<![CDATA[Montclair Kids First - Statements & Testimonials]]>Sat, 25 Jun 2016 19:08:12 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Montclair Kids First Statement on the Fulbright Academy French Language Immersion Public Charter School]]>Wed, 22 Jun 2016 21:01:18 GMThttp://www.montclairkidsfirst.org/statements--testimonials/montclair-kids-first-statement-on-the-fulbright-academy-french-language-immersion-public-charter-schoolGreetings,

We would like to ask you to join Montclair Kids First (MKF) and many other community organizations in voicing your concern regarding the Fulbright Academy French Language Public Charter School Application.

MKF was founded to fulfill the promise of our Public Schools. 

As an organization, we firmly believe in public school options.  As our own magnet system reflects, public school options empower parents. It is of crucial importance that all options clearly reflect the values of our diverse community.

Recently, the news that the Fulbright Academy French Language Public Charter School application for Montclair has passed the first stage of NJ State Department of Education approval process has been made public. 

While MKF understands that some communities demand Public School options through Public Charter Schools, we firmly believe that Montclair is already provided Public School choice through its innovative and respected magnet system. 

Additionally, we believe that adding specifically a French Language Immersion School will not address our most immediate District priorities which we are passionately focused on, such as addressing our achievement gap or creating Universal Pre-K.

If you would like to contact the NJ Commissioner of Education with this message, Mr. Hespe may be reached at:

David C. Hespe
Commissioner
New Jersey Department of Education
100 River View Plaza
P.O. Box 500
Trenton, NJ 08625
email: [email protected]

Sincerely,

Montclair Kids First]]><![CDATA[A Positive BOE Meeting - Let's Maintain the Momentum]]>Wed, 18 May 2016 01:12:16 GMThttp://www.montclairkidsfirst.org/statements--testimonials/a-positive-boe-meeting-lets-maintain-the-momentumGreetings,

For those who did not attend last nights Board of Education meeting - there are two helpful and accurate summaries that do their best to explain the events that have occurred regarding the future of our Board of Education:

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/montclair/categories/news/articles/montclair-board-of-ed-public-reacts-to-decision

http://baristanet.com/2016/05/montclair-boe-mayor-withdraws-appointees-board-postpones-reorganization-meeting/

Mayor Jackson announced a "cooling off period" that would end on Thursday evening, when the Board reconvenes and hopefully installs the Mayor's three new Board of Education appointments.

Each of the three, Mr. Kavesh, Mr. Turner, and Rev. Caldwell-Gross, as Mayor Jackson stated, are “extremely accomplished gentlemen that will make an invaluable contribution to our public schools.”

With the conclusion of the pause on Thursday, it is our hope that Mayor Jackson will do the right thing and follow through on his Board appointments.  

If these three are not renominated, the community certainly deserves a clear, fair and thorough explanation of what would cause the Mayor’s change of heart.

Based on the rumors and reports in the press, we hope that Mayor Jackson's actions are not a last minute litmus test.  The Mayor chose these community leaders because of their expertise and service to our community. Any change of heart, which has been rumored, should not be based on any political views - or who they may or may not support for Board President.

MKF urges the Mayor to allow the Board to select its own leadership without outside influence. He appoints these members to lead our Board. They should be allowed to do so.

We have a great deal of work to do for our kids in this district and the politics have diverted us for much too long. Let them (and us) get to work. 

MKF]]><![CDATA[Montclair Board of Education Leadership, Letter from Member Shelly Lombard]]>Wed, 18 May 2016 01:09:34 GMThttp://www.montclairkidsfirst.org/statements--testimonials/montclair-board-of-education-leadership-letter-from-member-shelly-lombard​Greetings,

One of the key mandates to Montclair Kids First (MKF) is to ensure information regarding our children’s education is being shared.
 
Those who are active in support of public education in Montclair may already be aware that a majority of the new Montclair Public Schools Board of Education members favor a change in the leadership of their Board. 
 
The existing Board leadership, including the current President, Ms. Jessica de Koninck, have resisted this change.

Over the last few days, Ms. de Koninck has made a number of desperate attempts to hold her leadership in place.  A number of sources throughout town have made it clear that Ms. de Koninck, along with her minority supporters - Anne Merinin and Eve Robinson - have issued a nuclear option - that they would resign from the Board if Ms. de Koninck is not reelected President, even though she is only supported by a minority of Board members.
 
