Comments on: Public Advocate: Parent coordinators don’t pick up their phones http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/ Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:34:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-882 Anonymous Thu, 29 May 2008 17:59:00 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-882 Upon the advice of a DoE G&T administrator, I listed an 'up and coming" gen ed on my out of district lottery as our #1 choice: Our child was granted a seat. Having been on the 2nd round of Citywide assessments concurrently, I repeatedly called the PC at the school AND by cell- numerous times-with no response. Truth be told, it's a lovely school on Morningside with a very committed Principal,faculty and excellent enrichment opportunities. We persisted through and past the deadline for acceptance, yet never received any contact from this PC. Finally, I went to the school and asked if the PC was available, was asked to leave her a written message, was assured she's contact me and waited outside on a lovely day. She never contacted us-despite our effort and (alleged) attempts by various DoE persons. This turned out to be a major deciding factor for us; How could there be any hope for cohesive parent involvement or support, which can truly enable a school to develop positively, when the PC in place lacks the responsibility, professionalism and basic courtesy<br/>needed?<br/>In tremendous contrast, We encountered numerous PCs-in other schools- whose diligence, passion and vigor were astounding-given how really underserved their schools were. Just like any other<br/>job, some people really don't have a clue how very important their work can be or simply don't care<br/>enough to work for positive effect. It's too bad the ones whom truly distinguish themseves through their efforts and creativity are working for such a crappy administration. Upon the advice of a DoE G&T administrator, I listed an ‘up and coming” gen ed on my out of district lottery as our #1 choice: Our child was granted a seat. Having been on the 2nd round of Citywide assessments concurrently, I repeatedly called the PC at the school AND by cell- numerous times-with no response. Truth be told, it’s a lovely school on Morningside with a very committed Principal,faculty and excellent enrichment opportunities. We persisted through and past the deadline for acceptance, yet never received any contact from this PC. Finally, I went to the school and asked if the PC was available, was asked to leave her a written message, was assured she’s contact me and waited outside on a lovely day. She never contacted us-despite our effort and (alleged) attempts by various DoE persons. This turned out to be a major deciding factor for us; How could there be any hope for cohesive parent involvement or support, which can truly enable a school to develop positively, when the PC in place lacks the responsibility, professionalism and basic courtesy
needed?
In tremendous contrast, We encountered numerous PCs-in other schools- whose diligence, passion and vigor were astounding-given how really underserved their schools were. Just like any other
job, some people really don’t have a clue how very important their work can be or simply don’t care
enough to work for positive effect. It’s too bad the ones whom truly distinguish themseves through their efforts and creativity are working for such a crappy administration.

]]> By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-711 Anonymous Sun, 04 May 2008 17:59:00 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-711 This is my 3rd year as a PC. I wish I made $40,000 for all I do in the school. I do my PC responsibilities and then some. Parents not only have my DOE cell #, I have also given some of my parents my personal cell #. We don't get paid enough to be on call 24/7. This is my 3rd year as a PC. I wish I made $40,000 for all I do in the school. I do my PC responsibilities and then some. Parents not only have my DOE cell #, I have also given some of my parents my personal cell #. We don’t get paid enough to be on call 24/7.

]]> By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-651 Anonymous Thu, 01 May 2008 21:43:00 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-651 Just how much overtime did the staff making these phony calls from the Public Advocate's office get? How much tax payer money was wasted making theses phony calls from agency telephones? Isn't it against all NYC agencys' rules to make personal calls? Isn't it really, really silly & illegal to make prank calls. Didn't it take time away from P.C's duties to answer these fake calls? Does our Public Advocate & her staff take lunch everday? Many of us P.C.'s don't get the chance to do so. Does her staff work on weekends, holidays, etc? Do your research- $40,000 a year my foot! The majority of P.C's make the minimum salary,most with no raises in 4 years, Yes, we do work for the Principal, and in countless memos are reminded that we must follow their directives, like in most jobs. We have no job security at all. We are not tenured, do not have a pension fund, little backing of our union, and we still do a great job. I've called B.G's staff a few times & have gotten ridiculous anwers or no answers at all to REAL concerns.There are poor workers in all fields. Nonsense like this must stop! All it does is focus attention away from educational issues that truly matter. Publish your phone bill, Betsy. Just how much overtime did the staff making these phony calls from the Public Advocate’s office get? How much tax payer money was wasted making theses phony calls from agency telephones? Isn’t it against all NYC agencys’ rules to make personal calls? Isn’t it really, really silly & illegal to make prank calls. Didn’t it take time away from P.C’s duties to answer these fake calls? Does our Public Advocate & her staff take lunch everday? Many of us P.C.’s don’t get the chance to do so. Does her staff work on weekends, holidays, etc? Do your research- $40,000 a year my foot! The majority of P.C’s make the minimum salary,most with no raises in 4 years, Yes, we do work for the Principal, and in countless memos are reminded that we must follow their directives, like in most jobs. We have no job security at all. We are not tenured, do not have a pension fund, little backing of our union, and we still do a great job. I’ve called B.G’s staff a few times & have gotten ridiculous anwers or no answers at all to REAL concerns.There are poor workers in all fields. Nonsense like this must stop! All it does is focus attention away from educational issues that truly matter. Publish your phone bill, Betsy.

