This should not surprise anyone, but it should raise some Irish. If the BOE were a corporation, the admistrators and most certainly the Superintendant would have long been fired for multi-year lack of performance. Instead we continue to reward failure. Let's be clear, the kids are not the ones failing here.

great job!!! Glad im out of there, no wonder why people trash this town.

Hey, somebody's got to be last or almost last! Congratulations!

Great timing.....Hopatcong administrators get raises and Hop Hi ranking falls to the bottom. You can't make this stuff up!

289th??? Agreed Observer..What a joke, the monies Hopatcong ROBS from us taxpapers should be going at the least to the children and not in the administrators pockets. They should be ashamed of themselves - instead they are laughing at us taxpayers and our children's future all the way to the bank. What a DISGRACE this ranking is...

Camden was 287

The BOE should be ashamed of themselves.

My kids have done real well in the elemetery schools. But they will be going to a differant High school for sure.

i am going to sound the alarm again....BANKRUPTCY IS THE ONLY SOLUTION FOR HOPATCONG.

Mike O...so if you think things are going to change Hoboken is 298 on the list.

https://www.box.com/s/7c300516930c32f71a8e

Where did the new Principal we hired come from? HOBOKEN. LOL!!!!!!

http://hoboken.patch.com/articles/hoboken-high-school-principal-hired-by-hopatcong-district

OMG...you can't make this stuff up!

This should be viewed as a criminal activity and prosecuted under the rico act!!!!!! if this doesn't fall under the guidelines of rackecteering then what does??????
Just disgusting!!!!!

That"s a shame, I'm glad my children got their education in Northern Valley Regional Old Tappan!

Hopatcong H.S. drops to 289th in NJ Monthly Rankings and the board votes 126K for board secretary. You can’t make this stuff up.

Maybe since our schools are performing worse than Camden maybe we could qualify for Abbott funding? Seriously, we still just keep giving out raises because the teachers and administrators keep working so hard and it's for the kids. Of course, the teachers and administrators will tell you the school is failing because the parents are a bunch of white trash losers that don't push their children to excel. The last thing that should be given are raises. It's time that people start worrying about their jobs. Just the same as I have to do when I don't perform at work. I truly hope that the three people running for the BOE against the incumbents have great platforms because the status quoe in the schools need to change.

To all the people complaining about the BOE and teacher contracts and this and that, what would you propose as a solution? How would you redirect money and funding to improve the school's academic performance? At the end of the day, the responsibility to perform well falls upon the students. I don't see how money and politics relates to that. Maybe someone can enlighten me.

When our kids were in the school system, my wife and I did attend the conferences and were for the most part hands on. There were some great teachers there who were willing to do whatever was needed to help, when they saw willing parents. However when the parents aren't willing or able to be a part of the kids education, the burden should not be placed entirely on the teachers.
I have more of a problem with Administrators who make CRAZY salaries based on their own educational acheivements instead of their contributions to the jobs they are paid for!!!!!! I think they need to be paid based on performance and results.....Not on degrees earned and in some cases paid for by us!!!!!!(through tuition reinbursement programs)
If a teacher contacts a parent and says their child is having problems....The parent has to work with the teacher to solve the problem.....Not point a finger and place blame on the teacher.....To many of these parents are not willing to look past their own reflection in the mirror and accept responsibility for their part of the problem!!!!!

Oh, and I love how the article says we are in the bottom half of the state. THERE ARE ONLY 39 SCHOOLS WORSE OFF THAN HOPATCONG!!! We are in the bottom 21%. Ziggy I would propose that the BOE grow a set and stop dolling out raises like they are candy. Accountability, school scores don't improve you don't get a raise. But of course you think it's all the kids fault. I can tell you for a fact that when my daughter went to the high school her accounting teacher was useless.

Ziggy....you're new to Patch so you haven't been reading my posts.

Here's the solution....

1. BANKRUPT THE BOROUGH SO WE CAN GET OUT OF THE CONTRACTS, $61M IN DEBT AND ALL THESE OTHER OBLIGATIONS WE CAN'T CONTINUE TO AFFORD.

2. THEN HAND ALL THE STUDENTS OVER TO LENAPE, COMBINE OUR BOROUGH WITH ONE IN AREA OPERATING MORE EFFICIENTLY AND START OVER.

