different district or return to a Middletown classroom as a teacher. Ison and officials have said the high school needs to perform better on the state report card and that responsibility falls on the principal. MHS juniors passed three of the 10 indicators on the last Ohio School Report Card, according to the Ohio Department of Education. The school received a C for performance index and a F for indicators met. The district received an A for value-added, which rates the progress the same group of students makes from the first day of class to the last, for the second straight year. The high school graduates 90 percent of its students, slightly above the state average, according to the ODE. In a letter dated Dec. 19, 2014 from Eric Gearhart, senior director of human resources, following Cotter’s mid-year evaluation, it stated that if her performance didn’t improve, then the recommendation would be for non-renewal of her contract. It said Cotter could meet in executive session with the school board to discuss reasons for considering the non-renewal of her contract. Marcia Andrew, Middletown school board president, said it would be inappropriate to comment on specific personnel issues since she has no direct involvement. But in general, she said, there is a lot of anxiety about the new evaluation process the state has required for all teachers and administrators. “Under prior evaluation systems, almost all teachers and administrators received outstanding evaluations,” she said. “The new process may produce more balanced assessments of performance. For someone not used to having opportunities for improvement documented, they may focus too much on the negative, and interpret any formal criticism as conveying a message that the employee is incompetent, when it is not meant to do so. All of us should be trying to improve all the time.” Cotter’s assistance/improvement plan, which she and Lolli signed on Jan. 15, 2015, said she needed to improve in these standards: continuous improvement, instruction, collaboration and personal professional growth. Lolli wrote that Cotter “has not demonstrated leadership in these standards.” The vision of the high school achievement is to meet seven of the 10 indicators on the Ohio Department of Education report card, however, “no clear plan of actions” exists to reach that vision or even begin moving forward that vision, she wrote. Lolli wrote that lack of instruction “continues to be an issue” at the high school. During occasional walk throughs at MHS, instruction is “not occurring or partially occurring because students are not expected to achieve much.” Lolli also noted that the collaboration between the high school and central office has been “severely impaired” by negative comments such as “battling between this person and the principal” or about “fighting to keep our principal.” When these types of issues occur, a leader steps in and stops the negativity, understanding that all are on the same team and conveying that to the staff, Lolli wrote. “This is not happening at MHS,” Lolli wrote. In fact, she wrote, “some of this is actually fueled by the administrative team” at the high school. Lolli noted that Cotter had done a “few things differently” in recent weeks, but the “lack of solid leadership and focus on student achievement is still missing.” As part of the plan for improvement: •Cotter must work with Lolli or someone else in the Central Office to understand the continuous improvement plan and get “a true plan” in place by Feb. 13; •Cotter must visit with Hamilton High School and Fairborn High School to review how similar high schools removed the “excuses and improve achievement” for all students by Dec. 15, 2014; •Cotter must work to “stop the negativity” by turning the staff’s focus to raising achievement and continuous improvement as opposed to excuses and reasons that tasks can’t be accomplished; •Cotter and her team must generate a monitoring plan for students and expectations for learning that will be implemented in each classroom by Feb. 13; •Cotter and her staff must review instruction at MHS and mark walk through and observation forms, offering assistance to those who are not meeting high standards of instruction by Dec. 20, 2014. Cotter said she has completed her entire action plan and it’s “ready to go” for its presentation. “We aren’t doing enough fast enough,” she said. “Everybody in the city agrees on that.” Cotter said she understands some of the criticism she received from the administration. But instead of concentrating only on the negative, Cotter wishes the evaluation included the “whole story.” She said the “human side” of her position is equally important. “Some of what was said hurt me professionally,” she said. “I served the district for 23 years. I hope people know how hard I work and how much I love the kids, the school and the community.” She paused, then added: “If they decide I’m not good enough, well that’s their decision.” After about 100 union members attended a public hearing last month to address the retire/rehire of Ison, several of them thanked Cotter for her leadership and support. When asked about Cotter’s performance and whether he’s concerned about the union’s reaction, Ison said everyone in the district is held to “high expectations.” Then Ison added: “It’s not specially at her. It is all of us, Sam Ison included. We have two Fs (on the state report card). We are constantly looking at how we can get those two Fs up. We are looking K-12. You have 24 indicators and 10 of them are at the high school. Obviously, we are focused on what we need to do there.” He understands that means the principal receives the most attention, good or bad. “That pressure comes down to you and your building a lot of times because it’s right there,” said Ison, a former Lebanon High School principal. “It’s not Mrs. Cotter. It’s all of us. It’s perceived that way, it was perceived that way when Sam Ison was high school principal in Lebanon.” SOUNDS LIKE ISON IS TRYING TO PROTECT HIS TURF AS HE USED LOLLI AS THE HATCHETWOMAN HERE. COTTER HAS HER SUPERINTENDENTS CREDENTIALS AND THE TEACHER'S UNION LIKES HER. APPARENTLY, WHEN SHE WASN'T A THREAT, SHE WAS OK. NOW, LOLLI AND ISON ARE NIT-PICKING AND TURNING THE GAME AROUND ON HER AS THEY THROW HER UNDER THE BUS. ISON AND LOLLI APPARENTLY HAVE NO MORALS OR SCRUPLES, NOR CLASS. ISON ALSO SAYS THE HIGH SCHOOL NEEDS TO IMPROVE. GEE ISON, HOW ABOUT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND ELEMENTARIES? THEY NEED IMPROVEMENT ALSO. WHY ARE YOU JUST SINGLING OUT THE HIGH SCHOOL? LOOKS LIKE AN ATTEMPT TO OUST HER AT ALL COSTS HERE. HOW UNPROFESSIONAL. SOME OF ISON'S COMMENTS IN THIS STORY CONCERING PERFORMANCE IS POOR IS INCREDIBLE. THEY WERE TOLERABLE UP UNTIL NOW AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THEY NEED VAST IMPROVEMENT AND, APPARENTLY IT'S ALL COTTER'S FAULT. INCREDIBLE. NO, COTTER ISN'T THE ONE WHO SHOULD GO. ISON AND LOLLI ARE. ISON IS NOW SHOWING HIS TRUE COLORS. LOLLI HAS PROVEN SHE DOESN'T WORK AND PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS AT MONROE, APPARENTLY TRYING TO DO IT AGAIN HERE. GET RID OF BOTH OF THEM SCHOOL BOARD. DO SOMETHING RIGHT FOR A CHANGE. ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Replies:
Posted By: processor
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 10:24am
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Vet, How in the world do you get from the article that Ison and Lolli are the ones who need to go!? Sounds to me like Ison and Lolli are trying to hold the Principals accountable and they are resisting. To get improvement the behavior/methods/attitude, etc will need to change from the admin down through the teachers. Of course many people will object and resist, but how else do you make the necessary changes to improve performance? |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 10:48am
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From the article: As part of the plan for improvement: •Cotter must work with Lolli or someone else in the Central Office to understand the continuous improvement plan and get “a true plan” in place by Feb. 13; •Cotter must visit with Hamilton High School and Fairborn High School to review how similar high schools removed the “excuses and improve achievement” for all students by Dec. 15, 2014; •Cotter must work to “stop the negativity” by turning the staff’s focus to raising achievement and continuous improvement as opposed to excuses and reasons that tasks can’t be accomplished; •Cotter and her team must generate a monitoring plan for students and expectations for learning that will be implemented in each classroom by Feb. 13; •Cotter and her staff must review instruction at MHS and mark walk through and observation forms, offering assistance to those who are not meeting high standards of instruction by Dec. 20, 2014. Everything was ok for the longest time. Cotter was given glowing reports when she became principal of MHS. Now, based on this article, she has a target on her back with Ison and Lolli doing their dead level best to label her as (again, I like this word used universally) "disgruntled". Management never tries to understand why a person is "disgruntled". They don't want to hear it because it just may be an indictment on their management style. They just label them as such with no day in court offered. Ironically, the article says she has obtained her superintendent's papers. She is liked by the teachers and students and, ironically, about a hundred teachers went to the school board meeting a few weeks ago to voice some displeasure over the supers communication skills, and, (could be wrong here), the hostile work environment that is within the district. Now, as one the teachers seem to like, Cotter is in this situation. Sounds like she is being singled out, they want to make an example of her and they want her out of the way......because she is a threat to their egos....IE- she is liked. And you wonder why I'm a tad bit hostile toward management. THAT's what I get from this article as to underlying tones of possibility processor. You don't see any of this as being a possibility? You'll have to forgive me if my opinion of upper management and the games they play with their subordinates. at times, goes beyond the point of decency in the working environment. ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 11:19am
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You are completely off mark Viet Vet with your opinion. Cotter received a rather lukewarm, but warm and fuzzy evaluation a few years ago. The heat has been turned up by the state of Ohio associated with the student performance not only at the district level overall, but its distinct parts. The high school is not performing. The principal has direct responsibility for the high school. From my readings, your posts always indicate the private sector holds those accountable for results. Now the superintendent demonstrates, like your desires for the school system as it is in private sector affairs, that the principal has to get positive results, and you now blast the leadership for blaming the leader responsible unfairly. Should we hold the janitor or bus driver accountable instead? A few teachers support Cotter because they want a cushion of protection, and not heat and accountability. The board correctly extended the current superintendent's contract balancing the teachers supporting the principal attempted to shield them for further accountability and increasing performance everyone expects.
