Well, just received the New Edison Super's Contract from an OPRA Request of his Contract and Resume - here it is, as promised. Still waiting on his Resume which is being reviewed for distribution by the Board of Education and should have it shortly. When I receive it, I will post it.
As usual, Not my thing to rain on anyone's parade or to kick anybody when they're down for that matter, so let me just say to Dr. Bragen - Welcome, Congratulations on your appointment and Wish you the Best of Luck.
It's in all our Best interests that you Succeed.
In summary, the Contract is for 3 1/2 years (tentatively starting on December 9, 2019 and running through the end of business on June 30, 2023) with a salary of $245,000 with minimum 2% annual salary increases plus the usual perks.
There are no Performance or Merit Bonuses in this Contract.
Anyhoo, let's hope things start to turn in a positive direction over there on Pierson Ave, at the intersection of Mythomania Lane and Dysfunction Junction.
Just received the resume from an OPRA Request.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Nah! there's no Politics involved with the Local Dem-infested Edison Board of EDems!?!
Well, just heard that last night that the Edison Council is again throwing out the possibility of moving the School Board of Elections back to April.
If I understand correctly, they will put it up on their December 11th agenda.
Now, I say again because they threatened to do this once before and then cancelled the meeting at the last moment.
Just like anything else in life there are pros and cons with everything we do and whether you're for moving it or not, everyone needs to be heard but only if this is serious this time and just not another in a long line of their usual political minutia moments.
So, I don't know if the Council is serious about this or if everybody is just trying to stick it to one another as they play musical chairs between both sides of town or out the door but I will say this - while there are persuasive arguments that can be made on both sides of this, the greatest con facing those who support not moving the election back to April is this inept leadership nightmare entrusted with hundreds of millions of your tax dollars:
Poster-Child for Moving School Board Elections back to April:
Good luck trying to defend not being able to vote on $260+m School Budgets from what we've seen with this guy in charge.
And finally, why this vote will probably most likely not happen, there's this:
So, I say this to my friends on the Edison Council and the Edison Board of Education, you created this mess we're in but don't make it any worse by tossing useless self-serving hyperbole at each other just to get everybody riled up - but hey, if you decide to do it, let me know but don't schedule a meeting and then cancel it at the last minute if you chicken out again.
Anyhoo, you shouldn't take any of this stuff seriously since the Stench that Still Lingers over both sides of this town isn't going away anytime soon.
If I understand correctly, they will put it up on their December 11th agenda.
Now, I say again because they threatened to do this once before and then cancelled the meeting at the last moment.
Just like anything else in life there are pros and cons with everything we do and whether you're for moving it or not, everyone needs to be heard but only if this is serious this time and just not another in a long line of their usual political minutia moments.
So, I don't know if the Council is serious about this or if everybody is just trying to stick it to one another as they play musical chairs between both sides of town or out the door but I will say this - while there are persuasive arguments that can be made on both sides of this, the greatest con facing those who support not moving the election back to April is this inept leadership nightmare entrusted with hundreds of millions of your tax dollars:
Poster-Child for Moving School Board Elections back to April:
Good luck trying to defend not being able to vote on $260+m School Budgets from what we've seen with this guy in charge.
And finally, why this vote will probably most likely not happen, there's this:
So, I say this to my friends on the Edison Council and the Edison Board of Education, you created this mess we're in but don't make it any worse by tossing useless self-serving hyperbole at each other just to get everybody riled up - but hey, if you decide to do it, let me know but don't schedule a meeting and then cancel it at the last minute if you chicken out again.
Anyhoo, you shouldn't take any of this stuff seriously since the Stench that Still Lingers over both sides of this town isn't going away anytime soon.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
When Jerry 'Needs to Step-down' Shi goes Live with that Idiotic, I'll-conceived, Opaque, Piecemeal and Overpriced $189.5m Money Grab, aka School Bond Referendum
Then, there's only 1 question that you really need to ask him:
But hey, at least we're comforted in the knowledge that there are 8 other members on the Board of Mythomania who stuck their heads in the sand and let this inept leadership go forward with this egregious attack on the pocketbooks of the People of Edison without objection.
