Sherry Kilgus-Kramer, the president of Salem school advocacy group Strengthen Our Schools, which campaigned for the passage of the failed Phase II elementary school renovations on Tuesday's ballot, sent Patch the following statement regarding post-election activities:
'Strengthen Our Schools' is committed to advocating for, and providing information relevant to, projects and initiatives that support quality education in Salem, New Hampshire. Our recent focus has been the passage of Phase 2 of the facility renovations and staff raises. Now that the election is over, we will be shifting our focus to other projects as determined by our board. We have not initiated, nor are we advocating for, any activities resulting from the local election process on Tuesday, March 13th.
The $21.5 million bond for Phase II to renovate Fisk, Haigh and Soule Schools failed to receive the required 60 percent majority for passage by approximately 300 votes in an election with unprecedented turnout.
Salem Tax
2:30 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
The voters believe the SOS PR group is not running the school district. The group discussed on their Facebook page lawsuits against the town for the ballot and turn away problem, as well as plans for a demonstration at SHS on Saturday morning. These comments and plans obviously were due to disappointing election results. Of the 6,582 voters who voted on the Article 2 half voted yes, but half did not. The sos page promotes the agenda of the half that voted yes, now this PR group must work on convincing the "other" half that did not see this as the proper plan. The plan that would have passed the ballot vote is:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DEI-3NloCOGA%26feature%3Dcontext%26context%3DC3ee0b18ADOEgsToPDskIphQf9Lrf3UL4LxMTlzeB0&h=eAQEN14ekAQF25WT5F2IESC_PalZ7urOJOh8r88dCsDmHyg
This article is an attempt of "the board" (not the school board the Sos PR board) to distance themselves from the negativity that they are expressing.
The SoS PR group also discussed adding the high school onto the 3 schools next year, again, another year of PR would be wasted.
the plan the voters want is this one:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DEI-3NloCOGA%26feature%3Dcontext%26context%3DC3ee0b18ADOEgsToPDskIphQf9Lrf3UL4LxMTlzeB0&h=eAQEN14ekAQF25WT5F2IESC_PalZ7urOJOh8r88dCsDmHyg
john
5:31 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
its going to cost a lot more next year
Wendy James
9:55 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
I was going to tell you how nice it was to bring around coffe and donuts for your sign holders at the polls Tuesday AM. Was even going to add how a friend mentioned how nice your daughters were who were holding signs. But then I saw you told me to shut up on another post. Hmmmm,
john
12:57 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
you know Wendy with all that was said abount me i was very up set i try to do my best for this town. i have never seen so many rude people and thay always go back to the people who who sticket to the taxs payers i have all way helped people in need and to tell you to shut up i am sorry i give coffie and donuts out because thats me and the way i am again i am sorry john
salem voter
2:42 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
@John maybe know that you kiss-up to everybody on the blog. The rev. Jones invited his followers to a health glass of KOOL-AID.
JOHN IS IT TRUE YOU INQUIRED ABOUT A RECOUNT?
Jonh you are following true to your Post Election Activities.
Jake O'Donnell
3:01 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
Let's try to stay on the topic of the SOS statement, please. We're looking into the recount situation.
Patriot
5:58 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
In a down economy when tax payers are pleading with voters to be frugal special interest advocates continue to march on. Why don't they march over to the school and volunteer?
JeffD
9:31 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
It is easier to rant and rave over the internet and harass people who have an opposing viewpoint, or post blogs in which no one can ask questions or debate the facts.
Wendy James
9:53 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
I volunteer weekly,,,,,,,,,do you?
JeffD
10:03 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
No Wendy I dont, but seeing as though you probably are not gainfully employed I expect you have all the time in the world.
Salem Tax
9:09 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012
Patriot,
You are correct. There are taxpayers in the town of Salem NH who are struggling with the monthly means to get by but there are some taxpayers who are more fortunate and are able to withstand a steadily increasing tax bill and even a large spike in taxation as was the case last year. If taxpayers are to choose between spending money for curbside and living, apparently curbside lost that choice. The tough choice comes between raises and renovations. Raises are recognized as another person's economy and can gain more support than renovating a building can. But every voter must decide where their particular economy is, how much of an increase they can withstand and even more important, what specific changes or improvements can be tolerated. Every voter in Salem NH is their own "special interest" group.
