Budget Cuts Threatening To Cramp P.S. 321's Style

P.S. 321 will be worthless when AY is built

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 9:47 AM

I'll march to the Department of Education offices tomorrow only if the strippers march too.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 9:49 AM

9:47 is worthless NOW.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 9:50 AM

Important to note that the administration of this school did not call on parents to protest -- the heads of the PTA did.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 9:53 AM

$125K, that is it? These people are nuts. Why dont they hold a fund-raiser or donation drive to make up the difference.? Surely there are enough well heeled families in the community that could make this up.

As far as not moving to the Slope because of this - I doubt that very much. Arent other schools city-wide facing budget cuts?

I fail to see how such a small amount of money will make any appreciable impact here.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 9:54 AM

I agree with 9:54. This pales in comparison to the struggles that many other NYC public schools have been facing for decades

Here's a novel idea: have all of the stay-at-home mothers get off their asses, get jobs, and then donate $ to PS 321 to close the budget gap.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 9:57 AM

Be careful, 9:57. Those hard-working, multi-tasking, very well-educated moms just might come in and take YOUR job.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:04 AM

wow, 9:57. Are you a parent or mother? You have no clue.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:04 AM

Mr B, please be a responsible journalist. The budget cuts are systemic, not just for 321. My kids school was cut as well and so are many friends school across the 5 boroughs.

To turn this into a real estate story about 1 school and its well to do parent body and real estate geography is opportunistic and irresponsible.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:04 AM

As many have already suggested here, this particular school can probably generate a lot of money through a fundraiser. But most of the schools in the city won't be able to.

I hope other schools that will be hurt even more will also be organized enough to stage a protest.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:05 AM

How about they enforce the zoning regulations for 321, so the school would not be so overcrowded. Then the budget cuts wouldn't be as bothersome.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:05 AM

Inside Schools has very informative statements from principals as to how these cuts will directly their students.
I know that the cuts at MS 51 will have a direct impact on the students. I think about 95,000 was cut from their budget. I don't have details on how this will impact my younger child's elementary school but assume it will hurt those children most in need of support services.

Maybe some parents of young children will opt to go the private school but acceptance isn't guaranteed by any means. These are citywide cuts so they will impact all neighborhoods. What are the options? Suburbs?

So, how much was spent on those school report cards again?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:06 AM

they spend $15-20,000 every YEAR on furniture? wow.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:18 AM

Park Slope parents cannot organize themselves as a group to raise $125,000. Come on! Maybe they could auction off a few disused strollers.

The Park Slope realtors alone should kick in this money. They're always using the place as a marketing ploy. It's time to give back.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:20 AM

9:57's job as a bartender is probably not what most well educated people would choose. Prost!!

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:22 AM

Park Slope, welcome to the real world!

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:25 AM

Make Bloomberg pay this. He's got more money than all of us put together. I heard he farts benjis.

But ohhhhh noooooo, that wouldn't be American for a disgustingly rich politician to put his money back into the society that MADE HIM DISGUSTINGLY RICH IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:34 AM

Can't they just buy used math textbooks? Has elementary school math changed that much in the last 20 years? They could add in an extra credit historical perspective to the math course by doing this too.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:37 AM

Mr B,

Not looking to spar. I love ya...honest.

My issue is that a systemic budget cut acrooss the hole PS system has become an angle on 321. Thats all. Many realtors tout many schools. PS 58 and 29 are two others that get lots of RE play.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:37 AM

Let's see:

Shortfall: $120,000+
Total enrollment 1200+
Approx. Shortfall/student: $100
Modest townhouse in zone cost: $2,000,000
Average home cost per square foot: $800

Anyone struggling to muster up sympathy here?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:38 AM

Yeah, what is the enrollment?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:45 AM

Agreed, 10:38. As noted above, this is nothing compared to what many lower-income families have faced for years. I also agree with the poster who asked how much math has changed? Buy used books, for chrissakes.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:45 AM

Don't worry, Park Slopers, your kids will still be previlaged.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:48 AM

Given that this cut is an across the board 1.75 cut for all schools maybe people will think twice before buying one of those 3 million dollar Carroll Gardens brownstones. I really don't think it will have any impact on whether or not people purchase in Park Slope.