In addition, we understand that Ms. de Koninck has used her political connections to have elected officials intimidate and lobby Board members to supporting her.
 
If these accusations are true, we believe it to be a disgrace.  
 
We would like to share with you a letter (below) that prior Board President Shelly Lombard has sent to Mayor Robert Jackson in regard to this issue.  MKF member Ms. Lombard highlights valid and specific reasons why we need a change in leadership with our Board of Education. You, our members, may have your own reasons to support this change.

Thank you for your continued support of Montclair Kids First and public education in Montclair, NJ.
Dear Mayor Jackson, 

I heard that a majority of Board of Education members want to replace Jessica DeKoninck as Board president with Laura Hertzog. Laura is well-known and well-respected in this community and she would be an excellent president.  I really hope that you will support Laura as President as well as her choice for Vice President.

It is definitely time for a change at the top.  Parents need the Board to spend time on education and what needs to be done to do take our schools from being good to being great, for example addressing an inadequate guidance department that forces parents to spend money on outside college consultants or smoothing the transition from middle school to MHS.  But unfortunately the Board has allowed every meeting to be dominated by the same group of people shouting about the same issues that have absolutely nothing to do with our children. 

At a time when the achievement gap is one of our most glaring issues, it would be helpful to have a president who is both African American, who was born and raised in Montclair, and who actually has children in the schools.  It also seems unethical to have politicians who have clear conflicts of interest lobbying Board members to change their vote and rescind their support for Hertzog.

Being president is a tough job and I am sure Ms. DeKoninck did the best she could.  But the majority has said that it's time for her to step aside gracefully so the Board can begin a new chapter and focus on the job at hand.

Shelly Lombard
]]><![CDATA[SEAN SPILLER RULED IN VIOLATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATUTE]]>Mon, 22 Feb 2016 22:06:14 GMThttp://www.montclairkidsfirst.org/statements--testimonials/sean-spiller-ruled-in-violation-of-conflict-of-interest-statute​On Monday, February 22nd, Judge Thomas Moore ruled against Sean Spiller and determined a conflict of interest in his service to the Township of Montclair.

Representing Montclair Kids First (MKF) at the ruling was Shavar Jeffries of Lowenstein Sandler. Representing Mr. Spiller was the law firm of Zazzali, Fagella, Nowak, Kleinbaum, & Friedman. 

To review every MKF legal briefs on the case, including MKF’s recent Support of the Summary Judgement, please goto - http://www.montclairkidsfirst.org/legal-briefs.html

The following is a unified statement from Montclair Kids First:  

The ruling by Judge Moore was clear - as the NJEA’s third ranking official and a highly paid executive of the teachers union and its affiliates, including the Montclair Education Association, Sean Spiller should have never been appointed to the Board of Estimates, let alone played a major role in determining how Montclair spends its school dollars. The ethical conflict is palpable and does a great disservice to all the public school students in Montclair.

After numerous complaints, questions and personal conversations with Montclair parents and members of the Town Council, Mr. Spiller had the opportunity to do the right thing months ago, but he chose not to.  

Instead, Mr. Spiller used his union’s own high priced lawyers to challenge our community and put our town through yet another law suit all to support the single interests of the NJEA.

Montclair is not laughing, hugging or hi-fiving with this ruling.  Mr. Spiller provided statements to the press that were factually incorrect.  As the summary indicates, Mr. Spiller used his role to assist his own political motivations, raise campaign contributions, and undermine our town’s education priorities. This is not a day for celebration.

The one good thing that comes from today's ruling is awareness that our system can be fixed.  

Today’s ruling showed that the voice of parents and the interests of kids must be always more important than the special interests or the political ambitions and ideology of any one person.  While Mr. Spiller has lived in Montclair only a short period of time, he and his union should have known better.  Hopefully this ruling will serve as a strong signal to the special interests that Montclair is not and never will be for sale. We thank Judge Moore for his fairness, listening to the actual facts and ultimately doing right by our kids and the values of our community.

Montclair Kids First]]><![CDATA[MONTCLAIR KIDS FIRST ANNOUNCES APPLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION FOR FREE HOME INTERNET ACCESS ]]>Thu, 17 Sep 2015 18:47:56 GMThttp://www.montclairkidsfirst.org/statements--testimonials/montclair-kids-first-announces-application-and-distribution-information-for-free-home-internet-access- Broad-Based Coalition of Community Partners to Assist Outreach Efforts -

[Montclair, New Jersey – September 17, 2015]  Montclair Kids First (MKF) announced today a series of local community partners who will come together this fall to support the distribution of free home Internet access to financially disadvantaged Montclair families. In conjunction with today’s announcement, MKF has also released the parent application, which will be due on October 15th.  