Mike at least Hoboken Patch got it right. And we got their principal.

http://hoboken.patch.com/articles/hoboken-high-drops-to-bottom-50-public-schools-in-nj-monthly-ranking

Ziggy. Students are kids, chidren, they need to be led and taught. The responsibility to lead and tech comes mainly from 2 sources, Parents and teachers.....In many instances the parents are more worried about being a friend to the child then being a parent!
They don't want their children to "hate" them....News flash!!!! it's the way it is...Kids don't like authority, they don't like being told what to do! Well tuff crap kiddo I'm your mom/dad and you need to do this for your own good......Teachers need to communicate with the parents so they can work together as a team. when the child/student sees they are resisting a force that has a better resources and intelligence they will do what they ned to do to make their life more bearable.....
I know maany people think that kids should be allowed to make their own choices and decisions about their life, but history has proven this does not work....

Lurky Loo...sounds like a plan...

http://www.peoplesworld.org/school-chief-fires-every-teacher-at-town-s-only-high-school/

"The school superintendent in Central Falls, R.I., has moved to fire all 74 teachers at the town's only high school, after their union refused to accept her demands. School chief Frances Gallo had demanded that teachers agree to a "transformation plan" that included lengthening the school day, requiring teachers to attend weekly 90-minute meetings after school, and having them be evaluated by "third-party" evaluators. In addition, Gallo sought to mandate duties teachers say they are already performing on their own initiative: tutoring students before and after school, and eating lunch with students. The superintendent says these steps are necessary to remedy the school's low test scores and graduation rates. She did not offer the teachers additional pay for most of the added duties".

The problem is the "political demons" are already in place. Lundin who's BOE's President used to be Mayor of Hopatcong and Petillo the current Hopatcong Mayor used to be a school teacher.

I am almost starting to think it's NOT the teachers or the kids that don't want to learn that are the problem in this borough. It is the parents because they just don't get it. Wake up Hopatcong!

Everyone should show up at next BOE meeting and ask for their resignations!

8/27 : Bd. of Ed. Regular Mtg. 7:30 Ad Bldg.

I love that everyone blames the schools and the BOE and not the parents at all. Parents need to make there kids study , do homework etc. The school has them 6 1/2 hours a day 5 days a week and each teacher for what an hour a day? Parents need to be a bigger part of their children's education!

Towns that pay higher taxes have better schools—this isn’t rocket science. I attended school in one of the top-performing schools in the state. The average annual taxes (in 2009) were $19,097 per household, compared to Hopatcong’s $5,369. Stop blaming kids, teachers, Chris Christie, explosive diarrhea, or whatever else, and start blaming your own station in life. Don’t expect Rhodes Scholars when you’re raising your kids in a white-trash town.

Bittersweet.....are you kidding me with this comment?

"Towns that pay higher taxes have better schools—this isn’t rocket science. I attended school in one of the top-performing schools in the state. The average annual taxes (in 2009) were $19,097 per household, compared to Hopatcong’s $5,369. Stop blaming kids, teachers, Chris Christie, explosive diarrhea, or whatever else, and start blaming your own station in life. Don’t expect Rhodes Scholars when you’re raising your kids in a white-trash town."

The two most expensive cost to educate a student school districts in Sussex county are Vernon and Sparta. They're just above Hopatcong in $ cost/pupil. We have the worst schools with the 3rd highest cost to educate. Yes....this is NOT rocket science. Money doesn't always buy you better schools but at least these two are above the state average. There are others on that list in Sussex county that cost less to educate a student than Hopatcong but yet are well above the state average. Quite possibly when you start paying $40,000 a year in real estate taxes like some lakefront people, you will understand. Some of those people I know who are capable finacially will NOT send their kids to Hopatcong but yet have to pay the school taxes.

RBOT, Now you have done it! They will change the date and or time to prevent the public from knowing what is going on in Hopatcong/boe. Also, they will go into closed session to discuss "personnel" matters. I feel as though the whole place should be junked and begin again. 114 years is long enough and it is not working.

This is my surprised face.

John..."Bankruptcy is not the answer it is the easy way out". Yes it is but it may be our ONLY way out if we keep going in the direction Hopatcong is going.

Tliberty...you just joined Patch. Check out my profile. Tells you what I am about. You should complete yours so we know what you're all about.

