Sigh. Has the Audubon Taxpayer Been Lied to Again?

[theterrace]

Remember the school budget troubles. . . the gnashing of teeth and how everything was cut to the bone? The new activity fees -- a new hidden tax for Audubon parents?? How the board was even forced to cut teachers and a $135,000 admin position?? How they were going to consolidate the superintendant and principal positions to save the Audubon taxpayer money?? Send out the scare letter to all voters? Held the town budget meeting with all their woes???

Relax. Now that the smoke has cleared and all Audubon residents are digging deeper into our pockets, guess what? --- Principal position has been restored and another administrator will be sucking up $135,000 of taxpayer money. All that scary stuff and presentation material? Nevermind. Except for the part where we will all be paying more. It's so pathetic it's almost funny.

Instead of presenting an honest budget on which residents could vote, they resorted to the all familiar scare tactics. They have completely restored all positions wanted while sucking more out of the taxpayer . . . . See you at next year's budget for more of the same.

[Its For the Children]

Jun 14, 2010 8:54:16 GMT -5 @theterrace said:

Remember the school budget troubles. . . the gnashing of teeth and how everything was cut to the bone? The new activity fees -- a new hidden tax for Audubon parents?? How the board was even forced to cut teachers and a $135,000 admin position?? How they were going to consolidate the superintendant and principal positions to save the Audubon taxpayer money?? Send out the scare letter to all voters? Held the town budget meeting with all their woes???

Relax. Now that the smoke has cleared and all Audubon residents are digging deeper into our pockets, guess what? --- Principal position has been restored and another administrator will be sucking up $135,000 of taxpayer money. All that scary stuff and presentation material? Nevermind. Except for the part where we will all be paying more. It's so pathetic it's almost funny.

Instead of presenting an honest budget on which residents could vote, they resorted to the all familiar scare tactics. They have completely restored all positions wanted while sucking more out of the taxpayer . . . . See you at next year's budget for more of the same.

Yes, but all of those expenses were in the budget that the voters passed. Who lied to you?

The budgets in most other school districts were voted down. That could have been the case in Audubon and the Board or Borough would have had to trim the budget.

Democracy at work. The people spoke, you pay more taxes. It's all over.

[notmypresident]

If you have lived in Audubon for any length of time, this goes on every year. Unfortunately the prey(taxpayers) by the bait every year. When budgets go down in almost every town in NJ and Audubon passes by 300 votes? The teachers refused the Gov's request for cuts to restore aid. This is business as usual in the school district.

Lets talk about Borough business as last month these new Comm's had one year of service. Have you seen any improvements? Is it true the Police recently signed a new 3 year contract that is back loaded? Ward and the gang of 3 promised so much. The eye sore of Tommy G's turns my stomach everytime I ride by there. The empty Alphabet at E Atl & Merchant St. The empty gas stations on the pike and on and on. Nothing changes in this town other than the names. They sign a few contracts, pave a couple of streets and come back every 4 years vote for me. We reject them and put in 3 more new people that promise and talk the talk, but nothing happens. I have to admit I took the bait with these Comm's but I finally learned come 2013 I won't waste my time listening.

[Barry OBama]

Jun 14, 2010 9:48:11 GMT -5 notmypresident said:

If you have lived in Audubon for any length of time, this goes on every year. Unfortunately the prey(taxpayers) by the bait every year. When budgets go down in almost every town in NJ and Audubon passes by 300 votes? The teachers refused the Gov's request for cuts to restore aid. This is business as usual in the school district.

Lets talk about Borough business as last month these new Comm's had one year of service. Have you seen any improvements? Is it true the Police recently signed a new 3 year contract that is back loaded? Ward and the gang of 3 promised so much. The eye sore of Tommy G's turns my stomach everytime I ride by there. The empty Alphabet at E Atl & Merchant St. The empty gas stations on the pike and on and on. Nothing changes in this town other than the names. They sign a few contracts, pave a couple of streets and come back every 4 years vote for me. We reject them and put in 3 more new people that promise and talk the talk, but nothing happens. I have to admit I took the bait with these Comm's but I finally learned come 2013 I won't waste my time listening.

Why would you blame the current administration for problems caused by the previous administration?

Do you want the Commissioners to open and run two restaurants and a gas station?

