posted by Mike Madison at 12:26 PM /
On his first day on the job, Mt. Lebanon Superintendent John R. Allison will meet the public.
His first day, July 9, is also the date of the school board's July discussion meeting. Mr. Allison said that's just fine with him since he's ready to roll up his sleeves and get down to learning the business of the district.
"My first steps really are to listen and learn," Mr. Allison said.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07165/793802-55.stm
Use the comments to post your welcome messages to Mr. Allison. Like Frasier Crane, he's listening.
Labels: school district
36 Comments:
I find it interesting that all of the principal positions were filled yet Dr. Pam Pulkowski was told that she could not continue in her position because the new superintendent would want to pick his own administration. Did she even get the opportunity to meet with the new superintendent to stay in her position? Why wasn't she given a principal postion...she certainly is qualified. Too bad we are losing such a dynamic educator over politics.
Welcome Aboard! MTL is a great place and we only fuss because we care.
I met with Mr. Allison during the interviewing process, and I can certainly say that Mt. Lebanon will be very happy with him. Welcome aboard Mr. Allison!
Did anyone understand why the PTA President was so upset at the last televised School Board meeting? She referred to someone claiming the PTA had been promised a new high school. She explained that this was totally false. Does anyone know what this was about? I only watched about half the meeting on t.v. and am wondering if I missed something.
Aon 7:58 a m
What you missed was a rumor going around Mt. Lebanon about a PTA school board candidate. Mrs. Birks got a phone call from someone claiming to overhear a board member saying a PTA school board candidate was promising a new high school. Mrs. Birks did not claim to hear the conversation herself, just that someone told her that.
Mrs. Birks was upset that a board member would reflect on the reputation of the candidate and the PTA.
I heard the candidate was promising a new stadium too.
I have heard more than once that two candidates, one of whom is an incumbent and the other closely associated with the PTA, have been overheard stating that there will be a NEW high school, not any kind of renovation.
AON 9:11
You say “Two candidates” are promising a new high school, one an “incumbent,” Hmm!
Incumbents are Walton, Rose and Garson.
Walton waits and votes “Yes.”
Rose said at the candidate’s night at Jefferson School, “I am in favor or all things green.” Remodeled buildings are green too.
What did Garson say?
Different train of thought here regarding Mr Allison. Its my understanding that the contract for the school Athletic Director was just renewed last night for three years. This was done after the Board had made a decision last decision to not force the new superintendent to be burdened by contracts that he did not directly approve.
Not only this, but there were THREE families last night that felt compelled to speak out against the treatment they received from this guy. Two of those families went to the AD in what they thought was complete confidence and he breached that confidence on both occasions opening up the families to retaliation and harrassment.
Typically these types of things I might just dismiss as rumor or inuendo but last night you had parents that mustered the courage to speak out in a public forum about their issues and put their families at even more risk of retaliation. They did this because they had legitimate concerns. Yet, the School Board decided to renew the contract. Mr. Rodella was downright rude to those who spoke.
There were only three people that voted against this contract and they were the three men that were most newly elected. Kudos to them, especially Mr Hart who spoke very clearly and emphatically about his concerns with the AD. One school board member who voted to approve the three-year contract said that it was not her job to evaulate how well the AD does her job. That the Board should would simply rely on the recommendation of the school principal. Excuse me! Were you elected so that you could ignore the concerns of the people in Mt Lebanon? At the very least this vote should have been delayed so Mr. Allison could review the contract and make a decision for himself. As it stands now, we just gave a $300,000 contract to an AD that clearly has at least some ethical issues that need to be worked out.
*CitizenA*
Another contract renewed before the new superintendent arrives. And this one is even questionable with parental objections
....yet another example of how Dr. Pam Pulkowski is being treated unfairly...discriminated against...why?
Dr Pulkowski has the credentials, interpersonal skills, experience, successful outcomes, integrity,,,she is ethical with a flawless reputation.........yet her contract is not renewed? Someone needs to intervene fast before we lose her.
The PTA is so eager to stand up and support administration on so many issues...yet losing an child advocate like this has not been addressed?
She has brought so many grants into the Mt. Lebanon school district and has been recognized as a leader and expert in the field of ESL (English as a Second Language)...who is going to handle this in our school district? Are these children and families not important?
Where is the PTA Council on this issue. I say stop worrying about stupid rumors and deal with some real issues!
