3 Lancaster administrators no hear,say, or see.

[shortstuff]

Good afternoon Chime, I ask if you had a chance to see the ch. 2 interview on the students at Lancaster schools who did on camera interviews that they were bullied and told administrators. Did you see the reporter stated Dr. Vallely did not return any of her calls? I attended a school board meeting and parents of students cried at the podium asking for help for their children who are Lancaster students due to bullying. Dr. Vallely was seated at the center table but maybe he was busy preparing for the praise from Principal Ceaser on Superintendents Vallely greatness along with another principal also praising Vallely. Readers of speak up wny pray your child is an athlete or brilliant because if not your child will likely be labeled troubled or parents are crazy .Lancaster students have told me they have seen other students removed in handcuffs from school for drugs. But according to the administration Lancaster has no drug problems. So are the students lying . Was the drug dog an illusion?

If I can say something here, as someone who no longer attends these meetings, if Greg these incidents have occurred and you witnessed it and it has been verified both by the media and video clippings of that board meeting in the aforementioned statement(s) you made, THEN by all means all of you on this site should be concerned. I don't care what affiliation, board position one has or a casual attendee-one or two or several concerned parents regarding these sensitive issues ----SHOULD cause concerns to anyone who cares about what is happening at the district with the children. May I suggest we not circumvent the situation and use open eyes and report facts and do something about it.

[Lee Chowaniec]

[QUOTE=Greg Sojka;1800635]

Readers of Speak UP WNY,this thread is about the history of non transparency in the school district. The three stooges Lee,Geof,and ABC of speak up are trying to distract,make up,and are off track.If these were your children left behind how would you feel ?

I have already posted that I had a daughter in school with severe disabilities; blind as well. She was bullied and tormented. My other two children went through school with bullying episodes as well. I had also posted that I believed bullying and substance abuse instances are heinous and should be made public. Why you keep asking me how I would feel is asinine on your part and totally offensive.

Lee,if you consider me a cyber bully,what is Gorja with her history of posting? Be BRAVE Lee! Answer the question.

You answer none of my questions but demand I answer yours. As per my opinion of Gorga, it holds with all posters, we all have crossed the line at one time or another in trying to express our opinions. Your crossing the line too often is accompanied with mean-spirit, disparaging personal attacks.

ABC , the voters rejected Kim Nowak and Wendy Buckert as did the Lancaster teachers union. Speaks volumes for incumbent candidates.

As may happen again this year.

[abc123]

Gorja, your video did not post.
Readers of Speak UP WNY,this thread is about the history of non transparency in the school district. The three stooges Lee,Geof,and ABC of speak up are trying to distract,make up,and are off track.If these were your children left behind how would you feel ?

Lee,if you consider me a cyber bully,what is Gorja with her history of posting? Be BRAVE Lee! Answer the question.
ABC , the voters rejected Kim Nowak and Wendy Buckert as did the Lancaster teachers union. Speaks volumes for incumbent candidates.

yes, greg. those candidates did lose...in 2015. also big that year: the mad men finale and star wars: the force awakens (there have been 2 new star wars movies since). david letterman was still on late night.

in 2015, you went on and on about the voice of the people. the citizens of lancaster, their voice was not being heard! do you remember that?

what did the people want in 2016?
what did the people want in 2017?
what do they want in 2018?
when even your band of pirates has abandoned you, isn't it a good indication that it is time to on?

why do you stand alone in opposition? why are you making a big deal about a one sided account of one parents experiences as recounted literally 2 full years ago? that video predates BOTH of the last 2 elections!

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

[lord Geof]

So who's the stooge?

Unless I have missed some posts to the contrary, I have read nothing that demonstrates a disagreement with our opinions, except YOU!

You certainly do seem to be an army of one.

And you should be carefully about reusing your ammunition, as it will become nothing more than blanks.

I will admit that we all live up to one of your claims.

Definition of Distract: The act of asking Greg specific and real questions that he refuses to answer, because all he has is reused ammunition, which causes him to re-spin and make no meaningful headway.

Color me guilty.

And if you continue to be unsatisfied with the answers you get, consult with your friends on the board. They must have supported the level of disclosure, so they can explain why you do not get the level of transparency you demand. They are not bashful about disclosing information, so they should be able to give you all the information you need.

