Stacy Gray For Board Of Education

Good morning! Here is my take on last night’s BOE meeting. Backing up, you may have seen an extensive list of questions regarding safety and reopening of schools that I had posted and asked for others to contribute to. Thank you for adding questions I hadn’t thought of! These questions were questions the district could have and should have been answering since the summer in my opinion. I personally had already asked several of them to several people (BOE meetings and phone calls and emails with admin) but I could not get concrete answers to many of them. I had emailed the questions Monday night to the BOE and the administration since I thought it would be unfair to “dump” them on them at the meeting itself. I added in my email that I would print everyone a copy since there were many questions and it is easier to have them on paper. I got no response or even acknowledgment of anyone receiving my email. When I got to the meeting I asked if an administrator could give a copy to the board members and was told no. I persisted and was shot down. It was fine but I was frustrated that I wasted all of my printer ink and paper. Literally minutes later, a phone notification led me to the list of questions and the answers on the district site and social media. Fantastic, they could have just told me that they answered them but I am glad that they took the time.

There were fewer members of the public present and the BOE went through the normal motions. Mr.McFarland gave a report on winter sports, reviewing the NJSIAA guidelines and stating some sports may be staggered/start later and there are limits to the number of people participating/attending the events. The board then went into executive for 45 minutes-an hour, I lost track of time. They quickly voted on agenda items upon return then Mr. Kanauss gave a summary of all the district has done to prepare for reopening. The list was extensive: PPE for staff-masks, shields, gloves, plexiglass for secretaries and many items for bus/bus drivers, wipes, gallons of sanitizer, portable computers for remote teachers (I think that’s what he said), special sanitizing equipment for custodians, grants for more chrome books and air purifiers for every classroom, etc. It was a long list! The district will also continue to bus students to daycares through June to help families and the district will provide emergency district daycare for staff who qualify under Families First Corona Virus Response Act. I thought these were wonderful additions to the preparations list. Mr. Dietz reviewed some of the list and stated that he was grateful to the board for approving all of the items requested. It was also stated that the middle school would be operating on a block schedule so the periods will be longer than 23 minutes. This was all part of the New Business on the agenda.

Next, several the board members expressed their deep appreciation and gratitude to the administration for all of their hard work in preparing to reopen the schools. Some of the takeaways: one BOE member stated a member of the public expressed how her district was open and has since closed their high school, basically summarizing he is happy Deptford took the time they needed. Another member stated that they had planned and reassessed and that students, teachers, staff, and administration were always central to their planning. (That is my summation and not verbatim). The rest of the members that spoke were basically repeating each other’s praises.

I’m going to end with my thoughts and feelings. I sensed some animosity for posting the list of questions. It is hard for me to understand the frustration towards staff and parents regarding the safety and logistics of reopening schools. If these questions were already addressed and communication was more frequent WE wouldn’t need to ask. The next thing that stood out to me was the fact that at the last few meetings when dozens of members of the public attended, the board spoke without microphones and many in the cafeteria couldn’t hear what was being said. Last night, after the long executive, there were only 2 members of the public remaining and they used the microphone to present the new business. Just odd….we could hear them just fine because the room was pretty much empty. In terms of the comments made, I noted in my public comment that focusing on students, staff, teachers and administration was exactly why I sent the questions. They failed to include PARENTS in their planning, from the Return to School committee to the lack of communication along the way. I literally told them, “I am not here with questions as a gotcha, I am genuinely concerned about safety and need to understand the logistics”. A few board members were previously very against reopening. Now, all seem onboard. I was left feeling like the HEPA filters are the salvation. I am hoping the member who referenced the other district opening and then closing their high school does not believe that having air purifiers will eliminate all Covid cases. In summary, it seems the reopening was delayed because all PPE, HEPA filters, and the rest of the necessary items were not secured or hadn’t arrived yet and now mostly have. My hope is that whether your children return to hybrid or stay remote, the learning is consistent and less frustrating. I hope the teachers have the tools they need and feel safe. This is a hard time for everyone. Please VOTE!

Well, the world is certainly upside down right now, to say the least. We wear masks, can dine indoors at 25%, we know what RT stands for and watch its ebbs and flows and then there’s school. The debate of brick and mortar and virtual has been ongoing, especially in Deptford. It’s not safe, why are other schools back? You can most certainly see this discussion almost daily on social media.As a candidate for the school board, I feel I should weigh in and maybe give some insight.

There isn’t an easy answer, and as I stated at the last BOE meeting, I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision right now. Here is what I can say…. I have been back to school 5 days a week since the beginning of the school year.My district is hybrid and believe me the grass isn’t always greener. Hybrid is just as tough. I have my son fully virtual and my district has both hybrid and virtual students. I think my district has done an excellent job and my teachers are ROCKSTARS but it’s far from easy. It’s sometimes even a little scary. Since going back to school, I made the conscious decision to not visit my father in law because he had heart and lung issues and due to my exposure to hundreds of people a day, it wasn’t safe for me to be around him. Well, the day after the last frustrating BOE meeting he passed away. I am sad that I missed time with him I will never get back. So, I understand the staffs’ fear of returning. A recent article of research from Princeton University found children are super spreaders. It is really no joke. But should it be a choice? I have spoken to teachers that want to continue remotely and those that want to return; the opinions range just as the parents’ do. There is no say answer and we still haven’t gotten the definitive reason why we are staying remote. What we were told at the last meeting: rate of transmission is being watched, HVAC was a concern/discussion, CARES act can leave a teacher shortage. So, based on those reasons the BOE is firm with being virtual for the unforeseen future. (there has been chatter of a phased in opening in Oct/Nov but so far just a rumor)

So, let’s talk about what we can do as parents. We can hold the BOE and administration accountable to the one and only plan that has been shared with the community. We know that for many, what is happening now has a lot of room for improvement. What parents brought to the board were concerns for social emotional health, trauma based issues, lack of socialization, insufficient live instruction, inconsistency, and lack of communication and transparency. I rad through the district’s reopening plan AGAIN and even though it was based on hybrid, virtual only instruction is addressed. I have highlighted the points that seemed relevant to the concerns raised at the meeting and the district needs to be reminded of what seemed like a really good plan. The words stakeholders, engagement, social emotional learning, multi-tiered supports and communication is mentioned at great length and frequency. I have attached it to this post. If you have time, read through it and address it in your comments at the BOE meeting Tuesday.

What really concerns me most is the lack of communication and updates. I am also very disappointed in seeing that out of 4,000+ students there were 3 parents on the Return to School Committee. What’s worse is all 3 are actually teachers in the district! I understand they may be parents too but there were staff members selected and parents that are staff have different concerns and information. Why not choose parents that are not staff? I’m not digging that vibe at all. It really sends a message that parents are “outsiders”. Essentially, all stakeholders were not part of the decisions and conversation. Ugh.I promise, if elected, to make sure parents ARE a part of the process, always in all ways possible. Please read through the document and bring your concerns to the meeting on Tuesday, Oct.6 @ 6:30 in the high school cafeteria.

Well, 2 days until Election Day…I’m having some anxiety and nervousness today so why not write it down and let it go! Writing about what’s going on in my head helps ME but this is equally important to YOU so please read. (unless you’re my husband who despises it when I doubt myself-He’s at the Eagles game so I should be safe.)

First, I’ll explain the “Only Human” part of my post. I’m a big music fan, mostly of Indie Artists that don’t have huge name recognition. I’m very much a lyrics girl, lyrics speak to me. Last night I was driving home from a friend’s house through several towns and NONE have as many political signs as Deptford (not from Logan to or town at least) but more on that in a second. As I was driving Christina Perri’s “Human” came on. Ms. Perri says the song is about a relationship with yourself, challenging and empowering yourself. If you’ve never listened to Christina Perri, do yourself a favor, she’s beautifully amazing! Those lyrics- I can hold my breath, I can bite my tongue….. But I’m only human, I bleed when I fall down….. It might be corny, but remember, *LYRICS GIRL* here. I struggle with all of it, especially biting my tongue when I was raised to speak up! I am totally holding my breath until approximately 9:30 pm Tuesday. I know to many this is unimportant or not on their radar but to me it is exponentially important. I have fought hard to get on the school board and equally as hard as a member of the board. I can promise you if you emailed me about bus situations, bus stops, communication, anything and everything I have gotten back to you. I have many, many trainings under my belt from NJ School Boards including all 4 years of Governance Training. I am the ONLY candidate that has consistently been attending school board meetings for the last 7 years. I am the ONLY candidate that has stated my purpose and goals and has elaborated. I am the ONLY candidate that teaches in NJ public schools with a degree in education. I am the ONLY candidate that is a certified K-8 educator. I am fully committed to this position and community. I ask questions to get more information. I am also the ONLY candidate without signs. I am the candidate that creates my own messages, goals, ideas. So, is my blog enough? Is my reputation of advocacy enough? Has my message been shared enough? Are enough people going to show up to vote? I won TWICE with the MOST votes, but those were both Presidential Election years. I also lost once and it was a non-Presidential election just like this one due to low voter turnout. I was crushed :( It was eerily like this one, lots of people supporting me but low voter turnout. You see the trepidation? That’s the anxiety and nervousness. I am holding my breath.