Anon 9:07 - Have you spoken out in favor of Dr. Pulkowski? I only remember 3 or 4 people speaking at a meeting in the fall. I don't know Dr. Pulkowski, but I would suggest going to the next public meeting and asking why the Athletic Director was given a new contract before the new Superintendent arrived and Dr. Pulkowski was not. Ask for the specific criteria used for both positions and why the board renewed one and not the other. Ask Mr. Rodella and Dr. Wilson to explain the rationale so that we could all understand. People become tired of fighting the School Board and School District. From your comments it seems like the district is losing a valuable employee. Ask why and let the office holders explain themselves.
Anon 12:33
Someone has definitely spoken out in favor of Dr Pulkowski. Even at last nights meeting someone came to her defense just as the previous poster did.
The rationale for not renewing Dr Pulkowski's contract is that this position reports directly to the Superintendent and the Board does not want to saddle the new Super with a contract for someone he may not want.
The rationale for renewing the contract of the AD was that it was recommended to them by the Principal of the high school and since this person does not report directly to the Super then the Board would simply rely on the recommendation given to them. They did this without regard to the new Super coming into town for next month's meeting...almost like they dont want him to have to think about this.
Folks, the Board cant have it both ways. This is a classic case of them speaking out of both sides of their mouths...remember who voted against the AD contract...Hart, Remeley, and Silhol. Hart tried his best to at least get the vote delayed to have the new Super be on board but it just wasnt going to happen.
Regardless if you are for or against the AD, this contract, in my opinion, should have been voted on with the new Super present and accounted for.
If there is a movement out there to support Dr. Pulokowski, I dont know when her official contract is up, but perhaps there can be some sort of organized support for her at the next Board meeting. Mr. Allison should be there to hear the public comments.
*CitizenA*
The director of HR and all three newly hired principals report directly to the superintendent. The "reason" for recent hires has nothing to do with who reports to whom. It's another example of "spin" to justify double talk, misrepresentations, and hypocisy.
Dr. Pulkowski stated publicly that the decision to "open" her position was part of a three-year pattern of harassment that began the day of the Sable buyout. Do you think the EEOC will not recognize this gender and age bias when 7 males, Grogan, Scheuer, 3 elementary principals, and the superintendent-elect are all males and all but one younger than she is?
Every administrator Dr. Sable hired is gone: Dr. Jansante, Mr. Barone, Mrs. Allison, and soon, Dr. Pulkowski. Ending Dr. Pulkowski's contract is all about removing every trace of Dr. Sable.
Check the dedication plaques in the renovated schools. You won't find Sable or Pulkowski's names. But you will finding an acting superintendent and acting assistant supertendent listed.
The "old boy," Wilson, passed over for years, is praised as the savior of the district. What has he done in three years? What has he done in 25 years?
Yet, every improvement Dr. Sable brought is still in place: writer's worksop, an elementary reading program, elementary world language, a comprehensive K-12 counseling program, reading specialists for struggling students at every school, the strategic plan, and Baldrige. Yet, we were told she was harming the district!
The board and "old boys" will continue to do whatever they want knowing that all they have to do is endure a meeting or two with a handful of people who object to their actions before all is forgotten.
The school board meeting wasn't shown today because Joe Rodella refused to broadcast negative comment about personnel. Now television is a cheerleading event instead of showing what happened.
Regarding the three families that spoke out against the AD...At least two of those families have bad-mouthed the AD and the swim coach in public many times before last evening. Just because a few parents don't like a coach does not mean that he or she should be fired by the AD. Those parent's complaints are only ONE side of the story.
Anon 7:43 - Would you please fill us in on both sides of the Athletic Director conflict. I have young children and am not privy to the information regarding various coaches. Could you shed some light on the situation?
Thanks!
I admire the parents that spoke out publically about a concern. This must have been very difficult. I am afraid to speak out at a meeting for fear of retaliation.
Thank you to those individuals who have posted to this blog in support of my work and continued employment with the Mt. Lebanon School District. As I stated repeatedly at televised board meetings and in personal letters to board members, my desire is to be permitted to remain at Mt. Lebanon and continue the work I have begun with grant writing, English as a Second Language, and summer programs.
In December a recommendation was made and approved to "open" the position I hold, Associate Superintendent. "Opening" my position was a euphemism for ending my employment.
Despite entreating the board to consider the quality of my work, documenting grant funds I secured that more than compensated the taxpayers for my salary, and asking for the opportunity for the new superintendent to work with me and evaluate my performance, my contract is ending July 1, 2007.