Anyhoo, kick this nonsense to the curb on December 10th and let's make the new leadership in January come up with a more reasonable, practical and affordable solution to deal with the Overcrowding. This certainly isn't it and you seriously don't want Shi and his band of architects determining what you'll be paying over the next 30-years.
But hey, at least we're comforted in the knowledge that there are 8 other members on the Board of Mythomania who stuck their heads in the sand and let this inept leadership go forward with this egregious attack on the pocketbooks of the People of Edison without objection.
Anyhoo, kick this nonsense to the curb on December 10th and let's make the new leadership in January come up with a more reasonable, practical and affordable solution to deal with the Overcrowding. This certainly isn't it and you seriously don't want Shi and his band of architects determining what you'll be paying over the next 30-years.
Friday, November 22, 2019
Really, Future Superintendent speaks out - guess we don't need to wait for the Board of Mythomania's Vote on Monday!?!
Well, this is interesting. We have to wait until the Board of Mythomania votes Monday to see Dr. Bragen's resume and what's in his 3 1/2 year contract but, apparently, he doesn't have to wait for a contract before we have to see him act 'unofficially' official.
Seriously, nothing like jumping the gun here. After reading this piece, you gotta get a warm feeling all over about the future of the school district.
Geez, call me skeptical but based upon his public resume here - sure looks like a Super Dr. Richard 'Looking for the Exit Ramp' O'Malley resume and we all know how that turned out. You'd think we would of learned our lesson with a small school, small budget resume with lots of movement to get up the ladder to Super - but apparently not.
Now it's a Hazlet Super for 6 years with less than 3,000 students and a $60 million budget.
Not exactly someone with experience to handle a school district our size, diversity, complexities and needs or with the amounts of money involved here. Just don't see how his experience, accomplishments and academic achievements fit the challenging needs the Edison School District deserves.
But hey, at least he has this to say about the Bond Referendum:
'Dr. Bragen commented on the much debated bond referendum, which will be on the ballot on December 10. “As, hopefully, the future superintendent, when I become official, I would endorse that endeavor, obviously, because I think it addresses a need that has to be met, as far as finding appropriate classroom space for growing student enrollment,” he said citing increasing enrollment affecting building capacity.'
Really, 'as, hopefully, the future superintendent, when I become official...
But hey - good to know that when he starts on December 9th, he'll be up to speed by December 10th to justify and support his comments about this Ridiculous, Idiotic, I'll-Conceived, Opaque, Piecemeal and Overpriced $189.5m Big Money Grab, aka School Bond Referendum.
Then again, that's what happens when you don't have anyone looking out for the residents/taxpayers sitting at the decision-making table over there on Pierson Ave, at the intersection of Mythomania Lane and Dysfunction Junction.
Not for nothing but hard to understand for the estimated $250k salary plus the usual perks involved here why we couldn't find someone with such comparable experience and a proven record of performance at this level.
Anyhoo, good luck with this guy since I take it he can count to 5 or he wouldn't be out there doing this kind of nonsensical self-promotion before the fact.
Seriously, nothing like jumping the gun here. After reading this piece, you gotta get a warm feeling all over about the future of the school district.
Geez, call me skeptical but based upon his public resume here - sure looks like a Super Dr. Richard 'Looking for the Exit Ramp' O'Malley resume and we all know how that turned out. You'd think we would of learned our lesson with a small school, small budget resume with lots of movement to get up the ladder to Super - but apparently not.
Now it's a Hazlet Super for 6 years with less than 3,000 students and a $60 million budget.
Not exactly someone with experience to handle a school district our size, diversity, complexities and needs or with the amounts of money involved here. Just don't see how his experience, accomplishments and academic achievements fit the challenging needs the Edison School District deserves.
But hey, at least he has this to say about the Bond Referendum:
'Dr. Bragen commented on the much debated bond referendum, which will be on the ballot on December 10. “As, hopefully, the future superintendent, when I become official, I would endorse that endeavor, obviously, because I think it addresses a need that has to be met, as far as finding appropriate classroom space for growing student enrollment,” he said citing increasing enrollment affecting building capacity.'
Really, 'as, hopefully, the future superintendent, when I become official...