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Posted By: processor
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 11:23am
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I can see where it's possible that they perceive Cotter getting her Superintendent's license as a threat and Ison and Lolli want to get rid of her before she's a threat to their jobs but I think this is very unlikely. I think it's a red herring that Cotter has thrown out there. It's never pleasant to hear that you're not doing a good job and it's easy to blame or look for excuses. Unfortunately I can understand where Cotter is coming from given her good previous reviews. This was definitely an admin screw up. But if Cotter is tasked with making major test score improvements and she doesn't even have a plan to make it happen it makes me wonder if she's in the wrong position for her skill set. Cotter is a very friendly, supportive and likable person who cares deeply for the students and staff. I just don't know if she can be an effective change agent where, unfortunately, some ruffling of feathers is required. |
Posted By: middie.lifer
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 11:29am
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Vet, I have read these forums for a long time, and have never said anything. In this instance you are DEAD SPOT ON. Your synopsis is EXACTLY what is taking place. Mrs. Cotter had glowing evaluations prior to Lolli/Ison, but has dared to question them, and is a significant threat to their way of operation. That's so strange. Rasmussen had a tremendously positive impact on our district, appointed Mrs. Cotter because he saw the same qualities (ability to motivate, lead, and affect change in a positive manner)…. as soon as he's left town, the hammer drops? Uncanny. Not to mention- the high school scores are far and beyond the most reassuring in the district, but this isn't mentioned by Ison. Funny. Is there more work to be done? Of course! I don't think any teacher at the high school (let alone in the district) is OKAY with the report card results. There's a lot that can be said on this, but I think that the teachers and principals of MCSD are doing a great job addressing the "whole" child, but unfortunately that isn't part of the report card. I do agree that the scores need to be much higher… maybe if there was more focus on parent involvement and accountability, students would get the push to succeed from both directions (school and home). There are many many child development/motivation factors from outside at play here, but I digress. Maybe if Ison and Company would spend less time ensuring the demise of our district, they could focus on providing the resources and programs that our students and teachers need. Lolli has a proven track record of decimation and destruction. Look no further than Monroe, Barberton… or even her last "tenure" here in the 80s. Ison was not a huge factor at Lebanon either; teachers there report that he was mainly oblivious to what was going on, but showed up for things (especially sports) when it was important to be a face guy. Tigers do not change their stripes. And they CERTAINLY act in a predatory nature toward anything/anyone that threatens their livelihood. Middletown needs to wake up! |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 12:09pm
| The conspiracy theories and rationale for these actions distract from the efforts the administration and board has taken for years, to move Middletown forward. Ison just received a multi-year contract and retired. His position is therefore secure and sustainable. Cotter accepted the performance at the school she manages, needs to improve. There are existing superintendents whom are available to lead Middletown, and other MCSD leaders whom also have the superintendent license. For anyone to indicate Ison put Cotter on a performance plan as she is a threat to a long-term contract received is engaging in idle gossip and unproductive activity. |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 12:41pm
Factguy, your comments indicate that you just started in the working world yesterday and your gullibility is astounding. Fact: Ison was called on it for his lack of leadership, communication and creating a hostile working environment with the typical "my way or the highway" management style. Fact: The teachers support this principal and the students like her. Fact: She was ok until Ison had to find a fallperson for his shortcomings because he't not man enough to admit his shortcomings and that he has room for improvement. This indicates to me that he has an ego problem and is playing King by declaring all who disagree with him as a target for extermination from his little kingdom. No dissenters here. Play the game or else. Lolli is the hatchet person. The thing Lolli doesn't realize is that after she does the dirth work for Ison, she could be next to go. Has happened before. Fact: It is not a new thing that the district has been doing poorly. It has been going on for quite some time. We have talked about this for years here on this forum. Why, all of a sudden, under the same poor performing situation, has Ison now targeted Cotter for what he knows has been transpiring for years. It is not a sudden revelation. He is using her as a scapegoat for his inability to do his job satisfactorily. HE should be on trial here, not Cotter. She is a subordinate and if she falls, he should fall also. One more thing. Why is a Director of Curriculum and an HR Asst Director evaluating a principal when she reports to the Super? Seems as if this is a situation of convenience to remove what is now perceived as a "non-team player". Ison wants the position. Ison wants the pay. Ison wants the authority......but ISON DOES NOT WANT THE RESPONSIBILITY WHEN SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS. HE ONLY WANTS TO LAY CLAIM TO THINGS IF THEY ARE POSITIVE. He is the big dog in the school district. It is time he starts acting like it instead of a self-centered opportunist with the only shovel and pail in the sandbox, being man enough to take the blame as well as the praise when it is warranted. Cotter accepted the conditions because she had to under the circumstances. If not, she would have been out the door by now. A no win situation when management places you in that situation. Apparently, you have never been included in a downsizing. That is exactly what they do. They tell you, leave now, or, if you refuse, we'll make it so bad, you'll leave on your own. So you move on. As part of the plan for improvement: •Cotter must work with Lolli or someone else in the Central Office to understand the continuous improvement plan and get “a true plan” in place by Feb. 13; •Cotter must visit with Hamilton High School and Fairborn High School to review how similar high schools removed the “excuses and improve achievement” for all students by Dec. 15, 2014; •Cotter must work to “stop the negativity” by turning the staff’s focus to raising achievement and continuous improvement as opposed to excuses and reasons that tasks can’t be accomplished; •Cotter and her team must generate a monitoring plan for students and expectations for learning that will be implemented in each classroom by Feb. 13; •Cotter and her staff must review instruction at MHS and mark walk through and observation forms, offering assistance to those who are not meeting high standards of instruction by Dec. 20, 2014. Oh, and Factguy, I believe Ison's contract states they can fire him after a few (2?) years. It is NOT necessarily sustainable nor secure after the two year mark. ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Factguy wrote:Posted By: chmoore1
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 1:05pm
| Since contract renewals are coming up (and have been made at least for Mr. Ison), can the Journal-News get copies of the evaluations for Ison and Lolli? Ison has been with the district for four years, the last two as Superintendent. His previous position for two years was something like Student Achievement, or curriculum. Lolli has been a retread in MCSD for about the same number of years. So, do their evaluations reflect their ownership of High School performance? Ison's contract supposedly has a 90-day "you haven't done the job so goodbye" clause. If he does leave under that clause, guess who is the most immediate successor: Dr. Lolli! One side note, Dr. Lolli said in Mrs. Cotter's evaluation that she has not successfully followed a professional growth plan. I would say that obtaining her superintendent's license is about as high up the ladder that she can go. (Remember, Mr. Ison doesn't have his Ph.D, either). Once again, just 1chmoore, on the side of the road watching the parade. |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 1:05pm
