Left In Lowell

Tonight’s two-hour debate School Committee Candidate’s forum sponsored by the Citywide Parent Council gave me a great opportunity to learn a bit more about the incumbents and learn a lot about the challengers.

I watched the proceedings which took place at the High School, was televised on Channel 22, Lowell Educational Television. Questions came from CPC panelists, a UTEC representative, audience member and via e-mail from those of us who were watching at home. I figured the Sox were going to lose and I wanted to pay more attention to this extremely important campaign.

The participants looked relaxed so it made for an informative evening. The format gave the candidates an opportunity to answer questions in detail, rebut others’ responses, All of them were required to answer the first two questions and then the questions were directed to one individual. I did not record the forum but I took notes, so I hope that I am reading my notes properly. If I misrepresent any of the positions, I hope that I am corrected.

The first question got to the heart of the matter: The Superintendent’s performance and would you vote to renew her contract.

Jackie Doherty: Praised the Superintendent for her curriculum development, excellent fiscal management, teacher’s instruction. She would vote Yes to renew the Superintendent’s contract.

Regina Faticanti: Gives the Superintendent poor marks for communications with staff, teachers; wants her to be involved with the community and the university. She would vote No to renew the Superintendent’s contract.

John Leahey: Believes that the Superintendent is doing a good job with the curriculum and quality of education in our schools. Wants to see what the her future plans are for the high school before deciding how he will vote on renewing her contract.

Jim Leary: Has the utmost respect for Superintendent’ curriculum knowledge and her dealings with the Department of Education. He wants to develop a comfort level regarding the issues of promoting from within before he deciding on how he will vote on renewing her contract.

Connie Martin: Believes that the Superintendent is extremely talented and has brought higher expectations and higher achievements to our schools. She would vote Yes to renew the Superintendent’s contract.

Kevin McHugh: Is impressed with the Superintendent’s work ethic, the level of student achievement and her financial knowledgeable. Wants to wait for hear her plans, goal and vision before making final decision but is hoping to support her.

Dennis Canney: Believes that the Superintendent is doing an adequate job. His area of concern are communications; selection process; perception that “no lowell teachers need apply.” And for the contract renewal, he will reserve his comment to when he is elected and has had a chance to work with her.

David Conway: He stated that in order for staff to drive curriculum in a positive way, they need to feel that they are respected and have opportunity. He stated that 70% of principals are coming from outside and that causes problem for morale. At this time he thinks it is irresponsible, since he is not yet elected, for him to say whether he would extend or not extend the contract.

First, kudos to three women for letting us know exactly where they stand on the issue of the Superintendent’s contract. As for the men, please tell us where you are leaning. I hope at the next forum/debate, perhaps Thursday night when they are on the Sun’s internet talkshow, they will be more forthcoming. Maybe the question should be if you had to take a vote today, how would you vote?

The second question was What did they think were the Strength and Weaknesses of LHS.

For the most part everyone had the same type of answers for the strength: Diversity, variety of programs; small learning communities, Regina Fatincati named the schools’ headmaster, Bill Samaras a strength. . As for weakness, Jackie Doherty pointed to not enough students taking honor classes; and lack of systematic effort to making college accessible to more students.

The question drew an emotional responses from two LHS alumni, Connie Martin and Dennis Canney. Although I do not have some of the fond memories they do, I am in total agreement with Ms. Martin and Ms. Fanticanti, that school needs to remain downtown. Well, at this rate we will not have the funds to build a new school so I am not all that worried.

Some of the other questions asked were about parent involvement; disruptive students; special programs/alternative schools; construction of new schools; MCAST scores; overdue repairs and playgrounds; partnership between Lowell schools and local colleges (that brought up the most debate); science teachers in elementary schools, better labs at LHS, fund science curriculum; special education services compared to high achiever resources; safe schools; extended day; communication/relation between School Committee and City Council; net school spending; LHS drop out rate and age limit regulations; moving LHS from downtown.

If you have a chance to watch a replay of the forum, I would strongly recommend it. It will be extremely beneficial in deciding how you will vote. Remember the quality of public schools not only impact the students who attend Lowell schools but impact the economy and the quality of life of the entire City.