We came here for the lake. We're leaving because of the lake. No attraction to it any longer. But the schools suck and I can only hope some one that wants our house is attracted to the lake like we were at one time.

We have the greatest morons of all on the BOE. The Doc's having the last laugh. He convinced the BOE to hire the Hoboken principal who's school district performed worse than Hopatcong, got them to extend his contract by ONE year to hang around another year to do nothing, just to collect more on his pension and head south. He's laughing all the way to the bank! Call the doctor!

I know that I am going to get SLAMMED for this, but I have to throw it out there... there are 40 comments and only 6 people running for the BOE in November. 3 of them are up for re-election, leaving only 3 new-comers... I'm here because I am trying to help the community. Everyone who is a registered voter in Hopatcong is welcome to join me. Please consider running for the BOE, so that you can vounteer your time, stress level and open yourself up for public bashing and become part of the solution, instead of fueling the fire. I welcome everyone's comments and solutions, at a public meeting. Hiding behind a screen name and writing how obscene this is, is not going to get us anywhere.

Michele...glad you responded. Very rarely do we hear from school board members. I have some questions:

1. Who's idea was it to hire Hoboken's principal?

2. Who's idea was it to let the Dr be part of the decision process?

3. Who was for giving all the management raises?

4. What kind of raise did the teachers get?

Click...click...click...I heard Cliff typing away in the background sending you an email saying "don't answer those questions". Right?

You know if you don't answer it's a YES.

Mike...click...click...click "Michele, don't answer "how you feel seeing the new rankings of Hopatcong High School"? We are disappointed but we need time. Click...click...click "Michele, don't answer "Why does the Board of Ed keep agreeing to raises when the schools keep failing"? We're afraid of the union. Signed: Cliff

Cliff....you out there? Come on and poke your nose out. I sent you, the Mayor, Ursin and the Doc that email this morning. Maybe it went into spam again? God I love these touch screen Blackberries.

Mike if you don't get an answer email Cliff directly clundin@hopatcongschools.org. He's probably out solving some BIG environmental issue. You won't hear back from Michele. She's too stressed out with the job.

Mike... I am glad to see that some people don't hide behind screen names, and I didn't mean that as an insult. I want people to help, out in the open, not bash in private. Roll Back the Taxes, if you knew me, you would know that I speak my mind in a professional and appropriate manner. I am more than happy to answer every one of your questions. I am more than happy to hear every one of your concerns, and consider every one of your suggestions. I was elected to represent the people of Hopatcong, and do that to the best of my ability ALWAYS. I invite everyone to please feel free to attend any of our public meetings and ask anything and comment on anything and suggest anything... in the proper forum. This is not it. On a peronal note, I learned late last night, that I will be unable to attend the meeting on 8/26, but invite you to come to the next public meeting, and I will answer whatever you like.

Roll back, calm down. your ideas are there, but your all over the place. Cliff is not going to respond because your sounding all out of yourself and no one will listen. Again, it's all about how you approach people. Michele Perrotti was being honest. I kind of like her statements. See how you got nowhere with the mayor and council, now your doing the same thing with the BOE. let people have a say and then sort it out, not just listen to the beat of your own drum.

I still stand by my comments. I'm not going to blame anyone for this except lazy students. Students have more than enough resources, unless they're financially or mentally disadvantaged, to score perfect SATs, ace their classes, make high honor roll, and score Advanced Proficient on state tests. No diabolical teachers or board members that I know of are doing anything to deprive them of that opportunity. I can't speak for the parents, because I don't know them all, but I know for a fact that a lazy student indifference is to blame.

And before anyone starts insulting me let me make clear I'm talking about the high school. Younger students are different and need more guidance. But high school students are old and mature enough to be responsible for themselves, their education, and their futures.

Ziggy...did you finish your profile?

Also I want to clarify that I don't completely absolve the board or the teachers of any blame or responsibility, but I don't want them to be the only focus of the blame.

Emily...you know I get passionate about this stuff. I have to pull off the road because I piss myself so hard from laughing about some of the posts I have to regroup. You've heard it all before too. I know the responses at these meetings are canned and rehearsed. Saw it at the Council meeting last week. They meet behind closed doors before the meeting, do a little role playing and onto the general public stage. You ask the questions...they deflect it with legal rhetoric and unrealiable factual information to the point I came out of those meetings needing to take a shower. Really don't need to attend these BOE meetings to hear more of the same. One thing I have is enough "street smarts" from running a business for the last 6 years to appreciate the line of BS I hear from these elected officials. I hear it everyday on collections, contract negotiations, N/C product, etc. In Hopatcong they put it out there ONLY to get them relected. Then it's back to the same. This borough needs to claim bankruptcy and start over. It's that simple.