| Not one of your points is factual. Ison is a superintendent and once was a principal at Lebanon High School. He knows it is the principal's position and responsibility for a school as its manager and leader, not the superintendent . You would fire a CEO of a major corporation because a secretary stole a stapler or a pen? Moreover, you of all people, have a tirade over accountability. When its shown by strong leadership, you cry foul. The district attempts to put in place measures to raise scores, which you have criticized relentlessly. But, you support the continuation of a leader at a school that is given notice performance must improve? The district finally takes steps for accountability and stepping it up in performance, and the ones screaming the city doesn't get it done, are the first to complain when the district holds leaders accountable. Strange. |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 2:13pm
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wow--what an interesting read today, from the sensationalism of the large MJ article to the outside of the school system postings here.... A lot of validity coming from everyone, and as usual, throwing blame instead of shouldering blame. So--I know that u r all anxiously awaiting spiderjohn's insight!! lol.. Our school performance(and city admin performance) has been rated poorly for close to two decades. We are no longer blue ribbon or all-American. Jerry Lucas, Paul Walker, Tiger Ellison, Armco International, downtown, Breiel center, Towne Mall etc. are long-gone. The leadership void and upper-income family exodus was replaced by fed gov-subsidized families, and the result has lanquished for over ten years. Who is responsible? Short answer is ALL OF US imo. No one wants to get deeply involved without a substantial payday, and everyone is far too comfortable continuing to vote/support the same names that they have seen for decades even though they haven't made much dent in our progress. New faces are brought in by the power brokers to preach the same message and use the same tactics, chanting the mantra, "the fix will take time--it can't happen overnight". Well--those of us that have been here throughout have heard it all for far too long without anything improving much around us, while immediate surrounding communities have grown, experienced a greater level of success and passed us by. hmmm... As for our schools--2 years ago the principal was given high marks--the teachers seem to like her--the students seem to like her. That is all good, though the progress has not been as steady or as much as hoped/needed. Now we read where she is an issue, and has to "improve academics, test scores and discipline immediately" while bringing up morale. Sounds pretty tough to impossible imo. Of course, our long-term administrators, BOE and supers are doing everything possible and blameless? It is pretty much the same with city admin--the same crew controls everything(Council, MMF, Chamber, Admin), yet there is not a lot of accountability at the top. The blame comes down to people posting on MUSA and those not buying in to the methods used now and in the past. YES--we are part of the problem also. We don't unite, put our foot down, and orchestrate some type of potential re-organization/change hopefully for the better. We simply don't try or work hard enough to better ourselves through the VERY tough process of "change". We remain divisive, pointing fingers everywhere but at ourselves. We are all responsible for the situation in which we find ourselves. |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 2:27pm
Good Lord. you are clueless as to what is happening son. Sometimes, ya just can't reason with one so far detached from reality. Read the dam story Factguy! The facts are taken from the story. Mercy. Strong leadership? You have the audacity to call the Ison/Lolli gangup strong leadership? It is nothing more than a leader who is so weak and egotistical that he can't face failure within his own job structure. ISON, as superintendent, is RESPONSIBLE for all activity within the district and those who are his subordinates. HE needs to take the blame for things like this and not throw his people under the dam bus. Hardly a dynamic leader. Rather, a weak, shallow, no scruples type of leader who is now in the sacrificial lamb mode with his henchperson, Lolli. She has a history of being a problem child wherever she's been and someone on here stated that Ison wasn't a prize catch for Lebanon either. Anyone know some insider info about how the people of Lebanon rated Ison? The district hasn't gotten off Go in the old Monopoly game for decades. The story indicates an indicator of 3 met and an "F" in other categories. This is the same results we have been seeing for years. It is not a new thing but all of a sudden Ison wants to start ousting people for not producing when it has been accepted for years. No warning and why only Cotter here? You mean to tell me that she is the ONLY ONE who is responsible for the poor results? Why not the principal at the middle school? Why not the principals at the elementaries? They're not doing too well either on producing acceptable academic results. You don't find that a tad bit peculiar? You really are lost in space aren't you. ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 2:32pm
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You make very solid points. There is much blame to go around, and occasional praise as well. If you read the sensational article, which is agreed, the Journal did a hit job on the district in National Enquirer style, Marcia Andrew references the fact the state changed the evaluation process recently. In her words, paraphrasing of course, you could do almost nothing, and get a fine evaluation. That has changed. That also changed the evaluation of the principal. If a principal is not held in a standard as required by the state, how can the principal hold teachers under her, for accountable measures. It has to be implemented, or the old system of showing up and you get tenure, never changes. Coincidentally, neither does increased performance. In a world everyone gets a trophy, don't you want some accountability for a change? .
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Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 2:49pm
A man was walking downtown yesterday and discarded a cigarette butt. The city has a crew with a Director responsible for cleaning and maintenance. Viet Vet called city council demanding City Manager Adkins be removed from his contract for non performance. He failed to pick up a cigarette butt. Council is taking it under advisement.
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Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 3:49pm
Good one, but rather juvenile in nature. Wouldn't surprise me that only in this city would one find a top heavy, six figure ladened position of Director of cigarette butts. They seem to thrive on too much management and not enough workers in their department structures. Could it be that you are probably one of those excessive top heavy managers? VietVet wouldn't call city council because he knows that there is no one home with any clue and if contacted, would waste another three months deciding on a solution and then only speak when they were told by the MMF as to what response to give. Removing Adkins shouldn't rely on a cigarette butt being discarded. Better yet, just him showing up for work and participating in another day's work of city ruination should be enough to show him the door. He started the non-performance gig years ago as he successfully made the city look like a bombed out Dresden. ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: middie.lifer
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 3:54pm
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If you would like facts, here are some: Every school in the district has a C for a performance index score, and an F for "indicators met" as of last year's report card. There are two schools (Creekview and Amanda) that have a D for performance index and F for indicators met. If MHS' performance index and indicators met are the same as elsewhere… and this is the only principal under scrutiny… I'm just saying. Also, in the last three years, Mrs. Cotter has lead MHS from an F/F graduation rate (that's 4 year rate/5 year rate) to a C/C graduation rate. Continuous upward trend on getting their kids prepared to graduate. Kids don't graduate unless they meet state requirements, so don't tell me that they're just "letting them pass." From ODE Website:
Here is an attempt to graph the graduation rates from 2010-2014: The blue line represents the 4 year graduation rate and the red line represents the 5 year graduation rate- percentage of students who met state requirements to graduate. This graph also encompasses Cotter's time at the helm of MHS. Are these spectacular scores? Of course not. Do you think that the teachers in MCSD are happy about them, or complacent? I haven't met one single teacher who is ok with this. However, my point is to show you that there are upward trends being ignored, and that there are schools/principals that are struggling equally across the board that are not met with quite the same amount of derision by this "evaluator."
