Candidate Statement: Rick O'Neill, Shawsheen Tech School Committee
The candidate statement of Rick O'Neill, candidate for a seat on the Shawsheen Tech School Committee.
Candidate Statement
We live in an increasingly complex world, dominated by a global economy that continues to siphon jobs away from American workers. Wages are down and good-paying jobs are scarce, while, at the same time, employers continue to have difficulty finding qualified job candidates. It is critically important that we provide ALL of our children with appropriate “pathways to success” and prepare them with high-quality career skills to qualify them for the most desirable job opportunities.
One of the best ways to teach these most critical skills is through our Vocational / Technical schools, and Tewksbury is fortunate to have partnered with one of the most highly-rated “voc-tech” schools in the Commonwealth. Shawsheen Tech boasts outstanding overall achievement results in multiple disciplines. Since its creation in 1970 “the Tech” has consistently provided its students with a quality educational path to gainful employment, and today, it continues to prepare today’s students to work in new and emerging occupations. In recent years, though, it has come to my attention that a growing number of Tewksbury students, who need and desire a vocational / technical education, have been denied admission to Shaw Tech. As former chairperson of the Tewksbury School Committee, I was approached on a number of occasions by anxious parents who were extremely disturbed because the most appropriate career path option for their children was closed. I subsequently learned that the Tech had changed its criteria for admissions such that many students who are late bloomers or have had limited or moderate academic success are no longer likely to be accepted to the Tech. And since Tewksbury High School (in order to avoid duplication of costs) has eliminated most vocational courses, these unfortunate students, are, in effect, “left behind”. This is just not right. We need to provide these students with the opportunity to succeed. Shaw Tech is doing a great job, but in this one area, it is not doing the job we asked them to do.
So the debate has now begun. How best will we as parents, educators and responsible citizens rise to meet the challenge to resolve, in the best interests of ALL of our children, the multiple, academic, vocational and financial conflicts that have surfaced and will continue to surface as a consequence of these recent policy changes. These challenges are daunting in scope. However, I believe they are resolvable, and I believe that I have the educational, professional, and civic experiences needed to assist in the successful resolution of these difficult matters.
I have been a resident of Tewksbury since 1976, when my wife Janice and I moved here with our three young children, who were all educated in the Tewksbury school system and went on to college and graduate school. I have been an active member of the community ever since, serving as a member of the:
- Tewksbury Finance Committee
- Secondary School Building Committee
- Police Station Building Committee
- Library Building Committee;
- Tewksbury School Committee, serving two separate terms and serving as Chairperson on both occasions.
- Tewksbury Youth Baseball Association as a Coach, Manager, Clerk, Equipment Agent, Director, President, and District 14 Assistant Administrator;
- Tewksbury Redmen Football Club and as past Trustee of the Tewksbury Redmen Football Club Scholarship Foundation.
My educational background includes the following:
- Salem State College, BS in Education,
- New England School of Law, Juris Doctor, Cum Laude
I have held the following professional positions:
- Teacher and Coach at Reading Memorial High School;
- Connecticut Education Association, Labor Relations Consultant;
- Massachusetts Teachers Association, Government and Labor Relations Consultant;
- Law Office of O’Neill & Gramer, P.C., Attorney
I believe that my extensive background professionally, educationally and in community service provide me with a good foundation to serve effectively on the Shawsheen Tech School Committee. Going forward, we must provide the best educational opportunity possible to ALL of our students while seeking resolution of the challenges that must be acted on now to secure their future.
I ask for your support and counsel, and your vote on April 6th. Please vote Rick O’Neill for Shawsheen Tech School Committee. Thank you.
jo
3:30 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Is there a limited number of students that can be accepted from tewksbury at Shawsheen Tech? I guess I am asking if there is a "quota" system for the five towns. If so, does Tewksbury fill its quota? Are you intimating that Shawsheen is accepting students from Tewksbury that do not "need" a vocational education? How do you determine the needs of one applicant from another? Whatever the criteria at Shawsheen is it seems to be working. Maybe I just do not understand the concept.