Can I or should I bite my tongue? What will people think? Is it good or bad to be so transparent that it could jeopardize the very reason you’re being transparent? Let’s get back to those signs. I am a researcher. I have read municipal ordinances. They speak of distractions to drivers, signs parallel to the roadway….the number of signs, the impact, the appearance or beautification to our town. I’ve read the state laws about political signs on public property as well. I’ve read NJ ELEC’s website and campaign compliance manual. I am seriously confused about whether or not all of these signs and campaign literature are in compliance. The NJ ELEC Compliance manual states, “The “paid for by” language must contain the name and business or residence address of the committee, person, or group, and clearly state that the committee, person or group financed or “paid for” the communication.” (meaning all campaign literature must have name and address) You can read more on page 36 here. None of the signs  I have seen list an address. Maybe that’s not a big deal to people but it is bothersome to me for many reasons. I’m also so confused when looking at the public information on the ELEC website as reported by the candidate committees. There are so many contributions by outside labor unions and professionals, what is their interest in a school board race outside of their own town or state?

Now, try to follow this: The Deptford BOE 2019 campaign lists the treasurer address as 77 Greenleigh Drive. The Deptford Democrat Executive Committee has an address of 212 Heather Glenn Court but the treasurer’s address is 656 Salmon Ave. Why is the address on mailings not the address of the candidates’ chairperson or their treasurer?  The mailings have 212 Heather Glenn Court (which is the Deptford Democrat Executive Committee but say Paid for by Deptford BOE 2019) but the filing on ELEC has the treasurer address of 77 Greenleigh Drive, and still the Deptford Democrat Executive Committee reported spending over $4,000 for the school board with the treasurer being at 656 Salmon Ave. Confused yet? And, why is the Deptford Democrat Executive Committee paying for the school board the campaign? Where is it reported on the ELEC documents for the school board candidates as a contribution or loan or in-kind donation to them? Where are the reported BOE candidates’ contributions being spent?

It is not illegal to be fair however, it should be noted that the Commissioner of Education has traditionally frowned on political party endorsements of school board members, as school elections should be non- partisan. I/M/O the Annual School Election in the Brick School District, 93 N.J.A.R. 2d 360 read more on page 27 here. I read a social media comment to the affect, “well so what, who is supposed to pay for their signs, election, etc.” I just agree with the Commissioner of Education that school board should remain non-partisan.

So the signs and literature are everywhere and does it equate to votes? Quite possibly. Does me writing about this make me seem jealous or jaded? I don’t know, it might.  I am not jealous, just frustrated. To get that funding you MUST be hand picked or get the OK of whoever the “in charge person” is of the Deptford Democrat Executive Committee which doesn’t even equate to all Deptford Democrats. I just do not think the school board being an extension of town council is a positive ideology. And it means people like ME and YOU who just feel we can make a difference don’t have a chance unless you are the “chosen one. “ELEC documents: ELEC_Document-180ELEC_Document-179ELEC_Document-174

This is hard people! Running for an elected seat against “the machine” is really hard! People always ask me,”why are you doing this?” I always respond with, “I know I can make a difference”. Sometimes people get it and sometimes they don’t. I mean it’s not a paid position and requires between 11-50 hours of time a month. Maybe it’s because as a tax payer, mom, educator, alumni I have as much right as anyone else. Maybe I do it because I AM THAT GIRL! I do it for everyone else who is afraid of retribution, of not having a chance, of being told NO. The regular community member deserves a voice too. I have nothing personal against the candidates I am running against. Three of them are the “chosen ones”. Maybe they are also the lucky ones? Next year, especially if I or others not “chosen” run there will be new “chosen ones”. I will ALWAYS and ONLY be the “chosen one” of the voters BUT ONLY IF YOU CAST YOUR VOTE!

So, the bottomline is I purged all of this, didn’t finish the laundry, missed the most of the game, need to food prep, but I feel a little better. I’m not perfect, I am human…I bleed when I fall down. The great news is I have so many wonderful people to pick me up. My friends, family, community members and fellow teachers that have messaged me with support or asking for signs that I don’t have, LOL. Some supporters have shared my message LITERALLY everyday! You will never know how much that means to me and how humbling it is for me. I am cautiously optimistic but have also tried to prepare myself in the event that I lose. I am not going anywhere, I will STILL go to meetings and I WILL run again next year. Thanks for reading! LIKE my Facebook Page Stacy Gray For BOE and SHARE PLEASE :) If you haven’t seen my other posts, my resume, or goals please use the menu at the top of the page. There are more posts like this under The Latest Happenings. AND DON’T FORGET TO VOTE THIS TUESDAY!

Second edit: Back in 2015 a group from Washington DC called NJ Future’s First donated to Deptford School Board candidates. NJFF may be the same group. Here is what I could find about this Super PAC IF it’s the same group. https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2015/07/super-pacs-start-dominating-local-races-in-nj-091455 and this is a more recent article: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/watchdog/2018/11/27/njs-campaign-finance-laws-behind-times-so-dark-money-can-pour/1810882002/

Edit: The latest campaign flyer says Paid for by: NJFF 80 M St.SE Floor 1 Washington, DC.  I can’t even find that PAC or whatever group it is :(

Here are the complete lyrics to the amazing song HUMAN and a link to a lyrics video:

Official Video credit Christina Perri

Lyrics: credit LyricsFind

A mom of a special kiddo private messaged me after reading my blog and wanted to know what my goals are specifically for Special Education and wanted me to give her some information because she has a child, like 1 in every 34 children in NJ, that has been diagnosed with Autism. NJ has the highest rate of Autism in the nation. I was so glad she asked because I (as a momma of a special kiddo) am so very passionate about this topic. I have a differently abled son with Fragile X Syndrome, which is the leading genetic cause of Autism. My son learns slower, has speech and language delays along with OT and other developmental delays. I have had to “fight”for him several times. I am proud to say he is mostly mainstreamed in high school and has been al throughout his time in the Deptford School District. He has a one to one aide that he has had since he was 4. Yep, the SAME kind, wonderful man who is now like family. I fought HARD against privatization of our paraprofessionals a few years back because I did not want to see a revolving door of people responsible for the care and learning of our most vulnerable population. I also wrote a resolution to the state against the qualifiers for state assessments including our special ed. students being forced to take a “one size fits all” test instead of allowing modifications that are in students’ IEPs. The board needed convincing but we did end up passing and sending that resolution to our elected representatives. I also served on a committee with the NJDOE for the revamping of the up and coming state wide assessments and consulted on ways to make the assessments more accessible and equitable. When my son was young (maybe 5 or 6) I approached the district about the lack of a special ed. parent advisory group for parents as required by law. That group was started and allowed parents to communicate students’ needs to the district in order to service them better. As a result, the community fair was born. The committee has since died down and one of my goals is to get it to be an active group again. I am also working with the high school principal to initiate a buddy program. Kiddos like ours need friends and some help fitting in, especially at the high school level. My son’s interests range from Sesame Street to WWE. That’s not always high school age appropriate but he should still be accepted and included with his peers. My hope is that we can soon begin to send less students out of district so they can have connections with their neighborhood peers in school and out. I also fought hard to have our New Sharon students included in the high school rather than be secluded the whole day in another building. We now have those kids at the high school half the day where they are included and have community based training and skills. Some go to New Sharon for the other half of the day where they learn life skills as the building is now like a store and apartment that they can learn life skills in. My goal is to always offer more opportunities for inclusion, have well trained paraprofessionals that offer structure, nurturing and consistency, and advocate for “our kids” to be seen for what they can do and not what they can’t. I am pretty well versed and educated in special ed. law. I recently advocated for a parent of an autistic child that wasn’t receiving communication, had a substitute and aides that were not equivalent to the aides in the past. That problem was quickly rectified. I was the first teacher in my district to teach a student with a diagnosis of Asberger’s Syndrome. I educated myself and learned about sensory integration, different learning styles, calming techniques and assistive technology. I am so very proud to say that student and I met in 3rd grade and today he is 22 and we still keep in touch. I genuinely care and walk in the shoes of a special ed parent. I will always advocate for and be the voice of our special kids. We obviously love and are proud of BOTH of our sons equally, but being Gavin’s parents has taught my husband and I true, unconditional love. I tell everyone Gavin has taught me more than I could ever teach him. He is the most pure, compassionate, empathetic human being I have ever known. There isn’t a bad day in Gavin’s world, he loves everyone, and doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. Every Single Day I come home from work and get a huge “MOMMY” and a hug. He’s the best!  I often find myself being known as, “Gavin’s Mom” and I’m good with that. If you’ve read all of this THANK YOU!  This is just so important to me and should always be a priority of every BOE. Please feel free to ask me any other questions.