Chrissy...schedule link below. Also, I uploaded a picture of Sylvia and Cliff driving around Hopatcong (see attached). OMG....I am laughing so hard I had to pull over again before I piss myself.

http://www.hopatcongschools.org/calendar

Roll Back Our Tax - you're the biggest A$$ out there. Anyone can cut and paste clippings from useless websites I"m not quite sure what you do for a living but you are a cancer for this town. Yes our new principle is from Hoboken she was there 1 year what exactly did you expect in a year. My god we can only pray she will bring up our ranking and be there for the students. Apparently our last principle wasn't the answer. Again why don't you google where she came from a Blue Ribbon School that she was VP at for 3 years maybe she can bring some of that knowledge our way. We ALL (everyone posting negativity) live in this town!! Why don't we put effort in changing the town instead of using all our energy in putting it down!

Disgusted are you blind? Rollback actually knows what he is talking about and I like his ideas. I can only assume that you make a living paid by the borough somehow.

10......if I would have posted that picture of the dead body...I would have taken responsibility for it. Now I know who did it (using my name) and it's none other than RBOT RealBadOnTruth aka John Pezzino.....right on brother! I see you joined August 22nd. Why don't you post a profile so we know who you are? Or are you one of the Mayor's plants too?

Sorry Nancy - I misspelled a word in my paragraph so sorry didn't know I was being judged! Roll Back Taxes - again putting clips of other towns complaining about our new principal hmm.. I guess you didn't read the good comments as well - at this point it is what it is and I hope that she does what this school district needs. The body of the school inside and outside is making great improvements now lets hope that staff, admin and students are on the same path.

Disguisted...."hope breeds despair" but at least the schools have one thing going for them. If and when they hit the rock bottom of the pile, there's only one way to go but UP.

Emily...just responding to someone who called me an A$$....Adios!

Emily...now you're (not your) the optimist? I though you said "nothing will change in this borough"? I was just starting to understand your frustrations, now you're (not your) accusing me of being a pessimist?

roll back, that was good call on their part. it is what it is. Keep proving them right.

RBOT RealBadOnTruth aka...John, you don't have to buy me a ticket. I am already here.

I am heading out to dinner now. You all have a good night. RBOT RealBadOnTruth aka...John Pezzino....don't stay up too late tonight looking at those "girlie" sites on line. Looks like last night you were up until 1:29 AM. Couldn't sleep or having another schizophrenic attack?

Roll Back...gee, must be in a good mood there fella, no insults, at least not yet...hmm..feeling ok? temperature?

Say "good night John".....Good night John

Bad omen?
HHS...Hopatcong HS...2010 rank of 200 down to 2012 rank of 289
HHS...Hoboken HS...2010 rank of 187 down to 2012 rank of 298
Just saying!

RBOT, maybe, just maybe PATCH will suspend you if you get into one of your nasty fits; like saying someone was faking disability

No RBOT...you definitely are disabled. More mental than physical. Also, I think you just implicated yourself. You said "most likely RBOT" posted picture. I am "Roll Back Our Tax".

@Michele, we need more people like you on the Board of Ed. I hope to be there for the next meeting. Hopefully many people in Hopatcong will turn out to voice thier anger as to what is going on here in town. Its the same ol,same ol, everyone keeps says we need change, but we keep electing the same ol into Council or the Board of ed. We need more people to run for the school board and council. Its time for a REAL CHANGE.

"When you throw dirt, you lose ground." ~Texan Proverb (is there such a thing?? LOL!!) Who knows, but the statement couldn't be more true.

Nothing is solved by getting rude and disrespectful. Many people have a lot of intelligent information to offer. Many of those who turn this discussion ugly, which solves nothing at all.

If you have something to say go to the board meetings, run for a spot on the board. Be respectful and offer constructive criticism (act like a respectable adult). Even the most intelligent person loses all credentials when they result in name calling.

This discussion has gotten absolutely nowhere, nothing was solved. Just more mud slinging as usual.

