RIDGEFIELD'S CONSCIOUS UNCOUPLING

Gwyneth Paltrow coined the phrase a "conscious uncoupling" to describe her divorce and, oddly, it appears we've had a "conscious uncoupling" here in Ridgefield. 

School Superintendent, Karen Baldwin, spoke a language that I never quite understood so a "conscious  uncoupling" seemed a fitting way to describe her termination agreement. 

Kudos to the Ridgefield Press for acquiring a copy of that agreement via FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) & publishing an article about it. Shame on BoE for making it come to that.

The article states that BoE "found no wrongdoing or misconduct in [Ms. Baldwin's] performance", that BoE had "not requested [her] resignation" nor had they "forced [her][...] resignation. In addition, BoE found no "deficiency, wrongdoing or misconduct with respect to Dr. Baldwin's performance or actions". 

Moreover the resignation did not "constitute an admission" by Ms. Baldwin that she did anything to warrant her termination and that -- according to the Press account -- Ms. Baldwin simply "suggested she would resign". 

Accordingly she would continue to receive her full salary until June 30th plus an annuity of $14,660 plus her un-used vacation days at $894 per day.

So from all accounts, it appears to me that Ms. Baldwin woke up one fine morning & just quit her $200,000 plus job because she simply felt like it. 

The problem is that after her self-serving resignation, she will continue to receive her full salary until June 30 and there is no mention of plagiarism. So what's the takeaway?

In my opinion, neither side has taken responsibility for anything in this matter. There is no "learning moment" for the 5,000 Ridgefield students from whom we demand more. Its' hypocritical and disgraceful. 

"First Selectman Rudy Marconi said he felt the arrangement [was] a “fair agreement for both sides.”

I give it an "F".

OPEN LETTER TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. [FROM RIDGEFIELD PRESS]

Here's how it works.

An issue is added to the agenda.

There is discussion & public commentary.

Naturally a consultant is contracted.

The issue is tabled.

The consultant reports out.

There is more discussion & public commentary.

But then:

Someone needs to make a motion on the issue.

Someone needs to second that motion.

The matter is then open for more discussion.

The matter is discussed even more.

Then the vote is called.

You vote.

You move on to another matter.

Well, that's not what we have in the current BoE. We have a diddling board that cannot, or will not, make important decisions.

For years -- despite a declining student population, two or three consultants, facts, figures, deadlines & commitments -- you, the Board of Education, failed to make a decision on closing a school. 

For years no one has gotten a handle on Special Education.

For years we were told there were no savings in power, busing & health care. That proved to be wrong.

Currently, despite consultants, discussions and more discussions we see more diddling on start times & now you've employed a familiar tactic: delay and more consultants.

But on a different note, after all the steps described above, plus singing, you, the BoE, finally decided to remove German from the curriculum but then promptly rescinded your vote and reinstated it.

I know everyone on the board is a volunteer. None of this commentary is meant to say that these decisions are easy or should be made in haste. But it is to say that it is the responsibility you signed up for.

Your first responsibility is to the students. Your second is to the community you serve. I realize that's a lot of responsibility, but that's the job. Please do it.

A strong supporter of great education.

Jan Rifkinson
New Road