Be thankful you are not paying for a $2 million community center.

[stevemcgarrett]

Jun 14, 2010 9:48:11 GMT -5 notmypresident said:

If you have lived in Audubon for any length of time, this goes on every year. Unfortunately the prey(taxpayers) by the bait every year. When budgets go down in almost every town in NJ and Audubon passes by 300 votes? The teachers refused the Gov's request for cuts to restore aid. This is business as usual in the school district.

Lets talk about Borough business as last month these new Comm's had one year of service. Have you seen any improvements? Is it true the Police recently signed a new 3 year contract that is back loaded? Ward and the gang of 3 promised so much. The eye sore of Tommy G's turns my stomach everytime I ride by there. The empty Alphabet at E Atl & Merchant St. The empty gas stations on the pike and on and on. Nothing changes in this town other than the names. They sign a few contracts, pave a couple of streets and come back every 4 years vote for me. We reject them and put in 3 more new people that promise and talk the talk, but nothing happens. I have to admit I took the bait with these Comm's but I finally learned come 2013 I won't waste my time listening.

Actually I though I saw a sign outside the old Alphabet Soup that something new is coming. I don't recall what it was, did anyone else see it?

[theterrace]

Jun 14, 2010 9:38:09 GMT -5 @Its For the Children said:

Jun 14, 2010 8:54:16 GMT -5 @theterrace said:

Remember the school budget troubles. . . the gnashing of teeth and how everything was cut to the bone? The new activity fees -- a new hidden tax for Audubon parents?? How the board was even forced to cut teachers and a $135,000 admin position?? How they were going to consolidate the superintendant and principal positions to save the Audubon taxpayer money?? Send out the scare letter to all voters? Held the town budget meeting with all their woes???

Relax. Now that the smoke has cleared and all Audubon residents are digging deeper into our pockets, guess what? --- Principal position has been restored and another administrator will be sucking up $135,000 of taxpayer money. All that scary stuff and presentation material? Nevermind. Except for the part where we will all be paying more. It's so pathetic it's almost funny.

Instead of presenting an honest budget on which residents could vote, they resorted to the all familiar scare tactics. They have completely restored all positions wanted while sucking more out of the taxpayer . . . . See you at next year's budget for more of the same.

Yes, but all of those expenses were in the budget that the voters passed. Who lied to you?

The budgets in most other school districts were voted down. That could have been the case in Audubon and the Board or Borough would have had to trim the budget.

Democracy at work. The people spoke, you pay more taxes. It's all over.

If it went down as you stated it would be democracy. Taxpayers agreeing we need some 8 $120,000 - $180,000 admins in one small school building.

But we were sold the scare story; budget being voted on had many positions and programs cut; including combining one principal (out of five!) with the superintendant, elimination of frosh sports, activity fees, etc. Further told that if the budget were to fail, additional positions would be cut. Posted on BOE website; presented during town meeting.

Now that it passed, we quietly rehire a $135,000 admin position. Rest easy kids, we care for you so we're back up to 8 admins in just one building making an avg $130,000/yr. Of course, "for the kids" will mean the elimination of frosh sports and activity fees.

Kid's programs be damned; this is all about keeping highly paid adults picking the pockets of hard working taxpayers. . . . and by deception.

By my count that's eight for the kids -- a facilities manager, business manager, two principals, two vice principals, one superintendant, and one athletic director. All $100,000+ and one approaching $200,000. By the way kids, no frosh sports programs and have your parents dig further into their pockets for fees if interested in a school activity.

But perhaps more important, it's all for an incredibly average high school that has made no real improvement in academic programs or test scores in 5 years -- not great, not poor just stagnant and average.

[theterrace]

Jun 14, 2010 9:48:11 GMT -5 notmypresident said:

When budgets go down in almost every town in NJ and Audubon passes by 300 votes?

perhaps the other districts need a lesson in deception ;-)

[theterrace]

Jun 14, 2010 21:36:01 GMT -5 stevemcgarrett said:

Actually I though I saw a sign outside the old Alphabet Soup that something new is coming. I don't recall what it was, did anyone else see it?

It was there this weekend.

[mtephraimneighbor]

Jun 14, 2010 21:36:01 GMT -5 stevemcgarrett said:

Actually I though I saw a sign outside the old Alphabet Soup that something new is coming. I don't recall what it was, did anyone else see it?