But hey - good to know that when he starts on December 9th, he'll be up to speed by December 10th to justify and support his comments about this Ridiculous, Idiotic, I'll-Conceived, Opaque, Piecemeal and Overpriced $189.5m Big Money Grab, aka School Bond Referendum.
Then again, that's what happens when you don't have anyone looking out for the residents/taxpayers sitting at the decision-making table over there on Pierson Ave, at the intersection of Mythomania Lane and Dysfunction Junction.
Not for nothing but hard to understand for the estimated $250k salary plus the usual perks involved here why we couldn't find someone with such comparable experience and a proven record of performance at this level.
Anyhoo, good luck with this guy since I take it he can count to 5 or he wouldn't be out there doing this kind of nonsensical self-promotion before the fact.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Just a heads-up - County Super has approved Bernard F. Bragen, Jr. Contract - and should be on Board of Mythomania's Caucus Agenda for tomorrow night
Well, looks like the action they took sending the contract to the County Super, although they posted they were taking no action, has lead to an approval by the County Super.
Now, the Board still has to vote on it at next Monday's Public Meeting, but it would only seem fair, since the County Super has approved it, that they release the contract to the Public before the Public meeting when they will actually vote on it - and not just put it up for a vote on Monday and hope nobody asks any questions.
Not for nothing but it would be nice to see what's in it and be able to generate and ask questions about it before they actually vote on it - and not have to wait to see it until after they vote when it's too late to ask anything.
Seems there's some reasonable queries to be made about his background, experience and compatability with a School District our size, complexity, diversity and needs based upon his public resume here.
As I understand it, the 3 1/2 year contract comes with a hefty salary and probably some built-in salary increases plus all the other usual perks. Not sure if there will be any Performance Bonuses in the contract - but geez, let's hope not!
I have OPRA Requests in for this contract and Mr. Bragen's Resume as well as a Request for the County Supers' approval along with the approved contract.
So far, I got Nothing.
Don't know when I'll get it as yet but let's hope it's before Monday Night's Meeting. When I get it, I'll post here for you to see.
Really doesn't do any good if you can't see it until after they vote on it - how would you know what they're giving away?
You certainly can't trust them or rely on any kind of transparancy.
If they still haven't given it out at Monday's Meeting, they still have an obligation to tell you what's in it before they vote.
So, to those who will be in attendance - make sure you ask them to publicly explain what's in the contract such as term, renewals, compensation etc.
Anyhoo, pay attention to these mistakes they're making by rushing in a new Super before the end of the year over there on Pierson Ave, at the intersection of Mythomania Lane and Dysfunction Junction.
Now, the Board still has to vote on it at next Monday's Public Meeting, but it would only seem fair, since the County Super has approved it, that they release the contract to the Public before the Public meeting when they will actually vote on it - and not just put it up for a vote on Monday and hope nobody asks any questions.
Not for nothing but it would be nice to see what's in it and be able to generate and ask questions about it before they actually vote on it - and not have to wait to see it until after they vote when it's too late to ask anything.
Seems there's some reasonable queries to be made about his background, experience and compatability with a School District our size, complexity, diversity and needs based upon his public resume here.
As I understand it, the 3 1/2 year contract comes with a hefty salary and probably some built-in salary increases plus all the other usual perks. Not sure if there will be any Performance Bonuses in the contract - but geez, let's hope not!
I have OPRA Requests in for this contract and Mr. Bragen's Resume as well as a Request for the County Supers' approval along with the approved contract.
So far, I got Nothing.
Don't know when I'll get it as yet but let's hope it's before Monday Night's Meeting. When I get it, I'll post here for you to see.
Really doesn't do any good if you can't see it until after they vote on it - how would you know what they're giving away?
You certainly can't trust them or rely on any kind of transparancy.
If they still haven't given it out at Monday's Meeting, they still have an obligation to tell you what's in it before they vote.
So, to those who will be in attendance - make sure you ask them to publicly explain what's in the contract such as term, renewals, compensation etc.
