Can anyone in Hoboken tell me whether Hopatcong got a good deal by hiring this person?

she made a difference in 1 year in hoboken? maybe she left because of all the boe bs and politics.

Wow...these carpetbaggers are really committed to our kids. Kids First has created a district of revolving doors. Sad.

Can anyone tell me how well she did her job in Hoboken?

No loss with this principal. Hopefully there is a district out there that wants Connors principal Laurinda Pereira. Look for Toback to move her to Calabro to "protect" her from the dismal tests scores from Connors. Pereira's tenure decision is coming up at the end of the upcoming academic year (2012-2013).
Principal Noreen Lazaruik did nothing for Hoboken other than build her resume. Its time people wake up to the damage Kids First and these outside hires are doing to the Hoboken School District.

HHS was nothing but a zoo. Hopefully boe can hire a principle that will be LONG TERM and have control. Apprently everyone who gets hired has neither of those. So sad.

Roll back: not well at all! I would like to see statistics about how HHS has gotten better. These people come and go year by year and the students get screwed.

Well it looks like we got fooled again in Hopatcong. We have a Superintendent that did nothing for us since he arrived in 2008. He's leaving end of school year 2013.

http://hopatcong.patch.com/articles/report-high-school-sats-below-state-average

Before he arrived..."In 2008-2009, the typical Hopatcong student (1,504) actually scored just better on the SATs than the average state student (1,503)". Now we're BELOW the state average.

Now it appears we hire some one else's problem.

http://hopatcong.patch.com/articles/school-board-doesn-t-hire-hs-principal-candidate

Our Superintendent got an extension on his contract for one more year (can you believe that) and probably he'll put the screws to us before he leaves by hiring the wrong principal.

The reason for all the constant negativity from the OLD GUARD is they are desperate to regain control of the BOE which was their poltical patronage mill.

That should never be allowed to happen. :-)

Hobokens test scores didn't rise from her. Past principal in 2011 (joy) brought them up. Amazing guy, bad that he only stayed a year. She doesn't have control and no relationship with students nor teachers. Sad that some of the best staff members were transferred because of her. It's ok, everything happens for a reason.

I think she's trying to say that the clerk ran the school.

Ask 10 New Hoboken residents if they plan on staying in Hoboken long enough to send their kids to the high school and 9 out of 10 will say No Way!
Developing a first rate high school with the assistance of Steven's Tech would be a start. Enough of the BS Politics of Kids First or whomever. Everyone says it is about the kids but that is BS. No one cares if the overall budget were decreased or increased by 1-2%, what people care about is the quality of the High School education and the success rates of graduation and college acceptance.
We should do what other companies do when nothing works....start again with a new plan and new people.
I am glad she is gone. 1 Year on the job.....she made NO difference, so move on!

Hoboken's OLD GUARD politicos know that their past with BOE is so politicaly toxic that they need front people to hide behind.

Look behind the curtain and see who is pulling the strings.

Hobbs, keep going back to the "OLD GUARD" defense as often as you want, but the fact is that your NEW GUARD Kids First has been a complete failure. Decent people jump ship as soon as possible because of the filthy favoritism played by your gals on the board toward their BFF coach and their faux reformer micro-management.

Gagliardi, Cella, Joy, Lazariuk, ??!!who's next??!! The problem is not the merits or faults of any particular administrator. Under Kids First the students have suffered a merry-go-round of new faces 'in charge'. Principals, superintendents, coordinators - name it. Whatever the position, the "Minutillo-Markle combo with some BFF on the side", has proven a recipe for disaster.

I'be been here 6 years. I have a 3rd old enrolled in the Hoboken schools. I plan to send her to HHS.

All anyone needs to do to understand all the harping on here is to take a gander at the audit that KF had done. The magnitude of the rip offs that were deeply imbedded in the BOE under the Poopster and the Old Guard is staggering, all at the price of the children's educaiton. Cell phones, dinners at the old Frankie and Johnnys, walking around money for the casinos on a junket to AC, GA has a number of separate posts about the extent of the piggy greed. 100k for a person to change air filters on AC units. The list is endless. The worst, IMO, was telling kids to stay home and not take tests so that the results would be skewed. Then there is the village idiot Petrosino who is still harping on line from Texas - he was collecting 100k plus from the BOE while teaching full time in Texas - WTF? The BOE was a printing press for greed - that is why you have this intense bashing of KF - teh Old Gaurd, as voced above, wants the gravy train to start issuing new tickets. Nevermore, said the Raven.

judy burrell still "working" at Hoboken High school thanks to kids first.
PAULA OHAUS fired by kids first.

that's about all you need to know about the state of HHS

HHS- 3rd lowest graduation rate in Hudson County. Below average graduate rate statewide. Failed to make state and federal adequate yearly progress for the last two school years. 35% suspension rate. Strangers walking into school and meeting alone with students with no school supervision and no parental permission. SAT Math average of 344 and SAT English average of 388 (below EVERY state in the nation's average SAT score). Students from Hoboken population is falling. 75 out of town students currently be brought in to hide the falling Hoboken student population. A revolving door of principals 5 in 4 years). This is Kids First legacy....