I would anticipate that PTA's will do some targeted fundraising in order to keep the most needed programs or purchase the most needed supplies and materials. Of course the doesn't help schools that don't have a large percentage of families that can financially contribute or a very active PTA.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:48 AM

maybe Park Slope doesn't have the cachet it used to as there are now lots of good public schools in Brooklyn. Community Roots. Brooklyn New School. PS 261. PS 8. and that Carroll Gardens school everyone raves about.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:49 AM

If all Park Slopers sold their bugaboo's and gave the money to the school....CHA-CHING.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:49 AM

People, I think you're missing the bigger point here. for years, the city has given tax abatements to all sorts of developments and haven't forced developers to kick any coin to build schools.

Now the chickens are coming home to roost. Its complete BS. The city can toss a bone to big time developers, but can't throw a bone to some public school kids....c'mon.

The bigger picture points to the fact that the Feds can waste billions in Iraq, but let the schools and infrastrucure crumble.

Viva la Revolution.

I am NOT The What, by the way....

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:52 AM

The way math is taught has changed or so I am told. My fifth grader has been through three math programs all courtesy of what the doe thinks is the latest and greatest. He started with TERC, then Everyday Mathematics, and now I have no idea what they are using but I do know there is not consistency or time to build upon newly learned skills. I understand "spiraling" is involved.

I think many students would be better off with used math text books so at least the would learn the basics.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:54 AM

Could budget cuts in the city, be a factor in housing prices decreasing?

Just a thought, will be think, well, I'm not getting much services in the city, I'll move to the burbs.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:58 AM

"Don't worry, Park Slopers, your kids will still be previlaged."

As long as they keep teaching spelling.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 10:59 AM

Let's see: Bush is giving each of these families $600-1200 this year. Bloomberg will send out those $400 rebates again this year.

Maybe if people want to put their money where their mouth is, they can just endorse these over.

There are schools for whom these cuts are drastic. 321 is not one of them.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:11 AM

Education is over rated. Become a real estate broker.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:11 AM

I agree with 10:52. We need more schools and not just elementary schools. No one (and I mean are local elected) seem to be addressing that need. I just completed both the middle and high school process (well, applications were submitted who knows what the end result will be) and I am completely flipped out so much so that a temporary out of state relocation is looking like a viable option.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:14 AM

As a parent zoned for PS321 - I really don't care - no matter what happens my Kids will still do well in this society because we live in an information age, where income and success are directly tied to a person's education and unlike the perpetually poor underclass I am not waiting for a bunch of politicians, bureaucrats and community activists to educate my child. I spend time teaching them everyday and I am quite confident that if they went to the lousiest school in America (except for the risk of violence) they would excel.

Education has so much more to do with the parents then any 'school funding formula' or other such nonsense.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:15 AM

Really horrible reporting here.

You REALLY think people choose Park Slope solely on a school??

Even without PS. 321, Park Slope is still one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Brooklyn...if not the entire city.

Suggesting that a school makes or breaks a neighborhood with regard to real estate seems asinine to me.

Especially when you consider only 24% of Park Slope even HAS kids.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:18 AM

11.15 - thats the big secret we are meant to keep to oursleves. Please keep mum on this.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:19 AM

11:19 - maybe if we were more honest as a society things would improve?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:25 AM

11:15 hit a grand slam homerun! But this is not in the interest of the realtors who sell the PS 321 neighborhood, Scarsdale and Great Neck.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:32 AM

I have a child attending public school (but not 321) and another one who will enter next year.

I was at a PTA meeting this morning where the principal spoke. The extreme anger over these admittedly small and across-the-board cuts (all City agencies were asked to cut 1.5%) comes from several factors:

The Campaingn for Fiscal Equity funding, won through a long and hard legal battle, fought mostly by volunteers, was immediately gutted by Governor Spitzer.

Schools have ever more burden to "demonstrate success," primarily through dubious test results, as well as an ever-shifting array of "measures" defined and implemented by an ever-shifting array of no-bid consultants at Tweed.

Most school funding is not discretionary, so the cuts disproportionately affect programs that children, their families and staff have lovingly and painstakingly created and run.

