2009

Posted by Bob on November 17, 2009 under Daily Blogs | 24 Comments to Read

For the past six (6) months the Borough of Naugatuck has been consumed by the 2008-2009 Board of Education budget deficit followed immediately by a shortfall in the 2009-2010 budget. Instead of enacting necessary reductions during the Summer before the beginning of the new school year, we are now left with a shortfall of approximately TWO MILLION and 00/100THS ($2,000,000.00) DOLLARS just shy of halfway through the fiscal year. That cost could grow if changes are not made to the current, self-funded health care system.

There are many reasons why we are where we are, but the latest proposal from the Superintendent attempts to resolve the shortfall by eliminating approximately sixty (60) to seventy (70) teachers. This includes among other cuts the elimination of all music, art, library and physical education programs through the middle school level and the elimination of freshman sports at the high school level. Gains made to achieve adequate yearly progress as required by No Child Left Behind (“NCLB”) will be in jeopardy as well as sustaining accreditation at the high school.

While there are those who would advocate that the Borough teach education officials a lesson and let the proverbial chips fall where they may, I can not support this position. This will not only have a drastic impact on our students and parents, but will negatively effect the entire Borough in terms of property values, image and our ability to attract business. We have made mistakes as a community in terms of allowing this situation to deteriorate to where it is now, but we need to now reach a proactive resolution and move forward.

The following proposal will be difficult and require sacrifice, but will allow the Borough to complete the school year, minimize costs to taxpayers and prepare us for making difficult decisions for the coming 2010-2011 fiscal year. The details are as follows:

JOINT BOARDS ASSISTANCE

I will ask the Joint Boards of Finance and Mayor and Burgesses (“Joint Boards”) to provide the following financial assistance to the Board of Education:

Assumption of the approximate SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($700,000.00) DOLLAR health care overrun which was not part of the original Board of Education budget proposal, provided the same can not be addressed through health care negotiations and/or reductions. This number represents the cost above budget of the current self-funded claim information through October, 2009.
Assumption of the Board of Education’s 2009-2010 payment on the Siemen’s contract in the approximate amount of THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($300,000.00) DOLLARS.
Transfer of TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($200,000.00) DOLLARS from the Borough Contingency Fund to the Board of Education.

In addition, I will personally agree to take five (5) furlough days through June 30, 2010.

While the feasibility of such cuts have been discussed with the Borough Controller, these are my personal recommendations and subject to the detailed scrutiny and approval by the Joint Boards. Said assistance totals approximately ONE MILLION TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($1,200,000.00) DOLLARS, and would be conditioned on the following:

The resignation of the Superintendent of Schools with pay through June 30, 2010, effective November 30, 2009.
The appointment of a new chair of the Board of Education effective November 30, 2009.
An agreement by the Board of Education to engage the Borough’s health insurance agent of record to negotiate savings to health insurance accounts.
The appointment of the current Board of Education temporary business manager to permanent business manager through June 30, 2012.
ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($150,000.00) DOLLARS of cuts and/or concessions from district administrators;
ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($100,000.00) DOLLARS of cuts to non-union district personnel;
An approximate FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED and 00/100THS ($587,500.00) DOLLAR concession from the Naugatuck Teacher’s League (“NTL”) through Memorandum of Agreement based on the following:

Three (3) furlough days at an approximate value of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND and 00/100THS ($150,000.00) DOLLARS per day. Said furlough days would be deducted evenly over the course of the remainder of the fiscal year; and
The elimination of approximately seven (7) hours of common planning time payments at approximately ONE HUNDRED THIRTY SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED and 00/100THS ($137,500.00) DOLLARS as required by the current NTL contract.

In exchange for:

The Board of Education offering a fully-funded medical health insurance program effective July 1, 2010. Dental and prescription drugs would remain self-funded;
The establishment of an employee “sick-bank” program to be managed by a committee consisting of administrative and bargaining unit representation;
An agreement to negotiate in good faith for an early retirement incentive program for the 2010-2011 fiscal year; and
A good faith attempt to refrain from layoffs during the current fiscal year and involve representatives from the bargaining unit in the decision-making process going forward.

None of these solutions are ideal or without sacrifice. The financial assistance provided by the Borough will require reducing costs across the board in municipal services and projects already burdened by a tight, zero (0) based budget. This will not be easy, but I call on the Joint Boards to join with me to develop a plan to effectuate the same. Our municipal departments have done an outstanding job managing their difficult budgets, but will be asked to do more. By managing this increased cost through restraint and/or cutbacks to our existing budget, the Borough will be able to avoid using our Fund Balance and maintain its financial health.

I realize I am asking much of our educators as well. Whatever one’s position on the recent NTL collective bargaining agreement, the contract was negotiated in good faith and arbitrated in accordance with the law. Significant concessions were made by NTL with regard to health care, and now we ask for additional assistance. I understand the reluctance to accept concessions when many educators rightfully believe they have not caused the problem. We ask, however, that educators be part of a solution that will save their colleagues from layoffs and protect our students from significant disruption to their educational experience. The givebacks requested from NTL are made in exchange for concessions that have been discussed by NTL but not offered by the Board of Education. As stated above, I am willing to share in the sacrifice by personally agreeing to five (5) furlough days, the savings from which will be transferred to the Board of Education budget.