Stacy

Not mine though :( So, this was a tough decision….to buy signs or not. When you are running for an election (and you’re me) you put your heart and soul into it because you BELIEVE in it, you know you can do good things, you know you’re needed by your community. It also means your heart gets crushed when you lose. I know, I won and I lost. So what’s that have to do with signs? Well, it is a little deeper than going online, having fun designing them, spending the $$$$ and excitedly getting requests and placing them on lawns. It’s actually politics. I am not a political person, if I was I’d run for council. I’m an educator that loves her alma mater, Deptford. You see, in this town the dominating party chooses candidates and backs them in their campaign both politically and financially. Some think no biggie. I don’t. I have seen first hand as an educator how messy things get in education due to politics. When people with no background or experience in education make decisions about education it’s often about profits instead of students or learning. You can look up contracts with testing companies or go to ELEC to see donations by PACs. So in Deptford the Democrat Club promotes and supports candidates. Why? You’d have to ask them. in my opinion, total town control (including our schools) and dominance. The school districts contract with attorneys, architects, etc. Those same firms donate to political action committees and other political campaigns so just connect the dots. I would guess there are other reasons but I wouldn’t know since I am not allowed (I was told) to go to Democrat Club meetings or join the club. If you do go, maybe you can enlighten me. The club has over $100,000 on hand at all times. I can not compete against that, like ever! If I buy 100 signs they’ll buy 500. It stinks but it’s not illegal and it’s really a matter of not having their support vs. having it. For those that do, good for them. I feel like, at this point, people who know me, have contacted me about concerns involving their kids, have been to board meetings, YOU know me. I hope I have earned your respect and your vote. For those that don’t….email me, PM me, ask your neighbors, read my blog. I don’t believe this town is going to vote for someone based on signs or pretty mailers.

Before I end this post I have to address one more thing… this might take a long minute but I need to get it out of my head and into words. The last election was uncontested, 3 incumbents ran with no opposition. That is actually normal in most towns. Honestly, most people don’t have the time or interest to be a non-paid school board member. It is a LOT of time. So in the past either I or lie-minded friends would ask people to run so we could collectively make a difference. Those friends cheer me on from the sidelines now and have moved on.(I am so grateful for you guys <3) They’ve moved on. Glutton for punishment over here still sees more progress for the district and work to be done.

Our board actually functions pretty well right now. We truly work together and respect each others opinions. We don’t always agree but disagree respectfully. I was hopeful the 3 of us could run together. Most of them seemed fine with it as well. However, there is one important person that needs to be on that same page (maybe more than one but I went to who I think is most important in the process). I inquired if it was possible for Ed, Mark and I to run together. In short (the discussion was over an hour) the answer was not gonna happen for various reasons. That’s fine….I get it, I’m not “one of them or their people” Here’s my only issue and it’s a BIG one. I am fine with losing to anyone that’s truly invested. Someone that is ALL IN. Someone that has had an issue they feel needs to be addressed, has an understanding of where the district is in terms of academics, facilities, policy and budget. I hope you’d agree you NEED to at the very least attend meetings to be any and all of those things. Ed and Mark are on the board with me now. Mark decided to run alone. Ed is running with 2 women. I must say this before finishing, I don’t know these women personally. I know one is involved heavily with local athletics and the other I met when she ran in the past for a one year term (seemed intelligent and very nice). They are probably wonderful people. The only criticism I have is that in the last 7 years that I have been involved I haven’t seen them at any board meetings. (One did attend 1-2 times when she ran previously) Even since putting in their petitions to run-no meetings. I just don’t understand why people run if they aren’t even at meetings to know what is going on. If you were involved I’d have no problem losing to you because you know what the pressing issues are. You are invested like me. I just don’t know why someone would run if they haven’t even attended meetings. It just really concerns me that they are there because they were asked or told. If not asked, would they have run? Without the backing of the club would they run on their own? I just don’t get it…. I am running because I have been a part of the change and want to see it through. If someone isn’t even at any meetings do they just wake up and think, hmmmm I think I want to be on the school board this year? ugh….I hope this came out right. ::sigh::

Anyway, that is just my thoughts and opinions. I am in it to win it, I just need your help because there won’t be signs or mailers, just me, my free blog, word of mouth, social media, and people who believe in me. Thanks for reading. xo

Not much better…sort of! So, it’s been a while since I used this blog as a journal….a few days (maybe weeks) after the 2012 election. I posted about something from a board meeting, I can’t remember what it was but beyond that the blog was done, I’d be sworn in in January. Well, the craziness didn’t stop, as a matter of fact if you were paying attention it continued and pretty much got worse. Beyond the sign stealing, libel and slander lawsuit, there was another lawsuit and ethics charges by the bucketful. BUT…. those things didn’t stop me, in fact they tested my resilience and made me stronger. Don’t get me wrong, it was TOUGH. My job was contacted, my work emails were requested….it was NUTS! However, I learned how this town really functions and how a group that is politically affiliated pretty much runs the whole town, in my opinion. I pretty much came out a winner from all the nastiness. The lawsuits were all dismissed, all but one ethics charge too.(the only violation was that I shared a recording of an executive session that was about ME and the charges with my attorney that was defending me) I also learned that I don’t back down and I was elected for a reason. The next election, 2013 we got a bunch of new BOE members and others resigned. I made some lifelong friends. We got work done! It was exciting. However, there were a zillion nasty mailers sent to the whole town and just a whole lot of ugliness. You’re probably asking yourself why would I choose to put myself out there? At least that’s what I get asked most often. It’s very simple…I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I have an insight that no other board member has because I am the only board member that is actively in the classroom. I am in the thick of all of the educational acronyms, data, demands, etc. Every board member brings something different to the table, but I feel my piece is most significant. I am also not influenced by any political group so I am totally unbiased in terms of voting for professionals. I truly put my heart and soul into my board duties and I try my best to represent the reason you voted for me twice.

WE DID IT!!!! Most votes overall! Now it’s time to get to work-well not sworn in until January! Can’t wait :). Thank you all so very much!!!
Stacy

Well, here we go!  It’s been a long 5 months of planning, posting, blogging, door knocking and putting up signs.  The best part of this experience for me has been meeting so many wonderful members of the Deptford community.  In each neighborhood I walked, there were countless people who shared my vision for change.  That is uplifting!  Now it’s time to vote and get to work.  I’ve asked myself countless times, how do I go about implementing this push for positive change once I am on the board? How do I encourage the other board members to buy into my ideas?  It occurred to me that it may not be as difficult as I once thought.  Why? Because I have the backing of all of those who voted for me and supported me.  I will be your voice.  My passion for education and learning is undeniable. I will advocate for your children and mine.  We will create a learning community that brings out the best in every child.   I will show them that we can hold the line on taxes and make academic strides at the same time.  We need to make sure our tax dollars are going to the classrooms, our teachers have the tools to reach all learners and our children have the supports in place to learn!  Most importantly, we need to implement a plan that allows for open and easy communication with parents, teachers, administrators and board members.  We as board members need to be aware of what is happening in our classrooms and understand the mandates from the state.  We don’t need to micro-manage but we do need to follow-up and follow through.  This will be the first goal on our road to greatness.  I look forward to working hand in hand with this fabulous community and together we will do great things!  So, 24 hours from now…we will know….all of the nagging to SHARE will be finished.  (I know my FB friends will be so sad-NOT)  The signs will need to come down and I will rest knowing I have given everything I have to ensure I am worthy of your vote! I am eternally grateful for the support and encouragement of so many.  I am so excited for what’s to come!  Thank you so much! VOTE-UPPER RIGHT SIDE OF THE BALLOT- STACY L.GRAY- 2nd ON THE LIST OF BOE CANDIDATES-YOU CAN VOTE FOR JUST ONE, OR TWO, OR THREE :) SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!