The application will be backpacked home to every student by the Montclair School District. The Montclair Center Business Improvement District will make available applications to local businesses to showcase throughout Montclair.  The Montclair African-American Clergy Association and the Montclair Clergy Association will distribute applications and brief their Pastors, Ministers, Rabbis and spiritual leaders so congregations can be fully informed of the initiative.

In addition, a coalition of Montclair Public Library (MPL), Montclair Art Museum (MAM), Montclair State University (MSU), United Way of Northern New Jersey, The Salvation Army Montclair Citadel, Interfaith Hospitality Network of Essex (IHN), Montclair Film Festival (MFF), Improving Montclair Achievement Network Initiative (IMANI), Succeed 2Gether and other Montclair organizations will come together and offer their respective headquarters to serve as “Application Centers,” providing parents another way to obtain the free Wi-Fi application.  The application will also be available online at www.montclairkidsfirst.org.   

“Our community partners will play a vital role in making sure that families who need Wi-Fi access, but cannot afford it, are aware of this opportunity,” stated MKF President Shelly Lombard.  “Children who don’t have access to technology are at a real disadvantage in our increasingly digital world.  MKF’s Wi-Fi initiative is a chance for all of us to come together, put the focus back on children, and drive better educational outcomes for all of them.”

“IHN is very happy to be a distribution location for MKF. Besides being a shelter program for families, IHN provides a free Afterschool Program for our shelter kids, and those whose families we assist with relocation into housing,” stated Emma Justice, Executive Director, Interfaith Hospitality Network of Essex County, Inc.  “This is a fabulous opportunity for our network of families. Access to technology is vital to the skills children need to learn for jobs now and in the future. Thanks to the Montclair Library, IHN added STEM learning for our students and access to technology makes STEM homework possible! Thank you MKF and Jersey On!”

“We would like to thank all of our community partners who have agreed to help MKF get the word out about our Wi-Fi initiative,” stated Executive Director of MKF Matthew Frankel.  “In every conversation, in every local meeting, the response from our community partners has been extremely positive.  The work we are doing as a community shows that we can, indeed, all come together to support disadvantaged students.  Starting today, it is our collective mission to make sure that as many parents as possible are aware of this opportunity and receive the application.”

“JerseyOn is dedicated to working in communities across New Jersey, including Montclair, to help countless students living on the wrong side of the digital divide,” stated JerseyOn Chairman Josh Gottheimer.  “The Montclair community has gone above and beyond to bring broadband connectivity to hard-pressed families, so that students can access all of the benefits the Internet has to offer, from research to student collaboration to applying for college."
    
Last Spring, MKF announced the Wi-Fi collaboration with JerseyOn, a statewide non-profit focused on connecting low-income students and their families to the Internet.  This effort will fund the purchase of Sprint NETGEAR Fuse Mobile Hotspot devices and four years of continuous service for every family in Montclair participating in the free and reduced lunch program.  

As the introduction and implementation of the program takes hold, MKF hopes to develop and grow the initiative to sponsor computers and other learning tools and devices to all economically disadvantaged students in Montclair. 

Each free device will provide 3GBs of free monthly data service for four continuous years on Sprint’s 4GLTE network.  There will be no cost or obligation to the user and will be available only to parents who choose to participate.  Specifically, the device will be restricted to educational use.  As part of the negotiations, Sprint and JerseyOn will ensure each Internet access device will block anything deemed inappropriate for children.

DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION

The Montclair Public Library will host a series of seminars for those families who apply for the hot spot devices. These MKF events will be custom-designed and led by representatives of Montclair State University’s computer science and information technology staff.

Updated Timeline for the MKF WiFi Initiative:

•    September 10th – October 15th:  Free WiFi applications will be available District-wide. 

•    October 15th:  Due date for applications. 

•    October 15th – December 15th:  Purchasing and processing of devices by MKF.

•    January 2016:  Communication to enrolled parents regarding dates for device distribution seminar events.

•    First Quarter of 2016:  Series of device distribution seminar events take place at the Montclair Public Library, with technical support provided by Montclair State University’s Computer Science and Information Technology Team.

