I was graciously welcomed to the new world of blogging in Plainfield by Dan Damon of Plainfield Today. I appreciate the "tips" he provided me and the few words of wisdom he gave me about this new undertaking. What Dan didn't prepare me for were the comments that bloggers receive from people speaking on various posts. I had opened up my blog by reflecting on the recent school board election and former superintendent Steve Gallon.
I was going to periodically revisit this case and share some of the documents that I had in my possession but had moved on to my recent posts on the district reduction plan. I thought that as people lose their jobs the BOE would be reminded not to take away from students and teachers. I read that the BOE challenged the teacher' union to work with the administration to save jobs. That is a great idea and a sign of leadership by the BOE. Let's see if there is similar leadership at the helm of the teacher's union. I even offered a few suggestions myself. But some of the comments I received both in support and against Dr. Gallon made me wonder. Why would some people want me to leave it alone, be quiet, let sleeping dogs lay, or the let the "deceased die" which included other statements that I dare not repeat? Why was there such deep seeeded hatred by some?
Everything I have learned about this case I read in about 10 public documents that are either online or available through OPRA at the district or State. I knew that there was a period of turmoil under former Superintendent Steve Gallon that involved the certification of his two of his people that joined him for Florida that eventually ended in him being charged with allowing two children to attend school under his address in the neighboring South Plainfield School district.
I also knew that a new Board majority made a move to oust him within two weeks after being sworn in to office. Before I get a comment on this look at the timeline. Based on official records the new BOE began this action on a matter that previous BOE had already dealt with. Was it double jeopardy? This same new Board majority eventually settled with Gallon, paid him over $100k of our taxpayer's dollars and who knows what to their lawyers. Their settlement indicated that he violated no policy, law or procedures as superintendent although they had made not one, but two accusations through tenure charges that he had before dismissing both sets of tenure charges altogether. Why make the accusation, then settle stating that he did nothing wrong? Although promised there was never an explanation given on this to the public.
The Middlesex prosector's office took a similar path when they essentially dismissed the case by never formally filing charges against Gallon and the pair about the South Plainfield enrollment issue.
What I did not know was that there are many who would rather forget the past and risk repeating it than know more about this saga and learn from it. Some of the hateful comments that were made about Dr. Gallon and even me for having a different point of view shocked me. Dr. Gallon aside, I was basically attacked personally for expressing my views and writing about factual events, facts that are available to the public and media but that went largely ignored in the effort to rid Plainfield of what one person commented the "wicked, corrupt" Dr. Gallon. Even though I don't know him personally, I have not seen proof of his wickedness or that he is corrupt. Any proof is welcomed.
The comments made were mostly personal and not based on his qualifications and record of accomplishments in Plainfield. There were also comments that looked like tips on things I should look into and blog about. Anon 7:38 p.m., I will be forwarding your comment to the Union County Prosecutor's Office.
I have combed through many documents involving Gallon's case. I started out by simply reading the OFAC report done independently by the State in which I could not for the life of me find a reference to Dr. Gallon doing anything illegal. Read for yourself here http://www.scribd.com/doc/29461318/Ofac-Report.
What I did read was an HR department under former Assistant Superintendent Dr. Garnell Bailey that was in disarray. The OFAC investigators mentioned several times that interview records that were requested from HR staff were often not presented or available. Based on an a document submitted to the State, Dr. Bailey resigned from the district before the investigation of her department was concluded.
There are other documents that include names of over 20 employees that were either not certified or were in positions that were not approved by the Board. The documents state that none arrived from Florida with Gallon but were here in the district for years. There is a reference to an employee by name that was hired and employed in Plainfield without completing a background check or being fingerprinted by HR. According to the document, the employee resigned after being directed to have fingerprints taken by Dr. Gallon, not HR.
