I have a couple of questions for Allen and Diane regarding the BOE;

1.  How many hours a week, do you believe you would spend working on
BOE business?

2.To me, this BOE has been the best BOE we have had in a long time.They
are pleasant and cordial to each other even when they disagree, and
they are respectful to those that come before them at Board meetings.
How do you see yourself getting along with the BOE if you are elected?

3. What would be your priorities be and what do you want to see changed?

Nanette

----- Original Message -----
From: nanette_schweitzer
Subject: [howardpubliced] BOE questions for Allen and Diane

> I have a couple of questions for Allen and Diane regarding the BOE;
>
> 1.  How many hours a week, do you believe you would spend working on
>      BOE business?

hi nanette,
i see serving on the board of education as being at least as demanding as
a half time job.  i would expect to spend at least 20 hours a week on
board duties.  i am hopeful that many of those duties (research, coorespondence,
drafting, telephone calls, etc.) can be performed at my home office workspace.
i also hope to provide some sort of on-going online narrative of exactly what i
am
doing as a board member (however boring that may be) in order to improve
the transparency of the board operations and give future board candidates
a better idea of what they are getting into.


> 2.To me, this BOE has been the best BOE we have had in a long time.They
> are pleasant and cordial to each other even when they disagree, and
> they are respectful to those that come before them at Board meetings.
> How do you see yourself getting along with the BOE if you are elected?

i agree with your evaluation of the current members of the board.  the current
board members are doing a good job of treating the community, and each other,
with respect.  i have had cordial interactions with all of the current members
of
the board and i don't see any problem working with any of them or, for that
matter,
with any of the current board candidates either.

but, treating people with respect and being civil is NOT the same thing
as agreeing with them.  i remain concerned that the existing board members
do not have enough open discussions of the various issues.  i hope to
add to the robustness with which various options and perspectives are
discussed during public meetings of the board.  i like to talk about public
education issues and i am always willing to present different perspectives.

i believe in the cacophony of democracy.


> 3. What would be your priorities be and what do you want to see changed?
>  Nanette

i believe the top priority of the board should be the elimination of the
achievement
gap.  our county is very fortunate to have so many resources available and i
hope
our teachers, administrators, students, parents and board members are going to
prove that, working together, it is possible to eliminate the achievement gap.

thank you for your questions.

allen dyer
candidate for board of education









------------------------------------

This is the Howard Public Education Mailing List.  All original messages posted
here are placed in
the public domain unless the poster states otherwise. Re-published messages
(i.e. newspaper
articles) retain their original copyright status.Yahoo! Groups Links

----- Original Message -----

From: Allen Dyer

To: Howard Public Education List

Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 12:53 AM

Subject: [howardpubliced] Fw: BOE forum last night

 

----- Original Message -----

From: NanetteMS@...

To: aldyer@... ; Ellen_Giles@...

Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2008 8:26 AM

Subject: BOE forum last night

Allen and Ellen,

 

I would like clarification on the Mt. Hebron "greening or lack of it" that was discussed last night since you both differed.  Please let me know your sources so I can check it out. 

 

Please remember us "old folks" - School building is a hot topic among those who have lived in the county for many years.  The senior population is the fasting growing segment in the county - how  can we afford higher taxes to pay for ALL the renovations and new schools. I have lived the  county since 1965 and have paid property taxes since then.  The seniors who have paid in over the long haul and are on fixed incomes are really getting the shaft.

 

Personally I like Cindy V's plan for tracks which would also help ADHD -LD kids.

Nanette

 

---

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(C) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION, A NEW
SCHOOL THAT RECEIVES STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUNDS SHALL
BE CONSTRUCTED TO BE A HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING.