How about... "Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi

Michele...not only a female magazine for John but some photo shop software. Anyone that has pictures of women with big breasts on their Facebook site and then claims to be an admirer of body builders is suspicious to me.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1206927904061&set=a.1161339644383.25646.1554595270&type=1&theater

John thinks he's the only cross bearer in this world. He'll tell you great stories of his weight lifting to overcome his "supposed" disabilities. How his Facebook sites are "inspirational". How he will be will be "totally independent in the coming year".

We all have stories of great challenges in life that we overcame. I for one grew up in a family with a brother who from birth was mentally retarded or shall I say "challenged". When my mother died at the age of 52, I who was 13 at the time and my sister 18 took care of my brother till he died at the age of 55. I can't begin to tell you the abuse I put up with in grade school about having a mentally challenged brother. But John calls himself a Christian yet he can't put down his sword because he's part of the Crusade to name call, add pictures on Patch using my handle, etc....all to discredit me. Anyone that needs to start a bogus site like RBOT RealBadOnTruth aka John Pezzino is under the narcissistic illusion "they're somebody" but in reality they hide BEHIND THE TRUTH and are a failure in my eyes. He keeps aligning himself with the Mayor. If I was the Mayor I'd keep my distance.

Sigh....all I can say is that this ranking makes me sad....Everyone is to blame on some level for this: teachers, parents and students. HOWEVER - I do believe that HHS needs MORE programs /clubs/etc for those students who are not super jocks!! How can a teenager stay motivated and be involved in their school when there is no extra curricular programs that catch their interest? Newspaper club / photography club / language club ( if you're going to push learning a foreign language on our kids this should be a must!! ) These are just examples that other schools offer & HHS does not. At least give the kids some options to explore...gets them to step outside of the box ....I suppose there isn't FUNDING for any of this....which makes this issue go right back to the overpaid..long- tenured staff..who can't be bothered. Full circle...

Roll back and michele. the both of you have proved all you know is insults to the people of Hopatcong. No one really cares anymore. Yes, Michele do start going to the BOE meetings, that way you have covered all aspects of dislike for you. They''ll have you for lunch. How two people can cause such distruction in one town is unbelieveable. If you hate it here so much and the people are to ignorant for you please leave, no one will miss either of you. I DO NOT NEED LARGE PRINT TO KNOW MICHELE THAT YOUR MENTALITY IS IN DIRE NEED OF BEING FIXED. SHARING THOSE BLINDERS WITH ROLL BACK!!!!!!! I really have to get back to the real world and stop wasting my time on no names like the both of you.

Emily...now I am being blamed for the "destruction of the town" when it's the political possee of the Mayor (one that you support and voted for) and company that is actually driving the car off the fiscal cliff?

RBOT RealBadOnTruth aka John Pezzino...we went over this already.....read above...alternative....BANKRUPTCY!

Roll back Correct. The both of you have got to stop callig the people of Hopatcong ignorant and uneducated. If you find us so appalling leave. We really don't want to upset both of you any longer. Every town has a village idiot, we're so lucky we have two!!! Your both destructive individuals and so unhappy with your lives that you have to point the finger at the good people of this town. My motto LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT. I

Emily...my motto is LOVE IT OR LIST IT and we LISTED IT (the house) while there's still time to sell before the town falls apart.

RBOT RealBadOnTruth aka John Pezzino...I thought you were disabled?

Roll Back Our Tax...Now, if I am John, as you claim, and I I posted that picture of the dead body, as you claim, and I was suspended, as you claim by posting an email, what does that make you? Circular logic?

That was your other muscle head "10" alias doing the post. That account was shut down. Come up with a new email address and you can continue your deception.

I'm in!!!!!!!

emily Emily, we have to take the body politic back from these people and make the term 'Democrat' meaningful once again

Watcher...."looking in the mirror" is not a narcissistic characteristic. Look up the meaning. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) affects one percent of the population and has little to do with looking at themselves in the mirror. It has a lot to do with unrealistic fantasies of success, power and intelligence. Some NPD sufferers become cult leaders or mass murderers, the rest become economists and policy-makers. Despite having a highly elevated sense of self-worth, narcissists have fragile self-esteem and handle criticism unpredictably. John and the Mayor belong together.