The principal also shared with us that these cuts are expected to be doubled next year. So, not only must schools cut now, they must also cut double next year.

This flies in the face of Mayor Bloomberg's self-definition as the "Education Mayor." If education is so important, why can't he make up revenue shortfalls by, say, ticketing honkers and through trucks in my neighborhood, cutting the salaries of the "consultants," and eliminating the idiotic "grading" system that gave As to undesirable schools and Ds to fabulous schools (like PS 58)? Note to Mr. Bloomberg: education is what happens in a CLASSROOM. All else is window dressing.

This is a bitter, bitter pill indeed.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:34 AM

why is everyone so obsessed with 321? I don't get it. what's the big deal? do they teach yogic flying?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:37 AM

According to the NYT, Wall Street businesses paid out "only" 33.2 BILLION dollars in bonuses in 2007. Gee, if only the city had a ready tax stream to raise a few extra bucks for schools...

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:39 AM

Well, except success in life does have everything to do with the parents, Flatbushwhacker at 11:37. The obsession with public schools (and toys and pricey strollers and all the meaningless things) will never compensate for working from day one to impart a love of reading. Or a strong work ethic to counter the sense of entitlement in a privileged community of children. A school will never replace the benefits of travel to expand horizons and perspective. A kid (or adult) can go to the best school on the planet and get nothing out of it. Kind of happens all the time, actually. There are a lot of losers in the world who went to great schools. It's about being a good student, not merely being at a good school.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:48 AM

Perhaps it's time the City applied a needs test to the families of students attending. The people who can afford to pay something should, so the people who can't can still offer their kids an education that will be worth something and not bankrupt them.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 11:59 AM

The fact that 321 is routinely touted as an amenity in real estate listing absolutely means there's a real estate angle to the story. Granted, it may not be the most important angle to the story, but this is still primarly a real estate blog, after all.

No assholes like your self make it an issue!!!! Brownstoner if you was "responsible" maybe you could've ran this story.

Multiple muni issuers see notes fail at auction

http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN1264303620080212

NEW YORK, Feb 12 (Reuters) - U.S. muncipal bond issuers were hit with "multiple" failures of auctions of their paper paper on Tuesday, industry sources said, as investors were concerned about the safety of the bond insurers backing the debt.

As a result, states, counties, cities and towns around the nation now are being forced to pay sharply higher short-term interest rates.

This will have a HUGE impact on our Schools, not the bullshit here.

See Brownie why I think you are a fucking asshole and I cant stand you.

The What ( Yes The What)

Someday this war is gonna end....

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:05 PM

11:48 AM All true regarding parental involvment. However, if you start out middle/upper class, you will most likely end up, middle/upper class. It is a complete falacy that with hard work etc, one can improve one's lot. If you start out poor, you will most likely, end up poor. I think you fail to see the substantial advantage that comes from an uneven playing field. Those that do 'rise above' in poor neighborhoods are anecdotal only.

If public schools were truely concerned with the vertical mobility, schools in poorer neighborhoods would be flooded with dollars rather than punished for 'underachieving'. There are a great many problems associated with poverty that affect education that cannot be overcome simply by reading to your child, let alone traveling the world.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:10 PM

The What's 12:05 post is the 1st one of his that I agreed with 1000% in the sense that in terms of a real RE story the turmoil in the credit markets is far more important (and relevant) then some tiny across the board cut in school funding.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:13 PM

Isn't it amazing that in the City and State with the highest tax burden in the nation there never seems to be enough money for anything, even the most basic services?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:15 PM

Is PS 321 the HOTD?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:17 PM

12:10 - "It is a complete falacy that with hard work etc, one can improve one's lot. If you start out poor, you will most likely, end up poor."

Maybe the reason why many people are starting out poor and ending up poor is because their culture doesnt emphasis the values that are essential for long-term success in today's society - i.e. education, savings and family units.

Despite your claim that upward mobility is strictly anecdotal - statistics prove that for huge amount of immigrants come to this country with nothing and through hard work and education rise significantly generation to generation - in a trend that continues to this day.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:19 PM

See - 12.10 wants to keep it a secret...

