| Author |
Message |
    
Pam Doowel
Citizen
Username: Pam_doowel
Post Number: 7
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 8:35 pm: | 
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Clinton parents, educators and others concerned:
If you have seen today's News-Record then you have seen the "paean to Marilyn" by one Valerie M. Curry.
Whether or not you agree with Ms. Curry's characterization of Ms. Davenport's credentials as "world-class" or feel that the post-Davenport "using multiple intelligences theory as part of systematically implementing differentiated instruction" is a blessing or a blight, it is clear that the Clinton community said passionately that they wanted a full-time permanently chosen principal for their school.
This letter is clearly part of a campaign to reintroduce the "2 jobs for Davenport" idea and to sell it to the community.
IF YOU DON'T WANT THIS TO HAPPEN YOU MUST MAKE YOURSELVES HEARD AGAIN, WITH FEELING.
In the current fiscal environment it is and should be more and more difficult to employ expensive administrators of dubious utility when, for starters, foreign language instruction is being cut, janitors are losing their jobs and, above all, when 14.8% of SOMSD 4th graders are failing in language arts and 24.6% are failing in math! (NJ Assessment of Skills and Knowledge, 2004) There is every reason why Mr. Horoschak would like to give his friend Ms. Davenport a straw to cling to her generous compensation package in the guise of saving the community money.
Don't let this one slide by you, folks--believe me, you are seeing them try. If you know that Clinton deserves better then say so to your school board members, your teachers and, most importantly, your friends. |
lumpyhead
Citizen
Username: Lumpyhead
Post Number: 1147
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 8:32 am: |
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She need to be reported to the authorities. Apparently her car is still not registered in NJ. She makes enough money to pay NJ car insurance. |
Concerned07040
Citizen
Username: Concerned07040
Post Number: 31
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 9:23 am: |
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I thought it was a very poorly written [and/or edited] piece. It was clear the author is a big Davenport fan but I had difficulty understanding WHY.
I have seen little evidence of Mrs. Davenport's expertise in any school other than Seth Boyden. If her current position is assistant superintendent for elementary education, then she is not doing that job very well -- let alone giving her another position!
Concerned07040 |
Dad23
Citizen
Username: Dad23
Post Number: 67
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 9:54 am: |
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Looks like Dr. H is desperate to justify her employment here. |
dgm
Citizen
Username: Dgm
Post Number: 234
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 10:29 am: |
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The piece raises some questions and Pam Doowel is correct. There could be blowback.
1. Who is Valerie Curry and why didn't she identify herself other than from Maplewood; i.e. connection to the schools (particularly Clinton), connection to the adminstration, etc...
2. Why does she think that a 65 hour week (base hours, no extras) is acceptable to a first world worker?
3. The bullet point structure was reminscent of an internal memo! Why didn't her piece have a concluding paragraph?
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wharfrat
Citizen
Username: Wharfrat
Post Number: 1609
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 1:19 pm: |
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As a 12 month employee, Marilyn Davenport is Asst. Super for K-8 education. All 6 elementary and middle school principals report to her.
She is responsible, together with the principals, K-5 supervisor and, as of this year, the 6-12 subject directors, for evaluating all K-8 teachers.
With Asst. Super Corino and the principals, she participates in all K-8 hiring; she will lead the search for the Clinton principal, as she did with Maplewood Middle School, Seth Boyden & South Mountain.
She also participates in all K-8 curriculum development. |
dgm
Citizen
Username: Dgm
Post Number: 235
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 2:50 pm: |
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We all know who Marilyn Davenport is. Is Valerie Curry a school employee, parent... both? and at which school? |
LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 2236
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 2:53 pm: |
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Found this in an old SOMBIfest post from Ed <ay..
CONSULTING SERVICES - EDUCATIONAL
Valerie Curry, President, Educational Consultant
VALERIE CURRY & ASSOCIATES
Services Provided: Educational Consulting
Address: PO Box
Phone: 973-715-6266
website: www.vmcurryandassociates.org
email: vmcurry@hotmail.com
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Bobkat
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 7725
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 3:04 pm: |
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How was Ms. Davenport going to handle being principal of an elementary school in addition to all those other responsibilities? |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 1846
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 3:11 pm: |
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Without taking sides as I truly do not have enough information to do so ...
I find it interesting that Mrs. Davenport (or her job description) is often criticized on this board along the lines of "just what does she do all day ...", but now the criticism seems to be more along the lines of "how can she do all of these things?" Isn't that a bit contradictory?
If I were a Clinton parent, I would probably also be lobbying for a full-time principal who does not also have other significant responsibilities, but I do find the tenor of the argument interesting. |
Bobkat
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 7727
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 3:18 pm: |
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The answer might be, and I am sure this will have Wharfrat foaming at the mouth, is that she is a redundant layer of management.