John, Emily and anyone else that wants to help us move...hopefully furniture is going w/house. But thanks for the offer. :-)

John...again you're getting confused. I am "Roll Back Our Tax". You're RBOT RealBadOnTruth. Don't confuse the two. Heading into a meeting now. Have to shut Blackberry off. You and Emily have fun chatting between the two of you for the rest of the day.

RBOT RealBadOnTruth just took lunch break. Hopatcong home still primary home. Bought all new furniture @ LI home. Back to meetings. Bye bye.

Michele where in your mind do you think you show respect. You slammed everyone in this town. Does your face hurt from talking out of both sides of your mouth. Your just so darn cute!!!! Your the most disrepctful, vulgar self-centered individual It's either your way or no way. please name the non-profit organizations you support. I'd like to know. Maybe I missed judged you. As far as I can see no one likes you. Talk to the people in the women's club That orginization has been around forever and never had an issue until you. That says an awful lot. You talk alot, but actually you say nothing. I feel very sorry for you that you feel you have to put me in the ground and say untrue things about myself and my family. you are kind of gross and disgusting. I never said anything about your family so all I get out of this is your grasping for straws. Your not the Pied Piper, because if you turn around no one is there. You've got to stop being the kind of person people love to hate. that's where your at right now. Good Luck to you ,you really need it. Signing off because all I am doing is coming down to your level and I am a better person then that. Sorry to everyone that i offended and totaly got away from the issues of this town. We really should stick together and that's not what happened.

emily right on...she really is in over her head; told the council she 'represented' the Woman's Club...that was news to the Club! Of course, she'll never admit to that!
Refuses to understand how the term 'grandfathered' can legally be applied to renovations, yada, yada, yada...and she represents herself as a Democrat? I would like to see a meaningful Democratic party in town, but I am afraid to go to the meetings, afarid I will walk into a room with MG and MM, and God forbid, RBOT...makes you wonder..........as long as the most vocal opposition in town consists of these self appointed guardians of the rest of us, the worse off we ALL are..

John.....you're "RBOT" RealBadOnTruth. Ghezzz! See you around 5 to follow up on things.

Real bad, I honestly think she doesn't remember what she posts. And she called me elderly, which I am not. Sharper then she is. We just have to get back to basics. Oh well, it is what it is, that's my new phrase. Have any ideas as to what we can do for Hopatcong. Mine is stand together and listen to what other people have to say. The answer may be there right in front of us. you have to give other people a chance to voice their opinions and not just listen to two people who think they have the answers. Still don't know what they accomplished, It's never been told. I'm very good friens with some people in the women's club. They do great things for the students in our schools. If ever they were needed I am sure you could count on them. I really don't like when people are doing good things, some people have to find fault. That's there problem .I like living here and I am sick and tired of hearing how bad it is. Raised all my children here, they graduated from Hopatcong and they are doing very well . their children are attending Hopatcong schools and they are also doing well. It's what you want to make of it. Have a great day!!!!

Queen Michele that was just for you. your a big waste of time. Now read this very carefully I AM SIGNING OFF ON QUEEN MICHELE ONLY. I like talking with everyone else. they are open-minded on the issues and willing to discuss intelligently, not with sarcasim.

Rich Smith...my final contribution to this article. For a good education send them to Lenape.

http://www.nj.gov/education/choice/

The Interdistrict School Choice Program enables students to choose to go to a school outside their district of residence if the selected school is participating in the choice program. The school choice program offers flexibility to parents and students in selecting a public school program that best meets the needs of the individual student. Choice students and their parents, as well as the students who reside in the choice districts have benefited from smaller class sizes, the establishment of innovative programs, the expansion of classes in art, music, literature and technology, the increase in instructional hours and/or days, and the enrichment of the school community through the addition of students of different backgrounds and with different experiences from those of the district's resident students. The school choice program is an outstanding example of the department’s commitment to facilitate educational opportunities for the benefit of the children who are our ultimate clients.

