Schenectady school board extends school officials' contracts Public given no input on moves Wednesday, June 24, 2009 By Michael Goot (Contact) Gazette Reporter
SCHENECTADY — The Board of Education on Tuesday voted to extend the contracts of Superintendent Eric Ely and other top administrators — with no input from the public. Ely, whose contract is up on June 30, 2011, was given an additional year to 2012. Employees who had their contracts extended to 2011 were William Roberts, assistant superintendent for operations; Associate Superintendent and High School Principal Gary Comley; Human Resources Director Michael Stricos; Chief Technology Officer Lawrence Murphy; and School Attorney Shari Greenleaf. The board adopted these contract extensions as part of its consent agenda, which took less than a minute. Board President Jeff Janiszewski was about to take a motion to adjourn the meeting when resident Bill McColl stood up to make a comment. “Would you suspend the agenda and extend the privilege of the floor to the public?” McColl said to applause. “Sir, you’re out of order. Please take a seat,” Janiszewski said. McColl repeatedly interrupted Janiszewski and asked the board to allow public comment. “You are not a member of this board. You don’t get up and hijack this meeting. I will rule on that. It is denied,” Janiszewski said, raising his voice. Outgoing board member Linda Bellick said that since members of the public had shown up — about 75 total — the board should take public comment. Some of those in the audience had waited until the board finished an executive session lasting an hour and 45 minutes to discuss “litigation.” Resident Joan Elliott expressed concern about the way the board was conducting its business. “It seems to me it would have made much more sense for the contracts to be held up and voted on when you had the two new members,” she said. New board members Joyce Wachala and Diane Herrmann will take their seats on July 1. Both had expressed concern that the board was taking these actions before the independent investigation into Steven Raucci’s alleged workplace misconduct is completed. Raucci has been indicted on 26 counts of terrorism and other charges for allegedly planting explosive devices to intimidate his enemies. The district also commissioned an independent investigation to investigate charges that Raucci harassed and demeaned colleagues. Wachala said that the board and administration has to earn the respect of the community. “I’m hoping that happens sometime very soon. Although we can extend contracts, people can always be fired,” she said. Resident Andrew Chestnut said the board had lost his trust with its violation of civil service rules in creating positions and drafting a second budget that was higher after the first one was voted down by the public. “I believe the most helpful thing you can do to help our children right now is to resign, and I call you to do so,” he said. Janiszewski’s daughter Caitlin, a graduate of the high school, defended her father and the board. “I just want to thank you, Dad, and every person on this board for putting up with this crap. ... I don’t trust the media, and I believe it’s getting worse,” she said. Maxine Brisport and Gary Farkas were the two board members who voted no on the consent agenda containing the extensions. Brisport said she believes the district should hold off on all contract extensions for six months until the district can move forward from these controversies. Janiszewski again defended Ely’s role in helping to raise district test scores and reduce disciplinary problems and said the superintendent has been the victim of “character assassination.”..............>>>>.............>>>>.................http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2009/jun/24/0624_board/
Another debacle-another opera buffo. Jeff Janisewski is finished-get out. Horrible arrogance and contempt for the City taxpayers. "We paid for these microphones". Take your horrible puppets Russo and Casino with you.
The last gasp of these dictators. Stick a pitch fork in any idiot that voted to extend any failures contract.
