The Winds Of Change... Really?!?

[Jim O'Bryan]

To steal from Saturday Night Live...



Current rumors on the street have one time resigner Rick Berdine staying, and two time resigner Dr. Joe Madak coming back, to? to? to?

I like Rick, he has done a OK job, but for 2-3 times what any other good Treasurer would
cost? And Joe, is a good guy, but quit with his ideal board and left, and then when he came
back, to say he was overwhelmed with the current state of Lakewood and taxpayers.

Really!

Really?


.

[Scott Meeson]

[Kristine Pagsuyoin]

Last week, I started to urge friends and supporters to write to the Lakewood Board of Education to let them know their feelings on this issue. Not only must we communicate to our elected representatives what we expect for our school district, but we must let them know that we support decisions that might go against the interests of who they represent.

Lakewood Schools has the most entrenched school board in the state, (Betsy S. 18 years, Ed F., 14 years, and Linda B, 28 years), who have publicly expressed that they serve the interests of constituents north of Lake Ave. Our two newly elected board members have also expressed that they’ll serve the interests of those who elected them—north of Lake Ave. Who is representing the students and taxpayers for the rest of the city?

Why do entrenched board members want to retain an expensive treasurer who was resigning due to issues with this board? Why is there pressure from some of the interests that our current board represents pushing new board members to retain Rick Berdine? I am baffled. What is the benefit from retaining Berdine?

The Lakewood Schools, like other districts, are facing HUGE financial problems. They are going to put a levy on the ballot very soon. Will we support paying for administrators with huge salaries working for us while drawing a retirement (double-dippers)? Berdine, in December 2012, will be eligible for retirement---kind of answers the question of why is resignation date was extended.

Keep in mind, that Dr. Madak is also a double-dipper. Also, remember that he lives in California! Who pays for him to fly to work every week? Really? We can’t find a superintendent who lives in our state? The answer is we did, and his name is Jeff Patterson. Mr. Patterson is capable of pushing this district forward. He is well respected by his colleagues and I think he does want to engage families and make decisions that are best for our students.

At levy time, the board will use fear to try to pass it by holding our kids hostage. They will threaten to cut the programs that are most loved and desired in our district. Will we give into the fear even when we know they are making very poor financial, and suspect, choices? I just don’t know. We all want what is best for our kids and families. However, how much longer do we allow this board, and its new members, to manage our schools while serving only a few?

Please email your elected school board members, including the newest members. I know you might not get a response—it is rare. Yet, they are still probably reading what you have to say. The decision regarding a new treasurer is going to take place next week. Many people feel strongly about this situation and have emailed the school board. In fact, when I was out yesterday someone stopped me to let me know that he had written the governor! People of our town can be moved if they hear the message—if they are informed. If other “special interests” have the ear of our board members then so should we.

[Scott Meeson]

Last week, I started to urge friends and supporters to write to the Lakewood Board of Education to let them know their feelings on this issue. Not only must we communicate to our elected representatives what we expect for our school district, but we must let them know that we support decisions that might go against the interests of who they represent.

Lakewood Schools has the most entrenched school board in the state, (Betsy S. 18 years, Ed F., 14 years, and Linda B, 28 years), who have publicly expressed that they serve the interests of constituents north of Lake Ave. Our two newly elected board members have also expressed that they’ll serve the interests of those who elected them—north of Lake Ave. Who is representing the students and taxpayers for the rest of the city?

Why do entrenched board members want to retain an expensive treasurer who was resigning due to issues with this board? Why is there pressure from some of the interests that our current board represents pushing new board members to retain Rick Berdine? I am baffled. What is the benefit from retaining Berdine?

The Lakewood Schools, like other districts, are facing HUGE financial problems. They are going to put a levy on the ballot very soon. Will we support paying for administrators with huge salaries working for us while drawing a retirement (double-dippers)? Berdine, in December 2012, will be eligible for retirement---kind of answers the question of why is resignation date was extended.

Keep in mind, that Dr. Madak is also a double-dipper. Also, remember that he lives in California! Who pays for him to fly to work every week? Really? We can’t find a superintendent who lives in our state? The answer is we did, and his name is Jeff Patterson. Mr. Patterson is capable of pushing this district forward. He is well respected by his colleagues and I think he does want to engage families and make decisions that are best for our students.