APPLICATION CENTERS FOR FREE WIFI

Montclair Public Library (MPL) 
50 South Fullerton Avenue

Montclair Art Museum (MAM)
3 South Mountain Avenue

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Essex (IHN)
46 Park Street 

The Salvation Army Montclair Citadel
13 Trinity Place

Improving Montclair Achievement Network Initiative (IMANI)
73 South Fullerton Avenue

United Way of Northern New Jersey
60 South Fullerton Avenue

Montclair Film Festival (MFF)
8 Hillside Avenue

Succeed 2gether
11 Pine Street

ABOUT MONTCLAIR KIDS FIRST (MKF)
Montclair Kids First (MKF) is a coalition of Montclair parents and residents who believe deeply in the promise of Public Education and in Montclair’s Public School system.  The group reflects Montclair’s diverse backgrounds, ideas, and values.  Putting our kids first means that every Montclair child has access to a first-rate education, every Montclair parent is empowered with a strong voice, and that we, as members of the Montclair community, are responsible for providing solutions and supporting initiatives that strengthen our public schools.  To learn more please go to www.montclairkidsfirst.org.   

ABOUT JERSEYON
JerseyOn is a new state-wide non-profit focused on connecting low-income students and their families, in an effort to bring affordable, high-speed broadband to all residents.  JerseyOn works to eliminate the digital, economic, and academic divides by delivering low-cost home Internet, affordable computers, and digital literacy training for the thousands of unconnected people in our state. More information can be found at www.jerseyon.org. 
 ]]><![CDATA[Statement from Montclair Kids First Regarding the Release of NJ Teacher Evaluation Data]]>Wed, 22 Jul 2015 15:30:12 GMThttp://www.montclairkidsfirst.org/statements--testimonials/statement-from-montclair-kids-first-regarding-the-release-of-nj-teacher-evaluation-data[Montclair, New Jersey - July 22, 2015] Last week, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) released a new database showcasing school-by-school results of its 2013-14 teacher evaluations.  
 
Based on stipulations defined in the TeachNJ Act, a 3-part data suppression protocol was implemented by the State excluding information that prevents a full and complete understanding of each school.   It was determined that 99 percent of Montclair’s public school teachers were ranked “Effective” or “Highly Effective.” 
 
More Information can be found directly at http://www.state.nj.us/education/data/staff/.
 
The following is a statement from Montclair Kids First (MKF):
 
“In creating Montclair Kids First, our intent has been to begin an honest conversation about our school system. 
 
“It is hard to fathom that a school district with such a sizable achievement gap and two designated “Focus Schools” has a 99 percent teacher “Effective/Highly Effective” rate.
 
“It is fair to say that almost no one -- not our parents, not our principals, not our teachers -- actually believes that our current teacher evaluation system is serving our kids well. 
 
“The dirty secret in Montclair is that many parents have already identified the good and bad teachers.  Parents who have the time, resources and knowledge go to great lengths, behind closed doors, to ensure their child is placed with teachers with the best reputations, leaving the poorly regarded teachers with the students who need the most help.
 
“Montclair has a choice. We can continue to embrace the status quo and do nothing or we can decide to hold a different standard than other New Jersey school districts.
 
"Teachers who are moving the needle on student achievement deserve to be affirmed and recognized for their efforts.  We minimize the efforts of our best teachers by suggesting that everyone is “Effective.”  We owe it to our teachers to adopt an evaluation system that works, that they can embrace, and ultimately ensures we are investing in the professional development that our teachers want and need.  We are not doing that right now – and our kids are suffering for it.
 
“Montclair Kids First knows that showcasing these and other issues are controversial and challenging.  We respect those who feel that way, but to ensure we are providing the best educational environment for our kids, we as a community need to be bold.  We can either aspire for true greatness, or simply have it defined for us by a rubber stamp.
 