The problem is when you have a whole community of know-nothings together in the same place, their children all going to the same school, and focussed on blaming, instead of on how to actually succeed. You know - where conspicuous consumption is the measure of success?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:19 PM

Wouldn't it be great if school got all the money they needed and the military had to have a bake sale to buy another tank?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:21 PM

Flatbushwhacker - Why on earth would I want to experiment with my children - and I am certainly not saying that being educated amongst other children who are not excelling and who come from homes where education is not emphasized and in fact viewed suspiciously is BETTER for a child.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:24 PM

12.10 - trolling the same tired lines.

Look at actual scientific child development studies re. number of words spoken to young children, the frequency of interaction with adults, diversity of vocabulary, the variety of non-TV experiences, the mimicry of adult behavior et etc zzzzz....instead of the same, worn, sociological theories.

Schools generally reflect the abilities and competencies of their pupils parents. Take any one of your failing schools and replace the children wholesale with PS321. Keep the crummy infrastructure, the much-maligned staff, the limited curriculum. It'll be a success in no time.

Stop blaming the city and the schools and get off your a## and do some real parenting.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:25 PM

12:21 - only if your prepared for your children to forcibly learn the Koran; (yes it is way overstated - but makes the point)

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:27 PM

12:25 - You mean like PS 8 in Brooklyn Heights - amazing how that school was turned around in like 2 years - how is that possible???

BTW - for all the denouncing about television - I bet if some of these parents simply turned the channel from Jerry Springer to Noggin SAT scores would rise 20%. While certainly real interaction is FAR FAR better - for many parents it is too much trouble to even put on age appropriate TV.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:33 PM

12:21, I think al-quaida would love it if the military had to bake cookies to buy tanks.
Why are New Yorkers so completely clueless?
We are supposed to be a sophisticated city and yet so many have the attitude that if we just keep to ourselves and mind our own business nobody will bother us. It is like what people in the hinterland thought in 1941.
There really should be enough money for both schools and the military considering what we pay in taxes. We do not have to chose between one or the other.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:36 PM

Look - we're getting away from the main point which is that failing schools are helicoptered into poor hoods, along with drugs and cheap alcohol, as part of the great conspiracy to keep people down.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:40 PM

George Bush is a perfect example of how someone with good schooling can end up so ignorant.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:43 PM

But successful.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:46 PM

Successful?

Worst president in history is no success to me.

Latest poll: 27% of the population approve of the way he does his job.

You have mighty low standards for success, my friend.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:48 PM

12:25, as long as we're going to take "any one of your failing schools and replace the children wholesale with PS321. Keep the crummy infrastructure, the much-maligned staff, the limited curriculum," we might as well reduce the parent's salaries. And while we're at it, let's remove one of the parents from the household. And rather than attend PTA meetings, the remaining parent goes to their 2nd job. I'm sure there should be plenty of time in the day to read and travel the world with the child.

If parents do not have the time of money to spend on their child's education, it is in everyone's interest to have the schools fill the void.

12:25. it is far easier to highlight the symptoms (i.e. words spoken) than address the real problems (poverty/racism).

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 12:53 PM

Most of the rich people in the country started out poor. Poor imigrants too.
Brooklyn is famous for its rags to riches stories. I don't get the pessimism on this blog about how woebegone the kids are.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:04 PM

12:53 - why would you remove 1 parent from the household (what does that have to do with poverty/racism) and instead of getting a second job can I just get really fat and then get SSI disability - b/c then I'll have plenty of time to teach my child.

Look this debate is endless but this summer simply go to Prospect Park - look at the parents and the kids of the people who are outside bbq-ing and drinking and then go into the zoo and look at the parents and the kids who are learning about animals - it is apparent to me which ones (of all races) value education and which one don't.

Sure $ makes it easier but the reality is that with or without money it is the "culture" of the family that determines the outcome not the wealth.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:04 PM

yes, I'm sure you know plenty of people who have achieved more success in life than the president of the US.

12.53 - Try Greenpoint. Poor working class Polish community, low wages, and very low rental prioces (until recently). Schools got A grades. Look at the success of schools in chinatown.