~Stacy

Today was AWESOME!  Today is what this has been about all along.  It was a day of refocus and campaigning.  I walked 2 neighborhoods from 9-5 and nothing beats knocking on a door, explaining your goals and hearing, “You have my vote!” That’s when you know why you take on something like this.  It was so refreshing to talk about education and academics today.  I love talking about learning, and today I got to do that throughout a massive development of families with school aged children.  Of course they wanted to know what I would do differently.  My response has always been consistent- I will bring a totally different perspective that is currently absent from the board- that of a parent and educator.  People told me how they have had bad experiences and good.  Some told me their emails aren’t returned, others said how wonderful the teachers are that their children have had.  What resonated the most is how involved and concerned they are about the future of their children’s education.  I was sad when one gentleman pointed to about 4 neighbors and told me that those people pulled their kids out of Deptford schools and put them in private schools.  I graduated from Deptford and am proud of the education I received.  I was well prepared for college and life after high school. The most shocking and upsetting story I heard today was with a man who told me that his girls won’t go to Deptford after 6th grade.  I assumed and asked if he was sending them to private school.  He said, “No, I’m going to put my house on the market and we’ll move!”  That is just unacceptable that someone is willing to not only leave our district, but our community!  That is why I am running and that will be my focus, where are we going wrong and why?  We are in dire need of refocus!  The current board has done a good job of holding the line on taxes.  I am a taxpayer too and I am grateful that the school district has had a zero increase especially with the reassessment.  However, I read their flyer and don’t see the focus on the academics.  It’s wonderful to save thousands of dollars in trash removal and energy costs but how does that also equate to better and more successful learning?  This election is so much more than signs and politics.  It is about our children and ensuring that our students can compete in a global society in mathematics, science and technology.  We need to move forward and graduate marketable young adults.  We need problem solvers and creative thinkers!  Our businessmen will continue to focus on the dollars and cents and I will focus on academics.  Together we will work to move this district forward and reap the successes of a school system that offers a solid foundation for our community and our future!  This is bigger than me and every other board member, this is about putting Deptford back on the map!  Today was AWESOME!  Can’t wait for tomorrow :)  3 more days!

I truly thought this incident was put to rest.  Not only for my sake but for the family that was thrust into the middle of this mess.  I was told to go to the news with this.  I did not because I know this family did not want it in the spotlight, they wanted to keep peace in their neighborhood and they wanted to protect those they cared about.  I honored their wishes and did not go to the tv outlets.  I did write a blog post because I felt that people need to know what was going on and how it had gotten taken to a whole new level.  I apologize that I have to again address this but hope they understand I now need to get all of the facts out to clear my name and reputation.  The only way to prove a truth is with the facts.  I have a reputation to protect too.  Mr. Wilson comes across as a mousy man who was attacked by me for no reason.  I have also been physically sick as well; not so much for me but for the stress that this family has had to endure over a sign.  Isn’t our constitutional right to support who we choose?  Mr. Wilson was hostile and threatening that night.  I will not get into any more of the specifics of the victim’s statement because it is now in my attorney’s hands.  Think about this: if Mr. WIlson was so crushed by my blog post, why not just put it in the court’s hands?  Why put it in the paper to bring light to it again? To defend himself? No….isn’t he doing the same thing he is accusing me of doing?  The reason is just as I stated…it is to try to cast doubt in people’s minds and question MY character.  I am not the one confronting people over a sign! If he was a friend of the victim he would be considerate of the victim’s family and not drag them through this yet again.  Just because they didn’t press charges doesn’t mean it didn’t happen!

I think that the article ran in today’s GC Times was OK as far as reporting accurately.  It was as fair as could be considering they would need several pages to cover all of the relevant facts.  So, to be clear:

First and foremost- Ed Kiermeier is a lifelong friend of mine and my husband’s.  He was in our wedding.  The article is worded and can be misconstrued as me implying that he maliciously did something to me and I am targeting him.  To the contrary I am concerned that Ed is being put in a compromising position.  Why? Because Ed allowed us to put our sign in his yard and then it was almost immediately taken down.  My husband asked if he was given grief over the sign (as many other have been) and he said he was spoken to about it by a superior officer.  See text below.  I know Ed’s character and apologize if this was misleading.  The reporting officer  has the same last name as a person serving on the planning board and rec committee.  These people are all intertwined and it’s very concerning considering I was told in June by someone in their inner circle, “Be ready….they’re coming after you”.  I have been dealing with threats to many I care about for 5 months now!!!!!! You can go back to my previous posts that are dated and see all of the issues that I have dealt with along with all of the “powers that be” that I have reached out to, to try to make them “play fair”.

text about sign

1. I blogged accurately what was reported to me by victim’s daughter. Did I say Mr. WIlson choked or punched this man? NO!  Was it a, “friend’s fight”?  It was much more than that. (The biggest problem seems to be our difference of opinion on what constitutes a physical altercation) Mr. Berglund knows this too.  He was on speaker phone while I spoke to the victim’s daughter.  He was already called by another board member who told him, “Joe f-ed up”.  He apologized to me and the daughter and was meeting with Joe the next night.  He also left my husband a voicemail the next day asking him to call him so, “we could get things going positive again” and he’s trying to smooth this over. Yes, we have the voicemail and if I could post it here I would!

2.  Joe Wilson is approximately 6’3 and I am told he was a bouncer at the Eagle’s Nest so I am not sure who he is afraid of or why.  I am 5’6 and not a tiny thing but I hardly think Joe is afraid of me.  I have been fearful even before he approached this man due to the escalating behaviors the he has displayed. Note: this incident occurred on 10/17 and I don’t know that any bodily harm has come to him.

3. I have documentation from all parties (voicemails, texts, etc) that this event did indeed take place including an affidavit from the victim. It is not altogether consistent with the police narrative.

4.  Bottom line- He went to someone’s house over a sign!  What “friend” does that to another?  He did this 11 days after he put up his signs.  He  didn’t  ask to put one at this man’s home from Oct. 6-17.  His group’s signs are everywhere-at least 3-1 over mine. He states in the article, “he was shocked not to see his sign there”.  That makes no sense considering he put up the signs!

5.  This incident was known to everyone in the neighborhood the next day at bus stops and at school drop off.  I did not post my blog until the next night almost 24-hours later.  The article states accurately there were witnesses, neighbors that came out of their homes due to the commotion. Those people, I assume are the ones that were discussing it with others.  This is a tight-knit neighborhood and this kind of news spreads fast.  It was not my blog that caused this chain reaction, it was Mr. Wilson’s ACTIONS that night!!!

6. In the article he says he has asked for an injunction, I have no knowledge of this.  However, in the actual suit he states that he contacted me in writing and asked me to retract.  From my lips to God’s ears I have received no such communication.  The last correspondence from Mr. Wilson was the day after the incident.  He texted my husband and stated the victim said it was ok for him to put his sign next to mine.  We did not respond.  And yes, we still have that text too.  We actually texted him our condolences on his mother’s passing on Monday, October 15th.  This was something else that shocked me…everyone handles grief differently but I can’t imagine that if God forbid  my mother were to pass, the last thing I’d be doing in those following days is worrying about my opponents sign on anyone’s lawn…..sigh.

7. Mr. Berglund…..this is so confusing.  He and I spoke for over an hour the day before this happened.  He told me he loved my blog, he would want me on his campaign team, he wanted to tell Paul that he would love to have me on council (which I kindly and consistently declined-not interested). He told me he wished he talked to me sooner, he would have backed me and I had great ideas.  He told me the Democratic party is backing the guys.  He bet me lunch that the vice principal that the board approved isn’t happening.  When I asked how he knew this and why he is still so hands on when he’s not on the board anymore.  He said that Joe calls him for advice and he told him that another administrator couldn’t happen.  Why they didn’t go ahead and replace the teacher, I don’t know….another story.  We ended the call with him promising that he would talk to Joe and there wouldn’t be anymore shady moves or problems!  I don’t know how he can even comment in the paper and act like he didn’t know this was true.  He was on the phone with me the night it happened for about an hour promising me Joe would apologize.  I had the victim’s daughter on speaker phone and Butch on my husband’s speaker phone so she could tell him what happened.  I have the phone records. Rather than be accountable, they conspired a plan to file a lawsuit and publicize all of this 5 days before the election.  The reporter told me that she knew about the lawsuit before I was even notified because Butch called her and said, “I’m onto something” and told her I was going to get served.

