John Ramos - Ex Super of Bridgeport CT choosen as new Super
Mar 16, 2015 at 2:33pm Edited
Why would they want to hire someone who was fired from a similar position for failing at it? I am not asking facetiously. I am serious. We elect these people and entrust them to make the best choice. Wth?
FFB said:
"Ex" because he was fired as a complete failure.
In mutual agreement due to strategic differences, when the state took over Bridgeport, he left. He has since been interim sup in Groton. Sounds like there is two sides to the story.
http://patch.com/connecticut/groton/groton-appoints-john-ramos-interim-superintendent
AliGrant said:
Why would they want to hire someone who was fired from a similar position for failing at it? I am not asking facetiously. I am serious. We elect these people and entrust them to make the best choice. Wth?
Because you are hearing one side to the story.
I am not as concerned about him being fired as I am about him having been the city superintendent for six years and the schools were taken over by the state because scores were so abysmal and schools were failing.
Mar 16, 2015 at 2:55pm Edited
He's got an extensive background, so no surface issue there (failure or mutual disagreement, TBD, or course). More interested to know why Groton didn't hire him.
Mammabear-
Ramos was fired for complete and spectacular failures, leading to the state taking over the schools:
http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/former-norwalk-educator-john-ramos-fired-as-bridgeport-superintendent/article_d0ec357b-7eab-52c5-bb28-06cbfac553e7.html
Ramos was fired for complete and spectacular failures, leading to the state taking over the schools:
http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/former-norwalk-educator-john-ramos-fired-as-bridgeport-superintendent/article_d0ec357b-7eab-52c5-bb28-06cbfac553e7.html
FFB said:
Mammabear-
Ramos was fired for complete and spectacular failures, leading to the state taking over the schools:
http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/former-norwalk-educator-john-ramos-fired-as-bridgeport-superintendent/article_d0ec357b-7eab-52c5-bb28-06cbfac553e7.html
Keep reading @FFB
mammabear said:
AliGrant said:
Why would they want to hire someone who was fired from a similar position for failing at it? I am not asking facetiously. I am serious. We elect these people and entrust them to make the best choice. Wth?
Because you are hearing one side to the story.
Exactly why I am asking. I am genuinely interested in how the choice was made.
Bridgeport is a completely different community. Let's get all the facts before we break out the torches and pitchforks.
I agree Deborah all I am doing is posting a Google search I did. I leave it up to people
to make a decision based on it. It concerns me but everyone is open to there thoughts.
to make a decision based on it. It concerns me but everyone is open to there thoughts.
FFB said:
Mammabear-
Ramos was fired for complete and spectacular failures, leading to the state taking over the schools:
http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/former-norwalk-educator-john-ramos-fired-as-bridgeport-superintendent/article_d0ec357b-7eab-52c5-bb28-06cbfac553e7.html
Apparently by a board that everyone thought was dysfunctional, and who gave no reason for his firing. Okay then.
In any case the guy likes Mandela a lot, it seems. So there's that.
mammabear said:
FFB said:
Mammabear-
Ramos was fired for complete and spectacular failures, leading to the state taking over the schools:
http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/former-norwalk-educator-john-ramos-fired-as-bridgeport-superintendent/article_d0ec357b-7eab-52c5-bb28-06cbfac553e7.html
Keep reading @FFB
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2011/10/13/bridgeport-school-board-fires-superintendent/
deborahg said:
Bridgeport is a completely different community. Let's get all the facts before we break out the torches and pitchforks.
Right? Come on people...he has quite an extensive resume. One job situation does not define who he is. After the Bridgeport thing, he was hired by Groton.
There's nothing contextual in that article whatsoever. May as well say the sky is blue. The CT post, however, has this: "Critics said Ramos was a lackluster leader who had lofty goals but didn't have a handle on finances nor could execute effective change." Now THAT'S something I'd like to hear a bit more about.
mammabear said:
deborahg said:
Bridgeport is a completely different community. Let's get all the facts before we break out the torches and pitchforks.
Right? Come on people...he has quite an extensive resume. One job situation does not define who he is. After the Bridgeport thing, he was hired by Groton.
As an interim. He apparenty didn't get the FT job.
Here is one with a bit more details I think
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Bridgeport-school-board-votes-to-fire-2214799.php
It isn't clear if the $229k was for one year or all 6. It seems like it might be one year of salary severance and benefits through the age of 65
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Bridgeport-school-board-votes-to-fire-2214799.php
It isn't clear if the $229k was for one year or all 6. It seems like it might be one year of salary severance and benefits through the age of 65
Rest of the CT Post article....