Of course in your should-be-this-way-normative worldview thats inconvenient isn't it? Also the working hours of most professionals are considerably longer than many working class jobs. But please, carry on making excuses for people's personal choices, and blame everyone else.

Of course its far easier to blame others than to change your own behavior. And the charge of "racsim" is a continual discussion-stopping red herring. Get out of your theoretical world and go visit racially homogenous countries. Guess what - you'll find an underclass there too!

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:08 PM

I know plenty of rich people who are poor intellectually.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:11 PM

"culture" is spot on. Thats why asians now have the highest household income in the US and the highest average level of education achieved, leaving whites a poor second. School is more important to us than [fill in ]....

Duh.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:11 PM

1.11 ...and? Aren't we talking about how to move the bulk of a population?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:13 PM

I know a poor dumb Asian dude.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:14 PM

poor sod.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:15 PM

"Look this debate is endless but this summer simply go to Prospect Park - look at the parents and the kids of the people who are outside bbq-ing and drinking and then go into the zoo and look at the parents and the kids who are learning about animals - it is apparent to me which ones (of all races) value education and which one don't."

And it is apparent to me which ones (of all races) value family life and communal celebrations. Sorry, but it says nothing of regarding if they value education.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:16 PM

Part of valuing family life is valuing your children and their future above your own hedonsim.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:22 PM

1.16 - you're right of course, recent census figures show that NYC public-park-BBQers have leapt ahead of asians in the educational achievement charts.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:24 PM

hedonism.

oops.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:24 PM

1:16...

The one thing I know for sure is that I won't be passing along any racist tendencies to my children like the ones you clearly exhibit.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:30 PM

Is it any surprise that the ethnic group whose most religious object is a BOOK, equates a religious life with the study of BOOKS, and who has a major holiday simply for the express purpose of reading a BOOK is also the same ethnic group who is probably the most successful in our modern world which puts a premium on education above all else????

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:31 PM

It is apparent to me that those people who let their kids play outside until 11 or 12 at night on schooldays value and cherish outdoorsy activities.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:32 PM

Cant have it both ways - if poverty and racism means that you are so bogged down as a single parent trying to make ends meet that you can't educate your children - then clearly you don't have time for bbq's and drinking.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:34 PM

1.30 - you wouldn't know racism if it hit you sideways in the face. You confuse culture with race and then accuse others who don't make the same mistake of being racist.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:36 PM

I agree 1:32 - and those parents who take their toddlers to midnight showings of adult themed movies value and cherish the "art of Film"

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:36 PM

1.31 - I'm stunned.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:44 PM

No - its not parent involvement or support, its secret $$$$ being pumped in underground directly from City Hall that other schools aren't getting. You know - the other schools where the parents do jack.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 1:51 PM

The most expensive house sold in 2007...or one of them in Park Slope was the Berkeley Place 3.4 million dollar pad.

NOT inside the 321 district.

Lincoln Place house that was profiled yesterday and sold for 250k over ask at 3 million...also NOT in ps. 321.

I think times are a changin.

Ps. 321 is still great, but really not the real estate draw it used to be in terms of price premium.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:00 PM

12:10 - "It is a complete falacy that with hard work etc, one can improve one's lot. If you start out poor, you will most likely, end up poor."

You sound like a complete idiot who either has forgotten about your family roots in this country or you are so blinded by your privilaged lifestyle that the very thought of someone in your lineage starting out poor, working hard and making something of your family name is beyond your comprehension. I am so inspired watching the next generation coming out of 321. They will wipe your kind off this planet.

VOTE OBAMA FOR CHANGE!!!!!

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:16 PM

The What LOVES barbecues. Prefers weed over drink.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:20 PM

"Cant have it both ways - if poverty and racism means that you are so bogged down as a single parent trying to make ends meet that you can't educate your children - then clearly you don't have time for bbq's and drinking."

How about not having kids until you actually take care of them.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:23 PM

D-O-N-E-D-E-A-L!!!