---

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Presently,there are 17 schools that need renovation in the county .
How is the county going to afford all the needed renovations? 17
times 10 million?  20 million? more? Where is the money? I can tell
you this - it is not the building that makes the school.  It is the
staff in the buildings, access to resources for teaching and their
relationshps with the students.
Nanette

--- In howardpubliced@yahoogroups.com, "Allen Dyer" <aldyer@...>
wrote:
>
> nanette,
>
> could you expand on exactly what questions you have regarding the
differences between
> ellen and myself regarding the mt hebron rennovate/rebuild issue?
ellen & i certainly
> differ on the wisdom of spending around $60 million to rennovate an
old (25 yrs?)
> middle school structure vs. building a new high school structure
for about $90 million.
>
> allen
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Allen Dyer
>   To: Howard Public Education List
>   Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 12:53 AM
>   Subject: [howardpubliced] Fw: BOE forum last night
>
>
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: NanetteMS@...
>   To: aldyer@... ; Ellen_Giles@...
>   Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2008 8:26 AM
>   Subject: BOE forum last night
>
>
>   Allen and Ellen,
>
>   I would like clarification on the Mt. Hebron "greening or lack of
it" that was discussed last night since you both differed.  Please
let me know your sources so I can check it out.
>
>   Please remember us "old folks" - School building is a hot topic
among those who have lived in the county for many years.  The senior
population is the fasting growing segment in the county - how  can we
afford higher taxes to pay for ALL the renovations and new schools. I
have lived the  county since 1965 and have paid property taxes since
then.  The seniors who have paid in over the long haul and are on
fixed incomes are really getting the shaft.
>
>   Personally I like Cindy V's plan for tracks which would also help
ADHD -LD kids.
>   Nanette
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
>   Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial
challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information,
tips and calculators.
>

----- Original Message -----

From: Steve Harbin

To: howardpubliced@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 4:27 PM

Subject: [howardpubliced] Pool study released

I see from the archives that the idea of a publicly funded pool was deemed an appropriate topic for this list. Given that, everyone who is interested should take a look at the Aquatic Feasibility Study that was recently released by the consultant hired by the county. I just looked at it, and I was surprised at how expensive the pool options are. For the indoor pool options considered by the consultant, purchase of land was not included in the cost figures, which will of course add to the costs (unless a private group or citizen donates the six acres needed).

Ignoring the purchase of the land, a 50 meter pool will cost $17.3 million. Although it will generate some revenue, it will not generate enough revenue to cover the costs (only about 60% of the costs are recovered from user fees). This means that someone (taxpayers) are going to have the fund the nearly $500,000 gap between revenue and expense.

Additionally, since revenue from the pool will not even cover costs to operate the pool, tax dollars will have to pay the $1,500,000 annual bond payments which pay for the pools construction.  Since CA has expressed no interest in partnering with the county to build this pool, I would not expect anyone but taxpayers to foot the bill.

This means that taxes are going to have to be raised (or services cut somewhere else) to generate the $2,000,000 in cash that will be needed each year to have a 50 meter pool. Given that several nearby counties already have 50 meter pools that charge minimal fees, I believe that this pool idea is a non-starter especially given the state of the economy.

I know that some people were promoting a pool to be used for high school swimming, but the consultant's analysis suggests that there will only be 80 program days related to high school swim teams (I guess this is the length of the season?) and there only be will be 60 visits per program day. If I am understanding this correctly, these numbers are much smaller than I would have expected. I would hardly use these number to justify a $2,000,000 annual expense and I would be curious to see how this compares with the costs of other sports.  The consultant explicitly stated that the 50 meter pool concept is geared toward a competitive group.  The implication of this is that competitive swimmers and not the general population are those who are benefiting from a 50 meter pool, so I would not even argue that the $2,000,000 cost benefits the community at large. 

Other thoughts?

Steve H.

Mike:

I echo Allen's sentiments. It was wonderful to get a chance to hear from the community around St. Johns Lane.

I'm sure that the Wikipedia article will prove helpful in understanding the LEED requirements.  For further infor, I have attached the LEED checklist for new construction (which will be the standards appllied to the Northfield Elementary addition/renovation), and the LEED checklist for O&M (existing buildings )which will serve as a guide for efficienciency and sustainability review at all schools.  

Allen correctly notes that the High Performance Buildings Act took effect this year.  However, the Northfield project does not fall under the new state requirements cited in SB 280 on two (2) counts:  the RFP for A/E services was released before July 1, 2009; and Northfield is not "new" school, but an existing facility.