Salem Tax
7:01 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
John,
Actually if the right plan is put forth for the voters it may cost less, at least 22 million dollars less
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DEI-3NloCOGA%26feature%3Dcontext%26context%3DC3ee0b18ADOEgsToPDskIphQf9Lrf3UL4LxMTlzeB0&h=uAQGRRPWAAQE1W1eozQnUfBg_TaWx5VD3X0DXxcsNcFr_kw
If the district attempts to promote the same plan, the support will not be there. The voters have heard from a school board member exactly what plan works and why, the 5 year projected enrollment for Haigh is -0- and voters cannot be asked to renovate a school that within 5 years will be vacant or close to vacant. The voters cannot be asked to fund admin and teachers for a school that will according to projections, be virtually empty and not needed by 2017. The bond to pay for the Haigh renovation would last 20 years, so the town voters would be paying for a school for 15 years that they do not need.
If the school district expects to achieve success this is the plan and why:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DEI-3NloCOGA%26feature%3Dcontext%26context%3DC3ee0b18ADOEgsToPDskIphQf9Lrf3UL4LxMTlzeB0&h=uAQGRRPWAAQE1W1eozQnUfBg_TaWx5VD3X0DXxcsNcFr_kw
JeffD
9:26 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
I find it odd that they are not initiating anything on the Patch, but if you go to their facebook page, they are still encouraging people to call the AG's office to file a complaint.
Salem Tax
9:36 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
Jeffd,
The members of the site are discouraged at the outcome and have found a morsel of a problem and are using it to their advantage. Although litigation of such a feat would be a cost the town would have to bear, lawyers are not free. Once the cost of this litigation is realized, and voters understand that these costs will come out of next year's budget, it will be even harder to afford any renovation projects. Litigation and protests will only hurt their efforts to get support for a renovation plan, the facilitator should know that again this is "PR 101".
The group should be focusing on a plan that will pass:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DEI-3NloCOGA%26feature%3Dcontext%26context%3DC3ee0b18ADOEgsToPDskIphQf9Lrf3UL4LxMTlzeB0&h=uAQGRRPWAAQE1W1eozQnUfBg_TaWx5VD3X0DXxcsNcFr_kw
Wendy James
9:53 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
Jake all the comments from Salem Tax are in correct and do not belong here.
Some concerns were initially raised by some members of the SOS group, but the group has issued a statement that you should obtain and read.
Salem Tax
10:33 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
Ms. James
First and foremost the word is "incorrect". Second I believe I am granted the rights by the Constitution to post what I deem appropriate and where I have chosen to post it.
The statement has been issued by the SOS it has been read, we have initiated a dialogue about the issue, thats called "working together", the SOS group should stop submitting to the brainwashing of the facilitator and start thinking for themselves.
Jake if you have a problem with my posts, you hold the delete button in your hand, if you desire, you have my email address as well. Unlike others I take objection, understand and accept critique and voice my own opinion on all topics.
Salem Tax posts belong wherever Salem Voters need information, clearly presented and supported.
Oh yes here is School Board Member Bernard Campbell's plan again in case you missed it:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-NH-Taxpayer/305572479481252
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DEI-3NloCOGA%26feature%3Dcontext%26context%3DC3ee0b18ADOEgsToPDskIphQf9Lrf3UL4LxMTlzeB0&h=mAQFkrBTaAQFSMJ5JCmhBYnM9DWXMZSzOdyE4j0tt2JJ7Zw
JeffD
10:05 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wendy, the posts by Salem Tax were not incorrect, hostile, or beligerent and they should stay. You just dont agree with them, that's all, time to move on. Tell the gals over at SOS I said Hi!
Jake O'Donnell
10:09 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
All I'll say is this: I'd like us to be careful about the way we characterize who is intending to do what. In their official statement, SOS has made it clear they are not intending to initiate or advocate any action as a result of the election. The SOS president also wrote on the wall of their Facebook page that opinions expressed there do not necessarily that of the group's board. So let's keep that in mind, please.
Salem Tax
10:39 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
Jake,
Facebook is a social media site, it is not a corporation. SOS is registered with the state of NH as a "non profit" similar to a food pantry. The presentation of a president of a facebook page has little merit. The "board" is the SOS board comprised of the facilitator and a few chosen members, certainly not to be confused with the school board that actually runs the district. The site is not much more than a PR site to advocate the opinion of a few. The risk of not permitting open access to the FB page, limits the vision and does not encourage dialogue and strengthen the overall goal of accomplishment, it detracts, denies and closes out voters, those voters have spoken.
Dialogue must be a two way street, until the facilitator of the site encourages dialogue, it will be a battle for the group to pass anything with voters.