My name is Ron Paul and I endorse this message.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:29 PM

My mother was a single uneducated woman from the south. See faced unspeakable poverty and racism. She died after seeing one child a two-time grammy winner and another a successful business owner with property in four different states. So what's your point 2:23?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:30 PM

2:23..YOU JUST GOT BITCH-SLAPPED

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:32 PM

Yes 2:30, but how many barbeques did she take you to?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:35 PM

1:04, 2:16 and others. Upward mobility for anyone who works hard enough is a conservative myth. Yes, there are exceptions and the mainstream media loves to talk about them, but for the most part, if you're born poor in this country you stay poor.

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2006/04/b1579981.html

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:39 PM

My Point is obviously poverty and racism DIDNT bog her down so much as to not be able to educte her children.

For those that feel it does, perhaps they should refrain from having children.

Is that such an outrageous thing to say? Or is the PC racism squad too entrenched to actually understand what I am saying?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:41 PM

Care to tell that to 2:30's Face 2:39?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:43 PM

2:35..I can remember one every weekend. It was a time when my entire family got together to show love and respect. To check on our elderly and to embrace the new additions to the family. Unlike your family who probably don't speak all year, get together only on Thanksgiving to argue amongst your siblings,to ignore your fathers gambling, your mothers drinking, your grandfathers alziemers,your son's prescription drug habit and your daughter's excessive weight lost, all the while waiting for the next one to pass on so you can get your hands on that apartment zoned for 321.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:50 PM

yes, love and respect for each other, but no-one else outside the family because they were all cught up in hatin.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:53 PM

TIME-OUT...TIME-OUT...TIME-OUT!!!

EVERYBODY JUST CHILL OUT A MINUTE!

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:56 PM

2.39 - your post seems to prove what everyone's been saying, that the cultural mindset of the underclass keeps their children in the underclass.

It also says nothing about working hard - but to qualify that "working hard" isn't sufficient. You have to work hard AT SCHOOL and then work hard afterwards. Its no good screwing up school because then you are well sure to be working hard in a dead end job for the rest of your days.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 2:59 PM

PS. 39 (also in Park Slope) is fast becoming as good as ps. 321.

Park Slope is one of the only neighborhoods around with two exceptional public elementary schools.

It is the parents who, in large part are responsible for these improvements....NOT the school system.

KUDOS to PS parents. You get a bad wrap, but as far as I can tell, you DO care about the neighborhood in which you live, your kids and your fellow neighborhs.

There are reasons why Park Slope gets nominated for 10 best of this and 10 best of that over other neighborhoods.

It's called community involvement.

GO OBAMA!!!

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:00 PM

Maybe the teachers could volunteer to teach the math prep, afterschool activities, and other classes that are in danger of being cut that provide additional instruction to students who need it most. Like pro bono work. At least for the remainder of this school year this could be an option.

Of course that will never happen.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:02 PM

Too many europeans and other foreign born whitepeople on this blog. I am a whiteman from the south and one thing us southern folks love is a good bbq. It's a country thang, and I would'nt expect you test-tube babies to understand. (heee-hawww)

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:04 PM

3:04 = Mike Huckabee

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:06 PM

Hey, its the foreign borns that aren't afraid to tell it like it is.

BBQ is great though. As long as you ain't dripping it on your son's algebra.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:09 PM

Geez when I was growing up my parents didn't care less about my education. My father was home so rarely I barely remeber him being a presence in the family. I learned stuff from books, and TV, and friends, and cousins, etc. Anyway, I always did really well in school because I just wanted to. Why did I want to be a failure? Seemed pretty obvious, even to a kid, and I couldn't count on my poor parents so that was more of an incentive. I didn't know until I was grown up that parents helped kids with homework and took them to mueums and stuff, I really didn't know that. But my parents were loving and they gave me enough to eat etc. that's all a kid needs to make it if he or she has their brains screwed on right, If they don't, well then they have an uphill battle no matter how priviliged.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:11 PM

3:06 = Hysterical

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:15 PM

This is such a crazy planet. How do we take a critical story about the future of our childrens education and turn it into a pointless conversation about race, poverty, and f..king bbq'd ribs. I wish I could get off this planet, but I might end up somewhere seeing green one-eyed people discriminating against orange three-eyed people.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:18 PM

Brownstoner.com reaffirms my assertion that Americans, by and large are disgusting.