To sum this up: I wanted to offer a new perspective to this board so I decided to throw my name in the ring.  I have canvassed neighborhoods, informed the community of the goings on (always with facts to back it up and if I make a mistake I have PUBLICLY admitted it and if need be, apologized for it), purchased and put up signs, sent out mailers, attended several meetings and workshops and worked very hard to get my name and message out there.  I have done this for my children and yours.  That’s it!  Rather than doing the same, my opponent has consistently went after people I care about in many ways.  You can criticize my methods but I would hope people can put themselves in my shoes.  I have taken great risks and a lot of hits, spent a lot of time and money for a volunteer position with hopes to make a difference.  If Mr. Wilson didn’t act the way he has and put his goals out there, I wouldn’t have anything to say but good for him.  If he is going to BULLY me I am going to call him on it.  As I have said time and again, RUN ON YOUR GOALS AND MERIT!!!!!  My posts have always been a reaction to his actions. Mr. Wilson could have had a blog, he could have knocked on doors or the like.  He didn’t.  Instead he has tried time and again to bully people into isolating me and prevent me from getting my message out there.  Would you put a sign in your yard after this incident?  Would you publicly support me if someone you love has a municipal or county job knowing their political connections?   It seems like voter intimidation to me!  Just know this…no one can find out who you voted for.  I will hold steadfast and see this to the end.  The haters will hate, as they say.  I will not address people who hide behind a screen name on the Deptford Forum.  For all I know it could be Joe or someone in that realm.  This blog very clearly states it serves as a journal of my experience.  I have no family working for the township or county.  I do not belong to a political club and I am not an Elk’s Club member.  I am a mommy and a teacher and I want to see this district move forward in a positive direction.  These last several days have been a diversionary tactic by my opponents.  I had to defend myself and put all of the facts out there.  I am not heartless or a liar.  I have integrity and will not just sit here and allow Mr. Wilson to slander my good name.  I am and have been suffering emotional stress and intimidation at the hands of Joe for months.  I am disgusted that I have to waste time and energy with this negativity.  What has Joe done to earn your vote?  If this is a sign of normal occurrences, it is no wonder our schools haven’t progressed the way we’d all like.  This is so far off from what this is about, it’s sad and frustrating.  I’d much rather debate education than do this.  I would be remiss if I did not point out that the article states that Joe is seeking re-election.  He was not elected to the board he was appointed.  Hopefully, these facts prove that I am not the deceitful party.  Those who were there know what happened and I reiterated what I was told that night.  So, with 5 days to go- decide if you are satisfied with the status quo or if you want change. 5 days to go! Feel free to share and enlighten the masses :) Thanks for the continued support!

UPDATE**** I could only upload one of the recordings as I have reached the media limit so here is the voicemail Mr. Berglund left my husband the morning after the incident. Still don’t know where he and Mr. Wilson got his cell phone number….hmmmm????

Voicemail from Mr. Berglund 10/18/12

And here is a link to a previous article in the GC Times in reference to the football team and a golf fundraiser.  Ironically, Mr. Wilson says the Parents’ Club attacked him, he was “shocked” and he said he was “sweating” from all the heat he was getting from the members of the club.“The Parents Club are the ones that had the problem with it,” said Wilson. “I don’t understand why.”  It’s eerily similar to the words he used in the article about me.  He is never the problem…everyone just attacks him it seems.

http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2012/08/deptford_high_school_football.html

I hope all of you reading find yourself safe and unscathed by Sandy!  I, for one, am glad that it’s over and grateful it wasn’t worse here!

It is 1 week until Election Day!!!!!!!  I have heard that the journey is the reward- sometimes more is gained in the road to the goal than the goal itself.  I can attest to that with all of the support I have gotten over the past 2 months.  I can not put into words the gratitude I have for the support, backing, campaigning, spreading the word, and encouragement I have gotten from friends, acquaintances and strangers alike!~ It is so encouraging when one person can precipitate a movement for improvement.  I never thought I’d be that person.  This journey hasn’t been easy….it’s tough to take on a political machine.  If I was alone I don’t think I could have continued.  If I knew how political this process was going to be (I am not a political kind of girl) I may not have ventured into this.  But, because so many people have supported me, I am confident I will succeed.  This isn’t about popularity or politics.  It is about sharing a vision and goal to make our schools better!  I have the tools to do it, the drive to accomplish it, and a plan to see it through. Love me or not, no one can argue against my passion for education and how I have always advocated for my own children and many others!

All that is left is your vote!  So now more than ever we need to get the word out….daily!!!!!  I am sure people are ready for this for Election time to be over; no one more so than me :)  I have spoken to people who wanted to be supportive and promised their vote but are afraid to put up a sign out of fear a family member or friend could lose a job.  I have friends threatened and bashed at political clubs and via phone.  And, of course, there was last week!  I would have never guessed a non-paying school board seat would have so much political backlash or power!  Many nights I have laid in bed thinking what am I getting myself into????  Then I remember all of the times I sat at IEP meetings for my special needs son.  For years I have fought for him to be mainstreamed which is where he would learn best from not only his teachers but his peers.  Year after year I made manipulatives, photo copied and searched for resources at my own school.  Each and every time I’ve thought, “what do the parents of differently abled children do that aren’t teachers?”  Who ensures that these children get what they need?  Who makes sure these parents know their rights?   Then my older son needed my support this past spring.  He is gifted and due to a lack of consistent policy, was mistakenly passed by for National Junior Honor Society- a goal he set for himself, worked hard for all year and earned.  Rather than the administrators in charge admit they made a mistake, they tried to dismiss the whole ordeal with various reasons that I proved to be incorrect.  It took almost 3 months before I could present to the board and PROVE a mistake was made!  All along I knew IT SHOULDN’T BE LIKE THIS!!!!!!  We should be including more children in clubs and groups that will foster academic and social growth.  If I wasn’t so stubborn neither of my children would be where they are in school- a mainstreamed 4th grader with Fragile X Syndrome (similar to Autism) learning, growing and happy.  And an 8th grader contributing to the community and his school through NJHS and being challenged academically!  This is why I am doing this!  Parents should be able to trust and feel that the district is always working FOR their children and NOT against them!  I can promise you, that is my #1 goal. I also think about the people who have reached out to me and offered their help because they also want to see a positive change.  It is amazing when you knock on a door and shake someone’s hand and explain your desire to contribute to the betterment of our district and they say, “You have my vote!”  Humbling and inspiring!!  It is something I will never forget and really let’s you appreciate how wonderful and vested this community is in all of our children.   I know there are current board members that share the vision but maybe need the guidance to find where we are short and how to get us to our goal.

This is an exciting time!!!!!  A woman comes along, doesn’t have the political nod to run, but does it anyway!  A community now paying attention and demanding change!  Let’s get this done Deptford!!!  More determined and steadfast as ever!  One week from today~Vote Stacy Gray :) Thank you for the amazing journey!

Up this week, more door knocking, campaigning and putting up signs!!!

Sidenote-in case you were wondering about the lawsuit- it is now being handled by my attorney- very reputable and experienced.  I have all of the documentation of what happened and he has assured me there are no worries.  It is not a concern or deterrent, it is baseless and no longer worth mentioning.  It was a curveball but par for the course of what’s been going on behind the scenes.  The attorney representing Mr. Wilson is the BOE President in washington Twp., Stephen Altamuro.  Feel free to Google his name or better yet, check out YouTube.