Yes. It's Lilly's or Lillian's or something like that. I'll be driving by there again later this morning and will confirm.

[Its for the Children]

Jun 15, 2010 7:43:24 GMT -5 @theterrace said:

Jun 14, 2010 9:38:09 GMT -5 @Its For the Children said:

Yes, but all of those expenses were in the budget that the voters passed. Who lied to you?

The budgets in most other school districts were voted down. That could have been the case in Audubon and the Board or Borough would have had to trim the budget.

Democracy at work. The people spoke, you pay more taxes. It's all over.

If it went down as you stated it would be democracy. Taxpayers agreeing we need some 8 $120,000 - $180,000 admins in one small school building.

But we were sold the scare story; budget being voted on had many positions and programs cut; including combining one principal (out of five!) with the superintendant, elimination of frosh sports, activity fees, etc. Further told that if the budget were to fail, additional positions would be cut. Posted on BOE website; presented during town meeting.

Now that it passed, we quietly rehire a $135,000 admin position. Rest easy kids, we care for you so we're back up to 8 admins in just one building making an avg $130,000/yr. Of course, "for the kids" will mean the elimination of frosh sports and activity fees.

Kid's programs be damned; this is all about keeping highly paid adults picking the pockets of hard working taxpayers. . . . and by deception.

By my count that's eight for the kids -- a facilities manager, business manager, two principals, two vice principals, one superintendant, and one athletic director. All $100,000+ and one approaching $200,000. By the way kids, no frosh sports programs and have your parents dig further into their pockets for fees if interested in a school activity.

But perhaps more important, it's all for an incredibly average high school that has made no real improvement in academic programs or test scores in 5 years -- not great, not poor just stagnant and average.

You only get to vote on the total budget, not line items. If you don't like how the current Board of Education structures the school system, throw them out an elect new members.

Better yet, run for office, put together your own slate of candidates and take over if you think you can do a better job. Then you can have a tribe of all indians and no chiefs.

[theterrace]

Jun 15, 2010 7:53:14 GMT -5 @Its for the Children said:

You only get to vote on the total budget, not line items. If you don't like how the current Board of Education structures the school system, throw them out an elect new members.

Better yet, run for office, put together your own slate of candidates and take over if you think you can do a better job. Then you can have a tribe of all indians and no chiefs.

The budget I voted on had this admin position eliminated (consolidated) along with cuts to frosh sports and activity fees.

It is now clear that this was a charade; done in an attempt to show the taxpayer the sacrifices being made in an attempt to get their votes. After the voters stood by the school and offered their support, the school reneged and brought back all admin positions. . . . and take note; they'll keep all the promised cuts to kid's programs.

I could almost go along with the lie, silently snickering at the deception to residents, if all kids programs and their cost to Audubon parents were brought back to last year's levels. But they will keep all cuts that impact the kids school environment, all increased taxes that were so desperately needed, while quietly restoring all adult pay and positions. And lemmings like you, unless actually a part of the school machine with an understandable interest in keeping a hand deep in my pocket, will continue to spout drivel about it being "for the kids."

Frosh sports vs. a fifth building principal. Even sports aren't sacred in Audubon when it affects an adult's pay.

[Its for the Children]

Jun 15, 2010 9:16:39 GMT -5 @theterrace said:

Jun 15, 2010 7:53:14 GMT -5 @Its for the Children said:

You only get to vote on the total budget, not line items. If you don't like how the current Board of Education structures the school system, throw them out an elect new members.

Better yet, run for office, put together your own slate of candidates and take over if you think you can do a better job. Then you can have a tribe of all indians and no chiefs.

The budget I voted on had this admin position eliminated (consolidated) along with cuts to frosh sports and activity fees.

It is now clear that this was a charade; done in an attempt to show the taxpayer the sacrifices being made in an attempt to get their votes. After the voters stood by the school and offered their support, the school reneged and brought back all admin positions. . . . and take note; they'll keep all the promised cuts to kid's programs.

I could almost go along with the lie, silently snickering at the deception to residents, if all kids programs and their cost to Audubon parents were brought back to last year's levels. But they will keep all cuts that impact the kids school environment, all increased taxes that were so desperately needed, while quietly restoring all adult pay and positions. And lemmings like you, unless actually a part of the school machine with an understandable interest in keeping a hand deep in my pocket, will continue to spout drivel about it being "for the kids."

