Did you see Teacher’s Union President Paul Georges Letter to the Editor in Today’s SUN? In Part it read:

But perhaps the most significant factor in the Murkland transformation was a shift in climate and culture beginning well before Level 4 designation. It emphasized enhanced communication, team building, data analysis, appropriate professional development and the empowerment of teachers, paraprofessionals and all school staff to make key decisions of how best to educate students …It emphasizes a shared decision-making model and ownership of outcomes toward improved student performance… You stand as a great example of common sense, teacher-centered education reform and thank you to all our teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators and support staff that continue to work in support of our students.

John Leahy was very excited by this Letter and shared the following:

Hi Gerry,

Did you see Paul Georges letter to the editor today. It was very well written and inspiring. It mentioned all the good work the everyone did to turn that school around. The bottom-up approach, which was first brought to the city by the AFT center for school improvement. It got me thinking that we should be doing this for all of our schools.

We should use the money set aside to institute this and make it happen for all the students we serve. Paul was correct that this model works and the teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators and support staff should be congratulated. More importantly they should be allowed to continue this in all the schools.

How do we do this? Maybe we settle the contract for a small percentage, then we use this pay as you work method. This model does add extra hours to the day but look at the results, you can’t argue with success. If we all participate, we all get paid more, the students improve, the collaboration continues, and the school district should have amazing results.

Imagine the transformation in culture, climate, and moral this would have. I hope Paul and others realize what is in front of us and take hold of it.

NOTE: Fried Brain, My apologies to John Leahy, trying to post while my sister calls to tell me she is picking up Mom because her bld spells like gas..Lowell Fire Dept. checking it out now!

Press release from Sen. Eileen Donoghue

(BOSTON, MA) – Senator Eileen Donoghue (D- First Middlesex) will be hosting a senior forum on Friday, September 30th from 9:30 a.m. to 11a.m at the Lowell Senior Center.
All senior citizens are welcome to come, have a cup of coffee, and discuss any ongoing concerns they may have. The goal of the forum is to encourage an open dialogue with Lowell’s senior citizens and hear from them about the issues they are facing.
Representatives from the Elder Services of Merrimack Valley and from the USDA Food & Nutrition Service will also be in attendance to talk about the wonder services they provide for seniors in the area.

Here’s you chance if you live or work in the downtown to tell the Post office why this station should stay open.

Armand Mercier served on the Lowell City Council from 1998-2009 including serving as Mayor, 2004-2006, he was also Executive Director at the Lowell Housing Authority. He is seeking another term on the City Council after losing a seat in 2009.

1) After already serving a number of years, why run again this year for Lowell City Council?

Because I can! In 2009 I had health issues that interfered with being able to run the type of campaign needed. This year I am in good health, feel great and have a desire to help people and serve this city again. I enjoy Public Service and want to continue.

2) What do you see has the 3 biggest issues facing the City of Lowell and how would you go about addressing them?

1) Finance – The city needs to control spending and expand revenues. The city cannot continue to raise fees on people.

2) Inspectional Services – We need qualified, certified people in Inspectional Services.

3) PILOT Program – The Payment In Lieu of Taxes program needs to be pushed and pushed hard. We need to be aggressive, we can’t just send out letters. We have to talk to these people and point out that they need to contribute. We have to stop taking properties off the tax role, the University took the hotel an St. Joseph’s Lowell needs this tax revenue

4) Do you support the current City Manager?

I didn’t vote for him when he was hired but I did support him because that is what the majority wanted. I would do the same as I did, support him but evaluate him week to week. There is no reason Not to work with him.

5) Are you satisfied with the Police coverage/capacity to protect the citizens/visitors/college students of a first class community. If yes,why? If not, what are your specific proposals to address these needs other than applying for state/federal short term grants?

Under the current conditions the police do a tremendous job. They are understaffed but their response to incidents is tremendous. They need to work closely with UMAss Lowell Police who are well staffed and utilize them whenever they can.

6) Any upcoming events or contact information you would like to list for people interested in your campaign?

Thanks to my grandchildren I do have a Facebook Page Armand Mercier for Lowell City Council and would ask each of you respectfully to please consider me for one of your nine votes.