Dennis Bradley, the leading vote producer among Democratic school board candidates, is now president of the Board of Education. CT Post reporter Linda Conner Lambeck has more:
Sworn into office a week ago, Dennis Bradley, 31, is the new chairman of the city school board.
The 5-4 decision came during an organizational meeting on Monday at the Bridgeport Aquaculture School, with new Mayor Joseph Ganim presiding.
It is the third new school board chairman in as many years. Democrat Dave Hennessey was chairman for the past year and before that Sauda Baraka, who represented the Connecticut Working Families Party.
As chairman, Bradley will get to set the board agenda and staff board committees.
Full story here.
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*** Does not matter ’cause the BOE is always out of touch with reality. School rules that should be enforced are usually overlooked when it comes to certain students and school staff. Instead of having a three strikes and out policy on school rules, conduct and overall behavior, etc., there are far too many knuckleheads ruining the overall ability of those who want to learn and do what’s right with no help from the school admin. in sight nor the parents. Bpt’s public schools are still in chaos and mass confusion with little learning going on! *** SAD ***
She’s Baaaccckkk!
The vote seemed to shock Pereira, who said the selection of Bradley almost certainly guaranteed the board would not be united.
“There will be ferocious opposition,” Pereira said, implying his election was the result of his own political aspirations.
Dennis Bradley states he’s green yet four other BOE members still voted for him so time will tell. Bradley said, “I in no means intend to be a dictator,” this sounds like just words to back people off him, if Bradley can’t do what he is saying, it will be business as usual and Dennis Bradley will have shown he’s not a person of his word.
I attended the BOA reorganizational meeting last night because I wanted to congratulation the new members and wish success and harmony to all. Just 24 hours prior to the meeting, my friend Howard Gardner, extremely qualified, had accepted the position of Chair. He had the votes to serve in that capacity, Dennis Bradley being one of five members committed to supporting him. In a short span of time, there was political interference that changed the landscape. Dennis was brought in (use your imaginations) and promised support for his potential challenge against Senator Gomes. Dennis, while being bright, has no experience in matters of our education system, and is on a fast track to higher office despite his inexperience. The fix was in and Dennis accepted. What a sad start to the most important body in Bridgeport. Again the children are playing second fiddle to politics.
Lisa, thank you for this important behind the scene information. Here we are just finishing one election and here are plans to move on Ed Gomes. Lisa, tell me if I’m wrong or correct me if I’m wrong but who has that type of power, well one would be Mario Testa and the other is Mayor Joe Ganim so would either one of them had gotten involved with this move? Is going after Ed Gomes more important than the education of the children of Bridgeport by supporting Dennis Bradley?
I thought they were going after Marilyn Moore, not Ed Gomes.
Grin–Exactly. First meeting and she is already showing her tenure this time is going to be similar to last time. Fighting and personal agendas.
Lisa–I did find it odd that Mario attended a BOE meeting. Have not seen that in the recent past. So the behind the scenes moves to elect Howard were curtailed by other behind the scenes moves. Regardless of that, it was not a good sign that as an elected official, Maria then bailed on the BOE meeting in progress to go over to the council meeting for her own personal/political agenda and did not stay for the whole BOE meeting, so much for all about the kids. Last, to all who celebrated Finch’s demise and heralded this new age, new Joe in BPT, seems to me his election has restored the power and influence of the Machine again.
What are the priorities potential Chairs spoke to? They seem to be missing from the info above. When you are spending more than $20 Million per year on special education compliance from the overall school budget, that may be funding certain youth at 5-7 times what is spent on an average student looking to progress through the system and graduate to additional schooling or a job, what expectations do we have as a community? When professionals merely aim for “compliance” rather than provide results, fairly for all, where does that leave us as education workers, parents, and taxpayer-voters? Aren’t these some of the issues that need public discussion? Time will tell.
Lifelong Bpt, let’s keep things in perspective. Maria leaving the BOA meeting is nothing compared to what occurred last night. In my opinion the move was orchestrated by Mario and Danny Roach. I let them all know, including the Mayor, how egregious this was, I stated this for all to hear, and at that time Danny told me to blame him. I have great esteem for Danny Roach, we have been constant friends since 1983, I hope this sudden change of fortune does not change who I thought he was. As all of you on this blog know, I supported Joe Ganim with no strings attached. I won’t take another move like this sitting down, I also reminded them I forgot more than they know, and I’ll make sure the public knows every little detail; for now I don’t believe the Mayor was involved. He may have found out after the fact which is why I’m giving him some wiggle room on this one.
Lisa, thanks; that’s why I love you because you have never turn your back on the truth with me and you will speak out and we need more of that spirit. I also believe Danny took the hit for this and I also like Danny but this can’t be Danny’s job because he knows better and he’ll lose friends and supporters. Lisa, Joe might not have known but he doesn’t need this kind of mess and will McCarthy have a City job, Joe needs to get out in front of these stories and act on them to clear the air with his new start.
Lisa–you are right, they are not equal. But it was not a good move to leave the BOE meeting with other items on the agenda. But let’s not argue.
I will say good for you that you made your voice heard and your feelings known. We need more like you who are willing to speak truth to power when this stuff occurs. People spent the last few years upset when Finch’s crew pulled these moves, and they should not accept them now since it is their guy in charge. You are loyal, giving Joe a pass on the first one. But honestly, if this were done six months ago under the Finch admin, would you believe the mayor would not have known?
Lisa, you can’t possibly believe the black community would allow a political neophyte to have that Senate position. That has historically been a black Senate position and there is no way in hell anyone other than Rev. Stallworth will get the first offer for that position. How does Joe bypass the Rev for that position and if Joe wants the Rev then Mario wants the Rev and I can assure you the black community will want the Rev.
Let me add this Lisa, if anyone is offered that Senate position ahead of Rev. Stallworth, then Joe will certainly be a one-term mayor.
Donald, I agree with you, and although Ed is not in my political Senatorial district, I will cross political lines and work as hard for him as I did for Joe. And no, I don’t believe the black community was involved with this move nor would they support Dennis Bradley. I suspect I know the real reason for this maneuver, however as soon as my suspicions are confirmed, watch out. I stand by my belief the Mayor was pulled into this too late to stop it.
Wow, Lisa. I know that you know, so I’ll just defer to your expertise and say WOW.
*** The Bpt BOE is headed no where fast like before, and with the city kids and school staff it will be business as usual, no? *** GOD HELP THEM! ***
Amen.