We’re back at the annual Town Meeting to discuss a myriad of budget issues. Pour yourself a drink of something.
Category: discussion
For School Committee: Lougee and Griffiths Are The Clear Choice
There’s no more important institution in Belmont than our public schools. There’s no more important elected body than the School Committee, which is the community’s voice to the School Administration. In this year’s School Committee race, I think there are two clear choices for the two open spots: Anne Lougee and Pascha Griffiths. I’ll be voting for both at the polls tomorrow.
Vote Scharfman For Selectman On Monday
I think there’s an abundance of evidence that Dan Scharfman is the right choice in the Selectman’s race, and what Belmont needs to move the Board Of Selectman (and Belmont) into the future. His intelligence, patience, work ethic, and his preference for facts over ideology will be a welcome addition to our understaffed and overtaxed Board. Dan’s talent for bridging political divides and finding consensus among opposing constituencies may mean that he’s nobody’s darling, politically. But it also makes him a perfect fit for the job of Belmont Selectman.
Proposition 2 1/2 Overrides: 1999 to 2011- How Does Belmont Compare?
In Belmont, April 2, 2012 will mark 10 years since the passage of the last non debt-exclusion Proposition 2 1/2 override. That’s a long time, but its useful here to compare our drought with those of our peer communities. That’s what I’ve tried to do here: using some simple data visualization tools, I’ve created a graphic that shows which of the top towns – Belmont’s peers — have passed Proposition 2 1/2 Overrides, when and for how much. (Note: debt exclusions for capital projects – like our own vote for the Wellington – are not included here). I chose these towns by looking at the top performing districts, state wide, on the SAT tests. And I’ve thrown in close neighbors (like Arlington) for good measure.
The Benefits of Bilingualism (Hint: It Makes Your Kids Smarter!)
An interesting article on the benefits of being bilingual. Besides being able to talk to more folks – it makes you smarter and your brain more resilient, according to recent studies. Read the New York Times article on the latest findings.
In Praise of Dropping Out: ‘UnCollege’s’ Path to Success
Came across this article in my online ramblings. It’s interesting, especially as the societal conversation about the rising costs of college and what you might call the ROI (return on investment) of post secondary education. There’s also the undeniable fact…
School Candidates Discuss Online Learning (Patch)
An interesting interview with the three School Committee candidates on online learning models like Khan Academy. Long and short: we’ve got one strong “Yes” one “Maybe” and one “I need to think about it.” First: the “maybe.” Candidate Anne Lougee…
Brownsberger Holding Belmont Forum on MBTA Cuts – Belmont, MA Patch
An update on the proposed MBTA cuts that could affect Belmont. Will Brownsberger will be hosting a forum this Thursday evening, March 15, in the Selectman’s Room at Belmont Town Hall to discuss the proposed cuts, according to a story in the Patch.
Red-Lined: Proposed MBTA Cuts Would Hit Belmont Hard
Unless the legislature comes through with funding to support the T in its current (already reduced, fared-up) state, the cuts are going to be deep. According to the released document, the T is proposing two alternate plans – both of them bad, and one of them terrible for Belmont.
PTO/PTA: Race to Nowhere Screening tomorrow evening
Just a note that the Belmont PTA/PTO will be screening Race To Nowhere: The Dark Side of America’s Achievement Culture tomorrow evening (Thursday) at the Belmont Studio Cinema, with half the price of admission donated to Belmont’s Public Schools.PTO/PTA’s! The…