MONDAY NIGHT AT THE COUNCIL

We should be thankful that Plainfield possesses a great human asset in Bernice Paglia. Long may she continue volunteering her professional reporting about civic affairs in her blog. If it were left up to the amateurs the best we could expect would be some facts, some misinterpretations, lack of knowledge leading to inadvertent slanting of the purposes behind certain actions.Lets hope some concerned individual will provide her transportation to the Board of Education meetings. May Bernice enjoy continued good health and preserve her feistyness.

Our sympathies go out to Bill Amirault and his family on the passing of his mother-in-law.We know he would have preferred to present as scheduled the report of the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee rather than to prematurely have to leave the meeting.

Because the parents and leaders of the Tsunami Track Club wished to present before the Council at the public commentary time the City Hall Library was over crowded at the start of the meeting. The Council gave the spokesman for the club, Coach Turner, the privilege to address the Council immediately after Superintendent Gallon's presentation regarding the School system.

Tsunami's complaint was that after many years of using the Plainfield High School's second floor corridors between 6 and 8PM for practice, after the School's tract teams had finished their daily practices in those same corridors, and while the school was otherwise not occupied. the district had revoked their right.

Apparently appeals had been ineffective and the group was appealing to the Council to use political influence on the BOE and School Administration. Dr. Gallon who had stayed for this presentation responded by stating the problem was one of a lack of communication, inferring that Tsunami had not properly approached the School Administration and BOE. He stated that he had the legal power to approve what he described as a great program and would do so. Then he qualified his remarks by stating he would not be pressured into making that decision at any Council meeting, but only after "proper communication" with his office by Tsunami, and positive BOE action.

I would consider that the Tsunami groups appearance at that particular Council session did have the desired effect, all that is needed is a little " face saving".

My "slanted impression" of Superintendent Gallon's presentation before the Council was one of listening to a fiery Preacher delivering a sermon. 5 focal areas, 95 "merit?" (I do not remember the exact term) points were expounded as both short term and long term goals to return the system to academic respectability.

Dr Gallon stressed communication as a major required factor, not as much as output from the district but as input from the public and parents. This policy would be meritorious, however other interested local blogers have decried their frustrations in being listen to by the district. Perhaps the fault lies in subordinates who abuse their perceived position of "power" but as Harry Truman stated " The buck stops here" , meaning at his desk.School districts administrators who are give a great deal of autonomy and authority should abide by the same concept.

Regarding the Plainfield School District. It is autonomous from the City Government, neither the Mayor or Council have any authority over it. Years ago when the City voters approved an elected board rather than one appointed by the Mayor with Council approval The District became autonomous subject only to the structure of the State Educational System. It does not matter that the successful candidates for the BOE are 99% elected from slates selected by the city Democratic Party Committee leadership. nor does the local government have any say in the Districts budget which is reflected as part of our tax bill.