There are 107 school districts approved as choice districts for the 2013-2014 school year. A list of these districts by county may be found at the link in the yellow right-hand column labeled “Approved Choice Districts” or click on the link below:

http://www.nj.gov/education/choice/districts/

You notice Hopatcong is NOT on list.

lurky, lurky lurky, To bad you don't have a mind of your own, One of the orginators of the Hopatcong warriors, treasurer, in charge of stand that brought it up from nothing to operating in the black so we could purchase new helnets and uniforms. Started the Hopatcong jr. chiefs wrestling progrmam with only 4 people to run it. also the secretary for the orginization. belonged to the h.s. booster club for years. helped run the volleyball marathon . Don't blame me for what the school system has done. Nothing ,you have no idea. we as a town are not going bankrupt, that's just two people screaming that. you've been brainwashed. I'm not a hypocrite. you are because you are hiding behind the cause of this ilittle miss M. this is how she. communicates. okay, now what have you done. nothing but bashing. i guess that's your style thinking that will change my mind. I have ideas for the school, but I talk with people involved with the school, unlike you, you just shoot your mouth off. I always learned go to the source, you gain more. now your a thing of the past. continue bashing because people like you are a dime a dozen. honey you couldn't hold a candle to me let alone get my goat. now go away, your like a bad hair day!! you haven't made one suggestion as to how to handle the town or the schools, so really what was your point anyway. just rude and ummature. Have a great night, I know will.

Michele, Your response “ Ziggy--I agree more blame should be placed on the High School students than the teachers……” Was really well thought out and well written. Not having children in the school system I guess it really isn’t much of my business either way. However: Our Kids are the future of or town and our country ( Forgive the corn.) and this issue is vitally important to everyone. There are so many facets to the problems of education, as you point out, and the BOE has a key role in address and correcting these problems. From what I have been reading, that “crony stranglehold” that you mentioned has set in and should be the first step in getting the schools on track. I do believe it starts at home. Parents have a twofold obligation: First to encourage kids to do well in school. Second, to get involved in the running of the system from helping with homework to back to school nights to attending BOE meetings. Parent or not, we should all get behind our kids education. Thank you.

Rich - Sometimes parents themselves did not have strong parent role models. We offer no guidance and support to parents to learn how to be good parents. We also need adult continuing education. There is none in Hopatocong. Dealing with a child with autism or ADD takes a toll on any adult person. Learning coping skills and developing better disipline skills is sometimes what is needed. But this is something that needs to be taught or passed down. Adults need further development too but we don't offer this in our society. In the old days you had an elder member -grandparent, aunt or uncle that was there to impart their wisdom's or support. This seems to have disappeared. Many families have lost this extended support where parenting knowledge is passed down. The reason some parents seem like bad parents is because they themselves did not have good role models to learn from and society does not feel responsible to educate the adult on these skills. Although I am not the biggest fan of Hillary Clinton, it is true that it takes a village to raise a child.

I posted this link in response to another thread however after the off-topic banter above, I believe it's appropriate here as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3ZOKDmorj0

You're absolutely right Kristie, this thread is about how poorly our high school has been rated, down 89 places from 2010 in a field of about 325. The principal has been demoted (at the same $160K salary) to the Middle School. That should have happened two years ago when we were rated "almost average" at 200.

Michelle, I was at the Windlass for lunch today with some friends. I asked for cretins on my Ceasar salad with lump crab cake (which was excellent btw). I received a courteous smile. I think she knew.

Kristie Kreme - the secret march against the cretins is spreading. Soon Caesar Salad will be spilt on the streets of Hopatcong and the Mayor will be losing her anchovies.

it is a sad commentary for this town when what people have done for the young people of Hopatcong are stomped on for their efforts. What was just said includes an awful lot of parents in Hopatcong that put forth their time to make this town a better place. Yes I am VERY proud to have done what I did and if certain people find that unacceptable and make fun of it I feel very sorry for them. So if these people have no respect for this town and it's residents they should absolutley keep their opinions to themselves. They really lack substance. What they don't understand sports builds character and makes these young people stronger individuals. we have a living example of that . His name is Joe. So if certain people want to continue knocking the good people of this town so be it. They just make us believe they completley useless for this community and really have done nothing to make any improvements. I take my hat off to all parents who have made the sports programs in Hopatcong a success, I know how much time and work is put into it. It is all volunteer, but the rewards are priceless. We do this because we want to not because we have to. I stayed long after my children were out of the program. Look at what John Young has done for this town. If it wasn't for his dedication to the youth of this town where would we be. I know certain people don't understand that because they only know insults and snide remarks. To bad they don' tenjoy life. Missing out on alot!!!!

