My only problem with the advocates for change is the north-south “issue” I was a substitute in the district and I can recall no favoritism in resource allocation nor any warehousing of good vs not so good teachers down “south” Teachers are, as a rule, excellent in New Rochelle. I think the issue is more of a lack of critical focus on the needs of a large percentage of “south” students (perhaps some need for differntiation of curricula) coupled with a district and administration that seems to want to end any debate. Taxes, a lack of information on upcoming major capital expenditures given our system is overcrowded as is, and disappointing results on recent State and REgent exams compared to county compel this.

I know Carlos Sanchez and he is a fine man and deserves our attention. I know Noam Bramson and he is a fine man who I am sure will be committed to his words on “one city” and welcome open and fair debate. Give Carlos a proper forum if one is required but also know as the previous repondent says that blogs are part of the fabric of our society and are not a bad thing at all

warren gross

Thank you for your comments and insights. I thought you may be interested in mu latest blog entry: http://hallmonitor.lohudblogs.com/2008/08/07/inequity-in-the-new-rochelle-schools/

All the best,
Diana Costello

Ironically, while complaining about the blogger not identifying themselves, Mr. Daly fails to reveal his dual role in the District. What readers here should know is that Mr. Daly is not only the head of the teachers union in New Rochelle but was recently elected as the head of the PTA as well, a blatant conflict of interest which would not be tolerated in a School District with any integrity. Given Mr. Daly’s dual role, parents who might have gone to the PTA for help with a complaint about a particular teacher now know that their complaint is going directly to the head of the teachers union. Just another example of the many conflicts of interest which are often the hallmark of corruption.

It would seem to me that as an educator, Mr. Daly would be aware that the United States has a long and storied tradition of anonymous publications going back to the days of the pamphleteers of Colonial America and the Federalists Papers which were published under pseudonyms. The union movement in the 19th century was often advanced through anonymous publications. The police today rely on the “crime stoppers” program to obtain information anonymously. Newspapers regularly rely on anonymous sources. There are whistleblower laws. State and federal judges routinely uphold the application of the First Amendment to protect anonymous speech.

Instead of concerning himself with outing anonymous bloggers or calling into question the First Amendment rights of New Rochelle residents, perhaps Mr. Daly should be more concerned with addressing the concerns of parents and other stakeholders in the District regardless of the source of those concerns or the agenda of that source.

An anonymous post is a reliable and frequently used technique in any attempt to seek information, including social science. Some citizens might feel uneasy about providing information posted along with their name. I have read the posts and some of the information posted reminds me of my own experience as a student in the New Rochelle school system.

Equity in education is still a concern for many of us who follow educational reform issues. It is a legitimate national concern. In my opinion, the goal of improving the educational opportunities for our children outweighs concerns for anonymous posts.

Lovelle Ruggiero, Ph. D.
Teacher Isaac Young Middle School, New Rochelle

Martin Daly, President of the New Rochelle FUSE