“Montclair Kids First believes that creating an effective and fair evaluation system is an important bedrock to addressing our achievement gap and ensuring we attract, retain and support the best possible teachers.  As parents, and resident taxpayers carrying the 13th largest tax burden in the State, our kids and community deserve better.   Creating positive change starts with an honest dialog.  We have great optimism and trust in the leadership of our new Interim Superintendent and hope we can come together as a community to make our evaluation system an important priority.”]]><![CDATA[MKF Announces Initiative Aimed at Serving Montclair Kids]]>Thu, 25 Jun 2015 13:13:10 GMThttp://www.montclairkidsfirst.org/statements--testimonials/mkf-announces-initiative-aimed-at-serving-montclair-kidsMONTCLAIR KIDS FIRST TO SPONSOR ALL FINANCIALLY DISADVANTAGED MONTCLAIR FAMILIES WITH FOUR YEARS OF FREE HOME WIFI ACCESS

- MKF Initiative to Launch a Series of Efforts Aimed at Serving Montclair’s Kids -

[Montclair, New Jersey – June 25, 2015]  In response to the alarming achievement gap in Montclair’s public schools, Montclair Kids First (MKF) announced today that it is sponsoring financially disadvantaged Montclair families with free home Internet access for four years.  In collaboration with JerseyOn, a statewide nonprofit focused on connecting low-income students and their families to the Internet, MKF will fund the purchase of a series of Sprint NETGEAR Fuse Mobile Hotspot devices.  The technology will be made available to all Montclair resident parents whose children attend Montclair public schools and qualify for the District’s free & reduced lunch program.  MKF hopes to ensure that over 1,500 Montclair students will have the opportunity to receive free Internet access in their homes.  Today’s announcement will also serve as the first in a series of ambitious and innovative initiatives by MKF to serve Montclair students.

Each hotspot device will provide 3GBs of free monthly data service for four continuous years on Sprint’s 4GLTE network.  There will be no cost or obligation to the user.  Specifically, the device will be restricted to educational use.  As part of the negotiations, Sprint and JerseyOn will ensure each Internet access device will block anything deemed inappropriate for children.

Over the summer months, MKF will proactively outreach various community organizations, local religious leaders and Montclair School District leadership in hopes of building additional partnerships around this initiative.  If the introduction and implementation of the program is successful, MKF hopes to develop and grow the program to sponsor computers and other learning tools and devices to all economically disadvantaged students in Montclair.  

“Montclair Kids First passionately believes we must come together to address our achievement gap,” stated MKF member Shelly Lombard.  “MKF credits the hundreds of hours Jonathan Simon and the Montclair AGAP panel have dedicated to addressing this issue.  Now we must step up and do our share.   We have celebrated our town’s deserving achievements, but have ignored issues like the gap for too long.  While we live in a wonderful community, we must continue to offer solutions, ideas and support until every child in our town is given equal opportunity to learn and excel.”

“Connectivity provides valuable learning opportunities.  It has become critical to preparing kids for college and careers and has become a vital tool for students to communicate with teachers,” stated MKF Member Sam Cole. “Every child in Montclair should be provided this opportunity and it is simply unacceptable that the only way some of our kids are able to access the Internet is from their classroom or our public library.  We need a paradigm shift in how our community addresses these and other challenges.  

MKF is funding this ambitious effort because each of us believes we have a responsibility to all our kids, neighbors and our public schools.  A child’s academic success should never be determined by his or her economic status.   A digital, economic and academic divide has existed in Montclair for years and we must work together to address this issue head on.”

“Today’s announcement is the launch of a series of initiatives that MKF will look to fund and implement,” stated MKF Member Matthew Frankel.  “Ideas will be announced in partnership with its membership and Montclair’s community organizations and we hope to continue filling voids that address the specific needs of all our kids.  These initiatives are optional to Montclair parents.  There will be no obligations and will simply be available to the community.  It is our hope that those who have not yet joined MKF will do so and lend their voice to developing ideas that will serve our kids.”

“We know that broadband connectivity and digital literacy skills are key to a 21st century education. Unfortunately, too many students in NJ are still unconnected, living on the wrong side of the digital divide. This problem is 100 percent solvable, but it takes excellent, localized program's like MKF's to help close the opportunity gap. I applaud their work,” said JerseyOn Chairman Josh Gottheimer. 

When asked about the initiative, Montclair’s AGAP Chair, Jonathan Simon, expressed enthusiasm about the idea.  "While we know that socioeconomic status only explains a portion of the achievement gap in our town, we also know that equitable access to resources is a necessary condition for closing the gap.  This program provides an opportunity for our families to enhance their children's classroom learning, whether that means an extra resource to complete a project or study for a test.  Given the magnitude of our challenge, we welcome any sensible efforts that will help to level the playing field for our kids."

How the initiative will work:

Step One – Equipment Purchase
MKF will purchase each hotspot device. 