If we are successful in navigating this difficult year, coming years will require difficult and controversial decisions. A change in leadership is necessary to restore the confidence in our school system. Taxpayers, students, parents and educators need to believe that all efforts are being made to enact long-term solutions which will minimize the impact to all. Currently that confidence does not exist. I do not enjoy asking for a change in educational leadership or do so without great deliberation. Unfortunately I do not believe we can solve our problems moving forward without such a change.

Campaigning for office I told our citizens that we can no longer do business as usual and expect a different result. While no one discussed the significant financial issues facing our educational system during election season, we had to assume that difficult decisions would present themselves during these unprecedented and uncertain economic times. We need to now come together as a community, resolve the immediate crisis in a responsible manner, and offer difficult but necessary solutions which will provide long-term improvements. I ask all involved to join in this effort.

Cathy Lungarini said,

Thank you Mayor Mezzo for your time and effort in developing a proposed solution to the BOE deficit. While the confidence in the leadership of the BOE is declining, my confidence in you as a leader of Naugatuck continues to increase. As an educator and resident of Naugatuck I am proud to support your administration and creative ideas that will move our borough forward. Thank you.
Chip Aldrich said,

Bob,
I want to thank you for demonstrating forethought and insight in providing these recommendations. I think what you have outlined is a compromise on many levels, precisely what was needed. When all sides share the burden, we all have a vested interet in the solution.
I am sure that there will be naysayers who will attack these recommendations and find fault. However, I want to applaud your decisiveness and true leadership.
Donna and Jeff Taylor said,

Mayor Bob,

Thank you for making what appears to be reasonable options to the current crisis. It is truly hard to believe that the BOE lost their way when it comes to basic accounting principles. Hopefully with your strong leadership you can replace what the BOE and our Superintendent is lacking.
Douglas said,

Dear Mayor Mezzo,
As a student, I think this is an excellent plan. We cannot get rid of the “fun” courses; These classes are exactly what help us students discover what we excel in, and they are those that help us to decide what our future will be.
Mistakes have been made, and now everyone as a whole must pay for them. However, with your plan, we will be able to learn from our faults, correct ourselves, and be able to make decisions in the future that will keep us from heading down this path again. I wish you the best of luck in pushing this plan through.
Ron Merancy said,

Bob,
I must say I am extremely satisfied with the majority of your proposal, of course the exception s the fact that we will have to take money out of the contingency fund. That being said, I understand the NEED to “raid” this fund. I am sure you have taken into consideration the possible effect this may have on the Boro’s Bond rating? As for health insurance, I do not know of any well run or well respected business that would self insure itself. I think you are aware of my advocacy to have Wayne return to the education department to help get the “real” numbers. I also think that might be part of the reason no one with in the ranks of the BOE were receptive to having Wayne help them. We never had an issues such as this when Dr Cronin, or past Superintendents and with Wayne as Business Manager. That being said, the sooner we replace our current super the better! Many thanks for your hard work in developing this action plan. I can see no downside to this plan. If there is any way I can be of service, do not hesitate to ask.
Hunter Merrill said,

Bob,

I know what you have offered is thoughtful and difficult, however nothing presented would have been the “easy” course. As the father of a school age child I appreciate and support what you have put forth on all fronts.

Thank you,
-Hunter
Charley Marenghi said,

LEADERSHIP!
That’s what we need!
Thank you Bob.
Everyone needs to roll up their respective sleeves and give some blood here.
A Good Start said,

This seems like a fairly valid compromise out of a bad situation. The only change I would make is look into whatever way possible to NOT pay JTG through the end of the year. His laissez faire management has been downright lazy. To think he should basically take a 7 month paid vacation while Rome burns is infuriating. Nero should be sent packing back to Litchfield.
Lorena Gullotta said,

I was once told by a wise teacher that the best compromise is the one where nobody is happy; where all sides make equal and justified concessions in the pursuit of a common goal.

I believe that your proposal is a step in the right direction and is one that will ultimately lead to a justifed solution that will satisfy the demands and intricacy of the situation.

Thank You for demonstrating leadership and informing the public of the details of the situation. Honest communication is indeed the key to success and finding the right solution.
Emily McClain said,

I totally agree! Thank you for taking a stand for our students, schools, and the residents of Naugatuck. We certainly needed someone to take the reigns and propose a viable option that may be acceptable to all parties. While we have an uphill climb that will take a village, I have a glimmer of hope…THANK YOU!
Fred Scheithe said,

Thnak you Mayor Bob. Your leadership is outstanding. A fair and reasonable proposal indeed. As the saying goes, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem”.
Alex Olbrys said,