"Board chairman Robert Trefry, said it was a difficult decision, but the best thing he and the board could do for 20,000 students in the district.
Trefry insisted the replacement of the school superintendent was not part of his charge and was not a foregone conclusion.
"It was our responsibility to evaluate the superintendent ... after a lot of discussion and soul searching we felt this was an appropriate thing to do," he said.
The board, which was hand picked by the state, voted unanimously Wednesday in favor of the termination.
The action caps a tumultuous four months for the district, which has some of the worst test scores in the state and is still without a balanced 2011-12 operating budget.
"We felt, in our estimate, it was time for a change, a new leader," said Trefry.
The board -- whose very existence is being challenged before the state Supreme Court later this month -- will name a search committee and outline the replacement process at its Oct. 24 board meeting.
Ramos will collect a full year's salary -- $229,204 -- when he leaves the district, plus paid health insurance for him and his wife until he reaches the age of 65. He is now 59.
Ramos, who a week ago indicated he still wanted to keep his job, said he had confidence in the new board.
"I am sure this body will do the right thing for our children," he said, reading from a prepared statement.
Ramos acknowledged several times this summer that his job was not secure.
During his tenure, more than 20 schools in the district were failing by federal achievement standards. The district also struggled with an operating budget that hadn't seen an increase in four years, pushing the district to consider laying off hundreds of employees. The issue came to a head in June when Ramos convinced the board to delay passing a budget. The lack of a budget was then used as evidence by state officials of the board's inability to function effectively and the need to appoint a new board.
Critics said Ramos was a lackluster leader who had lofty goals but didn't have a handle on finances nor could execute effective change.
After voting to terminate his contract, Trefry acknowledged a list of Ramos' accomplishments. He mentioned that the district was twice named a national Broad prize finalist as an improved school district and the opening of seven new schools.
"Many great things have happened in the district for which the district will be forever grateful," Trefry said.
Board member Kenneth Moales Jr. said it will be difficult to see Ramos go but added he had taken the district as far as he could.
"I applaud what you've done ... You will be missed," Moales told Ramos.
Hernan Illingworth, a board member and immediate past president of the District Parent Advisory Council, said he knew from the start that Ramos' "heart was in it." Ramos, he said, often dealt with parents personally when he could have designated someone else."
"Board chairman Robert Trefry, said it was a difficult decision, but the best thing he and the board could do for 20,000 students in the district.
Trefry insisted the replacement of the school superintendent was not part of his charge and was not a foregone conclusion.
"It was our responsibility to evaluate the superintendent ... after a lot of discussion and soul searching we felt this was an appropriate thing to do," he said.
The board, which was hand picked by the state, voted unanimously Wednesday in favor of the termination.
The action caps a tumultuous four months for the district, which has some of the worst test scores in the state and is still without a balanced 2011-12 operating budget.
"We felt, in our estimate, it was time for a change, a new leader," said Trefry.
The board -- whose very existence is being challenged before the state Supreme Court later this month -- will name a search committee and outline the replacement process at its Oct. 24 board meeting.
Ramos will collect a full year's salary -- $229,204 -- when he leaves the district, plus paid health insurance for him and his wife until he reaches the age of 65. He is now 59.
Ramos, who a week ago indicated he still wanted to keep his job, said he had confidence in the new board.
"I am sure this body will do the right thing for our children," he said, reading from a prepared statement.
Ramos acknowledged several times this summer that his job was not secure.
During his tenure, more than 20 schools in the district were failing by federal achievement standards. The district also struggled with an operating budget that hadn't seen an increase in four years, pushing the district to consider laying off hundreds of employees. The issue came to a head in June when Ramos convinced the board to delay passing a budget. The lack of a budget was then used as evidence by state officials of the board's inability to function effectively and the need to appoint a new board.
Critics said Ramos was a lackluster leader who had lofty goals but didn't have a handle on finances nor could execute effective change.
After voting to terminate his contract, Trefry acknowledged a list of Ramos' accomplishments. He mentioned that the district was twice named a national Broad prize finalist as an improved school district and the opening of seven new schools.
"Many great things have happened in the district for which the district will be forever grateful," Trefry said.
Board member Kenneth Moales Jr. said it will be difficult to see Ramos go but added he had taken the district as far as he could.
"I applaud what you've done ... You will be missed," Moales told Ramos.
Hernan Illingworth, a board member and immediate past president of the District Parent Advisory Council, said he knew from the start that Ramos' "heart was in it." Ramos, he said, often dealt with parents personally when he could have designated someone else."