So…onward and upward! The voters have the power again in Deptford :)

Two sick children, Halloween and Election Day approaching and now a LAWSUIT!!!????  Yes, you read that correctly…..Deptford’s school board president is suing me!  He is claiming that I fabricated the incident that occurred last week at the gentleman’s home.  He also claims that he has contacted me in writing and asked me to retract and I have refused.  The only contact I have had with said board president is via text message on my husband’s phone (don’t even know how he got his number) in which we sent condolences and prayer on the passing of his mother and then again a text after he apologized to the man he had the confrontation with.  In that text he simply said that the man gave Joe permission to put his sign next to mine.  I felt that was the most shallow apology ever.  Can you imagine, Hey, I’m sorry about last night, can I put a sign on your lawn?  This is THE ONLY correspondence we have had with him.  PERIOD!  No letters, no emails, no other calls or texts!  I wish I was able to conjure up a story of this magnitude, I’d be an Oscar winning screenwriter!!!!  All sarcasm aside, this has gone too far.  In my opinion this is nothing more than a last ditch effort to get votes.  They will call me a liar in the paper….yep they called the GT Times before I was even served and told the reporter “they’re onto something”. I am a person of high integrity and moral character.  I am a role model for my children and the children I teach.  I made the incident public as it was reported to me because it was a prime example of the escalating, abuse of power and bullying tactics that you’ve all read about by my opponent. I have plenty of support, why would I perjure myself???   Notice, I have not written about the other 2 candidates?  That is because they haven’t had political connections threaten and intimidate people that support me.  They haven’t approached groups I belong to or put up signs next to mine.  I am so furious it’s hard to write this post so pardon me if I’m all over the place….I guess I am even more disappointed at the lack of integrity of some people today.  I would NEVER make up something like this and as you have all consistently seen, I only write about what I know as fact or what has been told to me by a first party.  If I am wrong or asked to retract due to someone asking I have….ie Mr. Ross’s salary and Mr. Berglund in Jericho.  As you can see, the chaos post is still there and every word of it is true as reported to me by the family involved.  I kept their name private out of respect.  However, many people who were present that night did tell others.  There are witnesses and documentation.  I am a woman of my word, I am not a liar!!!  We will be in contact with our own legal counsel tomorrow.  If asked to discontinue this blog by the attorney, I will.  But, I felt this post was relevant in order to alert those reading that an article will run in the paper, I am aware and I fully stand by everything that I have said.  The suit that I was served today (brought to my door by Mr. Altamauro esq., the Washington Twp. school board president) is filled with mistruths. I did not ruin his character, his actions did!!!   If you don’t see new posts it’s not for any other reason than I was advised not to.  I will not allow anyone to disgrace my name and reputation with lies!  Who ever knew this BOE seat would be the beginning of all of this emotional distress at the hands of my opponent?  Why can’t he just run on his record…that should be enough, right?  Unbelievable!!!  The only victim here was that poor man and a friend who likes what I stand for.  I will not be a casualty and fall from grace for anyone.  From my lips to God’s ears, the truth will prevail! I have nothing to hide!

Anguished, emotionally spent, astonished and still determined,

Stacy

We are less than 2 weeks from Election Day (don’t forget to spread the word….school board is at the bottom, right hand corner of the ballot-I am position #2) and it’s time to refocus!  Hopefully, we’ve seen the lowest of the low and I’ve been thinking a lot about what needs to happen if and when I get elected.  First, I think it is vital to have more discussion and explanation at board meetings.  When you are a member of the public it is almost impossible to follow along and understand what is happening, let alone be aware of the last minute addendums to the agenda.  There is little discussion on almost any topic.  I find it very hard to understand why?  Do the current board members just not care?  A board member holds a heavy responsibility and is the voice of the children, community and most importantly, students.  I will not blindly vote on any issue or change without fully understanding how it will impact our district.  Next, we need to look at the curriculum.  How can we supplement what is in place so we can differentiate instruction and reach all of our learners?  As an educator I am responsible to be aware of and understand the many changes that are being implemented in education NOW!  These changes are in student evaluation.  In the near future, the state of NJ plans to evaluate students and measure progress via a computer instead of traditional paper and pencil.  I don’t feel we are ready for that in our elementary schools.  I know Good Intent was just getting their first, full computer lab up and running this year.  This evaluation method will not be a choice.  As we have seen time and time again, the state pushes down mandates whether schools are ready or not.  These evaluations are going to be benchmarked, meaning they will occur throughout the school year rather than only at the end as they are currently given.  The teacher evaluation model has also changed.  Teachers are now required to be observed more frequently and the criteria is more specific.  We need to make sure our teachers AND administrators are ready for these changes.  If not, how will our children be ready?  This is the benefit of having an educator on the BOE!  Another goal which I see as paramount is forming a liaison from each school to communicate their needs, successes and struggles to a BOE committee.  I believe we can build morale, share great ideas across our buildings in order to be more consistent, address concerns and have an overall better system of communication.  As many are aware, the anti-bullying laws require all school districts to report incidences of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying to the state.  Deptford recently reported 141 incidences.  It could very well be due diligence as the reason for so many, as Mr. Ross explained at the last meeting.  I want to see investigate a research based anti-bullying/Character education program that can be implemented in all of the elementary schools.  Research shows that educating students in empathy, compassion, respect, problem solving, etc. early on reduces the occurrence of bullying in middle school and beyond when it is most prevalent.  This could very well prevent some of these instances of HIB.  We are so lacking in consistency that when our children merge at the middle school the programs and routines that they have all been accustomed to are all very different.  (they may be great but they are still not familiar to each other)  Again, if it works and is successful….SHARE IT!!!!!  We also need to focus on our shortcomings from middle school through high school.  There is a reason our high school ranking continues to fall.  I think that communicating with staff and parents is paramount and a great starting point.  We must make our schools competitive and assure that our students have the tools to successfully transition to college or a trade.  There is a fine line between delegating and micro-managing…. I think the answer is communication and accountability.  I can’t promise to have all the answers but I have many questions and with goals and determination we will breed progress.  I think these are excellent starting points that I can work with in the first 6 months of getting sworn in.  Deptford is a great community of hardworking parents, students, teachers and administrators.  We all have one thing in common: the need to achieve and succeed!  Vote for a NEW voice for EDUCATION on November 6th :)

OK, I think it is very important for everyone following this blog to be informed of the unfortunate events that occurred last night.  Out of respect and privacy for the family involved I will call them the Doe’s.  “Jane” Doe graduated with my husband and we’ve known each other for quite sometime.  She and her husband have 2 children in the school district and still live in the neighborhood they grew up in.  Her and I can relate to many of the same struggles our children have faced in navigating the winding special ed path.  She reached out to me on FB and requested a sign for her house, her sister, and her parents….all living in the same neighborhood.  Of course we dropped them off.  Now, the Doe’s have a mutual friend with Joe Wilson, board president.  Before putting the sign on her parents’ lawn, “Jane” called the mutual friend to check and make sure the sign at her parents’ home wouldn’t cause any strife.  The mutual friend responded as any “normal person” would with the response, “you can support and post any sign you want on your property.”  With that the signs were put up! Last night, Mr. Wilson noticed the signs and called the mutual friend and berated him, he told him he was working on having him fired from his job as they were speaking and if he isn’t fired he will make his life hell at that job.  He told the mutual friend he was supposed to “take care of this”! (I guess having HIS sign on that property?)  Then he went to the Doe’s home last night.  Mr. Doe is an older gentleman with a heart condition.  While laying on the couch watching TV he gets a knock on the door and when he answers Mr. Wilson starts to step in, is screaming and it gets heated.  They are getting into a physical altercation in Mr. Doe’s home!!!!  There is so much chaos that neighbors come and have to step in.  Mr. Wilson told Mr. Doe to watch his back.  I get messages from Jane to call her ASAP.  I assumed that her signs were missing.  Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to hear THIS!  This is not only low class, conduct unbecoming of a school representative, but psychotic!  Think about it, he actually went to someone’s home over a lousy sign????

On Friday Mr. Wilson called and we spoke about being respectful and how he didn’t take my signs down.  On Monday Mr. Berglund and I spoke at length about the same thing.  Mr. Berglund assured me that he would make sure everyone in his camp would stop with the intimidation tactics I’ve written about previously and that he respected me and my views.  He also told me to call him if there were any further problems.  I honestly never expected to speak with him again, let alone 24 hours later.  I felt and still feel physically ill over this.  No one should treat another human being this way, and as BOE president he is held to a higher standard-like it or not!  A police report was taken and I have emailed all of the BOE members requesting Mr. Wilson’s resignation.  This unstable behavior is inexcusable and not the type of person I want associated with my children and their education.  I feel very confident about the election and have so many wonderful people supporting me.  I know I will win a seat regardless of whether Mr. Wilson resigns or not.  This is not a campaign strategy.  This is about a morally bankrupt individual being the leader of our district.  This is certainly not the example I want for my children.  There are no words to express how awful I feel for this family.  Mr. Wilson needs to be accountable for his actions.  He has compromised his standing on this board and abused his authority one time too many.  This incident has taken things to a whole new level.  Our board of education cannot ignore this kind of appalling behavior.  It is a blemish on our schools, community and reputation.  Feel free to contact the superintendent and board members if you are so inclined and agree that this is not the type of behavior we as a community will tolerate!