Cecil Moore
6:52 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Jo,
You have posted so passionately in the past regarding this issue, it is surprising that you actually "DON'T" know. The vocational system was established to offer an "alternative" to those students who have difficulty in a text book environment, as way way to teach them a trade. This would enable them to enter the workforce with a skill which would allow them to become a contributing member of society. Needless to say these were individuals who typically scored lower on the MCAS tests. Shawsheen Tech, under the current board and leadership, has begun to selectively choose the students who are scoring higher in the traditional classroom and "rejecting" those who score lower. Are you getting the picture here? It is being used for purposes for which it was not intended. The current board loves to tout how well their student score on MCAS, and the excellence in the classroom they are achieving. Of course they are, they are only taking the highest achieving students. But certainly you knew of this? Homework assignment before you rebut. What percentage of the current Shawsheen Tech students enter the workforce using the skill of their "shop" and do not attend college? Compare the numbers vs. TMHS. The system is broken.
Sophie Mae
4:32 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The Shawsheen Tech is an excellent school...why should we jeopardize its future by electing a candidate who has never supported Shaw Tech! On another note, how long do we wait for a "late bloomer" to bloom.
Mark Lewis
11:41 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
If you believe that the Tech is going a great job (which I do), then why in the world would you vote for him. His record while he was on the Tewksbury School Committee speaks for itself. He destroyed morale of the Tewksbury public school teachers by cutting their salaries... which they got back. He screwed elementary school parents by the reconfiguration of the schools... which didn't save any money. By the way, didn't he withdraw from running for Tewksbury School Committee a few years ago because of his health... or was it because he realized that he won't win.
jo
2:43 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
So Cecil, you consider a vocational education to be a second tier education. Therefore you must be putting plumbers, electricians, hair stylists automotive technicians, auto body collision technicians, HVAC technicians, and other skilled craftspeople in a second tier category. Interesting approach. The other point that you made is that the Tech should start screening students and begin telling some of its applicants that they cannot pursue a vocational education because they ae too smart.It appears that you also want to tell vocational students that they cannot apply to attend college. I thought that educators were supposed to help high school students expand their horizons.
Cecil Moore
7:30 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Jo,
Obviously you have an agenda and political message. I have nothing but respect and admiration for anyone who works in a trade. However, you did not do your homework did you? In fact, I can make this claim with absolute certainty, you have no $@&/?%#£ idea what you are typing. I will dumb down here for your intellect. The percentage of Tech students who eventually end up in the "trade" industry has been downward trending over the last 10 years. Why would I go to Shawsheen Tech if I was going to a 4 year University for a major in business? I suppose in your line of thinking, I would be qualified to do a weekend Home Depot improvement on my house by installing a ceiling fan for my wife. Then when I get back to the office water cooler, I can boost to my white collar co-workers how manly my weekend was!!!!!! Yes, I could do that because I went to the Tech before I attended Boston College. Yes, your ignorance is making excellent use of our educational system. Remember that when you read about the next daytime house break. We are not doing our children any service by giving the Shawsheen Tech superintendent $220,000 a year.
Cecil Moore
7:32 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Jo,
Does Tewksbury High get the opportunity to screen their students? Your language not mine.
Bill Gilman
7:45 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Cecil, I'm going to jump in here as the father one of one son who went to Tech School and the other "regular" high school, both in Leominster.
You ask the question "Why would I go to Shawsheen Tech if I was going to a 4 year University for a major in business?"
If I wanted to own or manage an architectural firm, or an auto repair business or construction company, plumbing company, restaurant .... etc., then would definitely want to have a background in my trade, as well as a business degree.
Just an observation. We live in a world that is getting more and more competitive. And admittance to good colleges is getting more competitive. A "hands-on" background, including co-op programs, is actually very helpful to getting accepted into a four-year school.
I believe what you are finding is that the "normal" high schools are starting to offer more hands-on training for various fields in order to compete with the Techs. For example, the new Tewksbury High has a TV studio. This will give students looking for careers related to TV, film etc. some excellent practical training.
Just an observation from a dad.
Bob
10:44 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Bill, I agree! My nephew went to school for auto repair. When he graduated, he couldn't get a job doing what he wanted (NASCAR mechanic). He had to go to a secondary college in Michigan to get a degree before they would talk to him.
It is a changing world and we need schools to change with the times.
Dave
8:13 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I agree bill. Well rounded students are setting themselves up for future options. The high school should incorporate more than your typical educational approach. Stay a normal high school but expand a bit to offer some hands on learning as well. When I went to the high school 20 years ago they had an auto shop, wood shop, and cooking. I've heard they eliminated all of these classes. Kinda sad I think.
