PLAINFIELD SCHOOLS & STATE REPORT

Here I come on my "White Charger".

The State report on PSS Personnel Practices Review has been released. Everyone should read the entire report. There is a link on Plainfield Today and it has also been posted on the PSS website.

Without going into a line by line examination of the report, there is one thing that is outstanding; The PSS and the BOE have failed in their fiduciary responsibilities to the City. The crime is magnified because it may impact on all the positive actions related to the education of the students.

Although the State has charged the PSS to created a "Corrective Action Plan" there is no timetable.

I believe that drastic action must be taken immediately!

1. The State must seize control of the PSS until there is a complete revamping. That includes superseding the BOE. There should be no change in the educational policies and work on implementation of plans in progress must be continued.
2. With or without the State in control Dr. Gallon's contract must be terminated immediately for cause. There can be no buyout. He has exhibited gross moral turpitude in the entire process of employing the gang of three.
3. All involved employees must be terminated for cause without any benefits without delay.
4. The BOE must hold an emergency meeting within the next 72 hours to accomplish the above; with or without State blessing.
5. The BOE elections should be delayed until a complete review of the structure of the BOE and recommendations of changes are made. I believe that a review board could come in with a workable solution within a maximum of 90 days.
6. There are several possibilities including no change (the poorest in view of history), an appointed board (taking into account the mayor's track record), or a compromise split between appointed and elected members (probably a novel but best solution).
7. Any change in the BOE would require approval by the electorate. A special election would have to be held ASAP to implement the changes.
   
8. This will be unpopular, but a review of the "union's impact on the PSS and BOE is indicated.
   
9. A review of all potential conflicts of interests involving BOE members as well as administrators.

Obviously the above are my opinions, I will and hope to post many opinions from readers of this blog. Please do not get vindictive and try to be constructive. We need interest that will be positive for the city not individual's agendas..