Why couldn't I have been born in Barcelona?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:22 PM

3.22 You mean in the country that just got officially sanctioned for its disgusting anti-black racism against the black British formula one racing driver two weeks back?

I'll guess plenty of people posting on here and telling the truth probably aren't Americans by birth. Americans-by-birth are too inhibited and PC to say such things.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:35 PM

3:22, The Catalans are awful too. Snobbish and mendacious. you have no idea. And talk about racist!!!

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:37 PM

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article3306476.ece

yea - Barcelona is great for idiots

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:37 PM

3:22 I'm paraphrasing here but:
"When you're born into this world, you get a ticket to the freak show. But if you're born in America, you get a front row seat"
--George Carlin

And:

"Americans are a stupid people by and large. They pretty much believe what they're told."
--The Wire

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:39 PM

3.22 - b#tch-slapped methinks.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:39 PM

Please Please stop with "the racism and poverty makes upward mobility impossible" it is so f'ing stupid and 30 years ago I can't believe anyone can say it with a straight face.

ANYONE (especially a native U.S. citizen) can earn a middle class income in this country all you need is essentially 4 things

1. An ability to speak English (real English, not slang, not street but clear proper English) - sorry if this is unfair or culturally insensitive - if you want to get a good job you have to have this - and it really isnt too hard to learn - watch TV

2. A H.S. diploma

3. No felony record (even better - no criminal record at all)

4. An ability to come to work (most) everyday and do a reasonable (not great - just reasonable) job - without acting like a nut.

If you have 1-4 people are DYING to give you a 40-50k job - DYING: unfortunately the above qualifications are beyond the reach of many - and really none of the above requires all that much effort.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:49 PM

I used to love ribs before I became a vegetarian. I now eat soy ribs.

I also miss fried chicken, curried goat, double bacon cheeseburgers, and a big hunk of kielbasa. Mmmmmmmm good.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 3:57 PM

hey thats your cultural choice - accept the consequences.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:01 PM

3:49 I myself have an upper middle class lifestyle. I came from working class and worked my way through a state university. That said, I know at least 5 people I grew up with off the top of my head that meet all four of your requirements and work full-time jobs for 25-30K a year. Exactly where should they go to get these $50,000 a year jobs you're talking about?

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:04 PM

3:02--I'm a teacher (currently on leave, not at 321). Are you volunteering to pay my babysitter for those pro bono hours I'm working? Just curious.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:08 PM

On leave????

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:11 PM

be a port authority cop

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:12 PM

4:04 - Is that because your friends studied literature or marketing, or fashion design in college. They are probably only making 25K because they are trying to work in a "Fun" field that they went to schoolfor. Unfortunately "Fun" usually doesnt pay well, especially at the entry level.

In NYC they could easily become 1 of the following without any specific degree and make 40-50K right out of the box:

Executive Assistant
Account Specialist at a Credit Card Company
Bank Rep
Purchasing/Buying assistant
Office Manager
A/R Clerk
A/P Clerk
Customer Service Rep
Human Resources
Waiter/Waitress/Bartender
Sales Person
Small Business Owner or manager

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:16 PM

Oops I forgot to add civil service/NYC/NYS/Federal employee.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:17 PM

On leave--unpaid maternity leave with my kids because my teaching salary (believe it or not) does not cover the cost of childcare.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:32 PM

4:08 - I would be happy to pay your babysitter but I don't have any extra money as I have already donated what amounts to Catholic school tuition to the two public schools my kids attend. Maybe I could be reimbursed for basic classroom supplies I also donated and paid for the time I spent on field trips and that way I could pay your babysitter.

Let me just say that most of the best teachers are in their classrooms well into the evening or arrive very early or sometimes both. I don't think they are being paid for this time. The dedicated and creative teachers are 99% of the reason why I selected that particular school. Point being, there are teachers who are able to dedicate a little time to the children most in need.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:33 PM

4:32 - and I assume that once you are tenured you can stay out on maternity leave for years and the return to a guaranteed job at the same salary?????

FYI - no job pays for childcare

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:38 PM

4:33--I find it hard to imagine that you've donated more supplies than I've bought for my classrooms over the years, but perhaps that's possible.