First of all I would like to personally thank you for this proposal. The fact that you are willing to take five furlough day’s is very noble, and really shows what kind of a person you are, and that you really care about the town. On behalf of the students in the district I would like to thank you for being one of the few people who thought about how the lay offs would affect the students! We need a new superintendent of schools! We need some one who will properly manage the budget, and some one who is invested in the town and who loves Naugatuck as much as we do. Once again I would like to thank you for taking a stand on the issue and being a responsible leader, who see’s whats best for the town. Thanks
Fred Scheithe said,

Mayor Bob,

Congratulations! You’ve come up with a very fair proposal where everyone contributes. As the saying goes, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem”. Thank you for your leadership.
Laurie Andrew said,

As the parent of 4 children getting a great start in the Naugatuck schools, I thank you. I would hate all the hard work and progress be undone with the swipe of a pen.
Caroline Messenger said,

As a teacher, I give my heart and soul to the children of Naugatuck. It is obvious that you do the same for the borough of Naugatuck, Bob. This is a thoughtful proposal that values all of us. It is worthy of everyone’s consideration.
Len Yannielli said,

Let’s consider impact on our young people. One of the worst events in a school system is the cutting of teacher positions. This almost always increases class size which is the worst possible scenario for our children. It hurts their present and future. The mayor’s proposal avoids all this. Good.
Pete Bosco said,

Mayor Mezzo,

As a Police Officer in Naugatuck I try to stay out of the politics but feel the need to respond to the problems facing the town I love and the children I have sworn to protect. Your proposal has a much wider effect then just saving some teachers their jobs your proposal in essense is saving our children and town. Unfortunatly at this time there are far to few constructive outlets for our children and by cutting programs our children would have fewer options forcing them to the streets to look for something to do. This is a recipe for disastor. I commend your plan and your actions and am very proud to have a leader I trust. Good Job Mayor Mezzo and know that the Police Department is behind you….
Chris Kulmann said,

Mayor Mezzo,

As an extra-curricular activity adviser, I greatly appreciate your proposal. For the last few months, it has felt like we were in a sea of chaos and confusion, with no light in sight. I hope your plan goes through and our education department and our community can get itself back on its feet.

Thank you.
Chip Aldrich said,

Bob,
As a Special Ed teacher in the district, I wanted to raise a concern, regarding the Superintendent’s plan, that a number of us have discussed.
As you may or may not know, many students with significant intellectual challenges participate with their regular education peers in classes like Art, Music, Library, Tech Ed, and Phys Ed. This often presents the most natural setting for the students to be “included” without the interference of their intellectual weakness.
If the Superintendent’s plan is accepted, it will result in the loss of ALL K-8 Specials, and K-6 PE. How will the district meet the IEP mandated Time With Non-Disabled peers (TWNDP)if these positions are cut?
The TWNDP portion of each identified student’s IEP has become a major focus of state BOE scrutiny. As part of the P.J. case, the state has mandated that most (80%) students MUST receive 80% of their school program with their non-disabled peers.
Therefore, if the Superintendent’s plan is approved, it will, most likely, cause us to be in violation of this state mandate. This could precipitate funding penalties an/or fines.
Food for thought.
Justin Wolfanger said,

Bravo, Mayor Mezzo! Imagine that…an alternative to Dr. Doom-Tindall-Gibson proposal of crippling our school system and kicking our children in the face. As parents we have to stand up for our children and our community. Dr. Doom’s proposal will affect lives of our friends, family, and community as we know it. His proposal is atypical for someone of such incompetence. Interesting that on May 14,2009 (before Mayor Mezzo took office) our budget shortfall stood at 375,000 and oh by the way Dr. Doom asked for a contract extension throughout the 2011-2012 school year and it was approved by the board. Therefore, unless this resigns he will be walking away with over 320k in his back pocket for screwing up our town and children. However, I do not believe the problem simply resides with the Superintendent. Some long time bullying Board Members in particular are also out of touch with reality. It seems that they are far more interested in their own power than our children. First, we fix the issue at hand and then it’s time to clean house!
Charley Marenghi said,

The Results of The Vote of No Confidence.
328 teachers took time to respond. (82% of the active membership)

320 Teachers or 97.6% of those that responded have NO confidence in Dr.John Tindall-Gibson’s management of the Naugatuck Public Schools System.

8 Teachers or 2.4% of those that responded have confidence in Dr. John Tindall-Gibson’s management of the Naugatuck Public Schools System.

So its not just a few of us…..

This vote speaks to the level of anger and frustration the teachers of Naugatuck have with JTG.
Carissa Argel said,

Mayor Mezzo,
I like to personally thank you for taking a stand for what you isn’t right. I’d also like to thank you for being levelheaded about this whole ordeal you realize that each side of this story needs to take a bit of a hit in order for any of us to even hope to work this out. What you suggested by giving up five of your own furlough days is very noble and no matter the outcome is greatly appreciated.
-Carissa
rodger said,

So why is there a 2 million dollar shortage? Was the money pocketed by members of the board? Was the money spent on unathorized purchases? Is the shortage due to increased costs. Is the shortage due to decreased revenues? Inquiring minds need to know!
Matt Kuhar said,

i think we all should make Mr. Tindall Gibson Resign before more damages are done for this coming year. i too would also like to know what happened to make us go 2 million dollars in the hole.