Thanks Rockon. I know your one of the good people. Believe me I enjoyed every minute of what I did. Made mistakes, but got through the rough spots like the rest of us. We worked together as a unit and saw possibilities become a reality. We were all in it for the same reason, the kids. Alot of them are all grown and married with children themselves . They remember what the parents did and I guess we did a good job because their children are now in those very programs. We are good people and proud of our accomplishments. Thanks again for your acknowledement.!!

Hey Rock On...."and where do we go from here? Which is the way that's clear?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q_cq-qdYLI

Please do tell us Mayor Petillo. Where do we go from here?

Just had to throw that in....I promise...LAST POST on this article.

Hopatcong is a town of "if onlies"... If only I had done better research 4 years ago before we moved to this town; if only we could sell our house for something close to what we paid for it; if only this town had a better school system, my husband and I wouldn't have to pay an extra $5000 on top of property taxes to have our child in a private school 4 towns away; if only there was a clear way out of this disaster.

But I didn't do my extra research, and ethically I could never even dream of selling our house to someone with children, or even a young couple who might eventually have children because of the school system here. I love the neighborhood we live in, quiet and safe, but all I keep thinking of is if only.

Lets get back on point. I think some of this information is skewed as quoted by the original article itself "Some of the biggest moves are fueled in part by New Jersey’s use of a new graduation-rate calculation. In the past, our rankings distinguished between students going on to four-year colleges, two-year colleges and other postsecondary schools. The data for students going to four-year colleges was given extra weight, making it a potent driver of the results. This year’s rankings use the new four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate, introduced by New Jersey in 2011, as mandated by the federal government."

If the way the data is obtained has changed, then you are not comparing apples to apples. It just goes to show that data can be manipulated. Being from an area where salaries are lower, it makes sense that our chidren start their higher education at a community college level vs a 4 year college (more affordable) and that affects the ranking.

That being said, I do believe that there is alot room for improvement. But it is on all fronts, not just the BOE. There seems to be an general "its everyone else's fault" attitude that is hard to get away from. Education starts with the parents and then goes up. I have always found that the more involved the parent is, the better the quality of education. Another words, you get what you put into it. Going to the BOE meetings is the first step, and we need to keep going up from there.

I can only hope that when Dr. M leaves, we hire someone who has the desire and most of all the ability to bring Hopatcong schools back to where they should be and once were. It can be done. We vote on everything else mayor, council, board of education tell me why not the superintendent of schools. we leave it up to the board, and we know what they are capable of doing. This is such an important decision that affects all of us especially our children. Give us a voice. If Only!!!!!!

How many local high schools offer dance and karate?

Watcher , That was a response to the person that directed something at myself and my family. Unnerving, I don't think so. the truth. If that's how you took what I wrote as an insult toyou I am sorry. I was respected by them. in fact I see alot of them now and I am greeted with smiles ,hugs and talk about the good times and the fun we had. Those comments were in response to the attack on me , this is how she communicates with people who don't agree with her. That' sad. I am not going to stand by and let someone attack my family like she does.You would not allow that to happen to your family. No one is saying my opinion is the only one, that's saved for that person finds rhe need to insult.. As far as the band goes. I was on the phone with a board member about them cutting them ,constantly. Nothing should be cut .. When it comes to the kids in the town there isn't anything I would not do. that's because I understand what an up hill battle it can be. I know sometimes I can be very strong with my opinions I am not forcing them on you or anyone else. It seems everyone on patch has an opinion and suggestion as to how to do things that doesn't make them judgemental does it. when I say in my opinion that means thats what I think not what I expect other people to think. That was directed at the person who keeps putting Hopatcong down. This is where I live and raised my family and I like it here.Please except my apology Watcher. Have a good week-end

Watcher, Just realized something. I really need to take a break from Patch. I think a week should do it. Last week of vacation sounds good to me. I am sure we will be on to something new with opionions and suggestions. Maybe by then I may decide not to come back at all. What I noticed is nothing really gets solved. we just keep going back and forth. I guess that's what makes the world go round. Hey want to go round and round with the presidential election. That would make for some interesting reading. Now that's real politics and we can't solve those issues except maybe with our vote. But to whose liking!!!! Bye for awhile or forever, not sure yet.

Gee, what happened to Randy RBOT?

We have too many slow kids compared to other towns. We have a huge low income population. More disabled kids. Not a true representation is shown of our population in the ranking sysytem

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