TEE
8:47 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Why does it always seem about money with Cecil? How much should a superintendent be paid, what is your recommended number?
The interview process or screening is because there are a limited amount of slots for students from the 5 towns that have the opportunity to go to Shawsheen if they so choose, attendance is one of the eliminating factors in that process why would you give a spot to a student who is not going to show up anyway.
I graduated from TMHS because I didn't want to go to Shawsheen, and still ended up in the Construction Field. These kids are asked to make a decision when they are 13 or 14 years old on what they want to do with the rest of their lives maybe they change their minds
Cecil Moore
4:55 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Ur...
Always about money? The Lowell Schools Superintendent makes $151,000 a year and oversees 20+ facilities. So you think it is a good expense for Tewksbury to be forced to pay 50% more per student to attend the Tech than it costs to attend TMHS? Do you also think it is ok for a "PUBLIC" school which derives its operating costs from public funds, to "SELECTIVELY" choose which students they want to teach? Now when this great leader steps down from his Tech position, he will take with him a $180,000 annual pension. And you are ok with this?
Bob
10:49 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I think the genesis of this campaign and Kelley's before was because a parent didn't get their kid in Shawsheen and tried to "grease palms so to speak" to make it happen and the 2 SC members from Tewksbury refused. O'Neil will complete the task of making sure it is more about who you know than what you know.
HI
12:28 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Bob, the fact remains that if a well- balanced admissions system existed, folks would not have to resort to calling their elected officials for the representation they deserve.
Bob
1:04 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
WHY? If you have 10 openings and there are 15 people who "really need to be there" there will be 5 people mad that they didn't get in. Is it more fair to say "you are from so-and-so family and I knew your father so you are in"? That is what O'Neil and Kelley want!
News bulletin! Bill may want to lead with it tomorrow on the front page... Life Isn't Always Fair! Sub titled, sometimes it doesn't matter who your father or grandfather is/was. You don't always get what you want!
Mr Kelley and Mr. O'Neil want to take another kid out of the Tech or increase the schools capacity because one of their own didn't get in! That is corruption and why we have the mess in Boston and DC that we have! End it PERIOD!
Cecil Moore
4:56 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Bob,
Seriously?
HI
11:06 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
http://www.shawsheentech.org/pdf/Admissions%20Policy%202007.pdf
24% of the score for admission is grades in english, math, science and social studies.
The grades, discipline, recommendations and attendance are submitted before the Interview takes place.
Its like applying to college. You won't be considered unless you have the grades and scores- the rest of the ranking is completely subjective and not fair to those who are better suited and need a Vocational/Technical setting for success.
The 'uncapped' bill that the Tech sends to the towns is unfair too. Town schools are capped under Prop 2 1/2 as to what they can spend.
Tewksbury taxpayers have NO say in how HIGH the cost will be to educate a Shawsheen Tech student and very little (10%- councilor score) to say about WHO that student will be!
This situation smells of 'taxation without representation!'
Please VOTE accordingly.
Bob
1:05 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Ahhh we have elected representation on the Tech's school committee.
Bob
1:07 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Also grades are not a primary consideration. If they were, my daughter wouldn't be there. She was a good kid with almost perfect attendance and no discipline issues. Her grades were average at best and she was in the "Needs Improvement" area on MCAS.
HI
1:39 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Bob, the system is working for you so you've got nothing to complain about.
The system is not working for my family. We are footing a bill for educating 'hand picked' students, and there is no cap on the cost for that education, while TMHS has limitations on its funding and resources due to Prop 2 1/2.
You and your daughter are very fortunate, congratulations and best regards on her future, the ski is the limit!
My kids and I- not so much...:)
If I thought that Tewksbury was represented over the past 20 years by the elected Shaw Tech members- I wouldn't be here....
Bob
2:40 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Hi, but because your kid didn't get in we have to blow up the whole system? So if they raise everyone's taxes but yours that is OK? They are NOT hand-picked they go through a process. You and that whole O'Neil/Kelley group keep saying that but it isn't true! They look at the whole body of a students career to that point and make decisions. And no I wouldn't nor would others I know be here trying to blow the whole thing up because our kids were not selected. We are/would be fighting to make TMHS better!
HI
2:51 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Bob, I never said my kids didn't get into the Tech.
I said my family is here paying the bill for your daughter, where there is no limit on what can be spent on her education and she has been 'hand picked' where grades count 24%, and the rest is subjective.
