The Monadnock School Taxpayers Association has found a new ally in their quest to discredit and dismantle public education. Finding no support for their agenda within their hometowns of Richmond and Swanzey, The Monadnock School Taxpayers Association (Neil Moriarty, Dan Connell and Dick Bauries) have “outsourced” their crusade to be paid for by the residents of the town of Sullivan.
As recently reported in the Keene Sentinel the Town of Sullivan has retained the services of lawyer Beth Fernald and formally submitted complaints to the NH Attorney General’s Office.
Here is a review of pertinent excerpts of the Sullivan Selectmen’s meetings as posted on their website. Of particular interest is April 2 wherein the meeting was attended by Neil Moriarty, Dan Connell and Dick Bauries; three out-of-town visitors with an agenda to discredit our schools. Mr. Moriarty has already been called to task (both in Sentinel Editorial by name and in the NEASC report in general) for confusing his elected duties with his private agenda. It will be interesting to see what this latest gaffe will lead to.
1/29- K. Lazzaro stated the recent letter mailed to the townspeople, by the Selectmen, which listed several spending issues within the MRSD was an eye-opener. He thanked the Selectmen for their time in putting together the publication.
T. Aho spoke briefly about historical pay increases, health insurance cost sharing and the early-retirement program. On the topic of the MC2 School, it was noted that there have been only four graduates from the program since its inception five years ago. The current projected budget for the 2007-2008 school year is approximately $729,000 which would be used to educate sixteen students. It is not believed outlying districts will participate in the program as the grant funding has expired.
Feb 12 - T. Aho spoke briefly regarding the school warrant article to place funds into an expendable trust. As originally questioned by Bill Hasbrouck (Gilsum Selectmen) and incorrectly answered during the deliberative session held February 3, 2007, the funds can be spent without public approval; the only requirement is an informational hearing. On another matter, T. Aho stated that the Monadnock Taxpayers Association is considering researching the legality of the current early retirement program within the school district and may propose the legal fees be divided among the interested towns within the district.
Feb 26 - T. Aho spoke briefly about MRSD enrollment figures for Sullivan students and the role of Dixie Gurian during her tenure serving on the Monadnock Regional School Board. It was noted that the early retirement program as well as the practice of the health insurance rollover into salary figures in the years prior to retirement began during this time.
March 19 - R. Hotchkiss stated that he was in the beginning stages of the composition of the committee to investigate the feasibility of withdrawal of the Town from the Monadnock Regional School District. On another matter involving the school district, R. Hotchkiss recommended the Selectmen charge attorney Beth Fernald with the investigation into the matter of the current early retirement program and its legality. R. Labadie and C. Labadie concurred; R. Hotchkiss will schedule a meeting with b. Fernald.
March 26- R. Hotchkiss spoke briefly of a recent meeting with Beth Fernald regarding the early retirement program currently in place with the school district. B. Fernald will research the matter and report all findings.
April 2- T. Aho explained to the Board that he, along with members of the Monadnock Taxpayers Assoc. [Ed note: Neil Moriarty and Dan Connell, Dick Bauries were in attendance], sought the Selectmen’s attendance at a meeting held by the City of Keene on Tuesday, April 3, where the topics of N.H. Retirement System (NHRS) funding and School Adequacy (defining) would be discussed with State Senator Molly Kelly. T. Aho has a conflicting School Board meeting at the time of the meeting in Keene. T. Aho handed the Selectmen a copy of a letter addressed to Senator Kelly.
D. Bauries spoke briefly on the subjects of the NHRS funding within the school district and the practice of spiking health insurance (there are currently 10 to 11 cases being reviewed by NHRS). The increase in funding to the NHRS this coming school year (2007-2008) is 57%, with the employers (school district) contribution of $612,000. Another 57% ($349,000) increase in funding NHRS is slated for next year.
April 9- R. Hotchkiss stated he received correspondence from Beth Fernald regarding the investigation of the MRSD early retirement program. B. Fernald sought permission from the Board of Selectmen to pursue the opinion of another attorney (an expert in the matter). Both R. Hotchkiss and R. Labadie felt the expense was prudent. R. Hotchkiss will advise B. Fernald to proceed.
June 11-R. Hotchkiss stated that he received a draft copy of a letter written by attorney Beth Fernald addressed to the Monadnock Regional School District regarding the District’s early retirement program. He requested all Selectpersons to review the letter and contact him by Wednesday, June 13 with any comments.
July 9- R. Hotchkiss distributed a copy of the letter written by Beth Fernald addressed to the Monadnock Regional School District regarding the matter of the District’s Early Retirement Program and asked that it be included as an attachment to the meeting minutes. The Board of Selectmen concurred that the letter accurately reflects their opinion and concerns on the matter.
August 6- Tim Aho (MRSD board member) telephoned to speak with R. Hotchkiss regarding a recent decision made by the school district to expend $400,000 ($100,000 for teacher bonuses and the remainder to administrative pay increases). The school district was able to find a new health insurance provider which resulted in a savings of $400,000 over the current provider. The Selectmen noted that in normal circumstances any savings (or surplus) would be returned to the taxpayers by deducting the surplus amount from the school budget the following year (less to be raised by taxation).
August 13- T. Aho spoke of the recent decisions made by the school board to expend the savings amassed from switching health insurance providers.
Regarding the matter of the Monadnock Regional School District Early Retirement Program, Attorney Beth Fernald received a response from Attorney Paul Apple (for the school district). R. Hotchkiss made a motion to authorize Attorney Fernald to issue a response on behalf of the Town; second C. Labadie. The response issued by Attorney Apple will be included as an attachment to the August 13 meeting minutes.
There have been no Selectmen Minutes posted since Sept 17th.
While we allow this radical threesome to manipulate the agenda of an entire school district, our High School is falling apart and remains on probation, our Elementary Schools are in need of improvement, and our facilities do not support full-day kindergarten.
What say you, residents of Sullivan? Is this how you want your tax dollars being spent?
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