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Posted By: middie.lifer
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 3:59pm
Ok, the graph didn't work. Here is the data, if you'd like to plot your own:
Again, this is all from the ODE website. If you plot these data points, they make a VERY beautiful, sharp upward climb the entire tenure of her leadership. |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 5:25pm
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So, Factguy, it looks as if the data submitted by middie.lifer, explains that Cotter is making improvements and her performance is on the upswing rather than the situation painted by Ison and Lolli that she has gotten worse in her performance. It also appears that we have schools that are in worse shape than MHS, but I don't read where the principals of the problem schools are receiving this kind of treatment.......only Cotter. That is called discrimination and that is a no-no in the workplace and can lead to a wrongful termination lawsuit and litigation money spent the district doesn't have. All, for the purpose of massaging Ison's ego and power lust attitude. One could assume that this is a blatant singling out of one individual who is taking an unjustified hit when there are poorer performing principals out there and it isn't about the sudden concern about making the district perform better, rather, it is about a vindictive plot to make her leave the district because she may be perceived as some kind of threat. It cannot be anything other than that. ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: Smartman
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 5:34pm
| Vet, You and I have had our battles over time. Its great that we can agree to disagree. I have to agree with everything you said in your response to the article. Mrs Cottler is a true gem for Middletown High. She is the person to guide staff and students. In the article is says she was sent to observe 2 principals. Hamilton where the principal had only been in the position for a year. Here is some food for thought. The 2nd observation was at Fairborn HS. Any idea who the principal is? Well his name is Mr. Gene Lolli. That's right.....Libby Lolli's husband!!!! Real fair evaluation. Maybe just maybe Mrs Lolli is trying to get her husband here. Just food for thought. Google Fairborn High School to verify what I'm saying! |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 6:12pm
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Its disappointing when the city and school board begins to hold all to accountable standards and results, excuses, mutiny, and circle the wagons to protect status quo come to the forefront. The newspaper article was providing more details (for those that didn't already know it), what created the union "outcry" associated with Superintendent Ison. The fuel for the outcry was Ms. Cotter, who orchestrated the participants and involved Rick McCrabb to stir things up. It was unsuccessful, as all know, with Superintendent Ison getting a nice contract after retirement. As for the graduation results, success and improvement is measured on performance improvement and closing the gap. It is the acceptance of mediocrity that has stymied Middletown, when so many within the musa community suggest they want it to improve. You cried foul when section 8 was high. To address that, city council and Doug Adkins reduce it. You all were upset by that action. You decry how the district school district is failing and must improve. The district holds a principal to be accountable for turning the scores around. You say she's a victim, and mediocrity is acceptable. Go figure. |
Posted By: Smartman
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 6:27pm
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Hey factguy! Not sure where you came from nor do I care. Get your facts straight. This is a post from the Journals website. It is from Phil Salm who was the school resource officer for a long time. He knows Mrs Cotter better than anyone! Posted by psalm9141 at 9:36 a.m. Feb. 9, 2015 Report Abuse I write this reply as a warning to the schools and the community that has already lost too much. Please heed my warning. I warn you not to evaluate Mrs. Cotter on test scores alone. Test scores are just one small part of what makes up a kid. Think of what our society would be if we only judged each other on test scores. Think of how many people would be passed over because they couldn't score high on a test. How many good workers would be passed up if it was all about grades? The hard workers who tested low because they had a learning disability, worked two jobs on top of being a student to help pay bills or lived in a house where mom and dad work two jobs and its their responsibility to help care for their younger siblings. Yes, I said it, but those are just a handful of challenges facing Middletown students. Middletown has some rough edges. I know, I lived and breathed Middletown for fifteen years as an officer in Middletown. More importantly, the last seven were spent as the school resource officer at Middletown High School. As the school resource officer, I had a unique look at the community and school district since I was an outsider working on the inside. I can tell you personally, that you are missing the bigger picture by only looking at grades as a benchmark. I urge you to judge Mrs. Cotter by her entire body of work and not just one element. She took over a school that was in turmoil and disarray. Anyone who worked in that school eight years ago would tell you it was night and day difference from then till now. The attitude from the top to the bottom was terrible and she was a key part to changing it. Everyone wants to look at test scores especially the ranking school officials because they can easily make a decision on that. "Passing" you stay-"Failing" your gone, but that about the hard look? Where do we evaluate a person on making a better student? Not just on test scores, but a student learning to be a better citizen. Face it, that is what schools are really producing. Kids learning to be adults. Look back eight years ago at the scores, discipline and arrests. Also look back eight years ago and look at the community. The school is a direct reflection of the community. The community financially was sliding downhill and so was the school. Take a look now! That city is no better off, but discipline is better, the school is above average in graduating seniors and I can assure you, attitudes in the school are better. Look no further than the School's Union coming to the defense of the person who disciplines them! I can also assure you, the environment at the high school is better than the one in the administration building. And that is what is truly driving this. Look deep Middletown. You are a great community and over the past twenty years you've lost a lot. Don't let this opportunity pass you by and loose another key element. This is not about money, its about politics. Look at the big picture and ask yourself, "Are Middletown Students better or worse with Mrs. Cotter at the helm?" Stand up for Mrs. Cotter as she stands up for each student in that district. Not just the kids at the high school, but every kid in that district. I say that because I know she is the last person to give them a hug before they become citizens by placing their tassels form one side of their cap to the other. Respectful Submitted, Philip Salm |
Posted By: Smartman
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 6:31pm
| Hey Factguy. Question. Before her picture was in the paper did you know who she was? Have you been at activities where she has been involve with the students? Have you seen her handle the needy students or the ones that need discipline? If not I place you in the same category as Sam and Libby! |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 7:01pm
A little off subject with the Section 8 comment Factguy but city council, under the Gilleland Administration, and Adkins, as her right hand man in tearing down everything in sight and declaring the city 54% poverty, were both participants in the Section 8 ghetto making crap that has occurred. Adkins and the clowns on council get no credit for trying to reduce it when they helped increase the numbers to begin with. Mediocrity has always been acceptable in the school district. Look at the condition of the academics. Been that way for over a decade. Look at the proficiency test scores in all grades in all categories, the low indicator numbers and the years at Continuous Improvement and tell me that the "gap is closing" Horsecrap! It is NOT the "acceptance of mediocrity that has stymied Middletown". It is the bullheaded mindset of the city leadership, refusing to listen to and deliver against what the people want while focusing on an agenda that was, and is, a special interest, misguided, misdirected cluster of poor decisions that no town would follow if they wanted to succeed. Funny, Cotter said there was no orchestration in the school board meeting with the teachers. You disagree. Where did you get your information to differ from Cotter? WHY is it just now, after years of school performance ineptitude, that the "city and school board is now adopting the accountability"thing? Seems to me that the time is awfully suspicious just after Ison was called for his inability to provide a decent working environment for his subordinates. The guy has issues being a super and the top administrator for the district. He is not willing to admit he has issues and that makes him a poor leader if his idea to improve is to rid himself of all of his critics. When you exhibit an unwillingness to admit that you are human and have flaws, and are unwilling to work to improve yourself, you cease to be an effective leader. How can you judge other's flaws as a manager if you can't fairly judge your own flaws? In this case, Ison has chosen to also add a flavor of vindictiveness to his personality to add to his unwillingness to change. Fire the man....and make it a doubleheader by firing Lolli. Both have now demonstrated they are a cancer for the district and will only be a liability from now on. Why keep them? ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 7:06pm
| No problem at all with Ms. Cotter, but don't like the tactics used to save the job. The fact you posted a letter written per request, with others, demonstrates all of this effort is more like a political or popularity campaign, than focusing on the real task at hand. Just get the results up. We have to improve everything within the city. Many know the bar has been too late for too long. We try to raise it while others go back to lowering it. Another negative self destruction article about Middletown highlighting failures or misfires. The school board is comfortable with Superintendent Ison and his decisions, and with Ms. Lolli. |
Posted By: Paul Nagy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 7:07pm
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Smartman/Philip Salm, Thank you for such a great and poignant reply. Factguy is a spin meister and doesn't deal in truth or facts. Your reply is very important to the future of Middletown. I would only add that we can watch and count on Marcia Andrew's leadership to come through. The world and Middletown is in turmoil and chaos we need strong responses like your to keep us on course. Paul Nagy |
Posted By: Smartman
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 7:11pm
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Factguy, Phil Salm posted that on the Journal website. He was not encouraged to post. He lives in Florida and stays in touch with this town via the Journal. His statements were from his heart. |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 7:29pm
| The school leadership gave notice Ms. Cotter needed areas of improvement to secure a renewed contract. The board Mr. Nagy, and that includes everyone on the board, voted to support Superintendent Ison to be hired in the summer. They were obviously aware of the campaign against him associated with Ms. Cotter, and voted to support him. Accountability only has a meaning when it is applied in a balanced form. |
Posted By: Smartman
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 7:45pm
| Mr Nagy, I respect your opinions and findings. Does it not smell when Mrs Cotter is required to observer Gene Lolli at Fairborn? Mrs Lolli's Husband? It stinks to me. |
Posted By: Stanky
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 8:03pm
| Factguy -- since you are all about results, how would you explain a certain high ranking, long time city employee's unimpressive, some would say disastrous tenure in Downham Abbey? |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 8:17pm
| There is not a public entity in the state, nor private business, that would tolerate a leader within management creating a situation of "us versus them." Ms. Cotter was observed as written in her own evaluation, to have created such a relationship. This is unhealthy and unproductive, whether you work for Nestle Corporation, a school district, or a public position of any sort. Ask Rick Perry in Texas if these problems can arise (his was a drunk prosecutor). Ms. Cotter was instructed in her written evaluation to observe and discuss with officials within education in Hamilton and Fairborn, what tactics were successfully used to improve scores in districts similar to MCSD. It was not to have a formal review of another school system's leadership of her, nor to place Ms. Cotter in an embarrassing situation. She was to have direct communication to gain ideas to implement. Let it play out. Either she gets her performance up, and has a contract renewed, or the Journal prints continued articles, including Letters to Editor, and high school students and parents march to the school administration building sometime in May. |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 8:20pm
| Hard work, and relationships. |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 8:22pm
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come on, factguy--u r twisting subjects here to make your point Citizens didn't bring on the Section 8 explosion--it all came from within the bunker, quietly created and endorsed by Commission, admin, landlords and their cronies. Citizens were kept in the dark for as long as possible. The BOE, thru Dr.Price, tried to advantage the situation also--you know that. MUSA members want the reduction with the least damage and cost possible. If these kids haven't shown improvement prior to hs, then slim chance that it will happen there, regardless of who is their principal. If you look at the graphs/figs, then many other principals should be on the list. Some of the #s provided show improvement. If only our city Admin/Council were held to a similar standard of accomplishment... I like Mr.Ison, the BOE members and Ms.Cotter--I have no real dog in this fight other than wanting our kids to grow up educated with hope and encouragement to have a real future. I like Doug A also, and want the same standard for results within his control. Might be a good idea to drop Fairborn from the visits schedule though? |
Posted By: middie.lifer
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 8:24pm
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If you truly believe what was written in that evaluation without any basis for it, or without knowing for yourself what is really going on in that school, you are either not interested in being objective or you are Libby Lolli. I could write an evaluation for you right now that was completely subjective and speculative (like what was written in Lolli's evaluation of Cotter) and the Journal could print it… but that doesn't mean it's accurate. Unless LL saw or heard with her own eyes/ears Mrs. Cotter perpetuating this sort of nonsense, it didn't happen. I'll save you some time- there's no way she saw or heard this happening. Mrs. Cotter is above this and wants no part of the drama. It doesn't take a genius to figure out when someone is up to their old power trip M.O. and singling out the competition.
