School administration in Middletown is dysfunctional

The Middletown Town Council and Administrator prepared, discussed, and approved a FY21 budget, mindful of local hardships caused by the pandemic.

Their goals were safety, affordability for Middletown residents, and education. Its commendable that they accomplished their goals with no tax increase for residents.

Diligent fiscal planning and analysis, thoughtful discussions, and adherence to high ethical standards are the reasons for their success.

Budget discussions between the Middletown Town Council and school administration presented a clear picture of the school administrations dysfunctional technology planning and operations, and financial reporting. The council asked thoughtful questions but the school administrations equivocating answers were wearing.

In the end, the council appropriated additional money for the school department; it was to help correct the school administrations failures, and also pay for teachers in FY21. The school administrations failures have been previously flagged by the council and teachers union.

In 2019, the council uncovered "hidden" bonuses to school administrators, and the teachers union proclaimed "no-confidence" in the superintendents leadership resulting in years of mistrust and strained relations.

The strengths of the council are their fairness, ethical behavior, and their control over appropriations to the Middletown school department the towns most expensive department. The town and school department will start to combine their finance, technology and maintenance functions in FY21.

The state labor relations board recently found that the Middletown school administration retaliated against its maintenance employees, for actions by the town council. For the sake of our students, school department employees, and tax-payers, the Middletown Town Council must continue its vigilant oversight of the school administrations management and operation of Middletowns public schools.

Paul Mankofsky, Middletown

Democrats infringed on Attorney General Barrs freedom of speech

On Tuesday, July 28, 2020, William Barr, Attorney General of the United States of America, was relentlessly questioned by Democrats on the House Judicial Committee for 5 hours.

Attorney General Barr, when trying to testify, was demeaned by his Democrat accusers in various ways, a constant interrupting, for the purpose of stopping his testimony. And, when he tried to reply, was stopped by their statement ... "I am reclaiming my time." This would then not allow him his time to testify and give evidence. This was a fiasco and terrible for a law-abiding citizen to observe in our country.

Over the years America has fought for freedom, liberty and the pursuit of justice. On July 28, 2020, the Democrats took away William Barr's freedom ... the freedom of speech.

What happened in these chambers was a disgrace. The rule of law was not upheld and the Honorable Attorney General Barr's freedom of speech was totally disregarded during this chaotic fiasco.

Those that vote Democrat are enablers to this disgusting behavior by their elected officials, and should be ashamed of themselves.

Terry Lorenz, Portsmouth

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: School administration in Middletown is dysfunctional - newportri.com