KF "progress" includes swapping IB for AP. So, how many students have scored a 4 or a 5 and were able to gain college credit so far?

And for the hundreds of residents who formerly attended the Adult School programs at Hoboken High, what has KF done to provide continuing education opportunities?

And why, oh why, is KF still doling out job$ to members of the Carter Cronies Friends & Relatives Club???? The stench of cronyism at the Hoboken Board of Ed is so strong I can smell it in Secaucus!

Is Hoboken's cost to educate a student the 3rd highest in the county at $18,000 plus per student? If so, Hoboken is in same boat as Hopatcong with one of the worst perfroming school districts in the county.

All I want for the children and parents of Hoboken is to have our High School resemble the Harlem Children's Zone. http://www.hcz.org/
Find us a principal who cares this deeply about each children and their potential to graduate and go onto college.
Forget the fact that Hoboken has the highest current per student ratio, or the fact that 100% of the kids don't graduate or forget about the bloated budget for a minute.

Make it about the kids graduating and moving on to better things in life and not the vicious cycle that is currently the norm.

I do not have a bone to pick with anyone nor will I back any potential BOE candidate unless they have the same feelings.

Imagine what Hoboken would be like if the High School was the TOP 25 in NJ and TOP 1 or 2 in Hudson County.

The Kids Win.
Property Values would go up!

Fix the High School and see what happens to Hoboken.
Make it one of the best and Hoboken becomes thriving.

TEAM UP WITH STEVENS TECH!

David, the current Board Majority came to power by accusing anyone who did not belong in the "reform" camp as CORRUPT. Their bloggers continue to drum that same message relentlessly. Over time, more and more people have seen the KF Board majority for what they are - a vindictive, micromanaging clique.The unconscionable costs, lack of educational progress and just plain ol' nastiness under the current Board Majority can only improve when they are removed.

I have great faith in the rank and file educators of Hoboken. I trusted my children to attend the Hoboken Public Schools. I was VERY disappointed with Hoboken High after the principal, Dr. Cella, was marched out the door by Carter's buddy. Prior to that, my son participated in a writing project with Columbia University, traveled to San Francisco with Harvard Model Congress and was one of hundreds of students who had the benefit of studying drama under Paula Ohaus.
KF replaced Dr. Cella with Carter's pal from Irvington, Albert Joy - a kind-hearted guy who could talk until your ears hurt but definitely no Rhodes scholar. Either by placing outsiders in charge or simple spite - rather than build on success; KF systematically destroyed any good that had come before them.

Hoboken High SHOULD BE where the best education of students in ALL of the Charters, Private and Public schools culminates. Sadly, leadership at HHS has turned over once again.

Hoboken should never go back to the days of massive corruption.

That is why when those who were in charge when the corruption was rampant back anyone a red flag should go up.

Hey Hobbs, why don't you get off your high horse for a few minutes and tell us how you feel about the Kids First/ Zimmer BFF coach situation. Seems like you've been silent about the whole issue and I sure would love to hear your take on the whole thing. I sure could use the laugh.

Hi S. Hernandez. While there are plenty of rumors about who the next Hoboken High School principal might be, I would be very surprised if it turned out to be Dr. Cella. She is currently Superintendent of Schools in Edgewater - overseeing the expansion of their literacy programs and the building of a new school. Why would she step down to return to a district where she was literally "escorted out the door" by Carter crony, Walter Rusak? Of course, Rusak was looking for the principal position to go to another friend of theirs. In one of KF's ONLY laudable actions, they put a kibash on that move and left the hiring of the HHS Principal to Toback. No wonder Rusak has been sniffing around Hoboken once again. Yowsa.

Yes true, from what i heard Dr. Cella is doing great things over in Edgewater, so my only guess would be that she feels like she never was able to finish what she started at Hoboken. Like you said, her job was unfairly cut short in a very unprofessional manner - so just maybe, maybe..... I can tell you though the rumor is from a very good source. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping, if true, she can gather enough community support and superintendent support, so that the board will realize what a great second chance Hoboken high would be given by rehiring Cella. oh and so glad to hear Rusak is out of the picture, nothing good could come from that!