This is the plan they should use:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DEI-3NloCOGA%26feature%3Dcontext%26context%3DC3ee0b18ADOEgsToPDskIphQf9Lrf3UL4LxMTlzeB0&h=mAQFkrBTaAQFSMJ5JCmhBYnM9DWXMZSzOdyE4j0tt2JJ7Zw
Jake O'Donnell
10:10 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
I meant to say "do not necessarily reflect."
Wendy James
10:14 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
JEFFD, I feel they are incorrect, there are no lawsuits being discussed. Some members of their facebook page made some posts but they don't represent the group. Just concerned citizens
Salem Tax
10:44 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
Ms. James,
Lawsuits are expensive. If any person or entity sues the town, who is responsible for the legal costs? The taxpayers, the voters, the "other" 50% the group needs to vote in the affirmative next year. A lawsuit against the town from an advocacy group that was promoted by the School District (part of the same town being sued) would do more damage to any future bonds placed before the town. The financial burden of legal bills would be enough to convince voters that there is even less money for bonds outside of the budget and could lead to deeper budget cuts, this is definitely not a good PR move (that tip was free, anymore tips will cost $$)
Try this plan instead:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DEI-3NloCOGA%26feature%3Dcontext%26context%3DC3ee0b18ADOEgsToPDskIphQf9Lrf3UL4LxMTlzeB0&h=mAQFkrBTaAQFSMJ5JCmhBYnM9DWXMZSzOdyE4j0tt2JJ7Zw
Wendy James
8:23 am on Friday, March 16, 2012
OH I see,,,Salem Tax is now in charge of what's appropriate to post.
Patriot
5:46 am on Friday, March 16, 2012
What this tax payer is upset about:
conflicting plans
so many groups
state mandates that are unfunded
federal mandates
luxury programs Vs mandatory
Salem Tax
6:32 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
Ms. James
Jake Odonnell is in charge of this blog and all patch blogs, he will determine what is appropriate to post, that is his job and he is doing a great one.
Clearly you are sensing a feeling of being attacked, but in reality we are sharing information in a clear format for the voters of Salem NH and that is all we are doing.
If you want more voter participation, you must be certain to engage the voting public and make them feel their vote counts for something.
I think we are doing that, Salem is changing and changing for the better.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-NH-Taxpayer/305572479481252
Patriot
6:02 am on Friday, March 16, 2012
There are to many reasons why both parents work. This sad fact has put schools between parents and students. As many parents are so caught up in their lives they just allow school officials to do what they think is right. To many residents just acquiesce authority to the government. We have witnessed to often that the people we give power to abuse that power.
Salem Tax
6:28 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
Patriot,
We entrust 59 million dollars annually to the school district, that should be a sufficient amount to run the school district, if it is not enough then ask and qualify with support more money, but doing during budget season when it can be properly scrutinized for the public at large to witness. Also a better maintenance program where problems are addressed when they happen and using budget money during the year would avoid the need for a 21 million dollar bond in addition to the 59 million already given. You have heard it before, its not a revenue problem, its a spending problem.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-NH-Taxpayer/305572479481252
Patriot
6:12 am on Friday, March 16, 2012
I was reading Mr. Morgans remarks. We are on the hook for physical therapy? Reading, writing, arithmetic, swimming, golf, and now physical therapy?
PTA, SOS, Budget Committee, School Board, Teachers Union, Administrative support, DCS, Blah, Blah, Blah! Who you going to trust?
Salem Tax
6:25 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
Patriot
State laws require that these activities be made available to children who require them for disability reasons, the law is the law. However $50,000 a year for a hockey team may be an expense we can do without or collect from the parents of the 12 children that actually play.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-NH-Taxpayer/305572479481252
Patriot
6:15 am on Friday, March 16, 2012
Divide and conquer!
Wendy James
8:24 am on Friday, March 16, 2012
Does not always work
Salem Tax
8:40 am on Friday, March 16, 2012
Ms James
First, no one person or organization is "in charge" of anything. In order for a town to function it requires cooperation, no control tactics. The SOS facebook site controls who views the page, who posts on the page and apparently what is posted on the page, the facilitator runs the page. If the facilitator chooses to operate the page in this fashion, the "vanilla" content on the page is the result. The problem with the content is every voter already knows how the 953 members (most of which are not Salem voters or residents) feel about the schools and after a certain length of time, the site becomes redundant and appears as more of an organizing tool rather than in informative tool. What started as an informational site has become a coffee clutch and loses momentum over time.
