Well today's local daily has a piece on the EPA action against the local shipyard. The Standard Times reports the governmental watchdog imposed a $60,000.00 fine for late filing for apparently necessary permits.
Seems the old adage about being a day late needs to be changed to keep up with inflation.
Speaking of changes to keep up with the times ...
One change i hope will be looked at in town, one that would make sense, and one that I hit on the other day is a two a year town meeting schedule. Some one asked me why spend the money if there isn't any pressing need?
Let's use the proactive vs. reactive concept. Two town meetings spread about six months in time allows for many procedural options to be put in place. One of the more oft excuses for doing something in May will disappear. "Well we don't know if we will need a town meeting in the fall, so we might loose this opportunity." So we react to a sales pitch.
It would allow for better opportunities to plan things out, financially and otherwise. In fairness to the planning board on a recently discussed issue, I am sure the board would prefer action on the recent vote by town meeting on way or another on a date certain, rather than trying to have to guess timing on this and other zoning matters, or being forced to wait until each May. Zoning does in fact have some specific deadlines by statue on notices, public hearings, town meeting action.
Financially, the benefit would be to spread the planning for some spending based on certain actual information. One principal I agree with is the need to better deal with surplus revenue and its uses. I can envision certain policies and procedures that could be put in place to assist in its allocation for purposes other than operational costs. Designating the funds or a portion thereof to spending in the fall.
Simplified and brief explanation, however it would in my mind also help alleviate the cramming of articles that occurs from time to time in the special within the annual; and, do away with some of the rationale for the oft calling of a "special" for essentially one or two items.
Just a thought ... again ...
Speaking of thoughts, the chill in the air this morning is giving new meaning to the concept of computer freeze.
Anyway ... open line format again for today. Enjoy the weekend.
Be safe.
Simplified and brief explanation, however it would in my mind also help alleviate the cramming of articles that occurs from time to time in the special within the annual; and, do away with some of the rationale for the oft calling of a "special" for essentially one or two items.
Just a thought ... again ...
Speaking of thoughts, the chill in the air this morning is giving new meaning to the concept of computer freeze.
Anyway ... open line format again for today. Enjoy the weekend.
Be safe.
There were some interesting articles in the S-T this past week about the cost of updating the technology in local schools to enable the schools to administer PARRC tests. It was reported long ago that the actual costs of implementing Common Core would be greater than what was initially announced. Here we go- same old politics.
ReplyDeleteSome school departments will be issued federal grant money, but before we get excited we have to realize that's only money that doesn't actually exist.
I don't have a problem with schools providing students with an adequate level of technology. But I fear that while raising students up to an adequate level of technological competency schools will also be gathering personal information (intentionally or not??,) that will be used by other entities.
I understand the benefits educators claim will be provided by using updated technology, but I don't entirely believe that's the reason for the computer-taken tests.
On another matter, during HMS open house,I asked my daughter's Math teacher if the new 'Enrichment Math' plus the 'Common Core Math' equaled the level of math previously provided in the single 'advanced math' class. He didn't know. Why doesn't a math teacher know if the topics of a previous class equal the topics of the two math classes now offered? He said instructions for what is taught comes from a higher level. Why is it so difficult to get a simple answer?
Very simple answer,its a need to know basis that the educational genre feed us .Many of have the same or more educational level of of the teachers or administrator but they treat us like we dont know whats going on.Like the teacher you questioned ,he passes the buck to the heirarchy cause he doesnt know the answer.
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