Anyhoo, pay attention to these mistakes they're making by rushing in a new Super before the end of the year over there on Pierson Ave, at the intersection of Mythomania Lane and Dysfunction Junction.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Official Mail-in Ballot is Out for the December 10th Board of Mythomania's $189.5m Money Grab - Remember to Vote NO!
Well, looks like the Mail-in Ballots are out for the December 10, 2019 Board of Mythomania $189.5m Money Grab, aka School Bond Referendum.
It doesn't matter whether You're a Democrat, Republican, Green, any Other Party or Non-Affiliated in the town - this is not an election you want to sit out on. You can't sit by idly and be apathetic and let such a Ridiculous and Overpriced long-term decision be forced on You by Jerry 'Needs to Step-down' Shi and his dysfunctional and Local Dem-Party infested and politically corrupt Board.
Here's the official Mail-in Ballot for what Jerry 'Needs to Step-Down' Shi and his band of architects want You to Ridiculously do (with acknowledged credit to Jerry Shine) :
Just a quick explanation of the numbers on this Mail-in Ballot:
1. They want to $pend and issue bonds in the amount of $189,500,000 for 326,150 sq. ft. of New Construction and 94,950 sq. ft. of Rehabilitations..
2. The State has agreed to provide debt-service aid in the amount of 40% of the final eligibility costs of the projects. Only $77,709,450 of the $189,500,000 are final eligibility costs. The local shares of the projects may be transferred between the projects.
3. State Aid for New Construction is limited to 40% up to $143.00 per sq. ft. Since the New Construction for 326,150 sq. ft is $158,429,999 or $485.76 per sq. ft, the State only pays for those 326,150 sq. ft at $143.00 per sq. ft or $46,639,450 at 40% or $18,655,780.
4. State Aid for Rehabilitations is 40% of the Rehabilitations of $31,070,000 or $12,428,001.
5. So, only 77,709,451 ($46,639,450 + $31,070,001) at 40% is eligible for State Aid or $31,083,781. That represents only 16.4% of the $189,500,000 - and the difference 83.6% or $158,416,220 falls on You to pay.
6. Now you have to throw on the financing costs for the $189,500,000. According to their own numbers, financing this thingie over 30 years will generate $123,272,719 in interest bringing the total cost up to $312,772,719. After state aid, the net cost to You is $269,164,093 and the net average annual cost of $8,972,136 to You will add an Annual Average Tax Impact/$100 of 12.47-Cents.
You can see all these numbers below and how it will impact YOU by just entering Your Assessed Value. This idiotic, ill-conceived, opaque, piecemeal and overpriced $189.5m Money Grab needs to Voted Down post haste. On average, it will triple what Your Current Year's School tax increase was for the next 30 Years.
You can go to the July 11, 2019 post and see all the costs for each of the six schools that they sent down to Trenton without you knowing. Finally, you can go to the September 19 and 20, 2019 posts and see all the costs, including financing costs, - and what this ambush Will Cost You.
Anyhoo, just Vote NO to this Ridiculous plan that will most likely not solve the Overcrowding problem while tripling what Your paying now in School tax increases for the next 30 years and have them sit down next year and put together something more practical, meaningful and affordable.
It doesn't matter whether You're a Democrat, Republican, Green, any Other Party or Non-Affiliated in the town - this is not an election you want to sit out on. You can't sit by idly and be apathetic and let such a Ridiculous and Overpriced long-term decision be forced on You by Jerry 'Needs to Step-down' Shi and his dysfunctional and Local Dem-Party infested and politically corrupt Board.
Here's the official Mail-in Ballot for what Jerry 'Needs to Step-Down' Shi and his band of architects want You to Ridiculously do (with acknowledged credit to Jerry Shine) :
Just a quick explanation of the numbers on this Mail-in Ballot:
1. They want to $pend and issue bonds in the amount of $189,500,000 for 326,150 sq. ft. of New Construction and 94,950 sq. ft. of Rehabilitations..
2. The State has agreed to provide debt-service aid in the amount of 40% of the final eligibility costs of the projects. Only $77,709,450 of the $189,500,000 are final eligibility costs. The local shares of the projects may be transferred between the projects.
