Frances Rhodes-Kearns Response to Revolt

From: Frances Rhodes-Kearns

 

Below please find My answers to your questions which reflect my personal opinion.  My answers do not represent the opinions of the school board as that would be unethical for me to do so.

 

 

Question # 1

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What do you feel were the BOE major accomplishments for 2010?

 

 Although our district suffered severe cuts in state funding, there were school Programs and Teaching jobs saved. Thanks to the hard work of

our School Business Administrator, Bob Davis, and his team. We were able to adjust to the cuts by making use of attrition and cost cutting measures and at the same time maintaining a stable tax rate.

 

 

What do you feel your major accomplishments were as a BOE member?

 

As our district's representative for the NJSBA Legislative Committee, I attended Saturday meetings in Trenton to address many educational  issues facing school districts in NJ.  I kept my colleagues  up to date on news of important legislation and the effect they could have on our schools.  And whenever necessary, I would encourage board members to contact our legislators to vent their concerns. ( just for the record I have been traveling to Trenton for several years and never submitted a receipt for reimbursement of gas, tolls, etc...which is allowed...)

 

 

What are your major disappointments for the year ?

The missed opportunity of a dual language program for our students.  We had a chance to Introduce such a program but it was voted down.  This very same program applied for a Charter School Sanction and it was granted one by the State of NJ.   They opened their doors Sept. 2010 and we saw a decline in the enrollment of those grades in our district.   The dual language charter school also receives funding from our budget as mandated by the State .  I’d say that is a “Dual” loss for us.

I'm also disappointed that the majority on the board was not as open as possible with members who are considered to be in the minority 

 

What will be your approach in calendar year 2011 to make an impact on these matters?

 

I would advocate for new ways for our School Board and Charter Schools to work Collaboratively to provide HIGH quality education for all students. I will also seek more inclusion of minority board members on board committees

 

 

Question #2

 

What do you expect the cost per pupil to be this year?

 

Our business administrator has been working on this figure considering the variables involved.  Concerns have been put before the finance committee to trim down costs by elimination of illegal students .

 

  

What do you think the right level of expenditure per student should be in Hoboken?

This will depend on our state aid cuts considering that we’re an abbot district with over 70% of our students qualifying for  free and reduced lunch. As we right size our staff and depend on attrition, I am hopeful this cost will go down below the state average. Right sizing has been taking place for a few years and we saw it again this past year. It isn't something that can be done overnight. I support re instituting the office of Grants so that we as a district can maximize our federal, state and private grant opportunities in an effort to reduce local contributions.

 

Question #3

 

What BOE budget areas, if any , do you feel need further examination for cuts? 

 

We’ve seen a spike in lawsuits that have resulted in increases in legal fees.  I would like to revisit employing in house counsel  which everyone on the board agreed back then saved us $100,000. I also think that the board needs to get back to the business of making policy and less in the business of micromanaging the district.

 

 

How do you feel about upcoming teacher contract negotiations and and raises given the current economic outlook?

 

While I've always had a great appreciation for our teacher’s hard work, I do recognize the need for a reasonable cost of living increase.  The standard across our state is being set by the current economic hardships we are all facing. We’re seeing unions asking their membership to make certain sacrifices. I believe we can expect a civil exchange that’s going to have our student’s and taxpayer’s interest at heart. To offer specifics at this time would undermine the negotiation process and would be irresponsible for me to do so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Question #4

 

a: what proactive measures has the District undertaken to root out unlawfully registered students ?b. how many students enrolled in the District but who reside elsewhere have been identified and eliminated from our schools in claendar year 2010 ? c. How has that impcted the average cost per pupil? d. Has the district done anything to encourage out of town students to register through school Choice? If so please describe those efforts? How successful have those efforts been, how much money do we now take in through School Choice v. the year before.

 

Interim Superintendent Carter addressed this issue at several of our televised public school board meetings.   Our district has a

registration process in place where proof of residency is required.   We must also be mindful of the fact that in the present

economy we may see a rise in the numbers of homeless families.  We are guided by law to provide an education for the children of these families.

 

As a parent I’ve always supported school choice as a positive tool since it gave families an opportunity to select the school that matched their child’s needs. I’ve always encouraged the district to include all schools especially when our budget sponsors the operation of Charter schools. There was a time when School Choice openings were filled entirely in the high school.  Our board addressed that issue and allowed for a district wide enrollment.

 

 

 

 

Question #5

. Governor Corzine instituted the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act in 2007 that encourages the consolidation of school districts to ultimately reduce overhead within 5 years.  The legislation calls for a public referendum by 2012  to  consolidate districts.

       a. what is your position on this legislation?

 

 The concept of shared services is one that is not new to me. Throughout the years, NJSBA has conducted studies illustrating a collection of shared services in NJ school districts, producing tax savings and improving services. A result of this is NJSBA "Shared Services in School Districts: Policies, Practices and Recommendations," which was produced by the Rutgers-Newark Institute for Education Law and Policy. The study focuses on shared services in four New Jersey counties, but also includes a critical analysis of state policy on shared services and its impacts, as well as a catalogue of best practices. The district currently shares services with other districts in the area of transportation and I encourage further exploration

 

       b.  Do you see it as a positive or negative? Why

There is a noticeable need and interest in our community for shared services that continues to grow for our school district. Something

that results in cost savings and tax relief can surely be seen as a positive. 

 

Question #6

What progress have we made in improving the quality of education for Hoboken children

 

We have had incredible success with our Early Childhood program.  Parents and Educators today know the importance of an education given to a child in the first eight years of their life.  We have not delayed investing in our children’s education until they are older.  We realize this is a crucial time for the child’s intellectual, emotional and social development.  

 

Where have we digressed, if at all, and what do  you think we need to do to get back on track

 

I’d  welcome a stronger focus on our 5th 6th 7th and 8th grade students.   We may want to open up discussions on the return of the Middle School concept.