supporting the nomination of Dr Spampinato

the Source article said Sen. Richards mentioned that many e-mails indicated folks would no longer vote for senators who voted against her--Wow, what a surprise...what do they expect--probably more of the same, I guess--I can recall folks saying they were going to vote for Turnbull again because he deserved another chance--or other such reasons. Hopefully enough voters will have had enough by next November--although the last STX voting rebellion a few years ago threw out the old guys, and look what we got instead! Sad story.

That's exactly what I said in my emails. This is Wesselhoft's response. It gets really tiresome that they don't CARE what their employers - that's us, folks - want & do what THEY want all the time. When I read between the lines, what I'm seeing is they don't want to displace some people drawing paychecks for unnecessary jobs or people who would be unemployable elsewhere. We lost a good company that wanted to come in & pump money into WAPA which would have improved our electrical service, all because some were afraid (among other reasons) people would lose their jobs or the management would have looked incompetent. Instead, we're paying some of the highest rates under the US flag for the worst service under that flag. Personally, I think there's a connection. I also suspect there's another good ole boy/girl in the wings to step into the job that will continue the tradition of top-heavy administration & facilities so poor the teachers can't teach.

We also are spending some of the highest amounts per student for the schools & the kids (and in the long run, the rest of us) are getting substandard education & kids unable to get jobs because they aren't qualified. What NOBODY in the government understands & which most private companies DO understand is that if you're good in your job, you most likely won't lose it. The government is so bloated with campaign supporters & dead wood that the thought of booting some of them gives our esteemed senators the vapors.

"Thank you for your email and your interest in the education of our children. I appreciate your comments.

I am terribly worried about the state of our Department of Education. I am so concerned that I have grave misgivings about appointing a Commissioner that has demonstrated that she may not be committed to the long haul. Reform is mandatory, but longevity and consistency are also critical. Dr. Spampinato has left two positions under controversial circumstances after serving relatively short terms.

Despite my concerns, I do believe Dr. Spampinato has the potential to make a contribution to our school system. However, she is not a viable candidate for Commissioner given her track record.

The widespread community interest, both for and against this appointment, is heartening. It does, indeed, take a village to raise a child and I hope you will continue to focus your attention on our schools and our Department of Education. Studies have shown that parental involvement in our schools and in their children's education is perhaps the most crucial factor in a student's long term success. Education begins in the home with parents and family members and we must all work together to continue to encourage greater parental and community interest in our schools and in our students. The Education Commissioner is just one part of a complex puzzle and no Commissioner is able to raise test scores or make any other improvements by acting alone.

Thank you again for your comments."

Who

yes, I got the identical reply from Wesselhoff

Maybe its time for non profits to advance a plan for Charter schools In the USVI. The Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Part B, Section 502-511 allows for Federal Grants. As well as monies from the district at a per pupil basis. These school run independent of alot of the regulations required by the normal public schools. But are considered Public Education.

No dog in this battle so really not important to me but I did notice that the senators did do their due diligence by contacting local teachers unions in the cities that she had worked in. They gave her negative comments.

Like the kids always say.........like duh!!!

Good luck if you have kids in public school.

I would suggest those that do look into what Lizard suggests.

This a good example of why all who relocate here from de mainland should register to vote and get involved. I don't have any kids in school here either public or private but I do want our children to have a good education so that they can be productive, tax paying, law-abiding citizens of our society. So, come on folks... let's get registered and then come November of 2008 you can help vote the rascalls out. So you can't vote for president... big deal. I voted for Al Gore and John Kerry and look where that got me. Regardless of your political persuasion, if you live here, you should register and vote. Help make our islands a better place!

AMEN TO THAT !

i believe olasee davis wrote an article not too long ago featuring a local teacher on st.croix and the jist of the article was she saw a lizard on her desk that is viewed by locals as being the devil and she was going on about how she believes this nonsense, lol and shes a teacher in the public school system, long long way to go folks.

If they go on with the way things are, they can't complain about employers hiring stateside since they are the potential generators of the cosmic pool.