Clearly if a voter wants to be informed and have the opportunity to debate, disagree and rebutt this is the facebook site you should be interested in:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-NH-Taxpayer/305572479481252
salem voter
6:49 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
Salem Tax lets move on about the schools. The big problem facing the taxpayers now is that 5 million plus road program. We should eliminate less traveled roads such as Pelham Road out of the plan saving taxpayers money moving foward.
Salem Tax
7:08 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
Salem Voter,
The road program article is a concern as it is one article that could be added onto as well. With more voters present it will be the will of the people how much the final article ends as. A larger concern would be having the article increased by other roads. Should the article pass it will be the will of the Selectman as to what roads are included.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-NH-Taxpayer/305572479481252
Peter North
7:26 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
this has all really taken over your life. Do you stop to eat ?
Salem Tax
7:28 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
Mr North,
Voters like information about issues.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-NH-Taxpayer/305572479481252
Peter North
7:33 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
And you have taken it upon yourself to flood the patch pages with your personal opinion and a link to your facebook page ? I think if a voter wanted more credible information they could find it.
With all the comments on here that have that facebook link, you should be paying Jake an advertising fee .
I get nervous when I see people consumed by something so much, it's like an addiction. Certainly can't be healthy
JeffD
11:18 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
A little grumpy today Peter? Salem Tax offers information that is most informative and worthwhile reading.
Jake O'Donnell
7:39 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
Back on topic, please.
Salem Tax
8:11 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
Mr North,
The link is to the Salem Taxpayers facebook site, which has informative articles and such for the voters should they choose to go there. Per your request I will not attach the link to my message . . . . . . .this time.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=343914382313728&set=pu.305572479481252&type=1&theater
Peter North
8:42 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
@Salem Tax. Actually your site does what you complain the SOS site does, "only post's one side of the issue".
And thank you for posting that pic instead of a link to your page. Did you get permission from the owner to do so? Copyright violations are investigated by the FBI and i'd hate for you to get into a jam with them.
JeffD
11:15 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
Oh Peter, Salem Tax's site is quite informative, if you are open to the truth. Also, copyright violations are not investigated by the FBI, the FBI doesnt have time nor the money to chase people who download music or pictures off the internet, besides, copyright issues are a civil issue not a criminal one.
Salem Tax
8:47 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012
Mr. North
The photo came from google. The Salem Taxpayers facebook site offers information for voters and permits commentary and debate. The site has links and receives news input from organizations that are involved with all aspects of government from federal to state and all types of issues from taxation, education and family. There is no required "membership" to the site as well.
Thank you for visiting by the way, come back soon please.
Peter North
12:17 am on Saturday, March 17, 2012
Not grumpy at all,,,GREAT day! Just not drinking the same Kool Aid you clowns are!
Peter North
12:22 am on Saturday, March 17, 2012
@JeffD,,,,actually the FBI does investigate those cases,,,go to the movies once in a while and you can read it for yourself. And NEVER underestimate what the FBI has time to investigate!
JeffD
8:48 am on Saturday, March 17, 2012
Go to the movies and read for yourself? That makes no sense whatsoever. Also, all copyright infringements cases are handled in a civil court not a criminal court. You ARE INCORRECT!
Jeff Hatch
9:14 am on Saturday, March 17, 2012
Ok you got me confused. What the hell is the big deal? Both groups and sites advocate for there side of the issue. There's nothing wrong with any of this unless of course one of them raised or spent $500.00 or more and didn't register and report it with the NH SOS office.
Peter North
10:44 pm on Saturday, March 17, 2012
@JeffD: At the beginning of most motion pictures shown in theaters there is a warning about copyright and it says at the bottom that Interpol, the FBI and etc investigate such crimes. It's an effort to stop those DVD's that you can buy at the flea market. Sorry to have confused you
Patriot
5:16 pm on Saturday, March 17, 2012
What is this $500.00 issue, are they listed with the IRS as nonprofit?
