Please leave a comment for any postings that may have legal issues. I am just an ignorant, poverty stricken mom posting corruption, abuse and awareness. The corrupt take offense and have the defense to mash me like a potato. Like nature, I eventually spud again. Or not. Potato, pototah, I try.
10/31/15
http://bangordailynews.com/2015/10/30/news/midcoast/two-vie-for-open-belfast-school-board-seat/
Read below for emails from Superintendent Knowles supporting fraud, student discrimination and costing us enormous college funding and opportunity. I contacted the Phi Beta Kappa Maine Chapter Director, Dr. Ward. This is not the Phi Beta Kappa Award sent in April when Jessica Woods was my son's counselor. She knew, she robbed my son of this high honor. Below Knowles refuses to honor my son, they mail out this fraudulent certificate and that's it. Not even a congratulations, no acknowledgement what so ever. We would have never even known he received this- never would have listed it on college applications.... It's beyond comprehension.
From:
delliotward@emhs.org
To: laurieallen55@msn.com
CC: mross@rsu20.org; mross@rsu71.org
Subject: RE: XXXXX Belfast Award 2015.
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2015 17:45:36 +0000
The photo you e-mailed is not of the certificate that we sent to the school. Our certificate was sent to James Davis from our printing company, likely in April. Maybe Mrs. Ross could inquire about it for you with Mr. Davis and that she could let the guidance staff know that I have said that what you received is not our certificate. The name on the form is James Davis.It was sent to James Davis. If they cannot find it and are willing to pay for a new one, someone from the school can contact me and I can give them the contact information for the printing company.
Debora Elliott Ward, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
The Acadia Hospital
268 Stillwater Ave.
Bangor, ME 04402-0422
Office (207) 973-6349
Fax (207) 973-6038
To: laurieallen55@msn.com
CC: mross@rsu20.org; mross@rsu71.org
Subject: RE: XXXXX Belfast Award 2015.
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2015 17:45:36 +0000
The photo you e-mailed is not of the certificate that we sent to the school. Our certificate was sent to James Davis from our printing company, likely in April. Maybe Mrs. Ross could inquire about it for you with Mr. Davis and that she could let the guidance staff know that I have said that what you received is not our certificate. The name on the form is James Davis.It was sent to James Davis. If they cannot find it and are willing to pay for a new one, someone from the school can contact me and I can give them the contact information for the printing company.
Debora Elliott Ward, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
The Acadia Hospital
268 Stillwater Ave.
Bangor, ME 04402-0422
Office (207) 973-6349
Fax (207) 973-6038
Woods, Knowles, Davis and Fitzpatrick are calculating cruel, fraudulent and discriminatory. These are my son's friends...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/479531778794427/
Great job at Boys Nation Peter!
SEARSMONT,
Maine — In the last few weeks, 17-year-old Peter Spectre of Searsmont
has traveled far to participate in Boys State and then Boys Nation in
Washington, D.C. Along the way, he has found a new passion for service
and even…
bangordailynews.com
Congratulations William Henry Hyland on this accomplishment!!!
On
Saturday, July 18th, Boy Scout Troop 35 and the Katahdin Area Council
honored its newest Eagle Scout, William Hyland (17) of Searsmont. Hyland
is the first Eagle Scout from Searsmont’s Troop 35 in nearly 20 years.
The ceremony and recognition took place at the Searsmont Community
Building on Main…
bangordailynews.com
http://bahs.rsu71.org/home/BAHS-School-News/nationalmeritscholarshipcommendedstudentsatbahs
National Merit Scholarship Commended Students at BAHS
posted Sep 24, 2015, 9:50 AM by Butch Richards [ updated Sep 24, 2015, 9:50 AM ]
Principal Stephen Fitzpatrick of Belfast Area High School announced
today that Philip D. Wich, and Richard L. Wyman both residents of
Belfast, have been named Commended Students in the 2016 National Merit
Scholarship Program. A letter of Commendation from the school and the
National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the
program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically
talented seniors. Principal Fitzpatrick indicated, “These young men are
excellent ambassadors for BAHS. They are totally immersed in their
educational opportunities and represent their family, community and
school in a superlative manner.”