Evaluations could probably be handled by the principals, coordinators and subject directors and hiring could probably be handled by AS Corino, who is a recent addition to the management team. |
dgm
Citizen
Username: Dgm
Post Number: 236
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 3:32 pm: |
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well that may provide part of the answer about her intense 3rd party interest the this issue... unless she is a Clinton parent. .... Oh my God! look at the vmcurry and associates website... The "Fast College Degrees" and "College Degrees In Five Days" offers.... |
campbell29
Citizen
Username: Campbell29
Post Number: 136
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 4:14 pm: |
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Not trying to out anyone, but her child is a kindergartner at Seth Boyden. So whatever her interest is regarding Marilyn Davenport it is most likely the result of her SB contact. |
wharfrat
Citizen
Username: Wharfrat
Post Number: 1611
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 4:15 pm: |
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Bobk-
You might not like MD, based either on personal experience or someone else's CW. But, I don't think you ever demonstrated, or shown any public administration experience or acumen in support of "your thrust".
For instance, with the elimination of curriculum supervisors MD's position isn't a redundant layer of management.
NJ requires two observations of non-tenured staff prior to 1/15, and 1 observation and coaching of tenured staff by 4/15.
Observations usually last 45 minutes. Add travel time. Pre-observation meetings are around 20 minutes, post-observation conferences about 40 minutes, plus travel time. Observation reports, even if typed by a secretary take about 45 minutes to an hour.
Now multiply this total by the total number of teachers in 6 elementary schools and 2 middle schools. To think that principals can add this list of rsponsibilities to their already full plate is foolish. There are reasons why principals are already working 12 hour days AND weekends, 10 months a year, and countless hours during the summer when school is out of session.
There are also other time consuming administrative duties beyond evaluation-
Coordination and implementation instructional activities includes inservices, meeting with principals, individual teachers and grade level teams, to name a few.
Now, all school districts have some combination of principals, asst. superintendents and supervisors overseeing curriculum and pedagogy. Larger districts, like ours, have curriculum supervisors for K-8, and then supervisors for HS. They have an asst. super they report to.
SOMA had that, but last year, BTW, the district eliminated four supervisory positions, saving $480,000. That’s $480,000 total which comes out to $75 per student for about 6400 hundred kids.
On the chart you posted previously, this would have reduced our per pupil cost from $1181 to $1106, and that's $54 below the state average.
BTW, the only thing that makes me foam at the mouth is stupidity by people who should know better. |
Bobkat
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 7728
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 5:38 pm: |
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First, I have nothing against Ms. Davenport. But then I had nothing against most of the people I have had to let go over the years because of various budget crunches where I work. 
The main question remains. How was Ms. Davenport going to handle the responsibilities of being a principal (which just about everybody agrees is a full time job and then some) and the additional duties she has as one of the Assistant Supers?
I rather suspect many of her duties were going to be picked up by others.
As I have said before, I compliment Brian and the rest of the board on the steps they have taken over the last couple of years to reduce administrative costs.
Basically, I am a goal oriented person. What I would like to see is the administrative and classroom costs about at the state average and see savings coming from non educational areas. But, I admit I am not a process kind of guy. |
lumpyhead
Citizen
Username: Lumpyhead
Post Number: 1149
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 5:56 pm: |
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Hmmm... do you know why she won't register her car in the state she lives in? |
C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 1866
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 6:14 pm: |
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Lumpyhead, while I find it kind of irritating that her car still has NM plates (mostly from a public relations point of view), in truth it is HER business or problem and not that of the general public. How about sticking to critiquing her work for the district? Let's try to elevate rather than debase the level of discourse.
Generally speaking, I'm neutral on the Ms. Davenport question, although I'm happy to hear she was probably responsible for bringing Mr. Veninger to SB. He's a first-rate principal. I hope Clinton School is as fortunate in the hiring of a new principal.
Cathy |
lumpyhead
Citizen
Username: Lumpyhead
Post Number: 1150
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 7:31 pm: |
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If it is illegal, I kind of have a problem with that.
This is from the NJ DMW web site:
Registering a Vehicle from Out-of-state (New Resident)
New residents are required to register their motor vehicles within 60 days or before their out-of-state registration expires (whichever is shorter).
She has been here longer than 60 days and I consider this fraud.
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/cit_registration/v_reg_out_of_state.html |
sbenois
Supporter
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 13255
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 8:11 pm: |
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Fraud?
That's a little excessive. Her plates are a totally private matter and they've got nothing to do with the way she carries out her job. |
C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 1869
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 8:40 pm: |
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Lumpyhead: why don't you make a citizen's arrest and be done with the issue?
Cathy |
lumpyhead
Citizen
Username: Lumpyhead
Post Number: 1152
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 9:02 pm: |
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I think as an employee she should follow the rules and set a good example, not try and save some money on car insurance.
