February 2008 ARCHIVES: Gloucester City School Board Suppressing Information
Friday, December 23, 2016
published Monday, February 04, 2008 
CNBNews Point of View:
It is apparent for some time the Gloucester City Board of Education has held back televising the video recordings of controversial meetings. In other words, they censor what you and I can see. Don’t believe the excuse that the equipment the school uses is not compatible with Channel 19’s equipment.
With today’s technology that is untrue and the board members/administration are well aware of that fact.
You would have thought the Board would have learned something from the Gorman and Kilcourse administrations who also concealed information from the public by not televising council meetings. It is obvious they did not.
Following the January school board meeting a letter was posted onClearysNoteBook from a “Concerned Gloucester City School Board member”.
The first paragraph read, “This Gloucester City Board of Education member would like to set the record straight. The Board of Education has no control over what meetings are shown on the Local cable Channel 19.” The individual asked not to publish his/her name because of the consequences he/she would suffer for voicing a public opinion. read letter
If the Board of Education has no control over what meetings are televised then who does? And why was the individual afraid to sign his name. Who is controlling what Board members can say to the public? Don’t we vote these individuals into the office to represent our best interest? What else is being withheld?
For years in Gloucester City, there has been a long-standing practice by both members of the school board and city council to “sanitize” what the public was told. The new City Council members ran on a platform of “keeping the public informed”. Good or Bad news would be released to the media. I believe that was one of the reasons they (James, Marchese, Brophy) were elected in 2006.
At a closed-door meeting held in January, the Board voted in favor of televising meetings beginning this month. No doubt much credit should be given to the new Superintendent of Schools, Paul Spaventa for convincing those who were against the idea that they were making a mistake. (read media release)
Incidentally, some of those who were against the new policy said if the public was interested in school district matters then they should attend the meeting in person. The Stansky’s administration may be over. But it is obvious there are still members of her regime on the board that continues to believe in her philosophy of keeping the public in the dark.
It would behoove the opposing members to read what Cherry Hill Mayor Bernie Platt told a reporter from the Courier Post recently about his decision to air council meetings on television. “I believe people who work late or cannot make it to town hall for public meetings should not be blacked out of the process. They deserve to see the business of their municipality and the actions of their elected officials.”
Good for you Mayor Platt!
Gloucester City residents need to get involved in the operation of their $40 million school district. It is obvious some drastic changes are needed. New people willing to fight for our rights need to be elected. You showed your power two years ago when you threw out the old Democrat regime. We need that same determination this year on April 15 when the school election will be held.
It all begins with a strong coalition of people who think alike. People who want to make a difference in our community. It is your turn to step up to the plate and fight for reform.
The deadline for filing nominating petitions to run for school boards is 4 p.m. Feb. 25. Prospective school board candidates can obtain a School Board Candidate Kit online from the New Jersey School Boards Association at www.njsba.org/candidacy or from local school district offices. School board members serve three-year terms.
Comments
Bill,
FYI The mayor of Cherry Hill is Bernie Platt, not Pratt.
Tim
Thanks
Hey Bill;
When I was on the Board I didn't know HOW the video got to Channel 19 but it DID get there, in whatever form it needed to be in. I also remember very "unique" suggestion by Dan O'Brien. I believe it was Dan that recommended we air the caucus/work session meeting for the very reason you describe. That was where the actual WORK was done, it was open to the public, and the voters could see exactly how members were debating on every issue. The alternative is what you see now, twenty five (give or take) yes or no votes on subjects that haven't been explained to the public. "Sanitized" was how you described it. I'd go a step further and say it was BORING.
The caucus meetings, however, were NOT boring. There was some fireworks there and I think that it is THAT arena that deserves air time. Maybe the most disheartening aspect of this whole thing, Bill, was that a Board member felt they had to send an anonymous letter. I can tell ya for sure that it wasn't from Bruce Darrow, he was afraid of nothing when I was there. I think Bruce also voted for airing the caucus meetings, but you'd have to ask him. Anyhow, show the meetings but my preference would be the caucus meeting.