I’m sorry for not updating the blog today.  I am extremely distraught over a very unfortunate chain of events involving Joe Wilson.  He approached a supporter and initiated a physical confrontation in this man’s home over my sign in his yard…..unthinkable :(

Hopefully, I can get my thoughts together tomorrow to recap the BOE meeting and everything else…..presently….I am speechless over the incident that transpired tonight.  To the family involved, I apologize that you were put in this horrific situation by someone who is trusted to guide our district and children.  Shame on him!

So….I didn’t expect to be updating this blog so soon! However, this is just so incredible that I needed to share. Thank the good Lord that we have a sense of humor, otherwise we’d be irate. As you all have seen on here and if you are a FB friend we always ask permission before putting signs on people’s lawns. Anything less would be disrespectful. We also do not put signs on the same properties as my opponents…it’s basically campaign etiquette when dealing with private property. And, let’s face it….Deptford has enough space to go around, right???? My opponents on the other hand see my signs and either through false pretenses (I’ll get to this in a minute) or disregard for the owner’s permission they have been placing theirs next to mine. Today 6 of my signs were stolen! We walked the neighborhood of Jericho tonight to hand out information as we have been trying to do around town daily and the people who had our signs said they were there at 7 and gone by noon. Now remember, we are not having fundraisers or contributions and these signs are expensive! I don’t know where their money is coming from (they failed to submit their C1, D1 or A1 form as we did according to the New Jersey Campaign Financing and Lobbying Disclosure-Election Law Enforcement Commission- see link below ) but even if it’s their own, there are 3 of them and 1 of me.. I know they read this blog so I respectfully ask that you, my opponents, cease this deceptive practice and stop the illegal activity! I also spoke to residents who said they didn’t give their permission to place the signs. One woman was called and asked if the caller could put Obama signs on her property. She agreed…just got out of the hospital and had no idea that they instead put their BOE signs. She asked a neighbor to remove them! (that was the deceitfulness I spoke of above) I have no intention of stooping to their level and removing their signs. And about their signs…..THIS is a riot…..they didn’t even bother to change their slogan on their signs from the last election, only their names. Get this, they are the “citizens for change”! That’s weird, no? How can they be the citizens for change when they are the incumbents….are they going through a metamorphosis??? OK, that was snarky….but for real??? I don’t get it! So, I ask….what are they suddenly going to change? They are all incumbents voted in 3 years ago….except Mr. Wilson, President, he was APPOINTED a little over a year ago. And if they have this big idea, why aren’t they implementing it NOW!!!!! If you have an explanation for this motto, please comment below! I’m at a loss and you can probably tell by now, that doesn’t happen often!!! I am your NEW voice for EDUCATION!!! Bottom line, I can’t afford all of the signs they have purchased, so if you don’t see as many they were either stolen or we ran out….it’s definitely not a lack of effort. Signs don’t earn a vote….honesty, integrity, face to face interaction, good intentions and a qualified, goal driven person does!

My husband has the debate on right now and ironically the following statement seemed fitting: Four years ago Obama said this:

“If you don’t have any fresh ideas, use stale tactics to scare voters. If you don’t have a good record to run on, paint your opponent as someone you should run from.”

This really resonates to me after these tactics today. Another man of brilliant words said: “No, I won’t back down, I’ll stand my ground….you can stand me up at the gates of hell but I won’t back down!~Tom Petty

Shout out to the kind and supportive residents of Bridlewood, Bexhill Farms and Jericho….YOU ROCK! Everyone else, I need a clone…I am trying to get to all of you :) And to Barry Newman…I again am humbled and honored after reading your Letter to the Editor in today’s Gloucester County Times!!!

http://www.nj.com/gloucester/voices/index.ssf/2012/10/letter_stacy_gray_the_one_to_p.html

PS….New Jersey School Board Association FAQ for candidates states:

http://www.elec.state.nj.us/ELECReport/MultipleSearchView.aspx?Page=1&Office=B&Location=802
**** update Butch Berglund called me and promised it wasn’t him that drove by and the creepy description that I spoke of really bothered him. Because I am compassionate I told him I’d take the comment off. It was really irrelevant anyway!!! See Butch, I am a woman of my word :)

Well, the last week has been very interesting, humbling and quite eventful!  We began putting out our signs and it has been humbling to say the least.  So many people have requested a sign that we ran out and are waiting on the next shipment!  If you took one….we are eternally grateful and feel very blessed to have so much support.  If you’d like one, email me your address and we can add you to our growing list! (they are quite an attractive lawn accessory)  So many people have emailed, commented, facebooked, and called us asking to help out in any way they can.  Thank you!!!!  No matter the political party, neighborhood, occupation, or age the common denominator is that they all believe we need change and see that I have the tools to do just that!  The most eventful days have been yesterday and today……get ready….I was quite appalled!

In the last 2 days the chairman of the Deptford Democratic Executive Committee has called and approached people who have chosen to support me and berated them.  I went to school with the one gentleman’s wife and they have children in the district.  These other gentlemen (my opponents and their political partners) do not.  It’s not political, it’s EDUCATION and their children’s future for crying out loud!!!   If he is confident his “people” will win hands down then why does he care who has my sign in their yard???  It’s also very similar to a situation that occurred  2 weeks ago when the current board president told members of 2 other groups that I am a paying member of that he didn’t want me standing at their table “politicking”.  He was referencing me wearing a t-shirt at a football game with my blog address (mind you, by law, the board president has no legal authority except when the board is convened).  He could have approached me but instead he and the political machine backing the incumbents chose to bully and intimidate.  And then there are posts that I put on a public Facebook page (DTHS Alumni) announcing to my fellow alumni that I was running for school board.  They had it removed!!!!  This is a place to share news and events to fellow classmates and I am proud to be tackling this new endeavor, so why are they allowed to censor me?   I’m starting to think that perhaps I should check if this using their positions of authority and power to dictate what I can or can’t do is a form of official misconduct. Where do they get this sense of entitlement from??  I pay my taxes too and I am an American citizen.  Who died and left them in charge of hand picking the school board??  They surely send the message of How dare I….a woman….someone not in their “all boy’s club” decide to run for BOE without their nod??  It’s baffling!  It’s also scary….when the political leaders in this town have control over our school district and its $63,000,000 budget, it’s a slippery slope.  Up until now, I didn’t realize that a political affiliation could buy you a seat on the school board.

Then there was today…..I was driving home through the Woodbury-Heights/Deptford area (MMS fundraiser at Brewster’s on 45) and who do I see????  It happened to be the same crew that sat in the back row at the July 5th board meeting, making sure “their guy” was appointed President of the board.  Yes, it was the recently resigned board president, councilman, Deptford Democratic executive committee chairman and current board president putting up their signs right along side mine.  Now, if I was reading this, I’d think so what?  Here’s what: the school board is non-partisan!  Why do they need these political figures to accompany them to ask permission from residents to place their signs?  I don’t look for a party affiliation when I ask for people’s support.  Rather, I tell them my vision and if they share it they will support me.  I would like to think that if the 3 incumbents I am running against have faith in their record thus far they would feel confident about being re-elected.  But no, more bullying and strong arming.  (FYI New Jersey has one of the most strict bullying laws in the country…shouldn’t our elected leaders be the prime example?  Oh, and it applies to adult bullying too)  This just reiterates my point…..they have made no remarkable academic strides in this district to hang their hats on!  Hey, if they had I may not even be running right now!  This is now about education….FINALLY!!!  That is what I want and I know for sure it’s what this community wants and so desperately needs.  The only analogy that I can make here is this: as an educator watching our academic standing deteriorate, I feel like a doctor standing by and watching a patient die.  I have a unique perspective: I know the lingo….understand the acronyms….and write and teach the curriculum.  I can understand the daily going-ons in the classroom and know the questions to ask.   This position is voluntary and unpaid however it has had some very good perks (mostly political appointments and favors) for some of our current board members.  This position is one that you entrust the future and the daily academia of your most priced possession with.  I know this and do not take it for granted….it’s my kids too….I am always a mommy first.  Education for me is not just a job, it’s about being a lifelong learner and valuing the impact I have on our future. I challenge you, the residents, come to the next board meeting (October 16th-7:00 pm) and ask my opponents a few simple questions: Why do you want to be on the Board of Education?  Better yet, ask another…..what is your goal for this district and how will you achieve it?  And another, what are the Common Core Standards, McCrel Evaluation, the Marazano approach?  These are the current topics in education.  I know them, understand them and how they will affect your children and their teachers.  This is all relevant when you decide and  cast your vote.  I can promise you this, I am not a political puppet but I am willing to a puppet to you, the parents and your children!  I will listen and be your voice.  My husband and I are doing a grass roots campaign all on our own, for you!!!  We do not have contributions from political parties or people donating money, but we are vested for our children.  I think my motives and objectives are clear.  The only question left to ask is this:  Are you, the tax payers and parents happy with the last 3 years or do you think it’s time for a change?” It’s time to take the politics out of our children’s education!