Step Two – MKF to Partner with Community Organizations 
Over the summer months MKF will proactively outreach various community organizations, local religious leaders, and the Montclair School District and ask for their involvement and input to ensure all Montclair’s financially disadvantaged families are aware of this opportunity.  MKF will plan to announce these partnerships publically as they become defined.

Step Three – Families Make a Request
By the fall of the 2015-2016 school year, MKF will announce publicly announce a formal process for families to receive their free hotspot device.  Equipment purchases by MKF will be based on parent interest from qualifying households.  A Montclair parent or guardian must make each request for the hotspot device.

Step Four – Receiving the Internet Device
Distribution will include the free hotspot device, directions on set up and contact information for technical support.  The hotspot device will be able to plug it into laptops or computers.  The device will provide four years of free Internet access.

If the introduction and implementation of the program is successful, MKF hopes to continue offering the program as an option to newly eligible Montclair families each year. In addition, MKF will look to expand the sponsorship program to ensure that every low income Montclair family also has computers and other learning tools in the home.  

About Montclair Kids First
Montclair Kids First (MKF) is a coalition of Montclair parents and residents who believe deeply in the promise of Public Education and in Montclair’s Public School system.  The group reflects Montclair’s diverse backgrounds, ideas, and values.  Putting our kids first means that every Montclair child has access to a first-rate education, that every Montclair parent is empowered with a strong voice, and that we, as members of the Montclair community, are responsible for providing solutions and supporting initiatives that strengthen our public schools.  To learn more please go to - http://www.montclairkidsfirst.org.

About JerseyOn
JerseyOn, a new state-wide non-profit focused on connecting low-income students and their families, in an effort to bring affordable, high-speed broadband to all residents.  JerseyOn works to eliminate the digital, economic, and academic divides by delivering low-cost home Internet, affordable computers, and digital literacy training for the thousands of unconnected people in our state. More information can be found at www.jerseyon.org.
]]><![CDATA[MKF v. Sean Spiller Judge Moore Court Order Statement (6/9/15)]]>Fri, 19 Jun 2015 14:33:22 GMThttp://www.montclairkidsfirst.org/statements--testimonials/mkf-v-sean-spiller-judge-moore-court-order-statement-6915Greetings,

On June 1, 2015, Sean Spiller made the following statement to Montclair On Tap regarding the pending conflict of interest and ethics complaints filed against Mr. Spiller by Montclair Kids First (MKF).  

Mr. Spiller stated,  "The judge dismissed three of four complaints. No documents have to be produced, as now we go back to court to determine if anything has to be provided for the one count remaining.”

On the same day, Mr. Spiller issued a similar statement to Baristanet, "a judge recently dismissed three of MKF’s claims outright without even hearing them.”

Rather than continuing to exchange unsubstantiated claims, MKF obtained the actual court order for the May 29th hearing.  

- The order shows that all three complaints challenging the ethics of Spiller's service on the Board of School Estimate ("BSE") were upheld and that only one complaint was dismissed. This is contrary to Spiller’s claim that three of the four complaints were dismissed by Judge Moore.  

- Importantly, the dismissed complaint did not challenge the ethics of Spiller's service on the BSE, but, instead, alleged that an ethics violation is also a violation of our kids' civil-rights. The judge held that they were not and dismissed the claim, while upholding MKF's core claims that Spiller's service on the BSE violates state and municipal ethics laws.  

- As the court order indicates, Judge Moore also asked that legal counsel for both sides reach a “reasonable accommodation” on the discovery of facts and evidence.  Again, this is contrary to Spiller’s claim that "No documents have to be produced, as now we go back to court to determine if anything has to be provided for the one count remaining."

- Finally, Judge Moore requested that the complaint be expanded to include Montclair’s Board of School Estimate should MKF seek to invalidate the budget vote of the Board of School Estimate for FY2016. On June 5th, the Montclair Board of School Estimate was notified of this expansion. It is now a defending party to the lawsuit.

The Court order can be found here.

As defined in our mission, MKF believes that all information and background pertaining to decisions regarding public education should be available to everyone. MKF deeply believes that parents and taxpayers should have all factual information available so they can make the best judgements for themselves. MKF will advocate, petition and invest to ensure greater transparency of our elected and appointed officials in the area of education.

Sincerely,

MKF]]><![CDATA[MKF Welcomes Shelly Lombard (6/5/15)]]>Fri, 19 Jun 2015 14:32:11 GMThttp://www.montclairkidsfirst.org/statements--testimonials/mkf-welcomes-shelly-lombard-6515Montclair Kids First (MKF) would like to welcome Shelly Lombard as a public member of our organization!  