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2016 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2016 competition by taking the 2014 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
“The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2016 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2016 competition by taking the 2014 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
“The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
RSU71 Officials & Players targets, intimidates
and discriminates scholar student because student is my son. I was
awarded hotly contested relocation because of my dedication to my
children and ability to survive. We relocated here in 2010 with every
last cent to get back up safely and privately. Home, work, school and
back home. Heal and move on, finally. Prior hell all wrapped up, deaths,
estate corruption, insane divorce and family court, more corruption...
Towns were duped into the RSU20 withdraw. Millions spent on the players,
the new RSU71 is broke and broken. Millions should have been banked to
support the new RSU, instead Belfast City Hall burned through surplus
for more economic wants. Many corrupt projects, too many to track. But
hey, lets charge more to dispose of trash(the poor pile it in their
yards or nature dump it.) City Hall continues to cut property tax
services (basic infrastructure) and jacks up taxes creates a TIF pocket
for the 1% and players. City Hall tells the public that we aren't paying
for the TIF projects for the 1%... Insane. If private property taxes
went into a TIF for resident's needs- how would that suit the 1% and
City Hall?
Blame it on the RSU. Students, parents and residents will absorb the
crash or crash. More clients for the "healthcare" industry... another
Belfast City Hall push. Stressful call centers with bully
administrations have employees a mess. In therapy, on meds, back
stabbing each other and the customer calling... Thank goodness arthritis
took me out of that. Delay, delay, delay an ergo station. Within 4
months, I was flat out, I couldn't sit for even a minute. Physical
therapy for a month and upon my return, Dr.s orders for the ergo station
to be in place. My boss and personnel told me to get those orders taken
off before returning. They did not have the ego station in place yet.
Back into poverty I go. Healthcare business boom- my street is in the
middle. I am in their way.
Superintendent Knowles interest is assets, not the students and not the
parents. Another 1%'er. Belfast City Manager Joe Slocum is baiting for
upcoming spending. He had Superintendent Knowles come to the 10/20/2015
City Council meeting to cast the line. He was not impressive. To see Superintendent Knowles not impress, click on the
meeting link and then 10A. http://belfastme.swagit.com/play/10202015-1489/#2
RSU71 Superintendent Knowles, BAHS
Guidance Director Davis and Principal Fitzpatrick guilty of
Counterfeiting and Student Discrimination
Below is 2 months of the RSU71 Superintendent Knowles,
Belfast Area High School Director of Guidance James Davis and Principal
Fitzpatrick counterfeiting the Phi Beta Kappa Achievement Award to my
son (below). Law
breaking school official thugs destroying student and parents rights.
Superintendent Knowles, BAHS Guidance Director Davis and Principal
Fitzpatrick- robbing us of the greatest college assistance- Questbrook. http://www.questbridge.org/about-questbridge/mission-a-vision
University and College Partners
QuestBridge partners are leading research universities and liberal arts colleges in the United States. Our 36 partner colleges are among the most selective in the nation, and all offer an outstanding education to their undergraduate students. QuestBridge partner colleges are located in the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West Coast in small towns, suburbs, and big cities. They range in size from 900 to over 16,000 undergraduates. All QuestBridge partners share a commitment to increasing the presence of outstanding low-income students on their campuses and making their institutions accessible to high-achieving students regardless of background.Read more about our partner colleges.
The National College Match
We know that many of the most talented low-income students in the country do not apply to top colleges. We also know that top colleges want talented low-income students on their campuses. The National College Match was designed specifically to help high-achieving low-income students gain admission and scholarships to some of the country's best colleges and universities.Through an application uniquely designed for low-income students, applicants can apply to our 36 partner colleges and may be admitted with full four-year scholarships to these schools. The National College Match application opens in August and is due at the end of September.
Visit the National College Match section for more information.
If you are matched:
- You can be matched to only ONE school.
- You are committed to attending your match school the following fall*.