This guy may be brilliant...did he figure out a way around the NJ super salary limit? With both salaries, he would be around $400k per year.
"Ramos will collect his $229,204 annual pay and health insurance for him and his wife until he is 65. He is 59." (in 2011)
"Ramos will collect his $229,204 annual pay and health insurance for him and his wife until he is 65. He is 59." (in 2011)
ctrzaska said:
mammabear said:
deborahg said:
Bridgeport is a completely different community. Let's get all the facts before we break out the torches and pitchforks.
Right? Come on people...he has quite an extensive resume. One job situation does not define who he is. After the Bridgeport thing, he was hired by Groton.
As an interim. He apparenty didn't get the FT job.
Do you know that he wanted that job? Or are you just assuming?
A political take on the financial situation...
"Bridgeport businesswoman and social action advocate Mary-Jane Foster, who is running for mayor, today called for the immediate resignation of John Ramos, Bridgeport Superintendent of Schools.
“Today Superintendent Ramos and Mayor Finch admitted their complete failure on behalf of our children, our parents, and our taxpayers,” stated Foster. “By calling for the State to reconstitute the Bridgeport Board of Education, Ramos and Finch have registered a vote of ‘no confidence’ in their own ability to fix our broken school system. Since 2007, the mayor has promised that under his leadership Bridgeport would have “…schools…that improve every year” yet today he is throwing up his hands to say he can’t get the job done.
Having acknowledged their total incompetence, I call on Superintendent Ramos to resign immediately and I urge taxpayers to expel Mayor Finch on September 13th. They both deserve an “F” for failed leadership, performance, and total lack of vision.
How is it conceivable that Mayor Finch, in a statement three days ago, is just “realiz[ing] our school system is at a critical crossroad?” Where has he been for the last three and a half years? Why, two weeks ago, did he promise two years of no layoffs to one union, financially tying the Board of Ed’s hands without their knowledge? Today he’s calling for the State to take over the Board of Ed. How can the mayor claim that such actions two months before the election take “politics out of the process?”
Finch’s incompetence, lack of leadership, and call for a reconstituted Board of Ed put Bridgeport in the same precarious position that Mary Moran did when she tried to declare bankruptcy 20 years ago. Has the mayor taken a moment to examine how his decisions could affect Bridgeport taxes and our impossibly high mill rate? Property values? The City’s bond rating?
I reiterate my call for the superintendent to resign. Bridgeport will have wholesale change under my leadership and I will issue an education reform plan for our city in the coming days.”
*****
Join statement from Finch, Ramos and BOE President Barbara Bellinger:
Mayor Bill Finch joined Superintendent John Ramos Sr., and Board of Education President Barbara Bellinger in supporting a resolution that will come before the Board of Education at a special meeting on Tuesday evening calling on the state to provide assistance to the local board.
“As a public school parent I realize our school system is at a critical crossroad,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “I believe State oversight will be the best way to calm the waters, take politics out of the process, and allow us to put a renewed focus on improving outcomes for our students. State oversight is an important first step in achieving this,” Finch added.
“I remain committed to working together with the Board of Education and the state during the next few critical months to continue to identify cost-savings in areas which will least affect our students – as the challenges of the school system have increased so has our combined focus and diligence. We will continue to work around the clock with our Superintendent, our Board of Education and state officials to resolve this critical issue. With two children who will attend our public schools this fall, rest assured I believe there is nothing that is more important.”
“We have reached the point of no return. This is a major crisis, and the board members and I realize we can’t continue to function the way we have. We’ve drawn a line in the sand by saying we can’t function with the amount of money we’ve been allotted,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Ramos.
“This has been a long and difficult process for our board. We need to remember what’s most important in this equation are the children, who deserve a quality education that will enable them to compete on a level playing field with students from around the state,” said Board of Education President Barbara Bellinger. “During the past few years, the Board has struggled to gain a consensus on many issues. Without a laser-like focus on student achievement we are unable to dramatically improve student outcomes, our most important mission”.
"Bridgeport businesswoman and social action advocate Mary-Jane Foster, who is running for mayor, today called for the immediate resignation of John Ramos, Bridgeport Superintendent of Schools.
“Today Superintendent Ramos and Mayor Finch admitted their complete failure on behalf of our children, our parents, and our taxpayers,” stated Foster. “By calling for the State to reconstitute the Bridgeport Board of Education, Ramos and Finch have registered a vote of ‘no confidence’ in their own ability to fix our broken school system. Since 2007, the mayor has promised that under his leadership Bridgeport would have “…schools…that improve every year” yet today he is throwing up his hands to say he can’t get the job done.