Chuck,Why don't you run again for School Board .When you were on the board for those 6 months , things got done.
Bill
When Bob Bevan led the effort to put the question of a Faulkner form of government on the ballot, the operators of TV19 said we could not have equal time on TV19 as per the instruction of Paul Kain. I personally rejected the notion that a single person in this commnuity could have that kind of power so I OPRAed the information.
I think it may have been the only time I got a prompt response with a smile from Paul Kain. He was beaming as he handed me a copy of the ordinance designating him as the sole decider of what the city would permit on TV19. I spoke out in the GCN about it to no avail. Bob Bevan then took another course of action that challenged what was being displayed. He was correct in his arguement and prevailed. None the less he was immediately publicly ostracized by the governing body.
Unless the ordinance has been changed Paul Kain still has the authority to decide, what in his opinion, is good or bad for the citizens of Gloucester City to see and hear on TV19. It is matters like this that would best be served by a Faulkner style of government. It allows for the citizens to vote on questions when the governing body refuses to act on issues that would enhance the transparency of our governmental operations.
Respectfully submitted
Rick Gonzales
Hey Chuck.
I am a board member and I want to tell you that I do get my digs in at all the meetings Bruce and I are always being blamed for something, we could pass notes about whats going on and we would hear about it, we try getting a debate about something and we are told to stop and to get on with business if you could see some of our meeting you would know what I am talking about, the school board is a thankless job, but I do it for the kids. and I want our kids to get everything that is due to them, meaning a Education,, that is my goal, and the rest of the crap comes with the position. I was dead set for keeping the meetings aired . we had enough of that crap with the last city leaders or should I say some of them,,, so please beleive me when I say there are some good people on the BOE... and I do beleive I am one of them,,And i can't wait to get out to the high school so that we can get the meetings aired and have a nice back drop.THEN LET SOMEOEN COME UP TO ME AND SAY WE CAN'T GET THE MEETINGS TAPED DUE TO SOMETHING,,,
Hey Tim ,,
you might not know me but i did not supress any info from any board meeting, when i have something to say you will hear me, if the tapes were there you could see for yourself. i do not believe in the status Quo. or rubber stamping a meeting. Meetings are there for debating and for voting on a issue no matter who is watching.. don't get me wrong we can not have meetings where people jump across tables choking other board members all thou there are times where you want to,, But anyway hey Tim please give the good guys some credit for what they are trying to do, and that is is bring change,,, in a good way. and most of all give our children what they deserve,,
A EDUCATION,, THANKS, A TIRED BUT A FIGHTER OF A BOARD MEMBER
Thank you Mr. Cleary for your comments about the school board videotaping situation, they are VERY TRUE. Channel 19 has always shown anything that the school district has given to the channel. To put it simply they district has just stopped dropping off the tapes of the meetings. They have never discussed format of tape with us, that has NEVER been an issue...the school district just stopped dropping off tapes. As always, when the school district drops off a tape we will air it.
In response to Mr. Gonzales, I will state again the national guidelines for PEG channels (which is what channel 19 is called). This was also clearly told to Mr. Bevan back before he took to the streets to protest channel 19. He chose not to listen to me and the national rules and chose to make a political issue out of it locally. There are no political messages allowed on channels, like channel 19. It is a national rule, not a local rule. There is a difference between a community event that channel 19 covered for the community at that time and a political announcement. Channel 19 filmed a town event at the corner of Monmouth and Broadway that many people in the town attended. It was not a "political rally", it was a town event.
Town events are permitted on the channel. The leaders of the government at the time were a part of the event and spoke about what was going on in the city at the time (a town event). They did not promote themselves and their party, they simply talked about what was going on in the city. No equal time was necessary because channels like channel 19 do not do political advertising as Mr. Bevan requested of channel 19. Again, this was told to Mr. Bevan at the time, he chose not to accept my answer and protested channel 19.