At levy time, the board will use fear to try to pass it by holding our kids hostage. They will threaten to cut the programs that are most loved and desired in our district. Will we give into the fear even when we know they are making very poor financial, and suspect, choices? I just don’t know. We all want what is best for our kids and families. However, how much longer do we allow this board, and its new members, to manage our schools while serving only a few?

Please email your elected school board members, including the newest members. I know you might not get a response—it is rare. Yet, they are still probably reading what you have to say. The decision regarding a new treasurer is going to take place next week. Many people feel strongly about this situation and have emailed the school board. In fact, when I was out yesterday someone stopped me to let me know that he had written the governor! People of our town can be moved if they hear the message—if they are informed. If other “special interests” have the ear of our board members then so should we.

Kristine,

Why do people think Rick Berdine is looking to retain (beyond 2012) his position as treasurer? How did it become an issue?

Does the school board have an obligation to inform the public of Berdine's interest in retaining his position?

I'm not so sure much money would be saved with the hiring of a NEW treasurer...assuming the same job duties/responsibilities.

Petrie-Barcelona and Einhouse should not be players at this point. They'll get their chance to shape the direction of our schools when their terms start in January of 2012.

I do think our school board has a great deal of respect for Berdine and Madak.



Scott

[Kristine Pagsuyoin]

Why do people think Rick Berdine is looking to retain (beyond 2012) his position as treasurer? How did it become an issue?

Does the school board have an obligation to inform the public of Berdine's interest in retaining his position?

I'm not so sure much money would be saved with the hiring of a NEW treasurer...assuming the same job duties/responsibilities.

Petrie-Barcelona and Einhouse should not be players at this point. They'll get their chance to shape the direction of our schools when their terms start in January of 2012.

I do think our school board has a great deal of respect for Berdine and Madak.

Scott,

Mr. Einhouse and Mrs. Barcelona have been extended an invitation by the current board to sit in on the process of selecting a new treasurer. This has been done as a courtesy, and although I voiced concern, the same invitation was extended to me while we were waiting results of the election. I would have accepted the invitation to help choose a new treasurer had I been elected.

This issue was raised because there are board members (new & old) who have suggested retaining Mr. Berdine. As Jim stated, "Current rumors on the street". I asked Mr. Berdine at a recent school board meeting, if he was reconsidering his resignation and if he had applied for the position of treasurer. I also asked him if he was to be retained, if he would accept his salary in addition to the severance package or retirement that he would be eligible for next year. He only replied that he had not applied for the position of treasurer. Of course, he wouldn't have to apply to keep his job. I would like to mention here that, unfortunately, the district has been negligent regarding posting public meetings on their website and so this is not information that can be viewed.

I don’t know what type of obligation the school board has in telling the public if they have had discussions to retain Mr. Berdine. Those conversations would more than likely be conducted in executive sessions in which minutes are not public.

I am hoping for the best possible outcome. That the district moves forward with a new treasurer who can bring fresh perspectives to our schools, who can work well with our superintendent, who would welcome a community-based oversight committee (like city council), and who is willing to hear and understand the concerns of the families and students who want access to the facilities that we helped build. I don’t like the practice of double-dipping and I certainly would not support a decision to re-hire an administrator we’d have to fly in from California (by the way, I have not heard this rumor—only from Jim’s post). It is important to shine a light in this matter so it can be brought into public discussion.

As far as respect the board may have for either of the men we have mentioned—I don’t know. I think a marriage of convenience has existed for a long time that is very comfortable for the board. This approach is out-of-date. It is surely not the right approach to help our district be competitive or financially stable.

[Scott Meeson]

Why do people think Rick Berdine is looking to retain (beyond 2012) his position as treasurer? How did it become an issue?

Does the school board have an obligation to inform the public of Berdine's interest in retaining his position?

I'm not so sure much money would be saved with the hiring of a NEW treasurer...assuming the same job duties/responsibilities.

Petrie-Barcelona and Einhouse should not be players at this point. They'll get their chance to shape the direction of our schools when their terms start in January of 2012.