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Posted By: Bill
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 8:25pm
| While it is nice that Cotter has a lot of support within her building, the fact is that sometimes the popularity of a leader can be an impediment to results. Like football coaches, sometimes the best coaches are the ones you can't stand. Staff in any organization loves someone who lets them wallow in old habits and excuses. While Cotter may be a wonderful person, the picture seems to be of a dedicated and caring principal who does not push hard enough and may not be cut out for that role. True leadership doesn't have to include being liked. |
Posted By: Smartman
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 8:43pm
| Bill, she has been principal for 3 years. It takes 5-7 years to make a building of your own. The HS has to take on the leaders personality. True for the building, staff, students and parents. As I have said many times on this forum, the parents have to care to motivate students. Sure some kids want to change their situation but many don't. |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 8:43pm
| Factguy just keeps missing the facts........Doug Adkins DID NOT reduce ANY vouchers . When a voucher became available he did not fill it that's what he called "reducing" the vouchers. Total fabrication. What do think brought HUD to town! Violations of civil rights! He completely lied to council and the people of Middletown and that's how you get to be city manager. Pathetic ! |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 9:54pm
| A school building, a school district, and a city and its council, never takes on the personality of a manager. It defines its objectives and puts in place a leader to execute tasks to accomplish stated objectives. Dr. Price had only 7 years for his personality to shape the school district? He should have been given at least 10 or 15, and maybe the performance would have improved. The city attempted to reduce vouchers. On January 16, 2015, attorney Robert Todd filed a fifteen page document in Butler County Common Pleas Court with seven claims against the city alleging civil right and due process violations, including a writ of mandamus and declaratory judgment. The city hasn't responded to the filing nor has it been reported by the paper. There is no jury determination of guilt nor has the city responded. The city has not loss a jury demand trial and it was filed just weeks ago. |
Posted By: Paul Nagy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 10:03pm
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Factguy, The city of Detroit (many times the size of Middletown) went into bankruptcy and turned the entire city around in 16 months. You want to give certain people an abnormal amount of time to turn things around. You are like the evolutionists who say things have changed over millions of years and will change over millions of more years. Well, you sit and wait for ilions of years for the changes..The rest of us only have a few years for the changes and they can be made in just a few years. So, it is, with our city leaders. Paul nagy |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 09 2015 at 10:55pm
| Respectfully Mr. Nagy, urgency is precisely the point to be made. The superintendent and one of his leaders wrote a review putting the principal of MHS on notice, performance needed to be improved, or she would not be rehired. When there is urgency to perform, the school system reacts as you have indicated is desired. |
Posted By: chmoore1
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 12:12am
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Once again, what "professional self-improvement" would be expected of Mrs. Cotter, beyond earning her Superintendent's license? It seems that that is a worthwhile professional goal for a HS principal? To me, this is an indication of Dr. Lolli's bias on her evaluation. just 1chmoore. |
Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 1:15am
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I don't have a stake at all in the circumstances involving Ms. Cotter and the school board nor its leadership under Mr. Ison. However, from what I have read and a few rather connected individuals within the district, I surmise the following is accurate and paints a true portrait of the situation. As for Mr/Ms Moore's suggestion Ms. Cotter was maliciously undermined by Dr. Lolli, or black-balled as it is known in business circles, this appears to be baseless. The performance review listed multiple areas of improvement needed, in addition to 'professional self improvement.' And self improvement is a reference to improving her management style and interaction, not obtaining a superintendent certification. There are many within the district who are of the opinion Ms. Cotter obtained her superintendent certification because she thought Mr. Ison intended to retire when the levy failed, and she would be a candidate for that position. Sunshine laws do provide access to personal files and information, including personnel reviews, but the information seemed to be shared for a purpose in mind. The district also felt as has been shared Ms. Cotter identified more as a teacher than an administrator, and facilitated and accepted the teacher excuses for performance. All know the problems with MCSD, as with the city as a whole, have occurred over many years, and changing socio-economic developments. More pressure came from both the board and the district leadership to improve performance. Whether true or not, the general perception as it has been related, was Ms. Cotter was unwilling to push the teachers harder to raise test scores. Combine the desire to become a superintendent and expecting the levy to fail, with the tight identification of herself as a teacher than administration, a written plan was put in place. Many find the coverage of the situation to be unseemly, and tabloid. With a little digging it would be found at least conveyed by insiders. other leaders were also given reviews that were not received favorably by the recipient.
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Posted By: Paul Nagy
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 1:32am
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"Dr. Price had only 7 years for his personality to shape the school
district? He should have been given at least 10 or 15, and maybe the
performance would have improved. " Factguy, your trying to play both sides of the fence. Should it be now, 7yrs or 15? The total situation is equal to the sum of its parts. What are the merits of a person's performance and character? Someone has an ulterior motive here and you know it. There is good reason Ms. Cotter has the support and encouragement of so many. You have the wrong person on trial here. Paul Nagy |
Posted By: Smartman
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 10:26am
| Opinions on this. First Mrs Cotter is put on an action after 2 years of excellent reviews. She is then told by Mrs Lolli she is to go and observe the Fairborn High School principal. Gene Lolli, Mrs Lolli's husband. Does anyone else smell something fishy?? jmo |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 10:49am
| Not cool to use surrogates to save a job or carry water for a promotion. Sent to Fairborn to learn how school district raised its performance and get total buy in, while discarding excuses, "it can't be done." |
Posted By: bumper
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 10:52am
| i am smelling that stink way over here!! for this person to say go see my hubby because he can show you how to do it!! its BS wrong!!!! plain and simple!! im betting Mrs Cotter is way over their little small brains!!! IMO |
Posted By: TonyB
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 11:18am
| Maybe we just need better students! All this talk about "improving performance" seems to leave out the very element where the "improvement" must happen. Not only is this little drama distracting, it doesn't for a moment focus on where the real problem occurs: between the ears of the students! How about creating a better atmosphere for the people who actually are being measured for success or failure in the district? I'm sick to death at all the finger-pointing at adults who don't take the tests and don't work in the classrooms. Get over your egos and fix the problems!!! |
Posted By: Neil Barille
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 11:31am
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"it's not cool to use surrogates to save a job"
-- Marty Kohler.