]]> By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-636 Anonymous Thu, 01 May 2008 13:29:00 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-636 Its astonishing how Parent Coordinators are criticized through random phonecalls, yet no public advocate has ever taken the time to show up at a school, randomly during the school day to see PC's in action. I've been a<br/>Parent Coordinator since 2003 and my job has not gotten any easier. My workloasd includes a variety of tasks, and you better be able to multi-task ...well! No human being is on call 24/7 except doctors and CEO's...maybe. And although I am being paid over 42K, the salary is way below what I feel I deserve. I am that good at my job and I serve the position well! Still at this salary, I have no intention of being available 24/7. If a parent's need is that great during the mid-night hour they should be calling 911 or the police department. Get real...the Principal of a school i s not on cal 24/7. Public Advocates need to re-clarify their duties and intentions. Its astonishing how Parent Coordinators are criticized through random phonecalls, yet no public advocate has ever taken the time to show up at a school, randomly during the school day to see PC’s in action. I’ve been a
Parent Coordinator since 2003 and my job has not gotten any easier. My workloasd includes a variety of tasks, and you better be able to multi-task …well! No human being is on call 24/7 except doctors and CEO’s…maybe. And although I am being paid over 42K, the salary is way below what I feel I deserve. I am that good at my job and I serve the position well! Still at this salary, I have no intention of being available 24/7. If a parent’s need is that great during the mid-night hour they should be calling 911 or the police department. Get real…the Principal of a school i s not on cal 24/7. Public Advocates need to re-clarify their duties and intentions.

]]> By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-625 Anonymous Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:30:00 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-625 Did the Public Advocate ever consider that Parent Coordinators have to answer walk ins, coorespondence,host workshops, answer complaints, answer school phones, their own private lines, give resource information to parents, write monthly newsletters, attend community meetings as well as district meeting, attend training classes, and assist on days when the school is short on help (everyday) and still have their own life with their families. There is one PC in most school with 300-1000 parents. I like my job, my principal shares information and includes me in meetings so that I can answer parent concerns. The parents are helpful and respectful.<br/>The Chancellor have a no cell phone regulation in which I agree with him, but why should we be expected to walk around the school with our cell phones so that we can answer calls 24/7. My parents have 6 different ways of contacting me, via e-mail,the schools main number, my office number,cell phone number, walking in, and completing a parent concern form.<br/><br/>"OTHERS MAY DOUBT WHAT YOU SAY, BUT THEY WILL BELIEVE WHAT YOU DO.'<br/><br/>Parent Coordinators keep up the good work. Did the Public Advocate ever consider that Parent Coordinators have to answer walk ins, coorespondence,host workshops, answer complaints, answer school phones, their own private lines, give resource information to parents, write monthly newsletters, attend community meetings as well as district meeting, attend training classes, and assist on days when the school is short on help (everyday) and still have their own life with their families. There is one PC in most school with 300-1000 parents. I like my job, my principal shares information and includes me in meetings so that I can answer parent concerns. The parents are helpful and respectful.
The Chancellor have a no cell phone regulation in which I agree with him, but why should we be expected to walk around the school with our cell phones so that we can answer calls 24/7. My parents have 6 different ways of contacting me, via e-mail,the schools main number, my office number,cell phone number, walking in, and completing a parent concern form.

“OTHERS MAY DOUBT WHAT YOU SAY, BUT THEY WILL BELIEVE WHAT YOU DO.’

Parent Coordinators keep up the good work.