As many of you know, Shelly has worked tirelessly as a volunteer member of Montclair’s Board of Education for a number of years.  Now that her Board term has ended, we are thrilled to have Shelly's perspective and experience.

Today, there is a letter in the Montclair Times from Shelly stating her involvement in our organization.  

***

The Montclair Times letter by Shelly Lombard: "Herron needs to have a seat." - June 4, 2015

Lombard joins Montclair Kids First

David Herron asked what I did about the achievement gap while I served on the Board of Education.

I did what I was supposed to do. I helped hire a transformational superintendent with a track record of closing achievement gaps, something that NAACP Chairman James Harris acknowledged when Dr. Penny MacCormack arrived.

Studies show that poor and/or struggling children often get the weakest teachers and are the most vulnerable because of limited support at home. Dr. MacCormack worked to implement systems to ensure consistent instruction and high expectations in every classroom.

Mr. Herron has wasted taxpayer dollars for years on silly legal actions against teachers, the district, and Board members and nuisance investigations like the one of the MHS guidance department.

Before Dr. MacCormack was announced as our new superintendent, he sent me her photo and a one-line email: "The new superintendent looks like THIS?" I don’t know if he was unhappy about her gender or race or both.

He joined others like Michelle Fine in attacking her on everything from her lack of a New Jersey certificate to the PARCC exam, conveniently forgetting that new out-of-state hires usually get their New Jersey certificate after they arrive and that PARCC was a state mandate, not Dr. MacCormack’s initiative. From her recently obtained emails, it appears that Ms. Fine’s attacks were a highly coordinated effort to bully Dr. MacCormack out of town.

A small group of people with a vested interest in the status quo because of their day jobs and anti-charter school books have monopolized the conversation too long. The status quo isn’t just fine.

That’s why I am joining Montclair Kids First. We have good schools. Our kids deserve great schools. We believe EVERY child deserves a first-rate education and that EVERY parent’s voice should be heard.

Shelly Lombard

Montclair

***

As you will likely note, in addition to Ms. Lombard, we have made other significant additions to our public member list. Please visit the MKF Membership page for a full update.  
 
Thank you for your continued involvement and support!

Montclair Kids First]]><![CDATA[Statement from Montclair Kids First Regarding Sean Spiller's Ethics and Conflict of Interest Violations (6/1/15)]]>Fri, 19 Jun 2015 14:30:37 GMThttp://www.montclairkidsfirst.org/statements--testimonials/statement-from-montclair-kids-first-regarding-sean-spillers-ethics-and-conflict-of-interest-violations-6115On Friday, May 29th, Judge Thomas Moore denied Sean Spiller’s motion to dismiss the ethics and conflict of interest violations alleged by Montclair Kids First (MKF) in its formal complaint. In addition, Judge Moore ruled that the Montclair Education Association (MEA) must reasonably produce key discovery information that it had previously refused to provide MKF.
 
Representing MKF at the hearing was Shavar Jeffries of Lowenstein Sandler. Representing Mr. Spiller was the law firm of Zazzali, Fagella, Nowak, Kleinbaum, & Friedman. 

The following is a statement from Jon Bonesteel for Montclair Kids First:  

“Mr. Spiller’s ethics and conflict of interest initially began as a private matter between Montclair parents and Mr. Spiller some time ago.  Rather than address, or even acknowledge, these fair concerns, Mr. Spiller and the NJEA have escalated this issue and done everything possible to defend their own interests, rather than work with the Montclair community."

“On Friday, Judge Moore denied Mr. Spiller’s motion to dismiss the ethics and conflict of interest complaints against him.  This is an important first step toward bringing greater transparency to our community and we greatly appreciate Judge Moore’s commitment to a fair and equitable process."

“As the 3rd highest ranking official in the NJEA, Mr. Spiller’s fiduciary responsibility is to his union membership.  Mr. Spiller has used his appointment on the Montclair Board of School Estimate to strengthen the Union he represents, and he has done so at the expense of Montclair's children and taxpayers."

"MKF will continue to shine a light on how decisions that impact our children are currently being made in Montclair, and we will use every means at our disposal to do so.”

To view the full complaint filed against Mr. Spiller’s ethical and conflict of interest violations, please go to -http://www.montclairkidsfirst.org/legal-briefs.html.]]>