- You will receive a full four-year scholarship with $0 parental contribution, including tuition, room & board, and additional expenses.
Please keep in mind:
The College Match is highly competitive and only a select number will match to a school; many additional Finalists will be admitted through QuestBridge Regular Decision with outstanding financial aid.
Applicants who rank schools for the College Match cannot apply early elsewhere. Please review the Early Application Policy for details and exceptions.
*All partner colleges, with the exception of MIT, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale, require students to commit to attend and withdraw any outstanding college applications as a part of their College Match Agreement.
Apply for the Match
Follow this timeline to apply for the National College Match:| Date/Deadline | What to complete | Who |
| September 28 | National College Match application | All applicants |
| QuestBridge (questions@questbridge.org) This sender is in your contact list. | |
| Sent: | Mon 10/19/15 4:46 PM |
| To: | Laurieallen55 (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
## Please type your reply above this line ##
QuestBridge, Oct 19, 1:46 PM:Dear Laurie,
We've received and read both of your emails and are very sorry to hear about your situation. We understand how frustrating it can be to navigate college admissions deadlines and paperwork. We're especially sorry to hear that (son) was mistakenly advised that there was a later deadline for QuestBridge Regular Decision. The QuestBridge application process is complex, which is why we sent (son) emails from August through September with information about the processes so that he could research it for himself.
Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting applications for the National College Match. Please note that our partner colleges have chosen to be affiliated with QuestBridge because they are committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent qualified students from attending their schools. We hope that (son) will not be discouraged from applying to these and other colleges with similar financial aid policies on his own, as low income students will likely receive generous financial aid if accepted.
Please also visit our Scholarship Resources page at http://questbridge.org/for-students/scholarship-resources.
We wish you and (son) all the best in the college application process.
Kind regards,
The QuestBridge Team
Below is the 2 month chase of disgrace. I didn't paste all the emails. It's what they do. No do and delay. Till it's too late or you gave up. I don't give up. My sentence is too late.
RSU71 Superintendent Knowles responds @ 4am with delusion. I ASKED TO PERSONALLY MEET WITH HIM ON 8/23/2015 BEFORE SCHOOL EVEN STARTED. HE REFUSED TO MEET WITH ME. I have compiled another trail of failure specific to Knowles continuing the corruption of education to our children. Cost beyond the astronomical budget that was to save the corrupt system from RSU20 to the new RSU71. Same control as corrupt Belfast City Hall and targeting private property resident destruction under the new Comprehensive Plan 10/2014 (new zoning still not public the City website, more unknown public information with held, meetings manipulated, on and on and no one else will speak up. Either dirtily implicated or fearful for their families and safety. Hello- they watched me get thrown by every corrupt white, blue and pink collar bully by the masses, for 5 years.)
I was side blinded when my son's guidance counselor (also detrimental with lies) included in an email that she had accepted another position outside of the district and was gone an hour later. Jessica would not respond to my emails. I sent them to the RSU address (both 71 and 20- I knew she was ditching me) Her new address was not listed yet, but not hard to figure out. I sent the email there too (jwoods@islesboro.k12.me.us) No response. I sent it to the administration of her new school, then she replied. Shameless.
Within the hour of flight, Jessica had emailed my son and asked him to call her. She never did return his call. Turns out she has deep family ties in Belfast and community weight including Waldo Cap LIHEAP. Another problem for me. Makes sense now. Dot, dot, dot, connecting the never ending implicating web.
1.
| rom: | Jessica Woods (jwoods@islesboro.k12.me.us) This sender is in your contact list. |
| Sent: | Mon 9/07/15 10:02 PM |
| To: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com); James Davis (jdavis@rsu71.org) |
Hi Laurie,
I
apologize for the delay in response to your email. I did see that you
emailed the Administrative Assistant at my new place of employment.
I
am copying James Davis on this email as well, as it seems that he is
most likely working with (son)l this 2015-16 year. I did submit the
nomination paperwork for Michael to QuestBridge back in August.