TMHS takes everyone and there is a limit on what they can spend on each student.
Just looking for some equal footing for ALL the Tewksbury students.
Bob
8:32 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hi, you implied it by stating your family is footing the bill for my daughter. WE are footing the bill for all the kids that go to the Tech. I don't use the Senior Center but I pay a part of that bill. I don't have a child in the new HS but I foot part of that bill. I don't use the sewer but I am footing a part of that bill. See how it works in a society? We pay for community things that make ALL the town and people better.
Yes, my daughter got accepted and others didn't. What about the kids going to private schools but are still paying for TMHS? Is that OK? Sorry but it sounds like you are upset your kid didn't get selected, and yes they MUST select because they can't take all kids, and you want to now punish those who didn't choose them.
Bob
8:37 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hi, also about the equal footing... Raise TMHS up! Don't tear a great school down!
The sky is the limit for any kid born in the US! That is why people flock here from all over the world. The negativity may be why you and your child see limits. Encourage him/her to be the best they can be with what they have and stop being envious of what others have.
Good luck and I honestly hope your child reaches for the stars!
jo
1:57 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
My words stand, and please note that I did not stoop to vulgarity and name calling. Cecil, you are not worth any more of my time. Have a good day.
Cecil Moore
5:14 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Jo,
No, you just stooped to ignorance and cluelessness.
Douglas Sears
2:12 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
"Remember that when you read about the next daytime house break. We are not doing our children any service by giving the Shawsheen Tech superintendent $220,000 a year."
I missed the connection here ...
If we paid Charlie Lyons more like the $185K we pay Dr. O'Connor our neighborhoods would be safer?
Cecil Moore
5:12 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Doug,
Funny you would ignore the issues and go for the fluff. Though that would be about par for your political course. What does the word vocational mean to you? It is an alternative to the traditional school model. Are you with me Doug or did I lose you? Ok, try and keep up. This would allow for that child who may not be excelling in a text book environment but can successively work on engines. This would give him an opportunity. Is this safe to assume Doug? Now we have a VOCATIONAL school that is no longer basing admissions on vocation. Since the child does not get the grades in a text book environment, he cannot get into the Shawsheen Vocational Tech. Doug, have you kept up or fallen off? Since this child cannot get into the Tech, and is forced into TMHS, and he didn't get good grades in 8th grade, Doug what kind of grades is he going to get in 9th grade? If this kid was bad at grades but good with mechanics, where is he going to go? Logic would say the Tech but you, as an elected leader of this town, say he should go to the books. Now Doug, is he likely to stay in school for the books? Or possibly stay in school to learn mechanics? The books are not going to hold his interest. He drops out, and what does he do with his days? Doug? Doug? Doug? Representative Miceli was right about you.
Bob
8:48 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Cecil,
The "vocational" you speak of is still there at the Tech. The difference is they have adapted it to real world 2013 economies. There are all kinds of kids there who are in masonry, electrical etc. who are going to college because they understand to to become an electrical engineer you need math. To start a masonry company you need to know how to do a P&L statement and balance the books.
It is a brave new world where kids have more options than ever before. Kids today who are in auto mechanic shop are looking for the skills to start their own body shop or garage. The Tech gives them the skills and desire to do those things.
A kid not getting good grades at any level today will fall behind whatever career they choose. The answer is to get them to focus and work harder to get the grades up at what ever school they attend.
Changing economies require changing education models and we have to adjust.
Douglas Sears
5:21 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Cecil,
Your problem is that you are too old to have been rejected by Shawtech.
That aside, I am so old that I taught at the Medford Voke in academic year 1977-78 and came to appreciate first hand how such an education unfolds.
In my dotage I think I may enroll at Shawtech's evening classes for duffers who want to learn how to take rust spots out of my old cars and my signature truck.
Don't take life so seriously as you might meet yourself coming around the corner and get upset with the guy you meet.
Regards,
Doug.
Cecil Moore
8:20 am on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Doug,
Thank you. I enjoyed your response. As I am getting on in years, the status quo is getting harder to accept. In my humble opinion, the Tech has evolved into something it was not designed for and has transformed itself to operate as a private institution which uses public funds. I believe that is wrong.
Good luck with the class on the rust spots. One day I will be joining you.