Ellen Flynn Giles
Vice Chairman and Candidate
Howard County Board of Education

"Allen Dyer" <aldyer@...> on Friday, October 03, 2008 at 12:13 PM -0500 wrote:
----- Original Message -----
From: Beepbeep71@... 
To: janet@... ; Betsygrater@... ; aldyer@... ; politicodiane@... ; Ellen_Giles@... 
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 11:02 AM
Subject: Thank You!

 
On behalf of the St Johns Community Association, I wish to thank you for participating in our Debate. 
 
It is interesting to see what topics are of interest to our neighbors. 
 
Personally, I think the candidates present last night would make quite a school board!  You all seem to have the goal of taking our school system to the next level.
 
All the best and good luck to all of you!
 
Mike Gussin
President
SJCA
______________________
 
 
hi mike,
 
thank you for organizing an opportunity for me to meet with my fellow board candidates and the community.
 
also, some further sources to your inquiry about LEED ("Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design") --
 
here is a wikipedia article --
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership_in_Energy_and_Environmental_Design
 
also, appended is a copy of Senate Bill 208 - the "High Performance Buildings Act" which i referenced at your candidate forum as REQUIRING LEED certification for the new addition to Northfield Elementary.
 
see Education 5-312(c) which states:

(C) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION, A NEW

SCHOOL THAT RECEIVES STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUNDS SHALL

BE CONSTRUCTED TO BE A HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING.

thanx again,
 
allen dyer
candidate for board of education
 
 
 

 

---

Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators.

Nannette:

1.  In addition to some general guidelines for construction and operational efficiency that are applied to all projects, I have pulled some information on some of the "green" initiatives for the MHHS renovation from the Design Document approved by the Board at the 7/10/2008 Meeting .  The complete document is posted on BoardDocs, and attached here.

HCPSS School Construction – General

In striving for sustainable buildings, careful consideration is given to the use of materials that are durable, like concrete masonry, and reusable or recycled materials.  An effort is made to recycle as much of the excess of these materials as possible during and after construction to reduce waste.  Construction materials are consciously purchased from local regions when possible to reduce the amount of shipping required and therefore mini mize associated adverse environmental impacts.

Designing a school project that will continue to be used for 50 or more years requires a design to focus on the energy efficiency and physical environment of the facility.  To achieve these standards, various aspects of the project are designed with this goal in mind.  Examples of these would include the use of low energy transmission glazing on exterior windows, white or light colored reflective material on the roof, low off-gassing materials, site water management, use of natural light where possible, use of new energy efficient HVAC equipment, and the performance of life cycle analyses of the building and equipment.

Mount Hebron High School - Selected  "green" initiatives

The MHHS addition and renovation, although not aspiring to be a LEED (Leaders in Environment and Energy Design) certified project, is being designed in accordance in green building concepts.  Consistent with green des ign, significant consideration is being given to constructability, material selection and overall design of the building to provide a facility that is sustainable, energy efficient and environmentally healthy.

CO2 Sensors:
Carbon dioxide sensors will be utilized for high occupant density spaces to limit the quantity of outside air used when these spaces are not fully occupied.  This would limit the amount of energy used to heat and cool these large spaces like the gymnasium, auditorium, cafeteria, and auxiliary gymnasium.

Energy Monitoring Station:
An energy monitoring station is being “considered” or “planned” for the project to display data related to the energy and resources consumed b the facility, as well as the energy and resources saved by public display in the school.  Such a device can be used as a teaching tool to help educate the students.

High Efficiency HVAC Equipment:
In the extensive systemic portion of thi s project, a high efficiency water-cooled chiller plant will provide cooling for most of the facility, in lieu of the less efficient air-cooled machines currently in place.  Variable speed pumping will be used for both the chilled water and heating water systems, limiting the energy used to motivate heating and cooling potential through the building.  “Variable air volume” air handling units using variable frequency drives will curtail the use of of electricity to move air through the facility during off-design conditions.

 Lighting:
General interior illumination will be provided by energy efficient fluorescent fixtures with high frequency electronic ballasts, to match 4100K fluorescent lamps and acrylic lenses.
Exterior security lighting will consist of 30 feet high poles with high pressure sodium lamps for the new parking area, and building-mounted wall packs with high pressure sodium lamps.  