Additionally, I have offered to provide all or part of letters of
recommendation for 2016 seniors who were on my caseload. However, the
"school counselor" letter can not come from me entirely, as I am no
longer employed by RSU 71 and will not be the school counselor that
(son) will report on his Common Application. I will work with Mr.
Davis regarding (son's) letter.
Thanks-
Jess
| 2. |
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Fri 9/04/15 8:54 AM |
| To: | khall@islesboro.k12.me.us (khall@islesboro.k12.me.us); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com); jwoods@islesboro.k12.me.us (jwoods@islesboro.k12.me.us) |
Dear Ms. Hall,
Please confirm that I have the correct email address for Jessica Woods. I haven't received a response for the email below and I am worried. My son needs Jessica's letter of recommendation to submit his college applications. Please confirm that Jessica receives this message. For the record, I will copy and paste Jessica's confirmation for the recommendation that should have been received. Jessica did not respond to the 8/22 email to advise how we would receive the letter and (son) did not receive a phone call either.
Please send the letter to my email laurieallen55@msn.com . Emails are in flux with transitioning from RSU20 to RSU71 and are a problem.
Thank You,
Laurie Allen
3.
From: laurieallen55@msn.com
To: jwoods@islesboro.k12.me.us; laurieallen55@msn.com
Subject: (son's) Letter
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2015 15:49:18 -0400
Jessica,
We have not received your letter of recommendation. Please advise when and how (son) will receive it. Did you submit (son) for the PBK award?
Thank You,
Laurie
4.
| From: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Sat 8/22/15 10:40 AM |
| To: | jwoods@rsu20.org (jwoods@rsu20.org); jwoods@rsu71.org (jwoods@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
We did not get your resignation messages before you left. Please call (son) @ xxx-xxx-xxxx after 1pm today per your request to speak with him. Please advise how (son) will receive your letter of recommendation.
Sincerely,
Laurie Allen
*************************************
Now we move on to Guidance Director of Fraud- James Davis and gang (Superintendent Knowles and Principal Fitzpatrick) .
On 8/23/15, I contacted Superintendent Knowles with the history- see below. I had to make sure Superintendent authority would not allow Director of Guidance James Davis to destroy the golden Questbridge College Application due on 9/28/2015. Knowles couldn't have burned my son any faster than a blow torch.
Targeting children is done by the sickest of all. Hands up, children down. Take that Mom.
10/23/15 Superintendent Knowles is not responding. 2nd requested email today.
From: laurieallen55@msn.com
To: pknowles@rsu71.org; laurieallen55@msn.com
CC: mross@rsu71.org; ebaker@rsu20.org; questions@questbridge.org; delliotward@emhs.org; abigail.manahan@maine.gov
Subject: FW: (son) Proof of Questbridge School Failure
Date: Tue, 20 Oct 2015 08:43:36 -0400
Superintendent Knowles,
This is exactly what I thought would happen with Guidance Director James Davis. (son) on track to get the Questbridge application in by the deadline on Monday, 9/28/2015, until James Davis finally met with (son) the Questbridge Application on Friday, 9/24/2015 after month long requests to do so. Despite the overloaded scheduling, no counselor in place and the Phi Beta Kappa fraud.
I asked you to oversee this on August 25 after the certificate fraud and you assured me that Guidance Director Jame Davis would do his job. I gave all the information on the deadlines and college choices and stepped in because I had to. The cover up of the Phi Beta Kappa award is shocking abuse of administration power hurting a scholarly student.
(son) wanted to believe James Davis would help him. (son) left his office on 9/24/2015 believing he could apply for regular decision after 9/28/2015. If (son) did NOT meet with James Davis, the application would have been received by 9/28/2015. Questbridge was (son's) best chance and a gift.
So many teens turn to drugs or suicide to escape what (son) has been through and continues to deal with. (son) turns to his studies, excels and does not want to ask anything of anyone. Expectations for him to aggressively cope with certain school administration intent on hurting him is outrageous. Blaming (son) again is wrong.
What is your resolution now as (son) continues to hold on and take more abuse? Please advise.