The only thing Mr. Bevan did accomplish was getting the old sporting events that Howard and I taped over the years off of channel 19. The old games have 30 second commercials that are not allowed on PEG channels (channel 19). So as a result of Mr. Bevan complaining to the state, we are not allowed to show our old games before 2001 that were taped with 30 second commercials. Many people still ask me why we don't show our "classic" games from the early years, this is why. Mr. Bevans's complaint to the state about our channel 19 is the reason why they are not shown now.
The state also reinforced that channel 19 WAS CORRECT in not showing political advertisements on channel 19 as Mr. Bevan requested. Mr. BEVAN WAS NOT CORRECT in his complaint vs channel 19 (as Mr. Gonzales stated in his editorial).
Also, I have never been told what to show on the channel by Paul Kain. I told him that Mr. Bevan had requested a political advertisement on channel 19 and we could not put it on because of national rules for PEG channels. As for what Mr. Gonzales writes. I am sure Mr. Kain just stated what I had stated to him about national rules dealing with these channels and political advertising.
Paul Kain is not the sole decider of what goes on the channel, the national guidelines are the rules we follow. In fact when we first started filming council meetings, I was never told what to film or not to film by anyone in the governing body. I filmed the mayor and council and anyone who came to the rail and it was shown on TV-19 unedited from start to finish.
If there is ever a question as to something that may go on the channel, 1 person does not decide. It is a group decision based on national PEG channel rules, not local Gloucester City rules.
In the future, if there are any questions on the channel 19, I hope someone contacts Howard or myself for our side of the story. This was never done by the Gloucester City NEWS at the time of these events. That is why I am stating what happened at this time. I thought we have moved on, apparently some people haven't.
Tadd Kozeniewski
channel 19
Tadd
If a group or committee of decision makers exists would you kindly list them. Would you also show what governmental action created this body. Where and when they meet and how they advertise their meetings and agenda.
If you would, please tell the public what the present governing body has as its rules for PEG and who is the designated policy and decision maker(s).
I was present when you told Bob Bevan he had to ask Paul Kain for permission to address the topic that you had aired. He had only asked to talk about a topic that you had already decided was not political otherwise I'm sure you would not have aired it. Regardless of who made the decision, I believed I was witnessing an act of political bias so I supported Bob Bevan.
Subsequently I organized meetings at the library to address the concerns that I and others had. It was advertised in the GCN and had a dozen people attend. Meetings were held until until the attendance declined. You chose not to attend. Maybe you would enlighten all of us as to why you as an itegral part of the issue at hand would not show an interest in an activity as important as TV19 is to you.
As for moving on, if you have been the controlling force behind TV19, it appears you could use a good deal of help from the public to get this current unacceptable set of circumstances under control. After all TV19 is a public entity and I think the public should be able to participate in its operation. Then we could move on together. Wouldn't you agree that the public has a role to play in public television beside picking up the tab for its cost.
I and others would like to work together with you to help meet the community needs in this area of concern and need.
Respectfully submitted
Rick Gonzales
Way to go MR. BEVAN. Thanks to you Chiodi and I can't revisit all of our gridiron heroics (were there any?)any more.
It appears Tadd wanted to take the opportunity of putting his spin on Rick's comments but couldn't resist the opportunity to once again villify Bob Bevans. How long would it take to edit out the paid commercials that were breaking the law. After all he got paid in advance to do the job right.
I guess that speaks volumes for the lack of oversight, control and public participation. Tadd needs to get with the program of public funds needing public oversight.
#21
Tadd;
Be careful. The sky is falling in Gonzalezville. You got the same treatment I did. Please don't have an opposing thought to Rick or Bill or Carol. Then, the dozen people who went to the library will all come on here and back him up. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
#21…. I am responding to your comments.
1) You say, "Tadd wanted to take the opportunity of putting his spin on Rick's comments but couldn't resist the opportunity to once again vilify Bob Bevan"
I didn't bring it up; Mr. Gonzales did in his opinion. I responded to Mr. Gonzales. I have never, ever publically vilified Bob Bevan. This was the first time I stated that Mr. Bevan challenged channel 19 and our programming with the state. The only part of the states ruling that was issued was that we couldn't show the old sports programming with the commercials in it. I get asked all the time why can't we put the old games on. This is the first time I publically stated what happened.