P.S.  The OPRA request was granted.  Ralph Ross’s salary is $12,438.00 a month, is entitled to 15 sick or personal leave and 10 days vacation with full pay in each year of the contract.

Since I have a category entitled, “The Latest Happenings” and due to the fact that I had people contact me today asking for a recap of last night’s board meeting, I felt obligated to report back to the readers of this blog.  I’ll start with an objective summary and follow up with my reflections for those interested.

Summary-

An interim Business Administrator was appointed to replace Mr. O’Neill who’s contract is finished at the end of this month.  The interim will fill in from Oct-Dec at $425 per diem and will then be replaced by a permanent BA in December.  I am almost positive this is accurate, as this was an addendum to the agenda and I did not have the exact information to refer to, only my notes from the superintendent’s recommendation during the meeting.  A Kindergarten teacher at Central is leaving at some point in October and they will not be replacing her, rather they will use her salary plus about $2,000 to create a new vice principal position to be shared between 3 of the elementary schools.  Her present students will be dispersed to various other current kindergarten classes.  A person for this position was not yet named.  Mr. Ross stated we have the money already budgeted so why not use it.  (really???? sorry-I had to)  Rachel Green was the only board member to vote NO!  Mr. Condo revisited the renaming of Spartan Stadium which was a follow up to a presentation and suggestion at last month’s meeting by 2 gentleman that were coached by Mr. Corbi and Mr. Hawkins.  (this has also been a topic of discussion for a while now)  The board decided to name it after both and still include Spartan Stadium in the name as well.  A rendering was passed around with color choices for the lettering to be affixed to the present concession stand.  They are also looking to purchase a plaque with the dedication and a monument (I believe recognizing 300 wins and/or other prominent people that stood out and had a positive impact in DTHS sports-again from notes and conversations of board members-not on the agenda)  The projected cost of each was approximately- $5,300, $3,200, and $600 I believe.  Please look for minutes that should be approved in October for exact figures.  Next was the public portion.  I asked the board to please strongly consider the impact on the children that will be displaced to other classes.  Then there was some banter between Mr. Ross and me.  I tried to ask him to clarify why he stated he wanted to stay in Deptford if afforded the opportunity and spoke of working on a Race to the Top grant at the last 2 meetings, but is currently on the website and letterhead of Monroe Twp. as their interim superintendent.  I could tell he was not happy with me as he interrupted me before I could even finish my question and I had to ask him to let me finish the question before he answers.  He said he was unaware and upset that Monroe Twp. had put that out there.  He also informed me that he does not make $750 a day and did not beg Deptford to keep him.  I told him that his salary on my blog says $500 a day and he said yes, after I changed it.  I told him I was flattered that he was reading my blog and explained to him that I was told by several various people from those in the education community to a newspaper reporter that he was making $750 a day.  However, I cannot find his current salary ANYWHERE!  It’s not in any board minutes (even though every other employee’s is) and it’s not online.  To be fair I retracted the $750 shortly after posting it and put it back to the last quoted amount I could find which was in the GCT in 2010 when he was first hired.  This amount is $500.  I also apologized to him if this was distressing to him in any way.  So, Mr. Ross, if you are reading this, I apologize if this information was incorrect or misleading.  I am an adult and if I am wrong, I have no problem apologizing…I am human and do make mistakes.  In the spirit of due diligence an OPRA request has been formally filed so I can accurately report on his current salary.  Please note, he never offered the correct amount last night.  As far as him “practically begging” for Deptford to be patient and see if he could get an extension…..perhaps I could have said convinced, persuaded…to me it’s all semantics and I told him that was my perception and opinion of what I witnessed.  For that, I can’t apologize as it was truthfully the way it came across to me.  He stated that he has not signed a contract yet with Monroe Twp. and would still be interested in staying with Deptford if his extension goes through.  I thanked him for clarifying and the banter continued.  It was going on and on so I told him I think we need to agree to disagree!  A teacher also asked for the board to reconsider not hiring a replacement for the kindergarten teacher.  She also felt it would be a tough transition for both students and parents and that we are already top heavy with administration.  Mr. Ross disagreed and said that with the drugs and pregnancy and other problems, we need more administrators.  No one on the board commented.  A report was given by the president of the Football Parents Club on the amount raised at the Adelphia Light the Stadium 2nd Anniversary fundraiser which was $4,000+ and she thanked everyone for their support.  Those are the most pertinent points I believe and that I can recall.

QUESTIONS AND REFLECTIONS~

This is my journaling part:  First, it’s really been bugging me that the president of the board doesn’t really speak much at the meetings.  For the most part Mr. Ross or the board solicitor or BA usually address questions and concerns.  Maybe it’s just his personality, I don’t know him well enough to say.  He is kind when he calls on me during public session but I would really like to see him take control of the meetings and show a more active role as a leader.  It’s just odd to me.  In my experience attending board meetings in various districts it is usually the president that takes the reigns and runs the meetings.  Maybe it’s because he is new to the role?  It’s just been on my mind and each time I go, I expect him to step up a little more.  Maybe one of you insightful readers can offer some wisdom!  Sigh….

More importantly, I can promise you…I would NEVER vote YES to split up a class of 5 year olds 2 months into kindergarten to hire another administrator.  In my opinion it is not in the best interest of the students or parents.  I am not aware of, nor can I imagine an emergent situation at Central, Good Intent, Lake Tract/Shady Lane (not sure which of the 2 was the third school) that requires the need to hire a vice principal at the expense of those children!!!  Only 1 board member voted NO….WHAT ARE THEY THINKING????  Kindergarten is a difficult transition in and of itself for some children.  As a teacher I can tell you that in October those children are still learning routines and procedures.  I see NO BENEFIT TO THE KIDS with this decision.  I am still trying to process this one. President Wilson, if you are reading….WHY????  I don’t get it…is it lack of experience or the disconnect from not having small children in a while????  I can only shake my head….very disappointing!!!!  I imagine a lot of contentious community members at the next few meetings and rightfully so!  In addition, this teacher leaving is presumably at the top or near the top of the salary guide so if they hired a first year teacher to replace her, they’d most likely actually save money.  I feel like they just keep shelling out more and more money.

Speaking of Central…there was no follow up mentioned about the bus situation so I can’t say if that has been resolved.  I really thought after the last meeting with parents reporting their 4-5 year olds were on the bus for almost an hour and one child being put on the wrong bus, I thought there would be an update.  Maybe they followed up privately but as a community member I’d have liked to hear the follow up and/or corrective measures taken.  Mr. Laute, who volunteered to address this issue at the last meeting, left after executive session.  Maybe he will be able to update at the next meeting.  I think some of those football monuments could wait and use that money to put towards the requested aides on those buses.

My Spidey senses tell me there’s an ulterior motive as to why they are rushing to rename the stadium now and planning to do it at Homecoming on Nov. 2.   They aren’t even sure the plaques or lettering will be ready by then.  Perhaps they realize how strongly some feel about this and how hard some have fought for it.  The incumbents would sure look like heroes- 4 days before the election.  I have no problem with the name change.  I did not have the privilege to know Mr. Hawkins but have heard great things.  I was a cheerleader when Corbi was a coach and he coached my husband.  My husband has very fond memories and says, “Corbi made you a man!”  I just find the rush of it all to happen before election time a bit convenient.  Kudos to my opponents for a smooth move :)

As for the interim BA…well- all that was given was his name.  My thoughts were…why don’t they just have the assistant BA fill in for the next 2 months???  She just did that for the month of August while the current interim BA was not there….I think vacation but not sure??!!  They could give her a smaller stipend instead of the $16,000+ for another interim.  It just didn’t jive.  So, I came home and googled his name and almost fell off the couch.  He just finished (at the end of August)…wait for it….at MONROE TWP.  We kind of just swapped administrators, except we are paying them, him!  It’s a small world I guess!  Well, that’s all for now…please comment, follow the blog via email and SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!  The positive feedback thus far has been tremendous and fantastic and I am truly grateful for all of your support.  Be the change you want to see in the world :)