Sincerely,
Laurie Allen
Guidance Director
James Davis does not advise, does not schedule son's interview, nor
does Davis send any further communications to me. The Questbridge
Application is not done and the ACT test on 10/25/2015 is canceled on
10/22/2015 because a photo was not sent in with the registration. My
overwhelmed son did not check his email in time to see his
registration photo did not attach. Exactly the reason that I asked
for DAVIS to do the registration with my son. My son blames himself
only.
This is all I asked
of Superintendent Knowles before school even began. Oversee the lying
and fraudulent Guidance Director Davis and make sure the documents
needed by 9/25/2015 weeks were in order. Knowles would have received
another email from me and my son would be free from their intent
targeting to rob my son of his educational rights.
After 2 months of
failure after failure by Superintendent Knowles to do his job, now
costing us enormous college opportunities and funding, he advises us
to go back to Davis for more failure that he has inflicted on my son
before he even set foot in the High School for 9th grade
(all documented proof below). Knowles refused to meet with me
personally from the start in August and is telling me this??? Insane (Dr. Knowles can't even get my name right) Blue highlites requests to Knowles for oversight. Red is Knowles trying to run. ONE email from Davis in green. All this for nothing, the toll on my son and I beyond measure.
| rom: | Paul Knowles (pknowles@rsu71.org) |
| Sent: | Sat 10/24/15 4:10 AM |
| To: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
Mrs. Allan,
I encourage you to have a face to face meeting with Mr. Davis and
(son) to discuss this issue and develop a plan for the remainder of
the year in regards to (son) applying to schools. I believe direct
face to face communication is the best way to resolve this and any
further issues.Paul Knowles
A.
My request to meet FACE to FACE with Superintendent Knowles from the start- 8/23/15!
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Sun 8/23/15 10:27 AM |
| To: | jwoods@rsu71.org (jwoods@rsu71.org); jdavis@rsu71.org (jdavis@rsu71.org); sfitzpatrick@rsu71.org (sfitzpatrick@rsu71.org); tkenniston@rsu71.org (tkenniston@rsu71.org); Molly Ross (mross@rsu71.org); pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); ebaker@rsu71.org (ebaker@rsu71.org); tdoran@rsu71.org (tdoran@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
I'd like
to meet with Superintendent Knowles and (son) for college support
and assistance. Please advise.
It is clear that (son) has not received Guidance advocacy that began when he entered BAHS 9th grade. James Davis, Director of Guidance was (son's) counselor and did not advise (son) that he did not receive his elective. (son) even met with James Davis before the cut off because (son) wanted to be placed in honors English. Davis told him to stay put and never advised that his elective was not available. (son) was only carrying 5 1/2 credits without that elective! Some days he was done with classes at 10:30 am. I would come to the school and take him home for the day. Mr. Kenniston was there one day when I was signing him out at 10:30. He looked at (son's) schedule and said nothing. I had been taking (son) out every week for 3 months before I figured out that he didn't get his elective. I sent emails to James Davis and Principal Fitzpatrick asking if (son) would be penalized for leaving school at 10:30 am for the day, every week. James Davis lied, stating (son) CHOSE not to pick another elective. Principal Fitzpatrick supported James Davis. At that time, (son) should have received Latin 1 with accelerated tutoring on site. Instead I had to fight to get him enrolled with an online elective for a half credit through Asst. Superintendent McDonald.
Last year was AP Environmental Science with lies that (son) could not take that class online. (son's) schedule this year is brutal, his senior year. Why? Why has (son) been short changed? The Phi Betta Kappa student of Belfast, receiving that award regardless of the adults hurting his education. I fear he will be hurt further because I am writing this. School parents are damned if they do, damned if they don't.