2) You say, "How long would it take to edit out the paid commercials that were breaking the law. After all he got paid in advance to do the job right. I guess that speaks volumes for the lack of oversight, control and public participation. Tadd needs to get with the program of public funds needing public oversight."
It would take a few hours to take out the old commercials in one game before 2001(then channel 4). I am a cable television professional that volunteers my time in the running of channel 19 in Gloucester. I do not get paid by the city for my time. The games I have done for channel 19 since 2001 are done as a volunteer with no commercials in them.
I respond to Mr. Gonzales comments:
1) "If a group or committee of decision makers exists would you kindly list them. If you would, please tell the public what the present governing body has as its rules for PEG and who is the designated policy and decision maker(s)."
As of now channel 19 follows the national guidelines for PEG channels. This is the norm for most of the PEG channels in the area. We mainly volunteer to cover local sporting events. The Gloucester City Mayor and Council have recently asked us to bring back taping the council meetings, which Howard has been doing. The school districts in our areas send us information that was post and show on the channel. As of now the only conflict we have had in our past 7 years was the past election in which we followed the national guidelines.
2) "I was present when you told Bob Bevan he had to ask Paul Kain for permission to address the topic that you had aired. He had only asked to talk about a topic that you had already decided was not political otherwise I'm sure you would not have aired it. Regardless of who made the decision, I believed I was witnessing an act of political bias so I supported Bob Bevan"
Mr. Bevan came to my house and asked me to air his political announcement. I told him by national rules on PEG channels we could not air it. I also explained the difference between a community event that public figures are involved in and a political advertisement. They are two completely different things. Public events are allowed, political advertisements are not. The channel is given to the City of Gloucester as part of lease agreement with Comcast. Howard and I run and maintain the channel as volunteers for the city. I don't feel we were bias against Mr. Bevan. We followed the national guidelines for PEG channels.
3) "Subsequently I organized meetings at the library to address the concerns that I and others had. It was advertised in the GCN and had a dozen people attend. You chose not to attend. "
I am always available by e-mail and respond to any questions or requests that have come to me over the years. [email protected]
4)"it appears you could use a good deal of help from the public to get this current unacceptable set of circumstances under control. After all TV19 is a public entity and I think the public should be able to participate in its operation. Then we could move on together. Wouldn't you agree that the public has a role to play in public television besides picking up the tab for its cost?"
I feel that the situation is under control. We have had one conflict. The state has ruled on it and we have moved on. The school district blamed channel 19 for the school board meetings not showing on TV. I just stated that we never got tapes from them and that is why they are not on TV-19. As soon as we get tapes from them, we will put them on TV-19. Any information that has been sent to us from groups has been posted free on the channel since we started the channel 19. Howard and I have always had an open door for the public to assist in our programs. In fact, when we doing our live shows we had a few residents working with us on the broadcasts. If someone e-mail me or sees me at an event and wants to get involved I try to accommodate them as best as I can.
5) "Wouldn't you agree that the public has a role to play in public television besides picking up the tab for its cost?"
The city does not pay us for what we do. We are volunteers. Most of the equipment that we use is Howard’s personal equipment that we use to produce the events and games. We also edit on our own personal computers at home because TV-19 has no budget.
Tadd Kozeniewski
TV-19
Jim,
OK then. I agree the kids are the important thing. I have three neices and nephews that are in the system and I went through it as well. It has improved immensely but there is always room for more.
Anyway sorry I was just getting the names straight in the article. I don't think I mentioned you or any other board member in a bad light. I am not there dealing with it, I have never been to a meeting, hell I don't even have kids....
If I offended you sorry, but can you just explain to me how I did?
Tim
thanks tadd your doing a hell of a job. keep up the good work
Back when Chalie Gorman was on the Board everything ran like a well oiled machine. He knew how to take charge and even put Stansky in her place a few times. Wish we had more people like Chalie in this town. Maybe he should consider running for Mayor. I'd vote for him.