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Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 12:53pm
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OK---seems that our community is polarized(as always) o ver this situation. My take towards the BOE and city admin; Make all of the changes that you like as long as: You rid the system of non-producers and failures, to be replaced by new outside individuals with proven track records of similar success. If results do not improve quickly and dramatically, keep on replacing, but adding another upper layer to the change. Replace the "replacers" who have also not made things improve. Either it all gets better or everyone goes. It is past time for this to happen--we have fallen far enough. |
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 1:53pm
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Oh Tony B have I got a story for you... I have mentored a few of these families and I can tell ya that they have NO control over their children. One mother told me that her son would not do his homework because he wanted to watch TV when he came home from school....are you kidding me. I looked at her and told her to unplug the TV and not feed him dinner until his homework was completed. She just looked at me and said her son, who was 7 years old, would report her to the school and then the school would report her to Child Welfare and they would pay her a visit. |
Posted By: chmoore1
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 2:29pm
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Dean: I stand by my statement that this is a "witch hunt" by LL. She is a poison in our system and never should have been allowed to worm her way into her position, i.e. as a "consultant" through Butler County and---magically---she's hired by MCSD. Many, many teachers know of her tactics; she runs the district with Ison standing in the background. Mrs. Cotter has improved the atmosphere at the HS to the highest level in the last 10 years. just 1(mr.)chmoore. |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 2:53pm
| You have the ear of Marcia Andrew and the board. They don't appear to be concerned about Dr. Lolli, but want results. Dr. Lolli gets results and always lands on her feet. Ms. Cotter is a nice person, but the teachers are too complacent at the high school to move it forward. The high school, more than any school within the district, demonstrates to the community, if things are improving. Many believe the witch hunt was against Mr. Ison. |
Posted By: chmoore1
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 4:07pm
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The article states: "Lolli wrote that lack of instruction “continues to be an issue” at the high school. During occasional walk throughs at MHS, instruction is “not occurring or partially occurring because students are not expected to achieve much.” Question: how was it determined that "instruction was not occurring...because students are not expected to achieve much"? Did they ask the teachers if instruction wasn't occurring? Did they ask the students if they weren't expected to achieve much? Were the students playing basketball in the hallways? Did this just now pop up after these same students were with Mrs. Cotter for four years? Doesn't sound reasonable by observance through "several walks-through..." And certainly, how would it be determined by several walks-through? Teachers are "observed" several time a year in their teaching environment. NO teacher would do less than their best while under direct observation. "Lolli also noted that the collaboration between the high school and central office has been “severely impaired” by negative comments such as “battling between this person and the principal” or about “fighting to keep our principal.” When these types of issues occur, a leader steps in and stops the negativity, understanding that all are on the same team and conveying that to the staff, Lolli wrote." So, if Dr. Lolli was a "leader" she would have stepped in and stopped the negativity that she is so famous for with her staff. I would still ask the Journal-News to obtain a copy of Dr. Lolli's evaluation; let's see if the Board does know of her shortcomings. One more observation: the article says that "Lolli also noted that the collaboration between the high school and central office has been “severely impaired” by negative comments such as “battling between this person and the principal” or about “fighting to keep our principal.” If this was noted in her evaluation, how would this "fighting" have happened before her evaluation was released? Which came first, the evaluation or the fight to keep Mrs. Cotter? I remain, just 1(Mr.)chmoore. |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 4:17pm
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Hey--I would expect everyone who cares to be listening. Interesting that yesterday's front page MJ story that also consumed the back page of the first section is nowhere to be found on their website today--lol The most important learning starts at home and pre-K. The elementaries take over from there to stress the importance of education, teach social interaction, and teach the core subjects. We don't seem to be scoring well at this level, yet you never read of overhaul from the beginning forward. By the time these students reach hs, they are either students or they are not. Very few change or change much imo. The BOE sets the policies for discipline, dress code, and other behaviors(cell phones etc). They are responsible for enforcing the standards and educating the students, which they do through their admin. If Admin doesn't enforce effective procedures and standards early on and consistently, then the hs staff is up against it and set up to under-perform. Unhappy teachers should leave. Consistently ineffective administrators should be replaced at all levels, starting at the top. I honestly don't see any other way for the process to work, though it only works to the potential and effort by parents/students. jmo |
Posted By: Vivian Moon
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 4:59pm
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Spiderjohn -The most important learning starts at home and pre-K. The elementaries take over from there to stress the importance of education, teach social interaction, and teach the core subjects. We don't seem to be scoring well at this level, yet you never read of overhaul from the beginning forward. Spider IMO...they need to teach the three R's in the K, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades and the students need homework nightly until the students and the schools have a higher score. |
Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 6:27pm
| I have heard through the grapevine, as the levy passed, Mr. Ison was rehired after his retirement in the summer, Ms. Cotter can expect to have her contract renewed and she will continue as principal of the high school. I personally don't believe letting her performance review information out was a positive move on her part. It served as an embarrassment to her and the administration. I believe Mr. spiderjohn said it right, this was a hyper drama moment. Enjoy it while you can. A few school administrators showed some backbone, Even though the end result is back where it began. Ms. Cotter will be principal, Mr. Ison will be superintendent. Certainly don't mean to intrude Mr. spiderjohn in a post I read elsewhere you made. To me, it appears this to be another example of a groundhog day moment. Would enjoy Rick McCrabb pulling Ms. Lolli's review, and the two middle school principals, which had so much of the systems leaving allegedly, to move out of the district, associated with the bad downtown area of Vail. Come on Rick, let's see it., |
Posted By: middie.lifer
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 6:44pm
| Dean, she didn't necessarily let it out. Under the Sunshine Law, personnel records (such as performance reviews) are public record and available for review. |
Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 7:04pm
| middle.lifer, come on. The Journal just stumbled across the information? And they didn't attempt to pull up records for others including Mr. Ison, Ms. Lolli, others. Wasn't it fun though, while it lasted. Like revisiting the old city council meetings with Schiavone, Williams, and others during the years when everyone wasn't meeting executive sessions and voting 7-0, 5-0, or having a dissenting opinion. A nice moment reminding some of the good ole days no longer here in the realm of all yes members here and present. |
Posted By: middie.lifer
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 8:06pm
| I'm just saying. It's available for anyone (such as a reporter who was at the contentious board meetings and caught a whiff of something that didn't sound right) to access at any time. You or I could walk in and ask to review things. I'm not sure who evaluates Mr. Ison… or Dr. Lolli. As far as I know, they are above evaluation. (I'd LOVE to be wrong on this, by the way, and I hope I am.) Cotter knows better than to stir the pot right now, trust me. She has not "orchestrated" anything- wants nothing to do with "the game" and doesn't play them. She is the consummate professional and has the utmost class, poise, and tact. Her staff is simply standing up for a leader who has affected great change in their building… while that change might not be readily apparent to the public, it's a night and day difference since she has taken over. As a parent and someone who is involved in the schools, I'd go to bat for this principal any day. She expects great things from her staff and students and they are rising to the occasion. If the henchman regime would spend more time trying to secure resources for the high school teachers and programs/support for parents who are disconnected and not "parenting," I think it would be more readily apparent to the public that these positive changes are taking place, because students would have the motivating support at home to follow-through with what's being given at school. Come to the high school Thursday night and see how many parents have even bothered to schedule conferences with their children's teachers. It's sad. (Not for lack of trying from MHS staff/admin…) I encourage you to get involved with something at the high school- volunteer, coach, come and be a booster… I'm there three times every week. Anyone can sit at home and cry foul, but if they really stuck their head in the door, it would be clear that there is a great deal of Pride in that building and it's not there by accident. |
Posted By: Smartman
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 8:26pm
| Dean I couldn't agree more middie.lifer. Mrs Cotter is a jewel for the High School and the community. This women truly cares for each and every student. How can an individual have glowing reviews for 2 years and in the 3rd be put on an action plan? Really? She a Middletown through and through. Middletown is the recycle center for administrators. Sam Ison from Lebanon. Retiring and being rehired. Kelly Thorpe ruined Monroe and we brought her here and she ruined Middletown. In that position we now have one of Sammy's buddies from Lebanon! Kinda sounds like the good ole boys club of years past. Let us not forget Libbi Lolli. Ran out of Barberton for the same thing she is doing here, and then Monroe because she put them in a financial hole. She is evil and vindictive. She does not care about students nor staff just ruining peoples careers. She needs to go. And go now. Intimidation does not work in the workforce any longer. I hate to admit it, but things were better under Steve Price. Get a clue BOE. Sammy does not know whats going on and doesn't want to know. The witch needs to go so we don't lose any more good educators. |
Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 9:03pm
| In all seriousness, this is an unfortunate situation that never should have come out the way it has appeared. Lets face facts. This has played out as a battle between a principal that is a member of administration, against the administration she reports. If this were in a business setting, heads would have rolled a long time ago. Ms. Cotter is fortunate she has the time to improve or find another position. She has stated she can always go back to teaching. I know many have had it up to their eyebrows with the excuses with school performance and have no further patience nor intention of paying on levies that aren't delivering results. As for the previous reviews for Ms. Cotter, what was provided in the news seemed to be spot on with what Marcia Andrew indicated. The older evaluation was fairly vanilla, and praise languished for being nice, sensitive, and caring. Its time to bring about results, no matter what it takes. If it takes a smash-mouth, take no prisoners leader to effect change, bring it forward. |
Posted By: Smartman
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 9:41pm
| Dean, I disagree. We had a smash mouth intimidating principal in Dennis Newell. That got him ran out of town. We live in a community that has too many dysfunctional families. In many cases the only interest shown to these students comes at school. Lets relate this to business. I have been a manager in business for many years. When you show interest in your employees, the job they are doing, compliment them, correct them in a positive way they respond. They want to please you. If all you do is point out the negatives and put them down they respond in a negative way. The same holds true in the schools. The only positive many of these students receive is at school. Our teachers understand this and so does Mrs Cotter! Unfortunately we live in a district that is 100% free and reduced lunch. Put 2 and 2 together. That tells you that the students that bring the lower scores come from parents that don't care. They expect the schools to do it all. Once the bus comes the students are no longer their responsibility. The administrators and staff at MHS are outstanding. I challenge Mr Isom or Mrs Lolli to find teachers in Lebanon and Mason that could handle the students and their situations at MHS. No way!!! |
Posted By: middie.lifer
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 9:44pm
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You say "let's face facts" as though what you're saying is any less conjecture than what anyone else is saying. Are you IN the schools? Do you actually KNOW what's going on? As far as I'm concerned, you have offered NO facts; just opinions. Look at the data. It speaks for itself. She is on the chopping block because she has spoken out against the crooked practices that are not student-centered, and she refuses to be afraid of the power-smearing and subjective evaluations. The other thing is that a school is NOT a business. (Though Katie McNeil compares it to a business every time she speaks.) Schools cannot source "better" products (children) if the ones they receive are not "up to par." Schools cannot change their "business plan" if one is not working out for them- the standards and testing stay the same. They can change their approach to the business plan… but if that change in approach is not supported by the higher-ups by obtaining the resources and personnel needed to meet the goal, that project manager is never going to succeed. If you actually knew what was happening at MHS, you'd know that it was not Mrs. Cotter who shut down a working relationship with downtown, but it was downtown who failed to order updated textbooks until the middle of this school year, and it was downtown who refused to fill two administrative and classified positions that were eliminated, all while adding (or keeping?) needless "instructional specialist" positions downtown. I have not seen these people do anything of merit in all of my time spent helping at MHS. (Might be interesting to note that of the three instructional specialist positions that were hired this summer, one is Dr. Lolli's buddy, one is Dr. Lolli's nephew, and one remains to be seen in the light of day.) Should schools be fiscally responsible, as a business should? Should investors want a return on their investment? Absolutely! I am 100% with you there. But the function is totally incomparable. Absolutely different. If you want a better return on investment, you need to get the fox out of the henhouse downtown. |
Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 10:27pm
| Isn't airing "dirty laundry" openly and within the public harmful to both Ms. Cotter, administration, the school board, and the city? |
Posted By: chmoore1
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 10:48pm
| Well said Smartman and Middie.lifer! The buck should stop at the top, with Ison and Lolli. The negative and vindictive atmosphere that Lolli has created is poisonous. If these problems have been going on for some time, the two of them didn't do THEIR jobs to correct them. THEY should be held accountable. WAKE UP, BOE! Intimidation in the work place should not be tolerated, and from what I understand from MANY sources, this is her management style. Final point: By state law, Administrator contracts, when they are up for renewal, are renewed (or non-renewed, as the case may be) at the March or April board meeting (classified staff are one month, administrators are the other). Mrs. Cotter has about a month left to show this improvement. just 1chmoore. |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Feb 10 2015 at 10:53pm
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now many are coming down on the MJ for publishing the story, and how it was presented--lol--that is so typical of the Middietown way of looking at a community issue. Diversion I haven't heard/read of anyone disputing any part of the story. People seem to be taking sides and voicing displeasure, yet no different version of the detail. I appreciate the printing of the piece, and seriously hope to read many more in depth covering of municipal activity. Not much else other than crime reports in local news anyway. jmo |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 11 2015 at 12:01am
| If a totally neutral position is taken, questions which arise include- why is a school administrator only evaluated every two years when making more than $100,000 annually? Much time goes by in two years. There are companies that won't tolerate reviews being more than annually, two years is unheard of in most employment situations regardless of having a contract or not. Okay, the state allows a review every two years for a contract madness. That creates potential conflicts and unexpected surprise. Unwise. If Ms. Cotter was or is so well liked and regarded, did she not have an active role and play a significant part in passing the school levy? If so, that should count as part of her review indirectly and contract renewal, as it did for Mr. Ison. Moreover, if this friction was present before the levy election, was it covered up or kept quiet, so everyone was on the same page working as a team to pass the building levy? This reads to the public, uptown versus downtown, or upstairs versus downstairs. No better in my opinion, than the drug site plans in Middletown when heroin prevention meetings are held at the Atrium. Lets grow pot while we put out a drug epidemic in the community. This article should not have been covered by the Journal. They with-held information regarding the district's finances until after the election when it was predicted the district would be in red by 2017. Jeff Faulkner filed a serious lawsuit mid January alleging federal civil rights violations. No exposure about the lawsuit by the paper. Selective drama causing headache and division. Is there a benefit from doing so- can't see it selling more papers and not making school administration nor downtown leadership happy. Trust me. Standing in a circle and shooting with shot-guns gets many folks hurt. |
Posted By: spiderjohn
Date Posted: Feb 11 2015 at 8:26am
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I dunno, factguy--at least the MJ has gone from covering NOTHING controversial yet important to the citizen from the informative standpoint, to covering SOMETHING controversially(?) significant imo. Hopefully we will begin to read more local coverage of important municipal issues. Information leads to increased awareness and quality involvement--two things that our community has been lacking for quite a while. Let this just be the start! Nothing wrong about knowing what municipal administrators and employees are doing and thinking. Should be natural and consistent. Hey--maybe Ohioans will eventually be so stoned on reefer that they won't bother to try heroin or drink and drive? Middietown's first hookah lounge? People are panicked over Marijuana, like it hasn't been around for the last 50+ years? Life is one amazing journey if you pay attention to what is going on around you. |
Posted By: chmoore1
Date Posted: Feb 11 2015 at 9:05am
| Administrators ARE evaluated annually. This is the way the "system" works, according to school officials and Ohio State law: administrators usually have a three year contract, beginning on August 1 of that particular year. If some concerns arise during the renewal year, the board can offer the administrator a one-time "one year" contract, with the intent that the administrator has a warning shot to straighten up. At the end of that one year, the board can either offer a 2 or 3 year contract, or "non-renew" (bye-bye on July 31st) with no official reason given. ANNUAL evaluations are given (governed by state law). The Treasurer and HR must inform administrators of their "intent" to non-renew a contract by March 31, even though the existing contract doesn't expire until July 31 of that year. Source: Ohio Revised code. This is where Mrs. Cotter is; the evaluation she received is only preparation for her notification by March 31st. The board receives the recommendation to renew or non-renew during the end of March meeting, and acts on the recommendation from the Superintendent. The employee, as noted in the original Journal-News article, is allowed to plead their case in executive session with the board. As added information, the board CAN over-ride the Superintendent's recommendation by a "super-majority" rather than a "simple majority." Exhaustive research merrily provided by "just 1chmoore." |
Posted By: chmoore1
Date Posted: Feb 11 2015 at 9:11am
