I’m at the School Committee caucus where there promises to be an interesting discussion about the next chair and vice chair. Mayor Warren runs the caucus. Matt Hills and Ruth Goldman are running for chair.
I’m guessing that Mayor Warren is going to be the tie-breaking vote.
Hills was vice chair for two years and has been chair for the last three years. Goldman has been vice chair for one year.
Update: This feels like some School Committee members have been talking behind closed doors and making plans to defeat Hills, but I’m biased. I think Matt has done a great job with the School Committee.
I’ve never attended a leadership caucus but my understand is that not many people usually attend. There are about a dozen audience members.
The mayor looks like he’d rather be anywhere but this room.
Gail, I have disagreed with Matt Hills on some issues, but you are correct: He has overall done a most admirable job. People need to understand how many hours of his own time he has volunteered, in public service, especially during his time as chairman.
@Gail– Considering your background in the press, I was absolutely shocked to read that you feel Matt Hills “has done a great job with the School Committee.” As you well know, Hills was cited by the Attorney General for violating the Open Meeting Law on 5 separate occasions. He’s also obviously been deeply involved with the School Committee/NPS’s effort to hide the investigator’s report into anti Semitic incidents at Day Middle School. I would think that type of disregard for the press would get a big thumbs down from a former Editor of The TAB. Of course Hills was also Chair when the SC decided to whack Superintendent Fleishman with that whopping [sarcastic] $5K fine for plagiarizing himself in front of 4000 people. And of course Hill’s has completely failed to protect the health and well being of our teenage students by changing the high school start time. Personally, I think Hills stands alone as the single worst public official I can ever recall in Newton. So please, tell me what you admire so much about Hills that makes you feel he’s done a good job?
Mike, I’ll answer this when I have time. But, quickly, I’ll say that my years as a journalist have taught me that a lot goes on behind the scenes — everywhere, not just on the School Committee — that we don’t know.
@Andy– I’m curious, do you actually read your own editorials, or do you write them in your sleep?
I agree Andy. It sounds like Ross Decter and Fisher-Gomberg have felt excluded, so they want him out.
It is possible, Mike, to strongly disagree with a person on an issue (the Day report is what you are referring to, I presume) but believe that overall he has done a good job. And yes, I do possess a unique ability and write all my editorials while in REM sleep pattern. You didn’t know?
Gail, I just want to be specific about your comment, “There are about a dozen audience members” There were 4 citizens, 2 lawyers from the NPS law department, a reporter, and 2 members of the NTA Union leadership. Oh, and one very nice videographer from NewTV.
The full proceedings can be viewed here:
http://www.newtv.org/video/sc/022817/