Some of Dr. Cell's accomplishments (http://tinyurl.com/d92hvqf):

Improved Hoboken High School’s ranking, making it the second most improved high school in NJ according to New Jersey Monthly, August 2008, . (the school continues to make AYP.)
Awarded Bronze Medal (2008 and 2009), US News and World Report, for continued improvement measured by socio-economic factors.
Improved technology use and access and organized staff development opportunities for Moodle, Apple production software, Frame Forge and other cutting edge software programs.
Assisted in the development and implementation of a new curriculum based on Understanding by Design and the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards to include common assessment measures.
Restructured the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, two aspects of International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) along with IB Coordinator.
Created 9th grade interdisciplinary team, sophomore personal project, junior book publication project through Student Press Initiative, Teachers College, Columbia University and a senior service project.
Improved teaching effectiveness through training of supervisors and teachers in curriculum and instruction specifically Understanding by Design, Differentiated Instruction methodologies, and reading, writing and technology integration across curriculum.
Helped to procure and maintain the running of $300,000 grant from the Department of Children and Families.

And most importantly Dr Cella believes in the system of education and in the potential of the Hoboken students. She is always a teacher, a learner, a listener, and a doer. By leaving a superintendent job to come back for the principal position in our unstable district, one can tell Cella is dedicated and determined to finish what she started. At least we know we won't get an other one year resume padder. Heard she likes edgewater but misses interaction with the students, staff and the hands on. Come on universe align - this is a big opportunity, Hoboken 's success depends on it - Rehire Cella

Cronyism--- I have done some investigations and have found out that newly hired (June 12, 2012) Maureen D. Havlusch, Alternate High School Coordinator whose appointment begins on 9/1/12 is the DAUGHTER of former Business Administrator and pension double dipper Robert (Bob) Davis.

Furthermore, the fact that Davis' daughter was simply a classroom teacher with a lack of meaningful experience in being a coordinator at the district level means this hire REAKS of cronyism. She has no experience for this position and she is a crony hire by Kids First for BA Bob Davis.

I was at the June meeting and there was NO MENTION that Ms. Havlusch is the daughter of Bob Davis. This is typical of Davis who left his previous job amid allegations (http://www.parentadvocates.org/nicecontent/dsp_printable.cfm?articleID=6334). Now, we find out he's leaving Hoboken with an administrative job for his daughter secured?

Dr. Toback needs to held accountable for this hire. Kids First needs to be held accountable for this hire. I suggest the Board rescind this hire immediately before the school year begins. This is simple cronyism. No doubt about it. Dr. Toback needs to explain himself.

Me, myself and I in the state of NJ's "double dippers".

More information-- Maureen D. Havlusch is Hoboken Business Administrator Bob Davis' DAUGHTER. She is inexperienced as a Coordinator of any Alternative Education Program. Davis used his influence to get his DAUGHTER an administrative job in the district in which he served as a BOARD MEMBER! Dr. Toback KNEW that Maureen D. Havlusch is Bob Davis' daughter. DId he tell the Board of Education? If not-- it is BIG. It is SO BIG. If Toback DID tell the Board, who did he tell??? I don't think some members of the Board like Maureen Sullivan would have voted for the DAUGHTER of the Business Administrator-- especially since she is inexperienced. She only has been an English teacher. Cronyism and lack of transparency. This smells ROTTEN.

Seems like Bob Davis' daughter charges $550 + $60 in fees for SAT preparation to children's families (http://i50.tinypic.com/ax1he1.png)-- looks like another carpet bagger wants to come to town and get some experience as an administrator.

Hard to imagine why Dr. Toback would ruin his reputation in Hoboken on a double dipper father trying to get his inexperienced daughter a job in a district where he held the positions of: Interim Business Administrator, Interim Assistant Business Administrator, Board Secretary, and Board of Education member.

You would think that Dr. Toback would have felt the relationship between Maureen D. Havlusch and Bob Davis was worth mentioning to the Board or to the public before he put her up for consideration at the June 12, 2012 BOE meeting.

This STINKS of cronyism.

The new KidsFirst strategy regarding their dirty laundry is to let it keep flapping in the breeze while yelling "corrupt" and pointing at anyone who dares mention the not-so-nice odor. Does anyone know if the position for Bob Davis"s daughter was created just for her, or did it exist previously? I thought that the district did away with the alternative program.

So, Red, you have nothing to add on why your KF friends hired Davis' daughter? Anti-nepotism? BWAAA-HA-HA!!!

Meals, paid by the Board, went to volunteers at school functions,for example, Members of the School Management Teams. So, you would have to address the menu question to Irene Sobolov.