Editorial: Another slap from Sch'dy school board Thursday, June 25, 2009
Schenectady school officials have acted with such utter contempt toward the public over the past few months, it was hardly surprising to see the pattern continue Tuesday night when the contracts of two employees with suspect job performances — Superintendent Eric Ely and Human Resources Director Michael Stricos — were extended yet another year. Why the big rush, given that Ely’s contract wasn’t due to expire until 2011 and Stricos’ until 2010; given that two recently elected board members are due to be seated next week; given that the supposedly independent investigation into whether Ely, Stricos or other district employees knew about the terrorist activities former building and grounds supervisor Steven Raucci allegedly was engaged in is due for release shortly? It was also not surprising, though more than a bit disconcerting, to see how school board President Jeff Janiszewski treated — again, with utter contempt — the sizable crowd that had waited patiently through an hour-and-45-minute executive session and wanted to be heard. Janiszewski got into an ugly shouting match with an audience member who demanded that the board not adjourn before entertaining some public comment. Perhaps the board wasn’t legally obligated, but it would have been the reasonable thing to do under the circumstances. And given that the deed had already been done — rubber-stamping the controversial contract extensions took all of a few minutes once the executive session was over — the board had nothing to lose, except, perhaps, more respect. Not that Janiszewski, other board members, or people like Ely seem to care what the public thinks of them or the job they’ve been doing...........>>>>..........>>>>.............http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2009/jun/25/625_pritnt/
Carl Strock THE VIEW FROM HERE High style, the Sch’dy school board way Carl Strock can be reached at 395-3085 or by e-mail at carlstrock@dailygazette.com. [quote][/quote] The other night the Schenectady school board did it, and they did it in style. They extended the contract of Superintendent Eric Ely for another year beyond the two years it still had to run anyway, and they extended the contracts of five other administrators beyond the one year those had to run, without waiting for the results of an investigation into the doings of their former chief maintenance guy, Steve Raucci. That is, without waiting to see if any of those administrators might possibly be implicated in Raucci’s alleged acts of arson and terrorism — though, to be frank, the investigation is already so compromised by the board members’ advance access to it as to be meaningless. I say they did it in style because they did it with their noses in the air — without apology and without regard for the sentiments of their constituents, the long-suffering taxpayers of Schenectady, some 75 of whom turned out to observe the spectacle. First they kept those people waiting one hour and 45 minutes in the auditorium of Mont Pleasant Middle School while they took their good sweet time in one of their precious “executive sessions,” enjoying pizza and other snacks as they allegedly discussed litigation, of which there is no lack, thanks to their own actions or inactions. Then, at 8:45 p.m., after they finally made their appearance, President Jeff Janiszewski led them through a pro forma ratification of the recent election results and then, just as quickly, through a pro forma ratification of what they call their consent agenda, a list, in this case of 42 items, including the above-mentioned contract extensions, without debate, discussion or explanation. Not only no debate from the floor, but no debate or discussion among themselves. It couldn’t have taken more than a minute and a half. A few more routine items and a presentation of plaques to two outgoing board members, and President Janiszewski asked for a motion to adjourn, without so much as a nod of recognition or a “good evening, nice to see you” to the members of the public who had troubled to come out. And I’m sure he would have adjourned, too, if one of the residents, Bill McColl, a former member of the Niskayuna school board, hadn’t jumped up from the cheap seats and shouted, “Point of order! Point of order!” “There is no point of order,” Janiszewski admonished him in his most resonant and stentorian voice. (Many years ago he was “Jeff Jordan” at WGY and still has the vocal cords. “He used to be a good kid,” retired anchorman Ernie Tetrault recalls. “I don’t know what got into him.”) “You’re out of order,” he shouted over McColl as McColl continued to demand recognition. “You’re not running this board … You’re not hijacking this meeting.” After a bit of pandemonium, in which Janiszewski also shouted down board-member-elect Joyce Wachala as she too endeavored to be heard from the cheap seats, he finally relented, at the request of another board member, and imperiously consented to let a maximum of 10 people speak for a maximum of two minutes each even though there was no provision for it in the agenda. It was like the Grand Poo-Bah of Titipu condescending to hear what the peasants might have to gripe about. Except who you do you think one of the first speakers was? His own adult daughter, emotionally thanking him “for putting up with this CRAP!” And who turned on........>>>>.........>>>>..........http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....1&Continuation=1
Re what I consider criminal behavior by members of the Schenectady school board: If any of these clueless creeps have the nerve to run again, I urge my fellow voters to show them the door. .
Shhhhh, commenting on these bums will get you the title of "low class" and "Nazi."
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
Mr Silvino make sure you garage your car. Watch your front door and for any unwanted packages delivered to your home. These idiots are dangerous and crazy.
The guy who was building bombs at Mont Pleasant school for years is in jail. It is the sycophants, apologists and copy-cats you have to wonder about now. But they obviously have people in high places protecting them now, as before.
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
I am still in shock that these people are still running a public school. REALLY! I am equally as shocked that the residents aren't ALL crying FOUL!
It is just sooooo schenectady! It appears that the majority of the people who reside in the city could care less about their local government, taxes and their school system. It is almost funny to know that after the smoke clears....all of these leaders will still have their 'taxpaid' jobs. And they know that!
What the heck is the average education level for the residents in the city of schenectady? Cause it sure appears that they have NO BRAINS or COMMON SENSE!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
I want to know who's hand had his leash and then let it go???? Or....maybe he was 'willed' to someone else in 'the family' and they weren't too savvy.....
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Superintendent Ely's (who just received another contract extension through June 2012!) had to appear with legal counsel in front of the DA. The noose is tightening. It's time to serve up some indictments. No one knew nuthin? LOL.
BT is right but look at the last School Bored election. All status quo defenders were all crushed. The FBI must now get involved and look at spending for the past decade. They can't police themselves and have complete contempt for the oppressed City sheeple. Kinda like Son of Sam? "We paid for these microphones-resign in disgrace Lisa Russo, Jeffy J and Casino".
