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Community Corner

10 IMPORTANT REASONS NOT TO SUPPORT GROTON BOARD OF EDUCATION INCUMBENT CANDIDATES SEEKING RE-ELECTION on November 5th, 2013

1. The incumbent Board of Education candidates supported Superintendent Paul Kadri and extended his contract despite knowledge of public statements regarding Kadri's bullying tactics and harassment of central office staff.

2. They failed to support the Groton Public School teachers and parents when they publicly expressed their concerns regarding Kadri’s behavior.

3. They backed the ill-conceived Phase II plan that was overwhelmingly rejected by the voters, wasting tens of thousands of dollars and delaying reasonable school renovations.

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4. They failed to effectively oversee the modification of the Fitch High School ball field, then supported the misuse of $143,000 of federal funds earmarked for educational purposes, to pay for cost over runs as a means of self-bailout.

5. They erred when they supported the closing of Fitch Middle School as the cost savings amounted to only 20-30 percent of their estimates.

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6. They violated Freedom of Information laws by holding meetings that were not proper. They discussed items behind closed doors that should have been discussed in public despite the fact that the these candidates are all long term members of the Board of Education and should have been very well versed in Freedom of Information requirements.

7. The incumbent candidates have been on the Board of Education for too long. They don’t listen to the public. They are set in their ways and are not going to change. Re-electing them will mean more of the same.

8. Ultimately the voters of the Town and City of Groton are responsible for the quality of candidates they elect to public office, including the Board of Education. Groton Voters: please take your vote seriously and research all candidates BEFORE casting your ballot. If you do not approve of a candidates position on issues do not vote to elect them. In the case of incumbent candidates, do not vote to re-elect them if you are dissatisfied with his or her decisions, actions or behavior as a current member of the Board of Education.

9. Please do not vote for someone because you recognize their name or because of their party affiliation. No vote at all is better than casting an uninformed vote.

10. November 5th, is an opportunity for a change on the Groton Board of Education.  

 

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