Good luck on your search for your answers.

[Lancastermom]

Hi Greg--No, I didn't see the story on Ch 2 or attend the board meeting. I am skeptical about our newscasters who elicit the answers they want, but since I didn't see it, I really can't comment. It's very troubling what you witnessed at the BOE meeting. Have others reacted to it? But, you make a valid point that this should be looked into if you actually witnessed it at a board meeting. Are there tapes of the meeting?? Sure looks like I stand corrected!

Hi chime. I was there for several of these speakers and can say its absolutely true

[Truthseeker]

Hi chime. I was there for several of these speakers and can say its absolutely true

One side of any story is just that, one side. Due to confidentiality laws, the district will never be able to speak on its behalf in this case or any other for that matter. And don't forget, parents on the other side might be advocating just as hard for their own child...just something to consider.

[JustChimingIn]

Thank you very much for posting that video. My thoughts:

1. Didn't some dictator just do that? He got all is underlings to sit around a table taking turns extolling the virtues of their glorious leader. That is the thought that came to my mind as I watched the administrators step up to the podium by one by one. I actually found it nauseating and offensive. Who really put them up to that? Did they write their own scripts? Perhaps they were given talking points to include in their adoration. If one of the administrators wished to speak in glowing terms of the BOE and their leader, that's fine. I'd like to hear it. But, this seemed way too programmed and orchestrated. I wonder if we could get the emails, requested by the Freedom Of Information Act, to witness if they were told to stand up one by one and shower the front table with praise or if they truly did this on their own and believe the words they spoke. Given the board members I saw at the table, this obviously wasn't a recent occurrence. We can't prove they were put up to it, so this just becomes an amusing little parade of the servants showing adulation and appreciation to their master. The kissing of his ring would have been a perfect ending.
2. The part of this video that I really found disturbing was the comments made by Mrs. Flynn. It's too bad nobody at the front table addressed her concerns at the meeting (or so I saw, perhaps they did & I missed it). But, what she described should make everyone here (whether you agree with Greg or not) stand up and scream. If this was all true, why was this allowed to happen? Why was this allowed to continue? At the risk of incurring the rather of fellow posters, I must admit that Greg may be right on this one. Let me emphasize the "may be" part. Did anything happen after the meeting either at the DO level or the school level? Did Mrs. Flynn get a lawyer? What was the outcome of all this? Does anyone know? If her claims were true and can be substantiated, then the administrators responsible for the inaction need to be escorted out of the building & arrested for allowing this to happen. That's child abuse. But, unlike Greg (who seems to just want Dr. V's removal), I'd would require some concrete proof of the incidents, the reporting to administration and the inaction of the administration. There are two sides to every story as we all know. For the kid's (and parents' sake, I hope it got resolved). I can remember some students speaking up at the mascot meetings about how they are offended every time they walked in the school & the mascot gets changed. This kid gets stabbed with a fork and it gets ignored?? Very disturbing. Does anyone know the full story? As a side question--is it the BOE policy not to address or comment on the issues raised by speakers? Is the portion of the meeting just to allow community members to speak their minds without any expectation of dialogue with the front table?
3. In retrospect, I think it was good that I missed this meeting. Sometimes I don't walk too steady. Had I slipped on some of the rose pedals being showered on the anointed one as he walked to the front table, my legs might be permanently damaged. **disclosure--this was meant to be funny**

[lord Geof]

Thank you very much for posting that video. My thoughts:

