Reform

Jon Pelto Is The Cause Of His Own Complaints … Again

Jon Pelto would poison a well and then blame you for buying the antidote—metaphorically speaking, of course. The “Education Blogger” is at it again, playing political games with our children’s futures, railing against Common Core. This time, Pelto takes issue with the state’s decision to spend some money on educating the public about Common Core,… Continue reading Jon Pelto Is The Cause Of His Own Complaints … Again

Students

Third “State of the Schools” Meeting Will Also Feature Bully Prevention Presentation

About two weeks ago, Superintendents Paul Vallas began a new series of “State of the Schools” community meetings–much like the ones held shortly after he came to the district. So far, Vallas has been to both Jettie S. Tisdale and Black Rock Schools. The third community meeting will be held at Luis Muñoz Marín School… Continue reading Third “State of the Schools” Meeting Will Also Feature Bully Prevention Presentation

Bridgeport · Students

Is It Ok for the BEA Contract to Use the Term “Mentally Retarded Children?”

Mayor Bill Finch told reporters earlier this year that Superintendent Paul Vallas has “never seen a contract as bad as this.” Believe it or not, Vallas may be on to something… I’m not quite sure what part of the contract he was referring to; however, after reviewing the contract myself, I noticed a few lines… Continue reading Is It Ok for the BEA Contract to Use the Term “Mentally Retarded Children?”

Bridgeport · Students

Carmen Perez-Dickson Termination Hearing: Were the Tapes Doctored?

During Friday’s termination hearing, Tisdale Principal Carmen Perez-Dickson claimed she thought the tapes were “doctored.” The three now infamous tapes allegedly show the Tisdale Principal “manhandling” two kindergarten students under her care. In order to protect the student’s identities, none of the tapes were released to the public. During Perez-Dickson’s retelling of the February 19th… Continue reading Carmen Perez-Dickson Termination Hearing: Were the Tapes Doctored?

Students

Groundbreaking Celebration at the New Roosevelt School Draws a Crowd

Thursday’s groundbreaking celebration drew quite a crowd. Over 200 Roosevelt students, parents, teachers and community members were in attendance. The festivities included performances by Roosevelt’s band, as well as their chorus, who sang “Bridgeport Reach” – A song written by Central High School’s choir about Bridgeport students. Mayor Finch, Superintendent Paul Vallas, and Board of… Continue reading Groundbreaking Celebration at the New Roosevelt School Draws a Crowd

Budgets · Students

Bridgeport Schools to Receive $11 million in Federal Grants

Tuesday, Superintendent Paul Vallas announced Bridgeport Public Schools will receive an $11.1 million federal grant over the next three years. The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Education’s Magnet Schools Assistance Program. The district will receive $3.2 million in the first year, and then $3.9 million in the second and third years. This… Continue reading Bridgeport Schools to Receive $11 million in Federal Grants

Bridgeport · Hartford · Reform

Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Vallas Case

“It ends here. We know there is nowhere else to go.” Norman Pattis, the attorney representing Carmen Lopez and Deborah Williams-Reyes said this during Monday’s arguments to the state Supreme Court. He’s right. Monday was the last stage in a long process, and now it is up to the Supreme Court to determine whether they… Continue reading Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Vallas Case

Students

Community Member Speaks Out in Support of FUSE at Dunbar

A recent editorial by the Connecticut Post’s Hugh Bailey implied the recent changes at Dunbar school were not community supported, citing the recent primary results—where only a few hundred votes were casted—as proof. An actual member of the East End community, Bishop Richard Griffith, responded by writing a letter in support of Dunbar’s turnaround plan.… Continue reading Community Member Speaks Out in Support of FUSE at Dunbar

Bridgeport · Reform

The Atlantic Reveals WFP Looking to Oust Vallas

Last week Andre Baker, Working Families Party and Democratic candidate for Bridgeport’s school board, told the Connecticut Post that he would be willing to work with Superintendent Paul Vallas. [Connecticut Post, 9/12/2013] That may not be the case, according to an article posted on The Atlantic’s website Tuesday. [The Atlantic, 9/17/2013] According to the Working… Continue reading The Atlantic Reveals WFP Looking to Oust Vallas

Reform

My Commentary on The Atlantic’s Coverage of the Bridgeport School Board Election

On Tuesday, The Atlantic offered a one-sided commentary on Bridgeport’s Board of Education primary election results. The article opens with the statement: “Progressives and unions say a primary in Connecticut last week shows momentum is turning against the corporate-backed charter-school movement.” [The Atlantic, 9/17/2013] Of course, unions and the Working Families Party would promote their… Continue reading My Commentary on The Atlantic’s Coverage of the Bridgeport School Board Election