Community members, parents,and students have come to public meetings and confirmed the value I bring to the District. I know of teachers, district employees, civic leaders and administrators who sent letters to board members or called them asking that I be retained, all to no avail. But, thank you for your encouragement and support.
I was told that my position was "opened" to allow the new superintendent to reorganize the administration. Yet, every administrative position has been replaced or extended without giving the new superintendent any opportunity to "reorganize."
I would welcome the opportunity to have Mr. Allison assign new or existing job responsibilities to me, document my work, and evaluate my performance. If he finds my skills, experience, and education lacking, the job responsibilities he assigns to me unnecessary, or my performance unsatisfactory, I will seek other employment.
The board still has the opportunity to continue my employment; it is my fervent wish that this happen and we move forward together.
To Anon 7:43pm. And just what is the other side of the story? I don't think you know either side . If you truly cared, you would seek out the facts before pontificating.
You apparently, actually obviously, did not attend last nights meeting, nor will you likely see it on channel 19 (it is not being shown for unstated reasons).Seek out the parties, establish all the relevant facts and then express your opinion accordingly.Don't criticise dissention or complaint based on offered evidence based on your speculation or bias.
And,if you truly stand behind your beliefs , identify yourself and don't hide behind the cover of anonymity.
John Ewing said:
Bill Lewis, you don't suppose AON 7:43 pm is one of those parents who has figured out the formula do you? You know the one, Shhh! Be quite! Don't say anything negative! Tell half-truths about people school officials don't like and get BENEFITS for your kids.
Also, I heard that Dr. Pam Pulkowski was shorted on her 4 minutes speaking minutes when she spoke to the school board. I was told the time for handing out papers to the board was subtracted from her speaking time. The last time Bill Matthews spoke to the Board he said he went to Kinko's and handed out a Report to the Board. While he was handing out his report Rodella told him his time was running. To me this confirms the Pulkowski information.
Adding insult to injury Bill Matthews prepared an 11 page report and was summarizintg page 11. The sumary was not complenentary to the TIF plan. Rodella interrupted him and told him his RED LIGHT was burning as it was obvious he was about finished. This RED LIGHT is not only useful in cdutting off the people who pay the school bills, it interupts people Rodella doesn't want to hear.
Rodella is good at telling us he is our neighbor. I'll believe him when his actions match his words!
John Ewing
Watching the school board meeting on television and I am appalled that Dr. Pulkowski was not mentioned for her years of service along with other employees that will be leaving the district at the end of the month...While others were being thanked for their service, she is working until her last day, July 1, 2007...presently in Harrisburg seeking support for Classrooms for the Future that will benfit all of the Mt. Lebanon children thanks to her grant writing success. She wrote the 1.6 million dollar grant that was awarded and she is representing the school district of Mt. Lebanon. How much more dedicated and professional can one be? She will finish her last week as an invited speaker at the Multiple Voices, Multiple Cultures Conference sponsored through the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Penn State University. Other invited speakers are national and state experts in ESL. And we are letting her walk out the door...I am surprised she wasn't told to not let it hit her on the way out! What a shame. How embarrassing that she would be treated so unfairly and discriminated against so blatently.
I am curious. If Dr. P is so good, why has she not found a new job yet? I heard she is looking very very hard with very little luck.
Interesting, don't you think?
Interesting, yes, but not at all in the way that Anon 9:08 p.m. seems to imply. Anon is taking an unjustified shot at Dr. P. But if you're in Dr. P's position, and if you're looking for a new position, at every turn you have to answer the following question: You're a senior administrator with an excellent track record at a well-funded, high performing school district. Why are you looking for a new job? And if I call your former supervisor (Dr. Wilson), what will he say about you? The decision to re-open her position leaves Dr. P with no compelling answers.
Anonomous posters keep saying that the "three families" that had the "courage" to speak up at a public meeting ....are being opened up to "retaliation and harassment"....what retaliation and harassment?
Three families don't "get " what they want and there's a problem with school officials? Three families don't have their every wish and whim granted and they are the objects of retaliation and harassment?
What about the majority of parents who are happy with the AD, their coaches or whatever....
Linda Wilson Fuoco
In Mt. Lebanon - each and every student matters!
Ah yes, each and every student does count, but each and every parent can not get exactly what they want. Why would the wishes,whims and dissatisfaction of the negative three "win out" over the majority?
And once again, where is the retaliation and harassment?