1. Didn't some dictator just do that? He got all is underlings to sit around a table taking turns extolling the virtues of their glorious leader. That is the thought that came to my mind as I watched the administrators step up to the podium by one by one. I actually found it nauseating and offensive. Who really put them up to that? Did they write their own scripts? Perhaps they were given talking points to include in their adoration. If one of the administrators wished to speak in glowing terms of the BOE and their leader, that's fine. I'd like to hear it. But, this seemed way too programmed and orchestrated. I wonder if we could get the emails, requested by the Freedom Of Information Act, to witness if they were told to stand up one by one and shower the front table with praise or if they truly did this on their own and believe the words they spoke. Given the board members I saw at the table, this obviously wasn't a recent occurrence. We can't prove they were put up to it, so this just becomes an amusing little parade of the servants showing adulation and appreciation to their master. The kissing of his ring would have been a perfect ending.
2. The part of this video that I really found disturbing was the comments made by Mrs. Flynn. It's too bad nobody at the front table addressed her concerns at the meeting (or so I saw, perhaps they did & I missed it). But, what she described should make everyone here (whether you agree with Greg or not) stand up and scream. If this was all true, why was this allowed to happen? Why was this allowed to continue? At the risk of incurring the rather of fellow posters, I must admit that Greg may be right on this one. Let me emphasize the "may be" part. Did anything happen after the meeting either at the DO level or the school level? Did Mrs. Flynn get a lawyer? What was the outcome of all this? Does anyone know? If her claims were true and can be substantiated, then the administrators responsible for the inaction need to be escorted out of the building & arrested for allowing this to happen. That's child abuse. But, unlike Greg (who seems to just want Dr. V's removal), I'd would require some concrete proof of the incidents, the reporting to administration and the inaction of the administration. There are two sides to every story as we all know. For the kid's (and parents' sake, I hope it got resolved). I can remember some students speaking up at the mascot meetings about how they are offended every time they walked in the school & the mascot gets changed. This kid gets stabbed with a fork and it gets ignored?? Very disturbing. Does anyone know the full story? As a side question--is it the BOE policy not to address or comment on the issues raised by speakers? Is the portion of the meeting just to allow community members to speak their minds without any expectation of dialogue with the front table?
3. In retrospect, I think it was good that I missed this meeting. Sometimes I don't walk too steady. Had I slipped on some of the rose pedals being showered on the anointed one as he walked to the front table, my legs might be permanently damaged. **disclosure--this was meant to be funny**

Ok, I just need the clarify. How much of your post was meant to be funny?

I just need to understand

The first part of your post is funny.

I would understand your opinions in the middle, but would really like your honest thoughts to be clarified, as you appear to pull back at the end of you post.

I would certainly respect your comments around Ms Flynn, but I will mention a concern I have with regard to the interaction.

Before Me Flynn, there was a presentation on the veteran's parking space. I questioned that issue extensively at the time, as a Board member represented that she had discussed the parking space at length with board members in another district, and that the BOE in the other district was simply waiting for Lancaster, as "we" had the idea first.

That representation was proven to be false, as the other district had no mention of the parking space in their board notes, and Greg , or any of his cohorts, could not substantiate the representation. In fact direct questioning to that board was evidently met with a response of "what are you talking about?" If there is further information, I would welcome someone sharing, but I doubt at this point that anything will be forthcoming.

Although we are all concerned about bullying and drug issues, the presentations to the board at that point in time were orchestrated, and one wonders about Ms Flynn

If her representations were accurate, I am confident that the district did everything in their power to remedy the issue. And IMHO, the district remedies were probably not a matter that required public disclosure, nor were permitted due to privacy concerns.

Just some history on what was transpiring at that point in time between Greg and his supporters and the administration and the BOE

I welcome your clarification, and certainly respect your concerns.

Welcome to the fray, and keep your thoughtful (and funny when appropriate) comments coming.

[JustChimingIn]

Thanks Geof---

After reading your post, I must say that I'm a bit confused about Ms. Flynn. If she stated was all true, then they needed to address it and her presentation sounded like it was ignored. But, you mentioned "one wonders about Ms. Flynn." My conclusions now are now that I don't know what to make of it. I have to agree with you that if accurate, the district would do everything to remedy the issue. It would be unconscionable for them to overlook it. Honestly, I don't think they would. I will never know. You're right--the matter did not require public disclosure and privacy concerns might have been involved.

I didn't mean to sound so sarcastic about the high mass celebrated to our leader. IMHO I think they are doing a good job, but this was too big of a target to let pass. Dr. V is a nice guy and I truly believe he has the best interests of the students at heart. Why would be be in such a position if not? But, I think both friends and foes of his both agree this charade was a bit over the top!