3. State Aid for New Construction is limited to 40% up to $143.00 per sq. ft. Since the New Construction for 326,150 sq. ft is $158,429,999 or $485.76 per sq. ft, the State only pays for those 326,150 sq. ft at $143.00 per sq. ft or $46,639,450 at 40% or $18,655,780.
4. State Aid for Rehabilitations is 40% of the Rehabilitations of $31,070,000 or $12,428,001.
5. So, only 77,709,451 ($46,639,450 + $31,070,001) at 40% is eligible for State Aid or $31,083,781. That represents only 16.4% of the $189,500,000 - and the difference 83.6% or $158,416,220 falls on You to pay.
6. Now you have to throw on the financing costs for the $189,500,000. According to their own numbers, financing this thingie over 30 years will generate $123,272,719 in interest bringing the total cost up to $312,772,719. After state aid, the net cost to You is $269,164,093 and the net average annual cost of $8,972,136 to You will add an Annual Average Tax Impact/$100 of 12.47-Cents.
You can see all these numbers below and how it will impact YOU by just entering Your Assessed Value. This idiotic, ill-conceived, opaque, piecemeal and overpriced $189.5m Money Grab needs to Voted Down post haste. On average, it will triple what Your Current Year's School tax increase was for the next 30 Years.
You can go to the July 11, 2019 post and see all the costs for each of the six schools that they sent down to Trenton without you knowing. Finally, you can go to the September 19 and 20, 2019 posts and see all the costs, including financing costs, - and what this ambush Will Cost You.
Anyhoo, just Vote NO to this Ridiculous plan that will most likely not solve the Overcrowding problem while tripling what Your paying now in School tax increases for the next 30 years and have them sit down next year and put together something more practical, meaningful and affordable.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Geez, can Jerry 'Needs to Step-down' Shi and his dysfunctional School Board put more of a taint on their new 'Super Secret' Super Hire?!?
Well, looks like the Board of Mythomania has rushed to hire a new Super before the end of the year. Given everything that's gone on recently with this Local Dem-infested and politically corrupt School Board, you'd think whoever they pick will most likely carry a taint.
That being what it is, it gets worse. Apparently, they called a special meeting on Veterans day to discuss the Super position but publicly stated that NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN at that meeting on both their website and in the local papers.
But guess what - they did take action. They sent a contract for Bernard F. Bragen, Jr. down to the County Super for approval.
That's a Tad Bit Not Nice thing to do.
Now, that being somewhat disconcerting and giving the appearance that they were trying to railroad in the person of their inept choice without any chance for public comment in such an underhanded way, I thought I'd ask them to explain what they did.
Of course, when and if I get an answer, I'll let you know. But I'm not holding my breath waiting.
Further, since they made it public without any County Super and Board approval, albeit it a shady way, I further made an OPRA Request for Mr. Bragen's 3 1/2 year contract and Resume. Would be nice to see what they're giving him over 3 1/2 years and if his background, experience and performance supports what I understand is a very large amount of money.
Anyhoo, by their own actions for their own reasons, they're putting a taint over this guys head before he even walks into the door over there on Pierson Ave, at the intersection of Mythomania Lane and Dysfunction Junction.
That being what it is, it gets worse. Apparently, they called a special meeting on Veterans day to discuss the Super position but publicly stated that NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN at that meeting on both their website and in the local papers.
But guess what - they did take action. They sent a contract for Bernard F. Bragen, Jr. down to the County Super for approval.
That's a Tad Bit Not Nice thing to do.
Now, that being somewhat disconcerting and giving the appearance that they were trying to railroad in the person of their inept choice without any chance for public comment in such an underhanded way, I thought I'd ask them to explain what they did.
Of course, when and if I get an answer, I'll let you know. But I'm not holding my breath waiting.
Further, since they made it public without any County Super and Board approval, albeit it a shady way, I further made an OPRA Request for Mr. Bragen's 3 1/2 year contract and Resume. Would be nice to see what they're giving him over 3 1/2 years and if his background, experience and performance supports what I understand is a very large amount of money.
Anyhoo, by their own actions for their own reasons, they're putting a taint over this guys head before he even walks into the door over there on Pierson Ave, at the intersection of Mythomania Lane and Dysfunction Junction.
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