Lighting Controls:
Sustainabl e lighting control design in a typical classroom includes a daylight harvesting system.  This system will control the amount of light provided by the lighting fixtures next to the window by using a photocell and fluorescent dimming ballasts.  This will be in lieu of motion sensors and multiple switches.ow emitting materials:

Low Flow and Dual Flush Plumbing Fixtures:
The use of low flow urinals which use half of the water of a traditional urinal will be incorporated into the design where feasible.  The use of dual flush toilets, which allow users to save a half gallon per flush to eliminate liquid and paper waste, and the use of low flow faucet aerators will also be provided in the new design.  All of these fixtures will be used both in the new addition as well as in all the renovated areas of the building.

Low emitting materials:
Where possible, materials that are found to reduce the use of high Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) will be used to enhance indoor air quality and provide an environment free or odorous, irritating, and/or harmful indoor air contaminants.

Photovoltaic Panels:
Photovoltaic panels to be used as demonstration/teaching tool will include photovoltaic panels mounted on the new entrance canopy and connected to monitoring stations.  The monitoring stations will be located in the main lobby and the science department.

White Roof:
Highly reflective roofing will be utilized on the new addition portion of the project to reduce heat that the building gains from the sun and reduce the energy used to cool the facility.  The roofing materials is a standard building material that is used on all projects and can be modified slightly, in this case to a white or light color, to increase the efficiency and effective sustainability of the building construction.

This topic has been a part of the regular meetings with the MHHS team, and and the p roject proceeds they're will be more information forthcoming.

2.  I served on the County Executive's Task Force on Alternative Funding for Education in 2003/2004 and supported their recommendation that an increase in the transfer tax for real estate transactions be dedicated to school construction. The transfer tax option applied to all real estate transactions,  recognizing that while school enrollment was impacted by new construction in developing areas (1,500 units annually), resales (6,000 units annually) and turnover in neighborhoods across the county had a greater impact, and business and commercial development were designed to bring in more people and benefit from the standard of living provided by a top quality school district.  While the County Executive recommended this local action to the delegation, they opted to approve an excise tax on new residential construction only.  Both of these options were activated only when property was bought or s old, minimizing the annual impact on the pocketbook of the taxpayer.  However, the yield from the excise tax is less than half what was anticipated from the transfer tax.  In addition, while this revenue funded the bond sales that financed important projects, the continuing revenues are already obligated to paying down that debt. The need for an additional dedicated revenue source for our schools remains, and options under consideration now by the County Council and County Executive must demonstrate a clear nexus to the impact on schools enrollment and an appreciation for the impact on our citizens.

3.       I am unfamiliar with the Cindy V track plan.

Don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance.

Ellen Flynn Giles
Vice Chairman & Candidate
Howard County Board of Education

----- Original Message -----

From:           NanetteMS@...        Thu, Oct 02, 2008 8:26:54 AM

Subject:        BOE forum last night
To:     aldyer@...
Attachments:            Attach0.html            2K


Allen and Ellen,
 
I would like clarificatio n on the Mt. Hebron "greening or lack of it" that was discussed last night since you both differed.  Please let me know your sources so I can check it out. 
 
Please remember us "old folks" - School building is a hot topic among those who have lived in the county for many years.  The senior population is the fasting growing segment in the county - how  can we afford higher taxes to pay for ALL the renovations and new schools. I have lived the  county since 1965 and have paid property taxes since then.  The seniors who have paid in over the long haul and are on fixed incomes are really getting the shaft.
 
Personally I like Cindy V's plan for tracks which would also help ADHD -LD kids.
Nanette
 

---

Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators.

----- Original Message -----

From: efg4boe@...

To: nanetteMS@...

Cc: aldyer@...

Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2008 8:18 AM

Subject: Fwd: BOE forum last night

....
2.  I served on the County Executive's Task Force on Alternative Funding for Education in 2003/2004 and supported their recommendation that an increase in the transfer tax for real estate transactions be dedicated to school construction. The transfer tax option applied to all real estate transactions,  recognizing that while school enrollment was impacted by new construction in developing areas (1,500 units annually), resales (6,000 units annually) and turnover in neighborhoods across the county had a greater impact, and business and commercial development were designed to bring in more people and benefit from the standard of living provided by a top quality school district.  While the County Executive recommended this local action to the delegation, they opted to approve an excise tax on new residential construction only.  Both of these options were activated only when property was bought or s old, minimizing the annual impact on the pocketbook of the taxpayer.  However, the yield from the excise tax is less than half what was anticipated from the transfer tax.  In addition, while this revenue funded the bond sales that financed important projects, the continuing revenues are already obligated to paying down that debt. The need for an additional dedicated revenue source for our schools remains, and options under consideration now by the County Council and County Executive must demonstrate a clear nexus to the impact on schools enrollment and an appreciation for the impact on our citizens.

...
Ellen Flynn Giles
Vice Chairman & Candidate
Howard County Board of Education

 

Thank you, Ellen and Allen for taking the time to respond and answer
my question.


--- In howardpubliced@yahoogroups.com, "Allen Dyer" <aldyer@...>
wrote:
>
> nanette,
>
> based on the decision making i saw going into the mt hebron
decision, i am persuaded that a lack of dedicated funding for capital
projects is forcing decisions that, if sufficient funds were
available, would not be made.  capital projects call for L-O-N-G term
considerations because they are truly INVESTMENTS in our county's
future.  i believe better decision making on long term investments
results in providing future county leaders with more options when
they are faced with difficult decisions and higher real estate values
for all howard county property owners.  good schools = good property
values.
>
> given that preface, i agree with ellen vis-a-vis her support for
county executive robey's 2003/2004 recommendation of a transfer tax
for real estate transactions that would be dedicated to school
construction (see excerpt from ellen's message below).  a transfer
tax does not eat into the annual living expenses of county residents
that are living on a fixed income but, at the same time, the
certainty of a transfer tax IN THE FUTURE allows county planners to
justify bonds that can be INVESTED into our schools infrastruture.  i
like that kind of nexus.
>
> egad.  can't believe i agree with ellen on something.  ;-)
>
> allen
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: efg4boe@...
>   To: nanetteMS@...
>   Cc: aldyer@...
>   Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2008 8:18 AM
>   Subject: Fwd: BOE forum last night
>
>
>     ....
>     2.  I served on the County Executive's Task Force on
Alternative Funding for Education in 2003/2004 and supported their
recommendation that an increase in the transfer tax for real estate
transactions be dedicated to school construction. The transfer tax
option applied to all real estate transactions,  recognizing that
while school enrollment was impacted by new construction in
developing areas (1,500 units annually), resales (6,000 units
annually) and turnover in neighborhoods across the county had a
greater impact, and business and commercial development were designed
to bring in more people and benefit from the standard of living
provided by a top quality school district.  While the County
Executive recommended this local action to the delegation, they opted
to approve an excise tax on new residential construction only.  Both
of these options were activated only when property was bought or s
old, minimizing the annual impact on the pocketbook of the taxpayer.
However, the yield from the excise tax is less than half what was
anticipated from the transfer tax.  In addition, while this revenue
funded the bond sales that financed important projects, the
continuing revenues are already obligated to paying down that debt.
The need for an additional dedicated revenue source for our schools
remains, and options under consideration now by the County Council
and County Executive must demonstrate a clear nexus to the impact on
schools enrollment and an appreciation for the impact on our citizens.
>
>     ...
>     Ellen Flynn Giles
>     Vice Chairman & Candidate
>     Howard County Board of Education
>

Diane, it was unbelievably rude of you post my original message on
another listserv that I am not a member of without my permission.  How
am I supposed to defend my statements if you are posting them all over
the place?  I am going to insist that you choose a little civility and
DO NOT ever do that again.  And no, I am not "User Milton".

Mr. Carter stated that it is the County government's turn to "pony
up", which is not something that he would have said if CA was
interested in any meaningful partnership.

Steve H.