Frosh sports vs. a fifth building principal. Even sports aren't sacred in Audubon when it affects an adult's pay.

If my recollection is correct they said that they would keep the Principal position if the budget passed and would cut it, if the taxpayers rejected the budget and they had to make deeper cuts. The taxpayers passed the budget, maybe to show support for a high school Principal position.

Freshman sports does not matter. All the other schools cut freshman sports, so there are no teams for Audubon to play. Don't you pay attention to what goes on elsewhere?

[Its for the Children]

Jun 15, 2010 11:44:49 GMT -5 @JockStrap said:

Jun 15, 2010 9:36:49 GMT -5 @Its for the Children said:

If my recollection is correct they said that they would keep the Principal position if the budget passed and would cut it, if the taxpayers rejected the budget and they had to make deeper cuts. The taxpayers passed the budget, maybe to show support for a high school Principal position.

Freshman sports does not matter. All the other schools cut freshman sports, so there are no teams for Audubon to play. Don't you pay attention to what goes on elsewhere?

Don't we need Freshman sports so we can actually be good at JV and varsity. Freshman sports lets us weed out the non-hackers and the losers with no athletic ability. With out Freshman sports Audubon will not be able to keep winning those State Championships and boosting all those Colleges with our Athletes who further go on to play professional sports.

I think you need to make your arguments to the Colonial Conference, since the entire conference canceled all freshman sports programs. If you can field a team, there is nobody to play unless you want to cobble together a schedule with the remaining teams in NJ and PA that still have freshman sports.

[theterrace]

Jun 15, 2010 9:36:49 GMT -5 @Its for the Children said:

Jun 15, 2010 9:16:39 GMT -5 @theterrace said:

The budget I voted on had this admin position eliminated (consolidated) along with cuts to frosh sports and activity fees.

It is now clear that this was a charade; done in an attempt to show the taxpayer the sacrifices being made in an attempt to get their votes. After the voters stood by the school and offered their support, the school reneged and brought back all admin positions. . . . and take note; they'll keep all the promised cuts to kid's programs.

I could almost go along with the lie, silently snickering at the deception to residents, if all kids programs and their cost to Audubon parents were brought back to last year's levels. But they will keep all cuts that impact the kids school environment, all increased taxes that were so desperately needed, while quietly restoring all adult pay and positions. And lemmings like you, unless actually a part of the school machine with an understandable interest in keeping a hand deep in my pocket, will continue to spout drivel about it being "for the kids."

Frosh sports vs. a fifth building principal. Even sports aren't sacred in Audubon when it affects an adult's pay.

If my recollection is correct they said that they would keep the Principal position if the budget passed and would cut it, if the taxpayers rejected the budget and they had to make deeper cuts. The taxpayers passed the budget, maybe to show support for a high school Principal position.

Freshman sports does not matter. All the other schools cut freshman sports, so there are no teams for Audubon to play. Don't you pay attention to what goes on elsewhere?

spin it. But your recollection is wrong. These positions/programs were cut and more cuts were to happen if the budget was rejected. It's why the board terminated the position and now quietly rehired.

And there are plenty of local schools with frosh programs. . . . perhaps they didn't feel the need for a half dozen highly paid principals, vice-principals, and supers for a few hundred kids. The disconnect is I pay attention to what goes on and not blindly sucked into the school's propaganda.

Funny how "its for the children" equates to cutting programs and instituting new activity fees in order to keep $135,000 jobs. A more appropriate screen name would be "continue the bloat; screw the kids."

[theterrace]

Jun 15, 2010 11:44:49 GMT -5 @JockStrap said:

Don't we need Freshman sports so we can actually be good at JV and varsity. Freshman sports lets us weed out the non-hackers and the losers with no athletic ability. With out Freshman sports Audubon will not be able to keep winning those State Championships and boosting all those Colleges with our Athletes who further go on to play professional sports.

My plan is we cut all sports and outside activities and hire another dozen or so $135,000 admin employees and see if our average SAT scores continue to falter. Our kids will thank us later when burdened with their pension plans. We'll just tell the voters it's all for the kids; and necessary to ensure kids have the appropriate t-shirt coverage.