]]> By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-609 Anonymous Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:18:00 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-609 I wonder why the Public Advocate is spending so much time scrutinizing cell phone use among parent coordinators, and if the folks conducting this random study even thought to call the school directly to ask to be connected with the parent coordinator? Cell phones should be a back up at this point. They were put in place to assure that every parent had a way to reach their parent coordinator. I don't even use my cell phone except to check messages every few days. 99.9% of the time I have no messages on my cell phone because my parent constituency knows they can reach me directly, which is where most schools should be at this point. It's really up to principals, not PC's. The energy should be spent looking at equity in the way parents are served and the through line mechanism that is in place to serve them. We have come a long way in five years. I wonder why the Public Advocate is spending so much time scrutinizing cell phone use among parent coordinators, and if the folks conducting this random study even thought to call the school directly to ask to be connected with the parent coordinator? Cell phones should be a back up at this point. They were put in place to assure that every parent had a way to reach their parent coordinator. I don’t even use my cell phone except to check messages every few days. 99.9% of the time I have no messages on my cell phone because my parent constituency knows they can reach me directly, which is where most schools should be at this point. It’s really up to principals, not PC’s. The energy should be spent looking at equity in the way parents are served and the through line mechanism that is in place to serve them. We have come a long way in five years.

]]> By: Philissa http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-608 Philissa Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:15:00 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-608 3:07 p.m.--Your comment has some interesting and useful information, so I approved it. But let's all remember to be respectful of people and civil in tone. 3:07 p.m.–Your comment has some interesting and useful information, so I approved it. But let’s all remember to be respectful of people and civil in tone.

]]> By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-607 Anonymous Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:07:00 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-607 I am a parent volunteer for district 4, reading this article and especially what Mr. Hector Nazzario had to say about the Coordinators of this district makes me sick! His interview in NO way speaks for us. He is a vicious, lying snake in the grass who has forgotten that half of the coordinators once stood in and still stand in our shoes. Many have children here in the same district in which they work.Nazzario should stick to the real fact and state the real reason the coordinators aren't able to complete the task Klien has given to them. The problem lies with the Principals & so called Politican back stabbers! I am a parent volunteer for district 4, reading this article and especially what Mr. Hector Nazzario had to say about the Coordinators of this district makes me sick! His interview in NO way speaks for us. He is a vicious, lying snake in the grass who has forgotten that half of the coordinators once stood in and still stand in our shoes. Many have children here in the same district in which they work.Nazzario should stick to the real fact and state the real reason the coordinators aren’t able to complete the task Klien has given to them. The problem lies with the Principals & so called Politican back stabbers!

]]> By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-576 Anonymous Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:07:00 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-576 I am and have been a Parent Coordinator since the inception of this positon. I am extremely disappointed with Public Advocate Office and yet another attack on PC's. My advice is, focus your energies on the real issues schools are facing: budget cuts, no afterschool programs, no community prorams..etc..there are alot of issues facing our schools and the "victims" of these real issues are our children. PC have made such an impact on schools since our inception into the school system..on a daily basis, we go beyond the call of duty, I don't know any PC's that just stick to their job description..my job description changes day by day...and as stated before, if PC's are not answering the phone than call the schools...we are available during our work hours and the cell phones that most of have don't have reception within the the school building...so please, GIVE ME A BREAK...WE ARE DOING THE BEST WE CAN!!!!! I am and have been a Parent Coordinator since the inception of this positon. I am extremely disappointed with Public Advocate Office and yet another attack on PC’s. My advice is, focus your energies on the real issues schools are facing: budget cuts, no afterschool programs, no community prorams..etc..there are alot of issues facing our schools and the “victims” of these real issues are our children. PC have made such an impact on schools since our inception into the school system..on a daily basis, we go beyond the call of duty, I don’t know any PC’s that just stick to their job description..my job description changes day by day…and as stated before, if PC’s are not answering the phone than call the schools…we are available during our work hours and the cell phones that most of have don’t have reception within the the school building…so please, GIVE ME A BREAK…WE ARE DOING THE BEST WE CAN!!!!!

]]> By: Anonymous http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-572 Anonymous Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:38:00 +0000 http://insideschools.org/blog/2008/04/24/public-advocate-parent-coordinators-dont-pick-up-their-phones/#comment-572 The Publc Advocate does not know what really the Parents Coordinators' job is. Come to elementary, middle and high schools and see what we do for the little money we get paid...24/7 phone calls have to be answer? Please stop the nonsense...and get real!!!!!! The Publc Advocate does not know what really the Parents Coordinators’ job is. Come to elementary, middle and high schools and see what we do for the little money we get paid…24/7 phone calls have to be answer? Please stop the nonsense…and get real!!!!!!

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