I revisited some of the above facts to share why I have taken a differring view about this case and that it shows the worse case of how politics can take over in a school district or city. I need only mention former City Administrator Bibi Taylor. She is not serving Plainfield because of politics. What about the hate filled ant-gay flier that was cowardly distributed at City Hall? Some politics want people to scream loud about issues they want at the forefront while some politics would prefer we be quiet.
While watching a movie last night the main character commented to his friend "we must be right". His friend asked him why. He answered "because there are too many people that want me to be quiet".
I don't think there are enough words, or steps, to prepare us here in Plainfield for some of the comments that arrive via the comment box. Fear and a sense of entitlement is the main driver of many of the horrid comments one receives. Hope and a sense of justice is what keeps us writing. Thanks for taking on a matter that needed to be taken on by someone who is not the "same old same".
ReplyDeleteMaria Pellum
Are you really Gallon just doing a blog?
ReplyDeleteKen, I for one will be following your blog. Gallon made his mistakes, but the things he did right far exceeded the things he did wrong.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you've heard the statement "if we do what we've always done, we will get what we've always gotten." We continue to focus on the adults and place the needs of the children last. The numerous slogans the district has used throughout the years when placed next to it's actions shows we only pay lip service. Two of my favorites are "We're serious about learning" and "... no alibis, no excuses, no exceptions!" We need action not slogans.
Let's see what the Grand Slam team does now that they have complete control. If things don't improve they won't have anyone to blame but themselves.
I welcome the post mortem of the Gallon era. Maybe it will make some people open their eyes and ask questions. Keep in mind that Plainfield was a FAILING school district long before Gallon got on the scene. If you listen to some you would think that the crime and poor test scores came with him from Florida.
"If you don't know your history you are doomed to repeat it."
11:15,
ReplyDeleteNo, I am not Gallon doing a blog. Gallon did not write OFAC Report so would it even matter?
It seems to me that matters of truth in Plainfield are based on the bearer. Let's not hope that it is not case.
I agree. The truth is the truth. Seeems that no one wants to hear or talk about the truth if it does not fit into the box of local politics.
ReplyDeletePoint of clarification...the case was dismissed because the entered into PTI which is Pre-Trial Intervention. The bottom line is that he is no longer here. Our district cannot move if we continue looking backwards. If you think he did a good job....you are entitled but so are those who feel he did not do good job. It is not about Gallon or the Grand Slam Team...but it is about the students and that is where the discussion should focus.
ReplyDeleteWhile the truth should be in the forefront, you simply choose to overlook the facts surrounding Dr. Gallon. He gave ladies from Florida positions they weren't qualified for. Once the issue came to light he reassigned them to other high positions for which they weren't qualified. I hate to say it but you seem to be doing all of your posts about "what made Dr. Gallon great" While he did some good things for the district, he was also a liar and dishonest in some of his deals. He was arrogant at best and spoke in circles. Let's all be glad he's gone now and let's work together to hire someone who can lead the district in the 21st century.
ReplyDelete10:06 am
ReplyDeleteEven if it is the `"truth" does it make a difference now? Gallon is now coming back to Plainfield! We need to move this city forward, I understand the concept of those who forget are doomed to repeat but, really? We should put our focus and energy into constructive thinking and action for our children of Plainfield, which by the way, are over 90% black and Hispanic. If you are going to blog about Plainfield and our school system lets keep the focus on the present, future and our children. Gallon is gone and we need to move on!
I agree that the district needs to move forward. I am reminded of the many documentaries where people are wrongly convicted.
ReplyDeleteThey are more likely minority and poor. They usually sit for years because everyone wants to move forward and not talk about it. When some decide to speak on an issue that others dont want to talk about they are ridiculed, threatened or worse.
dr.e+mc2,
I have read your blog and many of your comments. Many of them reference Gallon in a negative light. I can't find one thing you have said positive about him. That is not moving forward.
As for your comments about PTI and the case, if you looked at the facts there was no case. I have read public documents regarding Gallon's case and they cite similar cases in which the matter was handled differently. Did you know the NAACP was involved in the case on Gallon's behalf?