I do think our school board has a great deal of respect for Berdine and Madak.

Scott,

Mr. Einhouse and Mrs. Barcelona have been extended an invitation by the current board to sit in on the process of selecting a new treasurer. This has been done as a courtesy, and although I voiced concern, the same invitation was extended to me while we were waiting results of the election. I would have accepted the invitation to help choose a new treasurer had I been elected.

This issue was raised because there are board members (new & old) who have suggested retaining Mr. Berdine. As Jim stated, "Current rumors on the street". I asked Mr. Berdine at a recent school board meeting, if he was reconsidering his resignation and if he had applied for the position of treasurer. I also asked him if he was to be retained, if he would accept his salary in addition to the severance package or retirement that he would be eligible for next year. He only replied that he had not applied for the position of treasurer. Of course, he wouldn't have to apply to keep his job. I would like to mention here that, unfortunately, the district has been negligent regarding posting public meetings on their website and so this is not information that can be viewed.

I don’t know what type of obligation the school board has in telling the public if they have had discussions to retain Mr. Berdine. Those conversations would more than likely be conducted in executive sessions in which minutes are not public.

I am hoping for the best possible outcome. That the district moves forward with a new treasurer who can bring fresh perspectives to our schools, who can work well with our superintendent, who would welcome a community-based oversight committee (like city council), and who is willing to hear and understand the concerns of the families and students who want access to the facilities that we helped build. I don’t like the practice of double-dipping and I certainly would not support a decision to re-hire an administrator we’d have to fly in from California (by the way, I have not heard this rumor—only from Jim’s post). It is important to shine a light in this matter so it can be brought into public discussion.

As far as respect the board may have for either of the men we have mentioned—I don’t know. I think a marriage of convenience has existed for a long time that is very comfortable for the board. This approach is out-of-date. It is surely not the right approach to help our district be competitive or financially stable.

Kristine,

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Regarding the courtesy being extended to Einhouse and Petrie-Barcelona:
Lakewood City Schools Bylaws & Policies

0140 - MEMBERSHIP

0141 Number The Board of Education shall consist of five (5) members elected at large.

_______________________________________________



I assume the following considering Rick Berdine:

1) Rick officially notified the school board of his intention to relinquish his position as treasurer.

2) The school board officially accepted Rick's resignation. I assume the school board accepted the resignation as they initiated a search for a new treasurer.

3) Rick has made no request to rescind his resignation.

If the opportunity presented itself, why wouldn't we want(excluding compensation argument) to retain Rick Berdine? I'm not aware of Berdine being a problem employee.

___________________________________________


Regarding Madak: He should enjoy retirement and continue to wish his hand picked successor much success. http://www.lakewoodrangers.com/wp/2011/board-names-patterson-as-madaks-successor/

Scott













.

[Jim O'Bryan]

To clear some of this up from my post.

The discussion of Joe Madak coming back, came from two completely different sources. If
the rumor, and that is all I am claiming "a rumor." One of the rumors was based on Dr.
Madak backing three candidates, and I believe contributing to those candidates. This rumor
would come out of a person that has access to those people.

The second part comes from out of City Hall where the Mayor was a huge supporter of
Dr. Madak having worked with him for years while on the school board. And that comment
was much softer "I believe Mike would like to see him stay or come back."

Nothing more than that. Two complete different people talking of the same thing. "A rumor
on the street."

Personally I believe the "double dipping" point is moot, unless there are buyouts and bonuses
involved. Dr. Madak earned his pension, and would be paid no matter what. A superintendent
would be hired no matter what. If Joe is the man, then that is what is paid unless something
else is negotiated at the time of the resignation or re-signing.

What would be more interesting is since this thread appeared many people have called and
emailed me and others. While 100% are saying, "Where did O'Bryan get that about Joe."
No one but Scott has said anything about Rick being retained or rehired. Which I would
take to mean, many, many people including the schoolboard are actively working to retain
Rick and his services.

My issues with any of this are:
1) How does the board ask for more money when Rick was given an extension that allowed
him to get a larger package upon retiring.
2) How do they explain that it was more important to inflate Rick's salary in a period of belt
tightening, to the level where it is nearly double to what he was hired at. I have heard the reasons
and while they make some sense in times of great wealth, they are whacked in a community
desperately looking to save every penny out there.
3) How many programs or teachers were left unfunded by these inflated paychecks.