All this arguing back and forth is interesting, but it's not effective. It seems everybody wants the school system to succeed (I hope), but everyone has a different idea how to achieve that success. I want to remind everyone that an effective, dedicated principal is the key to successful change. I can't imagine one school board that wouldn't jump at the potential of hiring a Ph.D from Columbia's Teachers College to steer the ship. The people of Hoboken have a great opportunity - right here - right now - to put all of their political opinions and in fighting aside. It's official, Dr. Cella's resume and application is on Dr. Toback's desk. Her career has been stellar. Her knowledge as an educator is irrefutable. Her dedication to the district has just be proven AGAIN. She is the most obvious choice; she is the right choice - the logical choice. I ask again that everyone drop the infighting and do what's best for the students, the high school and the town in general. I can't hide it, I was a big fan of Cella, because she believes in education. I believe in education. I believe the very fabric of our society depends on it. And if we all could just stop fighting long enough to read, to process and to understand, the world would be a better place.

(Con't) It's not about who has power, it's about not being afraid to use that power for the greater good. A good that is true and universal. A good that focuses on our youth and our country and our world. I can't imagine a better candidate than Cella; she is for that better good. Rehire - Succeed.

Interesting FAQ on the School Boards site regarding the applicability of the nepotism regulations on "interim" personnel :
Q4: Does an interim, per diem school administrator who is not considered an employee of the school district/charter school have to file the disclosure statements?

A: Yes, as long as that person falls within the definition of “administrator” in N.J.S.A. 18A:12-23. Also note that if the interim school official serves in more than one district/charter school s/he must file statements in all entities because it is likely that the school official’s information on the Personal/Relative Disclosure Statement for each district/charter school will be different.
“Administrator” means any officer, other than a board member or trustee, or employee of a local school district who: (i) holds a position which requires a certificate that authorizes the holder to serve as school administrator, principal, or school business administrator; or (ii) holds a position which does not require that the person hold any type of certificate but is responsible for making recommendations regarding hiring or the purchase or acquisition of any property or services by the local school district; or (iii) holds a position which requires a certificate that authorizes the holder to serve as supervisor and who is responsible for making recommendations regarding hiring or the purchase or acquisition of any property or services by the local school district. N.J.S.A. 18A:12-23.

i would like to know more about the current events surrounding BOE hirings (not who ate what a decade ago at a restaurant) Is Superintendent Toback as Ethical as we thought him to be ? It doesn't seem that Kids First bd. members are as honest and open as they claim to be . It would be best to have Full Disclosure when hiring a friend , a neighbor a former colleague etc. many unemployed college graduates are seeking teaching positions. many teachers who were laid off from other School Districts are also seeking positions in education. I am sure that Hoboken received an abundance of applications for job openings in the District. And it would 'Raise A Flag' to find out that out of all the many applicants, only those who share a relationship with the superintendent/asst. superintendent/interim SBS/bd Secretary , that they Are Hired and the public is told that we are hiring the MOST Qualified for those positions. Really? With so many very very qualified people seeking employment...Only their relatives,neighbors and friends "get the nod".

Look, all of you people have theories on how to fix the public schools but No one can even fix themselves. You are name calling like 12 year olds…… This is why we can not get qualified applicants in the district! Because of the way, the board acts and the name calling amongst their supporters.

Not to mention, on an unrelated topic! What the hell is with these hires lately? Newark, The Oranges, Essex County! Seriously! Why would we hire these people to come here from Essex County? Have you been to the board office lately? It’s like a Party up in here…with these people.

Can we try to either promote from within or try hiring someone that does not know someone or speak Ebonics? Let’s try it and maybe we will go back to a Bronze medal or at the very least I wont get shanked at the BOE? Everyone watch your cars at the next board meeting, these Newark people may try to steal your cars at the next board meeting!

The Hoboken schools krystallnacht - where intellectual educators were removed and replaced by administrators from Irvington, Paterson and Plainfield happened under the Kids First board majority. Toback seems a good, albeit naive man.

I could be wrong, but I don't believe Hoboken's School District has any of the serious issues of Districts such as Paterson,Newark or even Jersey City. Isn't is a fact that those districts are struggling for many years to improve educationally ?.What progress Have they made ? Why would Hoboken want to inherit any of their administrators ? I'm sure Hoboken has capable people within its District. Parents and the Public are told that Hoboken BOE has been hiring the most qualified people for a number of years now. Many Boards Of Education prepare their gifted and dedicated educators for advancement within their district. It is a serious deceitful and possibly unethical practice if Hoboken's Superintendent is passing over accomplished educators within, just to gratify his former and current colleagues and friends. Parents and the Public are due the respect of full disclosure when there is a questionable relationship regarding an appointment.

Please read, sign and share my petition. Changes need to be made.

http://www.change.org/petitions/newark-public-schools-change-the-graduation-requirements