--- In howardpubliced@yahoogroups.com, rgoodri973@... wrote:
>
>
> In a message dated 10/3/2008 4:27:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> steven.harbin@... writes:
>
> Since  CA has expressed no interest in partnering with the  county
>
>
>
> ____________________________________
>
> Steve,
> Where did you get this idea -- "Since CA has expressed no interest in
> partnering with the county"?
>
> Did you see this piece from the HC Times, from 8-28-08?  (And, BTW,
  are you
> "User Milton" ? -- see ser comments, below)
>
_http://explorehoward.com/opinion/11088/doug-miller-those-floating-indoor-pool
> -proposal-hold-breath/_
>
(http://explorehoward.com/opinion/11088/doug-miller-those-floating-indoor-pool-p\
roposal-hold-breath/)

>
> EXCERPT FROM HC Times/Miller column 8-28-08
>
> Rob Goldman, who heads CA's Sport and Fitness  division, doesn't
like that
> idea. Four years ago, the association sank $3  million into a
facelift and plans
> to spend another million this year on
heating-ventilation-air-conditioning
> and dehumidification work. "The Swim Center  is a facility that is
in very good
> shape."
> Goldman says CA would be open to the  possibility of lending some
expertise
> or even donating some land to help the  county [emphasis added]
stick another
> toe into the water (the  county's lone public pool is at the Roger
Carter
> Recreation Center, in Ellicott  City), but it's the county
government's turn to
> pony up.
> "CA has, in a large sense, relieved the county  of the
responsibility of
> providing aquatics," Goldman says.
>
> ____________________________________
>
> user comments  (1)
>
>
> ____________________________________
>
> user milton  says...
> The consultant hired by Howard County to  investigate this matter
came to the
> conclusion that an Olympic-sized indoor pool  would not even generate
> sufficient revenues to pay for the cost of keeping it  open, let
alone the cost to
> build it in the first place. Therefore, there is NO  WAY that the
pool can pay
> for itself. The writer of this editorial, along with  the few vocal
supporters
> of this pool, is spreading misinformation to even  suggest that the
pool could
> possibly pay for itself.
>
> I have to wonder if  Mr. Miller reads his own  newspaper:
>
> http://www.explorehoward.com/news/10130/swim/
>
> Furthermore,  anyone who thinks that it is the job of the taxpayer
to boost
> revenue for hotels  and restaurants does not have the interest of
the public in
> mind. If a pool is  good for hotels and restaurants, let hotels and
> restaurants pay for the  pool.
>
> An Olympic-sized indoor pool is too expensive and serves too narrow
  of a
> niche to be built with public  money.
>
>
>
>
>
> New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination.  Dining,
> Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out!
> (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000001)
>

Steve,
   PLease STOP confusing me with the other Diane who keeps putting things on
the Howard Ed site. It is not me. I wish she would use her last name so that
I do not lose votes in the campaign over things I have neither said nor
done.
Thank you, Diane Butler