Having acknowledged their total incompetence, I call on Superintendent Ramos to resign immediately and I urge taxpayers to expel Mayor Finch on September 13th. They both deserve an “F” for failed leadership, performance, and total lack of vision.
How is it conceivable that Mayor Finch, in a statement three days ago, is just “realiz[ing] our school system is at a critical crossroad?” Where has he been for the last three and a half years? Why, two weeks ago, did he promise two years of no layoffs to one union, financially tying the Board of Ed’s hands without their knowledge? Today he’s calling for the State to take over the Board of Ed. How can the mayor claim that such actions two months before the election take “politics out of the process?”
Finch’s incompetence, lack of leadership, and call for a reconstituted Board of Ed put Bridgeport in the same precarious position that Mary Moran did when she tried to declare bankruptcy 20 years ago. Has the mayor taken a moment to examine how his decisions could affect Bridgeport taxes and our impossibly high mill rate? Property values? The City’s bond rating?
I reiterate my call for the superintendent to resign. Bridgeport will have wholesale change under my leadership and I will issue an education reform plan for our city in the coming days.”
*****
Join statement from Finch, Ramos and BOE President Barbara Bellinger:
Mayor Bill Finch joined Superintendent John Ramos Sr., and Board of Education President Barbara Bellinger in supporting a resolution that will come before the Board of Education at a special meeting on Tuesday evening calling on the state to provide assistance to the local board.
“As a public school parent I realize our school system is at a critical crossroad,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “I believe State oversight will be the best way to calm the waters, take politics out of the process, and allow us to put a renewed focus on improving outcomes for our students. State oversight is an important first step in achieving this,” Finch added.
“I remain committed to working together with the Board of Education and the state during the next few critical months to continue to identify cost-savings in areas which will least affect our students – as the challenges of the school system have increased so has our combined focus and diligence. We will continue to work around the clock with our Superintendent, our Board of Education and state officials to resolve this critical issue. With two children who will attend our public schools this fall, rest assured I believe there is nothing that is more important.”
“We have reached the point of no return. This is a major crisis, and the board members and I realize we can’t continue to function the way we have. We’ve drawn a line in the sand by saying we can’t function with the amount of money we’ve been allotted,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Ramos.
“This has been a long and difficult process for our board. We need to remember what’s most important in this equation are the children, who deserve a quality education that will enable them to compete on a level playing field with students from around the state,” said Board of Education President Barbara Bellinger. “During the past few years, the Board has struggled to gain a consensus on many issues. Without a laser-like focus on student achievement we are unable to dramatically improve student outcomes, our most important mission”.
I do believe that given our considerable budget constraints in our district we need a strong fiscal manager and someone who is very adept at executing and implementing programs and strategies. I don't care so much about the big ideas or the vision having lived through Horoshak and Osborne.
Mar 16, 2015 at 3:29pm Edited
It's obvious the BOE was committed to hiring a person of color this time, laudable in a vacuum. It's also obvious this decision colored the quality of the candidates we evaluated. Ramos has shown he can destroy a school district, leading to a state takeover. Hopefully "state takeover" isn't our BOE's "genius" plan to get around the local spending cap.
In Groton someone was not excited to have him on board:
http://www.ctpost.com/opinion/article/Open-letter-to-the-town-of-Groton-3896639.php
It seems that this is what he has also been doing:
http://www.equityandexcellenceimperative.com/about-eei.html
http://www.ctpost.com/opinion/article/Open-letter-to-the-town-of-Groton-3896639.php
It seems that this is what he has also been doing:
http://www.equityandexcellenceimperative.com/about-eei.html
mammabear said:
ctrzaska said:
mammabear said:
deborahg said:
Bridgeport is a completely different community. Let's get all the facts before we break out the torches and pitchforks.
Right? Come on people...he has quite an extensive resume. One job situation does not define who he is. After the Bridgeport thing, he was hired by Groton.
As an interim. He apparenty didn't get the FT job.
Do you know that he wanted that job? Or are you just assuming?
I have no idea. Maybe he didn't. Wasn't assuming anything one way or the other. Given that he remained a consultant for one of the search firms that they used for the new FT hire (who has since resigned after a year+, incidentally) he couldn't.
Mar 16, 2015 at 3:34pm Edited
So no experience with IB? That is a shame given the shambles that the roll out of the IB program has been in the middle school.
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Search turned up https://www.evernote.com/pub/emalespina/johnramosinformation#st=p
I am very concerned with the choice. It has not been voted on yet.