Linda Wilson Fuoco
AON 9:08 – Dr. Pulkowski is well qualified to hold a high position in a good school district – the kind of district where 40 people may apply for just one job.
Act 1 has limited millage increases causing districts to consider layoffs and building closings.
Her Contract runs out July 1, 2007.
The June 2007 board voting meeting is passed.
Of course she is looking for a job but her post here says she would like to stay in LEBO.
Her PTA President and a Pastor spoke well of her before the board as did the ESL students who were in the program she was responsible for – and they said it in English.
Opps! That is meeting or exceeding expectations in the Administrator’s Pay-for-Performance Agreement.
So why are you asking if this is interesting instead of tragic?
Linda,
There are MANY, MANY people who are not happy with the AD, school board and so on.
It just so happens that these 3 families put themselves and thier children out there because they have had enough. I respect them for this. They brought fourth evidence and followed the proper channels without resolution. They are frustrated and it is very understandable.
It's a shame that others with valid complaints choose to whine and complain but not stand up for themselves.
I must say you are absolutely oblivious if you do not know that in sports, in all districts, there are reprocussions if you speak out against the coach. Coaches are not always fair and honest. They are human too.
If a question is raised why a coach was hired to work with our children when there was possible prior misconduct, I would absolutely want an answer. We are intrusting our children with this coach---we deserve the truth.
I have been in the district for over 5 years now and have heard nothing positive about John Grogan. I have listened and reserved my judgement.
With some interesting handlings of student athletes (football player coming drunk to play a game and the incident with the basketball players being citationed for drinking then being allowed to play in the WPIAL playoffs) I have now formed my opinion.
I absolutely applaud the parents for standing up and questioning the "powers that be."
How do you know that there was a football player who came to play a game drunk? How do you know for sure that a player received a citation. Unless the football player was your son, than I'm pretty sure you have just chosen to believe a rumor. Shame on you.
"It is a general popular error to imagine the loudest complainers for the public to be the most anxious for its welfare!"
Author Unknown
That would be Edmund Burke.
Edmund Burke was borne in Dublin some 278 years ago. He is often called the father of conservatism, reflecting the central passion throughout his writings and speeches--opposition to arbitrary power, especially in the hands of the government, with its "officious, universal interference" in people's lives. (Gary M. Galles)
Burke also said:
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.
Anonymous said: Author Unknown.
Heh. I think this pretty much epitomizes anonymous posting. An unknown person posting a quote by an "unknown" author. The post should really have said, Author unknown to me.
30 seconds with Google would have told you that the quote is actually from 18th century Irish statesman Edmund Burke.
When questioned about the renewal fo the AD's contract Mr. Rodella continued to say that the board had taken the recommendation of (our lame-duck superintendent)Dr. Wilson. At other times during his convoluted defense of this contract Mr. Rodella stated that the AD reports directly to high school principal. So why did we never hear anything about whether or not the AD's direct supervisor agreed with and approved this decision?
Joe, during the meeting, Ms. Rose defended voting for the contract because, and I am paraphrasing here, "he comes recommended by his supervisor and I trust his supervisor and I dont want to micromanage".
His supervisor is the Principal. But was he reviewed/recommended by the current principal or the one that left?
Just another reason this contract probably should have waited for Mr. Allison's input.
*CitizenA*
Mrs. Fuoco you ask, “Why would the wishes, whims and dissatisfaction of the negative three "win out" over the majority?
Are the negative three the three parents who spoke or the three board members who voted NO on the Contract?
Dissatisfaction is not subject to a vote unless it's Election Day.
If your child had a classroom problem would you expect 19 other parents to say your child could not transfer to another class? In this case that can't be done.
I haven’t seen emotions in a meeting this high since the board held hearings to close elementary schools about 1979.
Holy smokes...I am not sure how I didnt make the connection but Mr Allison's first day will be the next board meeting. I wonder how much spillover emotions there will be from the last meeting.
Mr. Allison will probably learn quite quickly what he has just walked himself into.
Welcome to Mt Lebanon, now about that AD contract...
As Mr. Matthews says, we blog because we care.
One question I have, after viewing the Board meeting on TV, I wonder if the president had ever had an off night like the one he had last meeting...and by 'off' I mean 'inconsiderate'.
*CitizenA*
Dr. Pulkowski is one of the best human beings that has been affiliated with this district. She cares about the students, and she is willing to offer guidance and advice to the teachers in the building. I wish that more administrators in this district could be as good as her. She is going to be missed significantly...
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