And you're right: the best teachers are the ones who are there after hours, as I was before I had kids and had to rush home (since I was not paid for that after hours time I could not afford to pay a sitter to stay). This is why there are so few good teachers in the system--the work hard/stay late for very little money model is not sustainable.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:41 PM

4:38--I'm not tenured so no, I have no job guarantee.

And FYI--no job pays for child care, but may other careers are well paying enough to cover childcare costs.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:43 PM

4:41 - I am saying that I have made annual donations that are the equivalent of Catholic school tuition. This is in addition to classroom supplies (I am sure you have spent more but I think you can be reimbursed or am I wrong?), time spent on field, time spent at writing celebrations making sure I write a thoughtful comment in 25-30 pieces of work, etc. This is not out of the ordinary and many parents willingly contribute vast amounts of resources and often at the requests of teachers.

My point is that maybe some teachers that are able to do so give back for the sake of the children - especially the struggling students.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:52 PM

4:04 Your post said they only need a HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA for the 50K jobs. The people I'm talking about graduated from high school but never went to college. (Yes, I know it's hard for you to fathom that a college-educated person has friends who aren't. You really need to get out of Park Slope more often.)Ass hat.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:55 PM

Why would a teacher stay late if he/she is not getting paid, especially if he/she has a child at home.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 4:58 PM

Off topic - but your right - except those jobs dont give you tenure, 160 days off a year, a 7hr workday, full health care, a generous pension, or sabbaticals plus a salary that within approximately 7 yrs (with education credits) approaches 70K.

Look dont get me wrong - it is a hard job and I could never do it - but the woo-is-me teacher cry is getting old. On an overall compensation level (benefits, time off AND pay) teachers can do quite nice.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 5:00 PM

A teacher would stay late because they haven't lost sight of the reasons why they went into education in the first place - especially the nyc education system. I think that the majority of teachers don't view teaching as just a job and a means to a pay check. At least I have to believe this.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 5:13 PM

5:00- be fair. 160 days off includes weekends. By that standard, my 3 weeks of holidays would mean 119 days off.

Also, there is no way a teacher's work day is only 7 hours once grading, class prep etc is factored in.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 5:14 PM

I am being fair - Teachers get off ALL OF July and nearly ALL OF August (and quite a few "lite" days in June) - plus a week around X-Mas, a week in February and week in the Spring - plus all the regular state and federal holidays.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 5:23 PM

Wow. Can all this arguing really be over trying to EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN!!!!?? We ought to be ashamed. This is supposed to be one of the most accepting cities on the planet. From what I see here I can only conclude that we spend most of our days harboring anger and resentment over our neighbor's relative wealth. It is no wonder that, as a country, we are ridiculed around the world for our shortsighted, materialistic view of the world. By the way my coop has increased in value over 900% and I do not live in 321's zone. LOL!!!

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 5:40 PM

I wonder if these budget cuts are an issue at PS 29. I must get ready for the cocktail fund raiser. I would turnover my $600 if I were eligible. That bone was only given to those making less than 75K. life is not fair.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 6:36 PM

5:40 - Your coop has increased exactly 0% until you actually sell it. Paper Wealth counts for nothing these days.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 6:37 PM

So, back to the original question - I don't think anyone will rethink a Park Slope purchase because of these cuts. However, if other cuts start having a widespread effect the realtors operating that Montclair tour might want to rent a double decker.

Posted by: guest at February 13, 2008 6:59 PM

I actually thought the story here was that budget cuts are affecting every single school, but the Park Slope crowd are only concerned about the budget cuts at PS 321.

Or maybe I just got that from how they presented it at on the PS Parent's boards -- because that was pretty much the gist.

Is it a real estate story? Yes. Just not a happy liberal one where everyone lives together in peace and harmony.

Posted by: guest at February 14, 2008 2:45 AM

2:45 speaks the truth. This is not outrage at budget cuts all over the city for all communities, it's shock and outrage over budget cuts at a school considered immune from such things because it's privileged and elitist and "the best". The expectation at PS 321 would be for all other schools to get budget cuts but not theirs. Seriously.

Really says something about the limo-liberals of Park Slope.

Posted by: guest at February 14, 2008 1:15 PM