I like Ms Llewellyn and I know she puts her heart into our children's needs BUT I did think it strange that she made it a point to read a statement at the beginning of the meeting about the Board being in compliance with state law. What did that have to do with being for or against taped meetings? We never doubted the compliance. We just wanted it taped.
I agree with #41. Tadd and Howard deserve a lot of credit. For years they have donated their own equipment and, more importantly, time to the community and to Channel 19. This community really needs to get behind them and their efforts with Channel 19. I've been trying to research PEG channels and the nuances involved in such. Its my belief and understanding that the City of Gloucester has been and is getting somewhat of a raw deal from Comcast (what a surprise). Without getting into to many details in this blog the long and short of it is Comcast should be providing a lot more money, equipment and support to Channel 19 as it is the local monopoly in Gloucester's cable provider. Years ago, when the "cable franchise agreement" was reached with the City, the City did not take advantage, or rather Comcast took advantage of the fact that the City didn't know any better than to request what most communities are granted in relation to Comcast providing money and equipment toward operation of the PEG channel. Its my understanding that its time for the City and Comcast to sit down and renogotiate a deal soon. In my humble opinion I think it would behoove the City to do their homework on what other communities have gotten for support of their PEG channels and make sure they get a fair deal from the Comcast giants. Its not like they don't have money, just look what they charge you on your monthly bill. Comcast is another monopoly that takes advantage of their customers any chance they get. Howard and Tadd deserve some financial support, if not from the City then from Comcast. Channel 19 has great potential to be an extremely useful part of your community. Thanks Tadd and Howard, without your efforts so far people would be tuning into Channel 19 and seeing color bars for 24 hours.
Tadd and Howard are two of the classiest people Ive ever met. Unlike most of the people involved here, they have no politcal agenda. They are two non-Gloucester residents who care only about the town and the town's children.
Thanks Tadd and Howard for all your hard work.
Well Tadd and Howard it sounds like you are truly angelic for doing all this with your own stuff and without getting any money. Sounds funny to me.
This quote bothers me," As always, when the school district drops off a tape we will air it." I thought you video taped everything using your equipment, why would the school board have the tape?
Also Paul Kain gave a copy of a local ordinance to a citizen that named Kain as the sole decider of what goes on the station why did you say this "If there is ever a question as to something that may go on the channel, 1 person does not decide. It is a group decision based on national PEG channel rules, not local Gloucester City rules."? Are you saying Paul Kain is a liar? I have been to several city council meetings and have seen you there with your gear, watched you tape the whole meeting and have never seen them aired. Why is that? It just seems to me that you are overly possessive about channel 19 and maybe you are having your judgment clouded as to what to air and what not to air.
Who are the members of the group you name as decision makers? How can I contact them with a few questions?
school kid;
Can you read? He said they edit everything they do on their home computers. There are graphics etc that need to be edited into the tapes.
"Also Paul Kain gave a copy of a local ordinance to a citizen that named Kain as the sole decider of what goes on the station why did you say this "If there is ever a question as to something that may go on the channel, 1 person does not decide. It is a group decision based on national PEG channel rules, not local Gloucester City rules."?
WHAT? Are you using your laptop at the Highland Tavern? Listen son, your mommy called, your Accutane is ready at the CVS. mkthanksbye
I think you're the one who had too much to drink. I didn't say anything. That was a direct quote from the insert Tadd put on, and a question after that I wanted answered,"ARE YOU CALLING PAUL KAIN A LIAR?" Get some glasses while you're at CVS.
When is this city going to take the school board as serious as they do the city government. I see BOE members being honest and not afraid to sign their names and then all I hear in the community is that female BOE members are targeting other BOE members for speaking out. Should Lwellen and now her cronies act as BOE members with the publics best interest the better this City would be. I think you Board members should learn to understand trust. Some should take a serious look at why the people really do NOT TRUST you. Vote these old establishment cronies out so everyone can work as one.
Careful what you ask for, Bruce just might be in your superintendents office everyday for an hour or two micro managing things.