The following cases involved ineligible enrollment but did not result in arrests or prosecution.
1.March '09-C.P. on behalf of minor child Z.P. v. Board of Education of the township of Ewing Mercer County-Involved an attendance officer, investigation by the district, and resulted in the Commissioner ordering $7,826.00 payment
2. April '09 -J.D. on behalf of A.D. v. B.O.E. of Lenape Regional H.S.-Commissioner ordered $6382.32
3. June ‘09-L.C. on behalf of O.C. v. B.O.E. of the borough of North Plainfield-Commissioner ordered payment of $22,810.84.
4. July '09-Z.A. on behalf of J.K. v. B.O.E. of Borough of Saddle River Bergen County-Commissioner ordered payment of $26,973.16
5. August ’09-M.Y., on behalf of minor child, N.M. V. BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE, ESSEX COUNTY, 8/4/09, (#247-09)-Commissioner ordered payment of $12,535.56
6. August ’09 -S.K., on behalf of minor child, M.J.S. V. BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE BOROUGH OF SOUTH PLAINFIELD, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, 8/4/09, (#248-09)-This is the same district but matter addressed and resolved through the Commissioner of Education. You can read more cases for yourself.
All of this is public information avalaible at http://lawlibrary.rutgers.edu/cgi-bin/oal-agent.cgi
Michael,
Look at the BOE Agendas. There were over 20 people that were affected. Gallon could not appoint if the BOE did not approve.Many of the 20 who were not from Florida were in the district before Gallon arrived. 7 of 8 board members approved the action with the county superintendent's knowledge and approval. The lawyer was also there. This is all in the record. This is also in Board Minutes.
I have the response but it has names on it but the names are the same that are on the November 17 agenda.
Some want to move on when it is convenient for them or when they are made to feel uncomfortable.
There should never be discomfort in the truth.
Schuman do not waste your time on drmc2.You seem to already have him figured out. If you dont let me tell he is a DISGRUNTLED VP in the district that was not promoted when Gallon promoted other VP's. He also undermined the principal at the high school before he was moved.
ReplyDeleteHe also used his blog to attack BOE members Lenny Cathcart and support the Grand Slam team during the election.
Dont waste your time on him.
I say keep it alive. The more you put the man's name on stuff the more search results will be produced when he is Googled.
ReplyDeleteI guess those Arizona folk who fired him were wrong too.
If you are going to tell the truth then tell the whole truth. For example, the fact that the State is pursuing tenure charges, the fact that PTI is only offered when there is enough to pursue a case; otherwise, he would have just been declared innocent and walked away.
Additionally, the "new" majority did not support the settlement. You want facts then do your research as it is recorded in the minutes. While you are researching, please check out the legal definition of settlement, guilt or innocence is not a part of the consideration. We don’t want you misinforming the public.
Sensationalism, misleading gossip or real discourse that is your fork; you must choose wisely grasshopper or pooper scooper.
9:07 am,
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of truth, Gallon wasnt fired from Arizona. According to what I read he was a consultant and wisely removed himself after the Plainfield mess came up.
The settlement was approved by while the Grand Slam team was in control. A majority vote was required.
As for PTI you are mistaken. Proof or evidence is not a factor in PTI. Gallon was admitted with a not guilty.
I looked up the cases too. Keep writing Shuman. You seem to be the only one that comes with facts.
Gallon didn't "remove himself" from the Arizona consultant position--they decided not to hire him after a google search revealed his problems in Plainfield. In fact he did bring unqualified and uncertified ladies here from Florida and then kept them on the payroll. Big mistake! Now it seems you are trying to give a lot of positive plugs for Gallon so that future google searches won't just turn up negative comments and maybe he'll be able to get a job somewhere else. I hope he has learned from his mistakes and stops being so arrogant.
ReplyDelete