God Bless,
C
Douglas Sears
9:48 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Cecil,
"In my humble opinion, the Tech has evolved into something it was not designed for and has transformed itself to operate as a private institution which uses public funds. I believe that is wrong."
Fair enough.
The flip side is that despite the new building, there are still lingering doubts that TMHS is making the grade as a general high school for the rest who don't go to Shawtech or private schools after their Wynn experience.
Banning Shawtech representatives as if they were ROTC recruiters in liberal campuses is not the answer to making TMHS a better place.
Happy first day of Spring!
Doug.
Cecil Moore
10:40 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
Doug,
A true test of a teacher, is not how well the top half of the class performs, it is getting the bottom half of the class to improve. The Tech, for the last 10 years has been skimming the cream off the top in who the school admits. When you siphon off the better half of students, where do the the lower performing students go? How would you feel if our public library only allowed people with 100+ IQ to use its facility? The point I think you are not addressing is that the Tech operates on public funds collected through taxes. But, the school is not truly open to the public. It has clearly strayed away from its Mission Statement and the board we have elected over the years has been a puppet show for the Superintendent. The next question I would ask is why are the costs 50% more than TMHS. If the TMHS was allowed to operate in the same manner, screening the students, disregarding prop 2 1/2, and charging a higher cost per student....do you think they would be performing better. Doug, I know you are a smart man, can you really tell us that any of this makes sense? It operates 100% on taxpayer funds! There are plenty of private school options for parents who want a better education. I don't want my tax dollars paying for a public school to operate as if it was private.
Good night sir,
C
bill meuse
4:27 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013
Cecil, why is Shawsheen Tech one of the top Tech schools in the state? You are spewing nonsence. when you say skimming cream, mission statement, puppet, screening the students or disregarding prop 2 1/2, you are spewing nonsence. None of your nonsence is true. You have nothing to back up your outrages statements. You may write something that sounds good but it is still nonsence. You are not a nice person Cecil, to say the least.
Cecil Moore
12:19 am on Saturday, March 23, 2013
Bill,
Nonsense? You claim that nothing I have said is true? Bill...you are not a very smart person are you? I have stated my case, laid out my claims, and articulated an argument. You have stated that your wife is a nice and caring person. WOW! I am overwhelmed. I am in awe and befuddled by your foolishness.
God bless...
C
Simon Cowell
4:55 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013
Where's Dan B Cooper when you need him?
Douglas Sears
5:30 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013
Cecil,
To be clear -- I am not running for Tech. School Committee.
To be clear -- My saying that Shawtech is a creature of the Legislature is not a slam on Rep. Miceli. It is true that only Legislators have direct access to changing what residents like or dislike about matters which in the legislative domain.
Changing how funds are allocated to Shawtech is not something over which the Selectmen have control. Both Ms. Meuse and Mr. O'Neill are self-declared Miceli supports, so he's going to listen to them before they he listens to me. He is in the position to do something about your concerns. Whoever wins this election,I suggest you lean on them to get Jim up to speed on Tewksbury's complaints. AsI said earlier, I attended last year's Shawtech Graduation. Charlie Lyons glowed over "The Dean" as being the friend Shawtech could ever have.
As for "types" of students. When I taught at the Medford Voke and kids had discipline problems -- they went before Mr. Johnson -- and plead their case. It was always: "Please Mr. Johnson. Give me one more chance. Please don't send me to the High School." If a student didn't have enough common sense to behave in a shop so as not to put him/her or fellow students in danger, off they would go to the other side of the complex -- Medford High School. In my English class a clown couldn't get hurt. In Brian Hickey's brother's print class, somebody could lose a hand. The voke was the place for serious learners.
Mary Margaret
6:15 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2013
I believe about 25% of the Shawsheen Tech populaton are on IEPs. These students had to meet the criteria that the DESE established for admission just like every other 8th grade student. Please vote for Patricia Meuse to represent us. She is doing a wonderful job.
jj
5:42 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2013
Here Here Mary, wheres the LIKE Button???
jj
7:37 pm on Friday, April 5, 2013
Singing a different tune now, aren't You O'Neill...
Cecil Moore
6:55 am on Saturday, April 6, 2013
Being a puppet for Charlie Lyons is hardly an example of "wonderful" work? Why not just get rid of the board as a whole and just let him run the show? Because that is what he is doing now! It is a board to rubber stamp the superintendent's agenda...and that needs to change!