Jeff Hatch
5:33 pm on Saturday, March 17, 2012
when 2 or people raise or spend $500.00 or more in support of a candidate or an issue during an election. They have formed a politcal PAC and required to register and file reports with the NH SOS. Stating who the officers of such group are, list of donors, and what they spent the cash on. Same issue when we were discussing the flier by the union
Salem Tax
5:53 pm on Saturday, March 17, 2012
Mr Hatch and Mr North
Salem Taxpayer is the name of a Facebook site, just like "Say Yes to Curbside" or "Say No to curbside" its all it is, a name. The site is not registered with the Secretary of States office, because it is a facebook site with 3 administrators, I am one of them. The site does not raise money as a matter of record, the site should save voters money if they take the time to read it. It is not a union, PAC, cult or other structured organization, it is 3 admins putting information on a facebook page to inform the voters. Our facebook page allows and encourages opinions of others, disagreement with others, discussions with others, because it is recognized that dialogue and debate is what will solve problems in Salem. I invite you to our page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-NH-Taxpayer/305572479481252
Jeff Hatch
8:59 pm on Saturday, March 17, 2012
Read my post again. I never said you or the other group or groups boke any rules. Nor did I say any of you were a PAC.
Jake O'Donnell
7:10 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012
Attempts to learn or state the identity of commenters on Salem Patch beyond what they display as their screen names is off topic and not appropriate conversation.
Salem Tax
8:44 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012
Mr. Hatch,
My last post was designed again to inform only.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-NH-Taxpayer/305572479481252
Jeff Hatch
10:03 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012
Here's what I'm talking about. This was posted on the SOS fb site by Laurel Redden
Folks, we're passing the tin cup to get materials printed to help pass this year's school warrant articles. We need lawn signs, stakes, and color flyers. We expect these items will run about $1K. Two ways to help right now:
1) Please message me via FB if you have access to a high-volume color printer or know a printer in the area willing to provide a discount on signs.
2) Help us defray costs o...f what we'll need printed by donating what you can! We can only do what our budget allows, so your immediate gift will help us plan out what we can do. Checks should be made payable and sent to:
Strengthen Our Schools, 3 Darryl Lane, Salem, NH 03079
THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY PLEDGED AND SENT DONATIONS!!!See More
LikeUnlike · · January 31 at 11:22am
Salem Tax
10:18 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012
Mr. Hatch,
I have seen that post as well. It appears the group is doing what most groups do, asking members to participate. The group is registered with the Secretary of State office so I think it was appropriate to seek donations. This group also received some free donations toward their cause as well such as postcards etc. It appears the group and its facilitator have done nothing wrong.
Wendy James
10:21 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012
I was so looking forward to the election being over and the topics on here returning to other matters in our community. Are we really still stuck on this ?
Wendy James
10:25 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012
@Salem Tax: Now your giving out legal opinions on patch besides deciding what is appropriate to post,,fantastic! You really have empowered yourself.
Salem Tax
11:46 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012
Ms. James,
There have been no legal opinions expressed here. There have been no opinions posted determining appropriate information to post. A debate regarding what constitutes a PAC or group was the topic of discussion.
Mr Hatch,
A change of topic is a good idea, this article states "after election activities" which appears at the onset to be about post election decisions and topics. Moving forward is essential to continue to improve Salem while maintaining an affordable tax base so moving on, agreed.
Jeff Hatch
10:30 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012
@ Salem Tax, You may use my first name after all I know you know who I'm. Yes I know they're on the up and up I was in the process of rewriting the rest of the post because it was to long. But in a nut shell you covered it so I'll stop and follow Wendy's lead and agree time to move on
Wendy James
10:45 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012
Thank you Mr Hatch, enjoy your day!
Now about those Red Sox
Jeff Hatch
10:50 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012
Not really a baseball fan. Not enough excitement for me
Wendy James
11:33 am on Sunday, March 18, 2012
Me neither, just trying to change the subject.
Brian
10:31 am on Friday, March 30, 2012
Why are people so quick to close the Haigh School? Didn't the town close it once before only to have to re-open it again? And lets not get into how much the town had to pay to renovate the school so that it could be used by students. IMO a 5-year report is not something “concrete” to base on whether or not a school should be closed or not because if that was the case then why not talk or plan on closing one of the other schools then lets save even more money by doing that.
The failure to properly educate our children isn't something to be decided upon with a 5-year report. What happens if after the 5-years we see a boom in population and a surge in elementary school aged children - and Oh My God we voted to close one of our elementary schools so now our schools are over-crowded. Now the town will have to decide to either renovate the Haigh school (which will cost the town much more money to get it in line with the others) or decide if it should build a new school.
It’s pretty sad that some people didn’t vote for Phase 2 school plan simply because they had the attitude of “my kids are out of school so why should I care” or “I don’t have kids in the system” I feel sorry for these people.
And as far as some of the townspeople being disgruntled about the outcome of the election - of course they are!!! Why would you be surprised by this??? You would feel the same if something that you were passionate about, spent time politicking for got voted down.