Schenectady schools chief meets with district attorney Prosecutor says interview concerned Raucci criminal investigation June 25, 2009 Updated 2:01 p.m. By Steven Cook (Contact) Gazette Reporter
SCHENECTADY — City schools superintendent Eric Ely emerged from the Schenectady County District Attorney’s office early this afternoon after a lengthy session with District Attorney Robert Carney. Ely gave a “no comment” when asked by reporters what he was doing there. He was escorted by attorney Frank Putorti. But Carney soon confirmed that the meeting was regarding retired schools facilities director and alleged arsonist Steven Raucci. Raucci faces a host of counts, accused of years of intimidation, including committing bombings and vandalism. No one was ever hurt. “Obviously we know what we’re talking about, yes, it’s the Raucci investigation,” Carney said shortly after the meeting concluded at 1 p.m.
Schenectady City School District Superintendent Eric Ely and his attorney, Frank Putorti, leave the Schenectady County District Attorney’s office early this afternoon. Watch Video» “This is just another step in the investigation. We meet with witnesses all the time.” Asked whether Ely was a witness, Carney responded “everybody at the school is a potential witness. “There really isn’t a story here, guys,” Carney told the cameras, “it’s just routine.” The embattled schools chief was just given a one-year contract extension this week by the Board of Education. His contract is now up in 2012..........>>>>...........>>>>...........http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2009/jun/25/schenectady-schools-chief-meets-district-attorney/
Crimes occurring at schools involving well connected insiders have traditionally been swept under the rug, as in Mohonasen when Jim Constantino was grabbing girls like there was no tomorrow and the school board there, and apparently some in law enforcement just looked the other way. Pretty sad but 100% true and indisputable. Come on, bring it on. I am ready. I am sure the usual suspects will cry foul with crocodile tears. I will never forget what happened because not enough people went to jail. But the truth is coming, soon enough...
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
Stratton's advice to school board By Kathleen Moore Thursday, June 25, 2009
Sometimes the best interviews just don’t turn into stories. A case in point: today’s interview with the city mayor.
He was publicly criticizing the school board, and I instantly envisioned a story in which he would discuss the lessons he’s learned over the years and advise the school board on how to develop political finesse. Alas, this was not to be — but I did end up with an interesting collection of quotes. I just have no story to put them in. “Mayor criticizes school district” isn’t a story, since he has no power over the school board, does not plan to seek any sort of power, and isn’t trying to quietly change things behind the scenes (he says the school board president doesn’t listen to him any more than any other resident). But I thought it was interesting to hear an experienced politician’s view of the recent school board activities. He acknowledged that politicians of every stripe follow the policy of “do the worst first” in hopes that controversy will be forgotten by the time the next election comes around. But with the number of controversies swirling around the district right now, he wouldn’t have added another one to the list this week by renewing administrator contracts that weren’t going to expire for years. “I would have been very careful how I handled that,” he said. “You do the worst first, but they couldn’t have picked a worse time. They’ve got the Raucci case, the budget, the Howe School closure ... That’s the mentality, that maybe they [the voters] will forget. But I don’t think they will.” He also said the board’s refusal to listen to public comment at their meeting this week showed a “lack of common sense.” He added that he wished he’d gone to the meeting. He wondered whether he could’ve gotten the board to listen to the public. “You have to control the board meeting, but you have to remember you’re elected. You can’t tell them to sit down and shut up,” he said. That’s coming from a man who has admitted to dreading some of the public comment offered during City Council meetings. But he said allowing comment is the first step to winning over the public. When passions are high, he said, let ’em talk. “Passions are absolutely strong on this entire issue,” he said. “Don’t hold an executive session and wait them out and hope they’ll all go home before you come out.” The board held an executive session for nearly two hours before the meeting at which they refused to allow public comment...............>>>>.......>>>>...........http://www.dailygazette.com/weblogs/moore/2009/jun/25/62509_stratton/
Son of Sam said? lol. Better he should clean up the SPD or fire the idiot assessor. He takes criticism so well?
Press/Media alert: First new school board meeting with reformers/Wednesday at 8pm, Black Bow theatre-SHS. Get there early a mob will be forming and seating is limited. Maxine Brisport had the nerve, the gall, to try and be the new President? ROTFLMAO!!
Meanwhile the whole City wants Jiffy Jeffy to resign in disgrace. Take horrible Lisa Russo out with you. She made a complete idiot of herself blaming the press for her failure to fire a criminal. She was booed of the stage at the last meeting. Jiffy Jeffy almost had a stroke screaming at the public.
Logged
Another debacle-another opera buffo. Jeff Janisewski is finished-get out. Horrible arrogance and contempt for the City taxpayers. "We paid for these microphones". Take your horrible puppets Russo and Casino with you. 