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Rather long, but worth the read: 3311.84 Municipal school districts; evaluation of principals. Notwithstanding any provision of the Revised Code to the contrary, a municipal school district shall be subject to this section instead of division (D) of section 3319.02 of the Revised Code with respect to principals and assistant principals, but all other provisions of that section shall apply to the district with respect to principals and assistant principals. Section 3319.02 of the Revised Code in its entirety shall apply to the district with respect to employees other than principals and assistant principals who are covered by that section, except as otherwise provided in section 3311.72 of the Revised Code. (A) As used in this section, "principal" includes an assistant principal. (B) The board of education of each municipal school district shall adopt procedures for the evaluation of principals and shall evaluate all principals in accordance with those procedures. The procedures shall be based on principles comparable to the teacher evaluation procedures adopted under section 3311.80 of the Revised Code, but shall be tailored to the duties and responsibilities of principals and the environment in which principals work. Each evaluation shall measure the principal's effectiveness in performing the duties included in the principal's job description and shall be considered by the board in deciding whether to renew the principal's contract of employment. (C) The evaluation procedures adopted under this section shall require each principal to be evaluated annually through a written evaluation process. The evaluation shall be conducted by the chief executive officer of the district, or the chief executive officer's designee. (D) To provide time to show progress in correcting deficiencies identified in the evaluation, each evaluation shall be completed as follows: (1) In any school year that the principal's contract of employment is not due to expire, at least one evaluation shall be completed in that year. A written copy of the evaluation shall be provided to the principal by the end of the principal's contract year as defined by the principal's annual salary notice. (2) In any school year that the principal's contract of employment is due to expire, at least a preliminary evaluation and a final evaluation shall be completed in that year. A written copy of the preliminary evaluation shall be provided to the principal at least sixty days prior to any action by the board on the principal's contract of employment. The final evaluation shall indicate the chief executive officer's intended recommendation to the board regarding a contract of employment for the principal. A written copy of the final evaluation shall be provided to the principal at least five days prior to the chief executive officer making the recommendation to the board. (E) At least thirty days prior to taking action to renew or not renew the contract of a principal, the board shall notify the principal of the board's intended action and that the principal may request a meeting with the board regarding the board's intended action. Upon request of the principal, the board shall grant the principal a meeting in executive session. In that meeting, the board shall discuss its reasons for considering renewal or nonrenewal of the contract. The principal shall be permitted to have a representative, chosen by the principal, present at the meeting. The establishment of evaluation procedures in accordance with this section shall not create an expectancy of continued employment. Nothing in this section shall prevent the board from making the final determination regarding the renewal or nonrenewal of a principal's contract. (F) Termination of a principal's contract shall be in accordance with section 3319.16 of the Revised Code, except as follows: (1) Failure of the principal's building to meet academic performance standards established by the chief executive officer shall be considered good and just cause for termination under that section. (2) If the chief executive officer intends to recommend to the board that the principal's contract be terminated, the chief executive officer shall provide the principal a written copy of the principal's evaluation at least five days prior to making the recommendation to the board. Added by 129th General AssemblyFile No.143, HB 525, §1, eff. 10/1/2012. |
Posted By: chmoore1
Date Posted: Feb 11 2015 at 9:14am
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Note F(1) and (2), above: (F) Termination of a principal's contract shall be in accordance with section 3319.16 of the Revised Code, except as follows: (1) Failure of the principal's building to meet academic performance standards established by the chief executive officer shall be considered good and just cause for termination under that section. (2) If the chief executive officer intends to recommend to the board that the principal's contract be terminated, the chief executive officer shall provide the principal a written copy of the principal's evaluation at least five days prior to making the recommendation to the board. |
Posted By: over the hill
Date Posted: Feb 11 2015 at 10:34am
| We never have gotten the numbers on what the HUD situation cost the city. Where's this "transparency " Dougie promised? That's just lip service. As S.J. said it would be nice to have SOME coverage on things that are going to impact the city and the tax payers. Here we go again with another law suit against the city. They just keep drawing law suits to the city. I'm wonder about what they say about " where there's smoke there's fire". DUNNO |
Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Feb 11 2015 at 11:25am
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Thank you ch for the research on evaluating the principal and asst principal. Would like to know the criteria for the evaluation of a superintendent in this district, and, in this case, the Director of Curriculum (Lolli). I would think that would fall under the responsibility of the school board in evaluating these two positions. If Ms. Andrew reads this, could you to provide us with some detail as to how Ison and Lolli are evaluated to retain their jobs. What are the performance factors and what determines whether they stay or go. Perhaps you could inform us as to their performance to date. How did the position of Director of Curriculum (or whatever you call Lolli's title) become such a power position given this position in the hierarchy in the district? I can understand the superintendent having the responsibility of evaluating principals but don't understand how this Director's slot also has a say in the evaluation. Thought curriculum oversight was strictly a courses offered/courses content deal, having nothing to do with the evaluation of personnel. If evaluation of personnel is involved, why would you place a person who has a reputation here and in other districts for personnel antagonism to evaluate your staff? Can only lead to a major conflict as it apparently has now. It would seem that Lolli's personality isn't compatible in dealing effectively with people, particularly since you know the stories out of Barberton and Monroe are more than likely factual. Why cause internal friction when it is not needed? ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: Factguy
Date Posted: Feb 11 2015 at 12:11pm
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chmoore1, remaining neutral, even with the new and improved guidelines for objective evaluations within the Ohio school system, both teachers and administrators can fall into two performance categories; accomplished or skilled. The other measure is a performance plan and the potential to be terminated with a non contractual renewal. Such is where Ms. Cotter finds herself present.. Under section (B) in 3317, procedures and general performance review measures are to be applied equally, between a principal throughout the district, with some specific criteria assigned to each building. In that case, as each school had relatively bad performance, with one or two exceptions at most, wouldn't it be responsible and a defensive move for Ms. Cotter to get copies of other principals that had performance rather comparable to hers? The next move as you described, is a private meeting with the school board. Many believe she will be successful in saving her position at that meeting, and all the activity leading to that meetings is preemptive posturing. To your earlier comment, isn't it evident the open bad feelings with her and the administration came first, and then put into the written plan? The next move in the chess game is executive, closed door meeting with the board. They'll save her. Graduation rates up, levy passed, questionable procedures and measures not applied across all principals, unless all have their contracts ready to be terminated, and generally, a sympathetic, compassionate board. Have JC Shew attend meeting with her for board meeting. Viet Vet, the chief executive officer, Mr. Ison, can appoint an agent i n his stead, to put an action plan and review of a principal. In this situation, he named Dr. Lolli as his agent acting as Chief Executive Officer, otherwise known as superintendent.
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Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: Feb 11 2015 at 1:14pm
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I believe factguy the appropriate statute is 3311.84(B). Mr. spiderjohn, I agree with you on one of your threads spread somewhere on the blog site about the light show surrounding the Interstate 75 exits. Several downtown aren't happy with the appearance and have called it having an amusement park or airport runway appearance. They should change it to a simple white in my opinion. Similarly, some have suggested it was intended to reflect a balloon glowing at night. I am having trouble grasping that comparison. Ms. Cotter is a very nice person. Some wear their heart and emotions on their sleeves. She wears it around her neck. I have to believe the board will pull her back from the abyss.
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Posted By: VietVet
Date Posted: Feb 11 2015 at 1:36pm
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Factguy: "Viet Vet, the chief executive officer, Mr. Ison, can appoint an agent i n his stead, to put an action plan and review of a principal. In this situation, he named Dr. Lolli as his agent acting as Chief Executive Officer, otherwise known as superintendent" I would think that since this situation is so unusual, involves a rather popular member of the academic community in a negative way, involves assigning a person (Lolli) who has the reputation that is abrasive at best, involves only one person being singled out among many school principals who have not had stellar academic progress either, and most importantly, a very important part of his job----IE, dealing with a high level staff person in a negative way, that Ison would have handled this himself rather than ask his pit bull to do the dirty work. A tad bit cowardly as a public leader I think to be the accuser and not face the accused directly. It appears he has chosen to be an absentee leader in this regard. ------------- I'm so proud of my hometown and what it has become. Recall 'em all. Let's start over. |
Posted By: chmoore1
Date Posted: Mar 25 2015 at 9:36am
| According to the "Board Docs" for last Monday's school board meeting, Mrs. Cotter received a one-year contract, along with Gary Lebo. A one year contract at this stage in their careers is considered a "warning shot" (ie. shape up or be non-renewed next year). The board can offer a one-year contract once; after that, it is a standard 2 or 3 year or no-contract, non-renewed. just 1 chmoore. |
Posted By: chmoore1
Date Posted: Mar 25 2015 at 1:13pm
| We have yet to hear when Dr. Lolli's contract expires. just 1 chmoore. |