[Lee Chowaniec]

[QUOTE=JustChimingIn;1800960]

Thanks Geof---

After reading your post, I must say that I'm a bit confused about Ms. Flynn. If she stated was all true, then they needed to address it and her presentation sounded like it was ignored. But, you mentioned "one wonders about Ms. Flynn." My conclusions now are now that I don't know what to make of it. I have to agree with you that if accurate, the district would do everything to remedy the issue. It would be unconscionable for them to overlook it. Honestly, I don't think they would. I will never know. You're right--the matter did not require public disclosure and privacy concerns might have been involved.

Because the Superintendent or BOE did not interact with Ms. Flynn why would you assume they took no corrective measures? To my knowledge the superintendent has three children and I believe all BOE members have children as well. What parent would not consider bullying a heinous act and look the other way? And, the BOE is there to listen to public comments but is not obligated to respond – especially when commentators would not accept BOE responses and acted uncivilly.

I didn't mean to sound so sarcastic about the high mass celebrated to our leader. IMHO I think they are doing a good job, but this was too big of a target to let pass. Dr. V is a nice guy and I truly believe he has the best interests of the students at heart. Why would be be in such a position if not? But, I think both friends and foes of his both agree this charade was a bit over the top!

If it appeared that administrators did ‘kiss the ring’ it was because it was a time when Dr. Vallely needed some positive feedback as he was being savaged by a group protesting anything that touched his or the majority of BOE hands regarding regulated policies and practices – including bullying, Common Core, destroying Dr. Vallely’s and BOE member integrity, etc; obstructionists whenever an occasion arose to do so; payback for the mascot name change.

The charade was engaged by the likes of Mr. Sojka and his cohorts to discredit Dr. Vallely and the BOE at every opportunity presented. Never once did this group recognize the district’s academic progress / success from the time Dr. Vallely began his tenure at LCSD.

As for the safety and security of our students, LCSD has had two SRO officers on staff for several years and has budgeted $500,000 more for added security measures. But to hear it from Greg the district is mismanaged; bullying is rampant and the district doesn't care.

In the past year I have attended but a few meetings but have watched the videos of the meetings to stay informed. At many of the meeting I did attend I did observe a toxic environment where the superintendent and BOE members were disrespected and spoken to condescendingly when trying to engage certain members of the public.

Like every other school district LCSD has its issues and shortcomings, but it does put out a good product.

We have three qualified candidates vying for two BOE seats. I would hope that at the Meet the Candidates Forum Monday evening the following questions would be asked of the candidates:

Do you support the budget? If so, why? If not, why not?

At this time, would you give the Superintendent a vote of confidence? If not, why not?

[grump]

Lee, just in response to part of your post, what parent would look the other way? Why, the superintendent, the board members, teachers with kids in the district, PTA members, of course. They have dozens of ways of exacting revenge on anyone bullying their kids without initiating any type of formal proceeding to do it.

[lord Geof]

[QUOTE=Lee Chowaniec;1800965]

Because the Superintendent or BOE did not interact with Ms. Flynn why would you assume they took no corrective measures? To my knowledge the superintendent has three children and I believe all BOE members have children as well. What parent would not consider bullying a heinous act and look the other way? And, the BOE is there to listen to public comments but is not obligated to respond – especially when commentators would not accept BOE responses and acted uncivilly.



If it appeared that administrators did ‘kiss the ring’ it was because it was a time when Dr. Vallely needed some positive feedback as he was being savaged by a group protesting anything that touched his or the majority of BOE hands regarding regulated policies and practices – including bullying, Common Core, destroying Dr. Vallely’s and BOE member integrity, etc; obstructionists whenever an occasion arose to do so; payback for the mascot name change.

The charade was engaged by the likes of Mr. Sojka and his cohorts to discredit Dr. Vallely and the BOE at every opportunity presented. Never once did this group recognize the district’s academic progress / success from the time Dr. Vallely began his tenure at LCSD.

As for the safety and security of our students, LCSD has had two SRO officers on staff for several years and has budgeted $500,000 more for added security measures. But to hear it from Greg the district is mismanaged; bullying is rampant and the district doesn't care.

In the past year I have attended but a few meetings but have watched the videos of the meetings to stay informed. At many of the meeting I did attend I did observe a toxic environment where the superintendent and BOE members were disrespected and spoken to condescendingly when trying to engage certain members of the public.