>From: "Steve Harbin" <steven.harbin@...>
>Reply-To: howardpubliced@yahoogroups.com
>To: howardpubliced@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [howardpubliced] Re: Pool study released
>Date: Sat, 04 Oct 2008 18:50:34 -0000
>
>Diane, it was unbelievably rude of you post my original message on
>another listserv that I am not a member of without my permission.  How
>am I supposed to defend my statements if you are posting them all over
>the place?  I am going to insist that you choose a little civility and
>DO NOT ever do that again.  And no, I am not "User Milton".
>
>Mr. Carter stated that it is the County government's turn to "pony
>up", which is not something that he would have said if CA was
>interested in any meaningful partnership.
>
>Steve H.
>
>--- In howardpubliced@yahoogroups.com, rgoodri973@... wrote:
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 10/3/2008 4:27:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> > steven.harbin@... writes:
> >
> > Since  CA has expressed no interest in partnering with the  county
> >
> >
> >
> > ____________________________________
> >
> > Steve,
> > Where did you get this idea -- "Since CA has expressed no interest in
> > partnering with the county"?
> >
> > Did you see this piece from the HC Times, from 8-28-08?  (And, BTW,
>  are you
> > "User Milton" ? -- see ser comments, below)
> >
>_http://explorehoward.com/opinion/11088/doug-miller-those-floating-indoor-pool
> > -proposal-hold-breath/_
> >
>(http://explorehoward.com/opinion/11088/doug-miller-those-floating-indoor-pool-\
proposal-hold-breath/)
>
> >
> > EXCERPT FROM HC Times/Miller column 8-28-08
> >
> > Rob Goldman, who heads CA's Sport and Fitness  division, doesn't
>like that
> > idea. Four years ago, the association sank $3  million into a
>facelift and plans
> > to spend another million this year on
>heating-ventilation-air-conditioning
> > and dehumidification work. "The Swim Center  is a facility that is
>in very good
> > shape."
> > Goldman says CA would be open to the  possibility of lending some
>expertise
> > or even donating some land to help the  county [emphasis added]
>stick another
> > toe into the water (the  county's lone public pool is at the Roger
>Carter
> > Recreation Center, in Ellicott  City), but it's the county
>government's turn to
> > pony up.
> > "CA has, in a large sense, relieved the county  of the
>responsibility of
> > providing aquatics," Goldman says.
> >
> > ____________________________________
> >
> > user comments  (1)
> >
> >
> > ____________________________________
> >
> > user milton  says...
> > The consultant hired by Howard County to  investigate this matter
>came to the
> > conclusion that an Olympic-sized indoor pool  would not even generate
> > sufficient revenues to pay for the cost of keeping it  open, let
>alone the cost to
> > build it in the first place. Therefore, there is NO  WAY that the
>pool can pay
> > for itself. The writer of this editorial, along with  the few vocal
>supporters
> > of this pool, is spreading misinformation to even  suggest that the
>pool could
> > possibly pay for itself.
> >
> > I have to wonder if  Mr. Miller reads his own  newspaper:
> >
> > http://www.explorehoward.com/news/10130/swim/
> >
> > Furthermore,  anyone who thinks that it is the job of the taxpayer
>to boost
> > revenue for hotels  and restaurants does not have the interest of
>the public in
> > mind. If a pool is  good for hotels and restaurants, let hotels and
> > restaurants pay for the  pool.
> >
> > An Olympic-sized indoor pool is too expensive and serves too narrow
>  of a
> > niche to be built with public  money.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination.  Dining,
> > Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out!
> > (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000001)
> >
>
>

Why don't you both just sign your e-mails with your full names?  I
must really be getting you two mixed up because the first e-mail I
ever saw from Diane Butler was the one telling me not to confuse her
with someone else.

Steve H.

--- In howardpubliced@yahoogroups.com, rgoodri973@... wrote:
>
>
> In a message dated 10/4/2008 3:12:09 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> politicodiane@... writes:
>
> Steve,
> PLease STOP confusing me with the other Diane who keeps  putting
things on
> the Howard Ed site. It is not me. I wish she would use  her last
name so that
> I do not lose votes in the campaign over things I  have neither said
nor
> done.
> Thank you, Diane  Butler
>
>
> I apologize for the confusion, Diane Butler and everyone!
> I've been trying to use "Diane G." on my posts, so I apologize if I
forgot
> to add the "G."
> Just to clarify -- all the "Pool Study Released" emails that were
signed
> "Diane" were from "Diane G."  (not from Diane Butler).  Same goes
for the school
> bus incident emails last week, in case I didn't use my last  initial.
>
> -Diane G.
>
>
>
> New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination.  Dining,
> Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out!
> (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000001)
>

----- Original Message -----

From: RSYOSH@...

To: HoCo-SpecialEd@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 10:09 AM

Subject: [Howard County Special Ed] diplomas

Allen -
Here's the other side of the problem
I've personally advocated for several students in this state who have sat  in the seat and "passed" classes and been pushed to graduate, without having  actually learned what they need to learn to graduate.
The grades were a farce.
 
- Becky Yoshitani
 
 
In a message dated 10/7/2008 9:56:34 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  aldyer@... writes:

til  the memory of man runeth not to the contrary -- when a student attends  the
required high school classes and receives passing grades in those  classes,
that student is awarded a high school diploma. any efforts by the  state board
of education to change the definition of what a high school  diploma means
should be forcefully opposed by our board of education. our  local board
should represent and protect the interests of our students and  our teachers. 







**************New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination.  Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out!      (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000001)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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Actually, I did ask my questions to Betsy at a community meeting she
attended. I haven't seen Di ZOu - is he still running?   Ellen and
Janet have demonstrated what they have to offer and what they bring
to the Board.

