In the minutes of a personnel meeting held August 2, 2011 Dr Habel "discussed his recommendation to abolish the position of Director of Curriculum. He cited the results of the recent demographic study which indicated the district would have a future decline in student enrollment..." I am curious what was discussed at this August retreat that changed his mind. When eliminating other positions or programs its all about money. I guess when eliminating administrators, its all about who goes to summer camp together. I applaud the BoE members that voted against and believe that they may in fact be feeling and responding to the concerns of the voters that elected them.

Congrats to the members who voted against. The other 5 are Habel's puppets. What's next? Where does the new Director of Curriculum stand on the closing of the WB? Funny how she was on the Ad Hoc commitee and suddenly gets a job in the Central Office! Now let's see where she stands.

I couldn't say it more perfectly than my fellow peers above! Back to the same old same old in Wall Twp. "Puppets" is a perfect word for all of those who follow the word of Habel and they should be ashamed of themselves. This is not the way of gaining the trust of the parents in this town and I hope this doesn't affect the passing of another budget.

Let's just keep making these types of hiring decisions and then turn around and blame that evil Chris Christie who is pulling the plug on this type of waste. Now boards are steamrolling ahead and saying the state will not pay for this but Obama will fuel our waste. And when the White House job plan goes up in smoke (hint – it already has) and no money comes from Washington; the taxpayers can pick up the bill and we can blame Chris Christie again because “taxes just keep going up and we don’t know why”.

@Jimmy- you obviously have no idea what you are talking about. The majority of those that voted in favor of this hiring decision are Chris Christie Republicans.

I'm so glad to see so many Wall residents are NOT in favor of this hiring decision. When I took the poll it was over 70%. I'm upset that the 3 that appear to truly represent the parents in Wall were pretty much told by Tonzola not to run for President or Vice President because they are newcomers. So much for Democracy.

I find it shocking that many are missing the point. The role that was filled is crucial to our children. The progress of mapping courses as demonstrated at the Board meeting will help standardize the educational experience of our children. It will help teaches share lesson plans, normalize course delivery, and allow them to collaborate with other teachers across the country. The position is what enables this. I question the motives and backing of the three who opposed with such drama. And in Mr. Tonzola's defense, he feels strongly that it takes a while to learn the workings of the board, something I believe the recent abstentions by newcomers proves out.

Mr Ferrell- continue to be shocked because you are in the overwhelming minority on this argument. You obviously got Habel's talking points for the week..that was made quite clear at the meeting. How you got those talking points is a discussion for a different time. And knowing Mr. Tonzola as most of us do, he most assuredly does not need you to defend his positions. He is quite capable of doing so himself and would probably be the first to tell you that you do not speak for him.

I do not have anyone's talking points, but do often wonder who's providing the script for the current drama with the board as well as some members talking points. It obviously isn't someone who truly cares about education. I have both criticized and complimented the board, past and present because they and the administrators are not perfect, but are not always wrong as many anonymous contributors attempt to paint them. I thank all board members for their service, and wish that we could all focus on improving education for our children, not a set of bogus issues (Denali anyone?), or playing to the crowd. To paraphase Bill Clinton "It's educating the kids st......"

Stonewalled you may have not been paying attention... I heard Mr. Ferrell thank Dr. Habel and criticizing why he had to reach out to Dr. Habel at the same time. Seems he was given the run around by high school administrators, and worked the chain of command. He made a point by thanking and criticizing the situation at the same time....pretty sharp if you ask me

Mr. Ferrell and Objective,
While I believe your views are something you most assuredly should be free to air, there are 2600 people who voted for candidates who share the towns majority opinion. Hopefully in April more new members will be brought onto the BOE to reflect what residents want. Not just Mr. Habel and his posse.

The issue is educating our children. I hope that voters in town will stop being swayed by personalities and stray issues, and look at giving our children a quality education ( and more should show up to vote). I see the new steps with course mapping as a concrete way to improve the variations in classes in the same subject. Each child should have a core set of objectives they have mastered for each subject, and it clearly isn't consistent today. Completing mapping through continuing the position will help. I have no idea how the WTEA feels about this, and wish as an organization they would become a more public partner by communicating with parents on this and similar topics. My biggest fear is that we will face both a strike or other job actions by the non-contracted WTEA, as well as what looks like gridlock and pettiness at the board. The tone and rhetoric is moving in those directions. I don't need anyone's permission to air my opinion, and can be bold enough to air it with my name attached. I tire of debating those who hide while making childish statements against those who voters have elected. So if you'd like real discussion and opinion, please feel free to tap my shoulder at next month's board meeting and we can go get coffee and debate.

Mr. Ferrell. Here are the facts:
1) The Board cried "FIRE!" in a crowded movie house last year because the budget had been cut to "bare bones" and the only options left (supposedly) were to close West Belmar or fire all of our custodians.
2) In a very public and transparent move, the WTEA gave major concessions to enable the Board to keep the existing custodial positions.
3) Upon Dr. Gaffney vacating to Cherry Hill, Dr. Habel himself publicly stated that the Director of Curriculum position should be eliminated.
4) In almost all school districts the size of Wall, the Assistant Superintendent performs the duties of Director of Curriculum.
5) According to revelations at the last Board meeting, Dr. Habel lied to the citizens of Wall, saying he thouroghly discussed re-creating the D of C position with all Board members at the August retreat, and they all agreed to reinstate the position. (This is the similar to the lie that was told when it was said that everyone who participated in the Ad Hoc committee about the closing of West Belmar agreed that closing it was feasible and the correct course of action. At least 5 of the 8 community representatives on that committee completely disagreed with that view.)
6) The job functions performed by the D of C would not stop being executed, the Assistant Superintendent would do them.
Obviously, Mr. Ferrell, it is all about educating our children. But the people of Wall are tired of Habel's backroom deals and blatant dishonesty.

Thank you Tom C. for thoroughly explaining the reasons why the majority of residents are so opposed to this D of C position being reinstated. I'd also like to point out that the overinflated salaries of both the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent should more than compensate for those added responsibilities. Directing the curriculum is important, but doesn't warrant it's own overinflated salary and position.

It would seem that the Administration is far more interested in hastily satisfying debts to their cohorts than even trying to pretend to look for real experienced candidates. Can't wait to see what her salary will be for the new job!

Did anyone bother to ask what this person's qualifications are?

Ms. Garibay does not appear to be either needed or qualified for this position. Apparently, this woman's personal reputation is not so favorable either. All i know, is that my children's elementary school's curriculum has been a mess this year. No homework and very little emphasis on Math. When i speak with the teachers, there seems to be alot of confusion about the curriculum. Budget cuts have been made and we are hiring incompetents to lead our childrens academics. Does this make any sense ??