In all seriousness, Rick might be the best treasurer of all time. The Ferrari of treasurers,
but can Lakewood afford a Ferrari when we are going into debt? Isn't this a time when
all of us have to reach down a little bit more, and very soon pay a little more and finish
the high school?

Jeff Patterson seems to be more than qualified to run the schools, and would seem to have
the support of the board, many of the teachers and students. We have put out a call for
Treasurers and I believe 12(?) responded, most I am sure did so while still employed. Do
we just say, oooopppps our bad?

While 99% of Lakewood could care who runs the schools, they just want them to be good and
safe for the kids. Those involved in the business are watching this like hawks to see just
how the School Board acts and performs.

I believe Dr. Madak and his reasons for retiring, and cannot blame him. I imagine Rick's
reasons were just as justified. Both should have signaled a time for the schools to move on
and find the most qualified people they can find at a price we can afford. I believe they
did a good job with Jeff Patterson, and would hope they find someone that work with him
as well as Dr. Madak and Rick Berdine worked together.

FWIW


.

[Kristine Pagsuyoin]

If the opportunity presented itself, why wouldn't we want(excluding compensation argument) to retain Rick Berdine? I'm not aware of Berdine being a problem employee.

As you know, Scott, I have been attending meetings for a very long time and served on the Phase 3 committee. While campaigning for the school board, I talked to many citizens and group leaders. These experiences have shaped my views about the relationship between the school board and the treasurer. In my opinion, there have been several issues such as: limiting access to our buildings and high school track to school/board sponsored organizations as well as residents of this community, lack of our school board to provide oversight on behalf of the community, withholding relevant data when information was request by members of the Phase 3 committee, and there have been significant construction issues with some of our newer buildings. In addition, the latest contract with teachers cost our district more than $2 million dollars worsening our financial situation. Mr. Berdine holds a lot of power is our district--not sure if that is typical of all school treasurers.

The school board, nor has Rick Berdine, been very open regarding his sudden resignation. I understand completely that people have personal issues that they have every right to keep private--if that is the case. If not, Mr. Berdine is a public employee, and yet the board and Mr. Berdine have not been willing to comment on the reasons why he resigned. This kind of behavior raises red flags for me.

Ed Favre was quoted in a recent article, Patch In mid-October in a phone interview, Board member Ed Favre did indicate there was a shared interest between the board and Berdine for him to resign. He also said the treasurer sat in on discussions with school officials to determine the conditions of his resignation.

Why would a school board offer a severance package if there were not reasons to let him go?

[Scott Meeson]

Ed Favre was quoted in a recent article, Patch In mid-October in a phone interview, Board member Ed Favre did indicate there was a shared interest between the board and Berdine for him to resign. He also said the treasurer sat in on discussions with school officials to determine the conditions of his resignation.

Why would a school board offer a severance package if there were not reasons to let him go?

Kristine,

I have no idea what Ed Favre means by that. Maybe Berdine could no longer commit the time necessary to perform the broad range of responsibilities/duties that are expected from our treasurer. If that was the case, it could be in both their interests to part ways in a professional/cordial manner. Again, I don't know but anything is possible.

Any idea when Berdine's contract was due to expire?


Lakewood City School Bylaws & Policies:

1340.01 - NON-REEMPLOYMENT OF THE TREASURER

The Board of Education has an obligation to the citizens of this District to employ the professional leadership best trained and equipped to meet the educational needs of their children. It shall meet that obligation by retaining only the best qualified person as Treasurer for this District.

If the services of the Treasurer are found to be unsatisfactory to the Board, s/he shall be notified by the Superintendent and given an opportunity to correct the conditions.

If his/her services continue to be unsatisfactory, the Treasurer shall be notified in writing by the Board President as approved by the Board, of its intent, not later than the first regular meeting in October of the expiration year of his/her contract, that his/her services will not be renewed.

R.C. 3313.22


We shall see what happens.


Scott

[Kristine Pagsuyoin]

I believe his contract would have expired in June of this year (he resigned before it expired). However, that would need to be verified.