Parent ‘offended’ by REA president’s recent comments
To the Editor:
I take personal exception to Mr. Michael Yannone’s letter to the editor of The Ridgewood News dated Sept. 25. In its own letter, the Board of Education’s president, vice president and two trustees clearly outlined where Mr. Yannone went wrong in his belief that the Board of Education is disrespecting our teachers.
As a parent in this district and as just one of the countless parent volunteers who has worked tirelessly to improve our schools and help our excellent teachers in and out of the classroom, I am very offended by Mr. Yannone’s words and tone. Perhaps he should take the time to go on a field trip or enjoy a parent provided meal with his teachers. Maybe he should visit an elementary school and see behind the scenes as parents and teachers work hand in hand to create amazing moments. Maybe he should attend an HSA and Board of Education meeting to hear the support of parents for their teachers. I can provide countless suggestions.
Ridgewood is a charming New Jersey town whose residents often return to their roots to raise their own children. This village attracts families from the city, such as myself, not just because of its charm or the ease of transportation, but because of the schools.
Our schools are ranked as some of the best in the state and country, yes, because of our excellent teachers but also because of how well run they are by our school board both fiscally and academically. Parents in this community constantly are concerned not only with keeping the bar high academically but in also helping teachers in any way they can to insure our children are provided the best education. Parents work hard to guarantee teachers are given the resources to achieve that goal.
Is Mr. Yannone suggesting updated books, modern technology, refurbished classrooms are not necessary for our teachers? What about our children? I understand Mr. Yannone is the advocate for our teachers, but what is education ultimately about if it is not about the education of our students?
It seems to me that our Board of Education (all volunteers by the way) does an amazing job by balancing the different interests that create our top notch school system. I know their priority is and has always been about educating our children and thereby insuring more people will be returning to Ridgewood or discovering the district’s commitment to educational excellence.
I also know that parents will be there every step of the way with our teachers and administrators to lend a hand.
Gwen Sullivan
Ridgewood
Ridgewood BOE Meets on October 5
The time of the Ridgewood Board of Education’s Regular Public Meeting on Monday, October 5, 2015, at 7:30 p.m.
Click here to view the agenda for the October 5, 2015 Regular Public Meeting.
“Disrespect” That’s a phrase used when there is no other legitimate position.
Mr. Yannone needs a math lesson in calculating what 2% means.
If your current salary is 50,000, it can increase to $51,000 (that’s 2%), of course that would leave no room for reducing your medical insurance contribution. Welcome to the real world, where math still works.
As both a Village resident and REA stooge, Mr. Yannone is more of a socialist than realist. His neighbors have suffered much during the extended great Obama recession that he cares to admit.