Allen mentioned  20 hours a week as an average to work on BOE
matters. This is may be on the low side. I believe our present Board
works many more hours - I would guess and hope someone answers, but I
think they work closer to an average of 30 hr a week.  The BOE
position is a thankless job at times (parents unhappy, etc.) but the
BOE members are truly dedicated to community service. This position
most likely doesn't pay even minimum wage

  This BOE presently is above pettiness - they can agree to disagree
and be cordial - it makes good working relationship and everyone
benefits. I am hoping the new BOE will continue this practice/

Nanette

--- In howardpubliced@yahoogroups.com, cynthia vaillancourt
<CynthiaVaillancourt@...> wrote:
>
>
> How about getting answers to these questions from Ellen Giles and
Janet Siddiqui --- and Di Zou and Betsy Grater.  Ellen and Janet can
tell us how much time they DO spend on BOE business.  I agree that
civility has been improved - though I don't get the sense there have
been any good tests of wills.  I would also like to hear from the
others what changed they would like to see or have been working on.
I don't want to accept that the incumbents will be returned to the
board as a matter of fact.  With the challengers we have to judge
what we think they will do --- with the incumbents we ought to be
able to judge based on what they HAVE done.
>
> Ellen, Janet - are you there?
>
> Betsey, Di - any thoughts.
>
> Thank you,
> Cindy Vaillancourt
>
> ps- I'm working on a post for the HoCoMD blog about the BOE race -
and would like to have more information directly fromt eh candidates
to include.
>
>
> To: howardpubliced@yahoogroups.com
> From: aldyer@...
> Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2008 17:48:05 -0400
> Subject: [howardpubliced] Allen's answers to Nanette's "BOE
questions  for Allen and Diane"
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>             ----- Original Message -----
>
> From: nanette_schweitzer
>
> Subject: [howardpubliced] BOE questions for Allen and Diane
>
>
>
> > I have a couple of questions for Allen and Diane regarding the
BOE;
>
> >
>
> > 1.  How many hours a week, do you believe you would spend working
on
>
> >      BOE business?
>
>
>
> hi nanette,
>
> i see serving on the board of education as being at least as
demanding as
>
> a half time job.  i would expect to spend at least 20 hours a week
on
>
> board duties.  i am hopeful that many of those duties (research,
coorespondence,
>
> drafting, telephone calls, etc.) can be performed at my home office
workspace.
>
> i also hope to provide some sort of on-going online narrative of
exactly what i am
>
> doing as a board member (however boring that may be) in order to
improve
>
> the transparency of the board operations and give future board
candidates
>
> a better idea of what they are getting into.
>
>
>
> > 2.To me, this BOE has been the best BOE we have had in a long
time.They
>
> > are pleasant and cordial to each other even when they disagree,
and
>
> > they are respectful to those that come before them at Board
meetings.
>
> > How do you see yourself getting along with the BOE if you are
elected?
>
>
>
> i agree with your evaluation of the current members of the board.
the current
>
> board members are doing a good job of treating the community, and
each other,
>
> with respect.  i have had cordial interactions with all of the
current members of
>
> the board and i don't see any problem working with any of them or,
for that matter,
>
> with any of the current board candidates either.
>
>
>
> but, treating people with respect and being civil is NOT the same
thing
>
> as agreeing with them.  i remain concerned that the existing board
members
>
> do not have enough open discussions of the various issues.  i hope
to
>
> add to the robustness with which various options and perspectives
are
>
> discussed during public meetings of the board.  i like to talk
about public
>
> education issues and i am always willing to present different
perspectives.
>
>
>
> i believe in the cacophony of democracy.
>
>
>
> > 3. What would be your priorities be and what do you want to see
changed?
>
> >  Nanette
>
>
>
> i believe the top priority of the board should be the elimination
of the achievement
>
> gap.  our county is very fortunate to have so many resources
available and i hope
>
> our teachers, administrators, students, parents and board members
are going to
>
> prove that, working together, it is possible to eliminate the
achievement gap.
>
>
>
> thank you for your questions.
>
>
>
> allen dyer
>
> candidate for board of education
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>
>
> This is the Howard Public Education Mailing List.  All original
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>
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>
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