Like every other school district LCSD has its issues and shortcomings, but it does put out a good product.

We have three qualified candidates vying for two BOE seats. I would hope that at the Meet the Candidates Forum Monday evening the following questions would be asked of the candidates:

Do you support the budget? If so, why? If not, why not?

At this time, would you give the Superintendent a vote of confidence? If not, why not?

I certainly would agree that Dr V and the district produce a good product, and I would be interested in rationale feedback that could justify not approving the budget

The history of results continues to demand the public's support to extend the good work of the district, the administration, the superintendent, and the teachers into the future.

IMHO the statement regarding three qualified candidates might be a subject of further debate.

The incumbent captured her seat based upon one inflammatory issue, the mascot. She utilized a combative and obstructionist approach to garner support for her election.

She was obviously not able to deliver for her supporters, regarding "bringing it back". And her "performances and demeanor" have been ineffectual in accomplishing positive results.

An observer would clearly note that she continues to leverage her same approach, with a result of being a drainer of energy, and creating an unnecessary divide amongst the membership of the board. She has historically taken every opportunity to try and embarrass and demean her fellow board members and members of the administration.

One wonders if her approach to service on the BOE is a continuing distraction, to the detriment of the BOE, and it's mission to act for the benefit of the district, and most importantly the student.

Just a perspective that might be pertinent when considering the qualification of the candidates

[Neubs24]

[QUOTE=lord Geof;1801000]

I certainly would agree that Dr V and the district produce a good product, and I would be interested in rationale feedback that could justify not approving the budget

The history of results continues to demand the public's support to extend the good work of the district, the administration, the superintendent, and the teachers into the future.

IMHO the statement regarding three qualified candidates might be a subject of further debate.

The incumbent captured her seat based upon one inflammatory issue, the mascot. She utilized a combative and obstructionist approach to garner support for her election.

She was obviously not able to deliver for her supporters, regarding "bringing it back". And her "performances and demeanor" have been ineffectual in accomplishing positive results.

An observer would clearly note that she continues to leverage her same approach, with a result of being a drainer of energy, and creating an unnecessary divide amongst the membership of the board. She has historically taken every opportunity to try and embarrass and demean her fellow board members and members of the administration.

One wonders if her approach to service on the BOE is a continuing distraction, to the detriment of the BOE, and it's mission to act for the benefit of the district, and most importantly the student.

Just a perspective that might be pertinent when considering the qualification of the candidates

She was claiming on Facebook that her campaign signs were being stolen. Possible, but with the wind we've had recently I'd guess they blew away. What I find intriguing is that her "running mate" decided not to run again, nor have we heard much her lately either. She deleted her Facebook as well.

[lord Geof]

[QUOTE=Neubs24;1801233]

She was claiming on Facebook that her campaign signs were being stolen. Possible, but with the wind we've had recently I'd guess they blew away. What I find intriguing is that her "running mate" decided not to run again, nor have we heard much her lately either. She deleted her Facebook as well.

Her signs are such collector's items, that I'm sure people are stealing them (sarcastic)

Seriously as with some other embellishments, I find it more likely that her requests for volunteers to host her signs went on deaf ears, and she simply didn't have that many takers for her valuable signs.

Her Linked In forgot to tell people that she did not run for re-election, after her first term. Probably because her first stint on the board was centered around her gaining a favorable contract for the teachers union, and she accomplished nothing to benefit the teachers.

Two terms on the board, and she has really made no impact, except to inflame the relationship between the BOE and the Administration, and the public. The public should demand better, and elect someone who can be collaborative, and work to accomplish something for the students.

As for her former running mate, she finally recognized how ineffectual her tenure was, decided it was best for the district to allow someone else to take the position, for the betterment of the students.

[Greg Sojka]

I attended the meet the Lancaster BOE candidates. Anyone wishing to ask a question to the candidates had to fill out an application with their name and address. Any questions without name and address are put in the trash as per Superintendent Vallely . Approximately 10 Lancaster taxpayers and 30 Lancaster school employees and admins sat through the event. 6 brave people submitted questions, 7 questions were asked and it wrapped up at 6:50pm.