I know of some Maplewood Officers that read this board so I won't have to make a citizens arrest either. The fine she'll receive will negate any of her cost savings. |
Iwant2 KeepMyJob
Citizen
Username: Fastfusion
Post Number: 23
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 9:23 pm: |
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Did you ever think she might not be the owner of the car? Maybe the owner gave it to her to use?
There are circumstances that allow out of state plates. And out of state insurance. Sort of like a rental car..........
But if she owns it, she should change the plates and insurance. Some of the smartest people forget the simplest things.... |
Montagnard
Citizen
Username: Montagnard
Post Number: 1441
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 9:31 pm: |
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I haven't been much impressed with Marilyn Davenport, who seems to have the same hostility towards gifted and talented children as Peter Horoschak.
I suppose if you're part of her clientele you'd be happy to see her as a principal. We're not in the Clinton area so I don't know how most other parents feel. |
ladyrunner
Citizen
Username: Ladyrunner
Post Number: 37
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 10:31 pm: |
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wharfrat
You are misinformed. Ask any principal, MD does NOT do teacher observations, evaluations, or coaching. None.
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Reflective
Citizen
Username: Reflective
Post Number: 757
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 10:52 pm: |
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The Curry support letter leads to this question: As an educational consultant, was she hired by this district to write a support letter?
We have seen this happen on the national level recently, maybe it's happening here.
Lumpy has a good point about the license plates.
Many posters on this board moved in from out of state. As much as we hated to, because of higher insurance, we did it. And most of commute long distances. She works here and can easily do it.
Lumpy, have someone call the Chief and file a complaint. All that will happen is that she will have to actually do something that the rest of us - have to do.
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sbenois
Supporter
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 13256
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 6:16 am: |
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This is ridiculous. The state law says that new RESIDENTS must register their vehicle. Have you guys invaded her privacy to the point where you know that she doesn't have an established residence in NM?
If you're going to criticize (or praise) her, it should be on the basis of her job performance only.
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lumpyhead
Citizen
Username: Lumpyhead
Post Number: 1153
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 9:05 am: |
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The thread starts out implying MD is a crony of the current superintendent and to prevent her from being named principal of Clinton School. I agree and think we should send her back to her established residence in NM. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 4677
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 10:46 am: |
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Aside from her performance, I'm not comfortable with a high profile admin person cheating on her insurance, even if it's "someone else's car" (sheesh) or whatever. The perception is not good and I would expect that she set a better example if she works with students.
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fatboy
Citizen
Username: Fatboy
Post Number: 12
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 2:35 pm: |
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Don't worry Pam. Clinton parents are very much in tune with the politics of this administration and will not stand for a reversal of Dr H's decision to withdraw the part time principal idea. As for Ms. Curry and her article, I paid it no mind! Not only was the article poorly written, it also failed to make any cogent point, and led me to believe it was a propaganda article written by someone who knew nothing about Clinton School. Why it was not a letter to the editor instead of giving it such prominence is a question for only the News Record to answer.
Most offensive to me is how Ms. Curry (if in fact she is a SB parent since clearly a Clinton parent she is not!) has the gall to write about what is "good" for Clinton.
PS When I moved into Maplewood, I was threatened with loss of insurance coverage if I continued to drive with an out of state license or did not register my car in NJ within 60 days. Whatever her situation is, it doesn't look good! |
Reflective
Citizen
Username: Reflective
Post Number: 762
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 10:02 pm: |
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fatboy:
your third paragraph hits the nail on the head
She has no excuse. None.
Some leadership example she sets.
And the Maplewood police are giving her a free pass.
Would you or I get a free pass from the police?.....Hardly.
And that is precisely the point. |
dgm
Citizen
Username: Dgm
Post Number: 237
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 27, 2005 - 7:13 pm: |
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Fatboys's first and second paragraphs are more important than the third... how stupid does the school adminstration think that we are in this community... |
Reflective
Citizen
Username: Reflective
Post Number: 770
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, February 27, 2005 - 8:46 pm: |
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dgm
the 1st and 2nd paragraphs are important in a political and personal way. The school administration does think the masses are stupid, as do most politicians and beaurocrats.
The third paragraph is important to me as I have a hot button about certain elitist types thinking they are more equal then me. And I have put in my time giving back. They have put in their time -taking from us.
Continue your walk and let lumpy and reflective walk theirs.
I do believe we are on the same page. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 7749
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 28, 2005 - 4:20 am: |
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I think as far as the State of NJ is concerned anyone who works here twelve months a year is a resident.
From an insurance point of view, which doesn't have to follow where the car is registered, the term " principal place of garaging" is used.
In general I agree with Sbenois, it probably isn't any of our business. However, after several years having an out of state registered car isn't an indication of, well, permanence. |
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