Here are past difficult emails of proof. This is from my public blog, "parent" is me and *** is (son). http://waldokids.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_2.html
It is clear that (son) has not received Guidance advocacy that began when he entered BAHS 9th grade. James Davis, Director of Guidance was (son's) counselor and did not advise (son) that he did not receive his elective. (son) even met with James Davis before the cut off because (son) wanted to be placed in honors English. Davis told him to stay put and never advised that his elective was not available. (son) was only carrying 5 1/2 credits without that elective! Some days he was done with classes at 10:30 am. I would come to the school and take him home for the day. Mr. Kenniston was there one day when I was signing him out at 10:30. He looked at (son's) schedule and said nothing. I had been taking (son) out every week for 3 months before I figured out that he didn't get his elective. I sent emails to James Davis and Principal Fitzpatrick asking if (son) would be penalized for leaving school at 10:30 am for the day, every week. James Davis lied, stating (son) CHOSE not to pick another elective. Principal Fitzpatrick supported James Davis. At that time, (son) should have received Latin 1 with accelerated tutoring on site. Instead I had to fight to get him enrolled with an online elective for a half credit through Asst. Superintendent McDonald.
Last year was AP Environmental Science with lies that (son) could not take that class online. (son's) schedule this year is brutal, his senior year. Why? Why has (son) been short changed? The Phi Betta Kappa student of Belfast, receiving that award regardless of the adults hurting his education. I fear he will be hurt further because I am writing this. School parents are damned if they do, damned if they don't.
Here are past difficult emails of proof. This is from my public blog, "parent" is me and *** is (son). http://waldokids.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_2.html
B.
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Tue 8/25/15 10:28 AM |
| To: | pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
I would welcome your
commitment to support (son). I hope you will work with us. Thank you.
C.
| rom: | Paul Knowles (pknowles@rsu71.org) |
| Sent: | Tue 8/25/15 11:15 AM |
| To: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
I have read the emails you have sent,
while I am willing to meet with you, I am still unclear as to why
you wish to meet with me. Before we set a time to meet, please help
me better understand the issue(s) we will be discussing and the
outcome you are looking for.
Paul Knowles
D.
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Tue 8/25/15 4:19 PM |
| To: | pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
I am asking you to
personally help (son) or if you can't, perhaps assign a mentor. (son)
deserves that. You do not have to meet with me. I thought it would be
helpful.
E.
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Thu 8/27/15 2:21 PM |
| To: | pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
Please respond. Thank you.
1. Please advise why we were not notified that (son) received the Phi Beta Kappa Academic award and if there is an document that he should have received. (As the recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa academic achievement award, I would think that opens many doors for him. Yet the school did not acknowledge the achievement. That tells me that the administration has dismissed (son). (son) is in limbo without a trustworthy counselor or dedicated academic adviser.)
2. I am asking you to personally help (son) or if you can't, perhaps assign a mentor. (son) deserves that.
(The BAHS principal, assistant principal, and guidance department refuse accountability for their errors that hurt Michael's education
1. Please advise why we were not notified that (son) received the Phi Beta Kappa Academic award and if there is an document that he should have received. (As the recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa academic achievement award, I would think that opens many doors for him. Yet the school did not acknowledge the achievement. That tells me that the administration has dismissed (son). (son) is in limbo without a trustworthy counselor or dedicated academic adviser.)
2. I am asking you to personally help (son) or if you can't, perhaps assign a mentor. (son) deserves that.
(The BAHS principal, assistant principal, and guidance department refuse accountability for their errors that hurt Michael's education
F.
| rom: | Paul Knowles (pknowles@rsu71.org) |
| Sent: | Thu 8/27/15 2:51 PM |
| To: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
Ms. Allan,
I have asked Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Davis, and/or Mrs. Blood to
contact you with the answer to your questions.
Paul Knowles
G.
Knowles refuses to respond to me directly. Farming me out. I don't think so
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Fri 8/28/15 8:14 AM |
| To: | pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
Superintendent Knowles,
Please have your staff respond to you. Due to the unacceptability of BAHS Guidance Dept., Principal and Asst. Principal for hampering (son's) education, it has been escalated to you. No one responded to this email below. This is a problem for the superintendent to resolve. I cannot hope for them to suddenly become accountable. Please understand the difficult situation they have placed me in.
I will accept resolutions from you. Please advise. Thank you.
H.
And here it is- Superintendent Knowles commits fraud with a
counterfeit document signed by Guidance Director James Davis
and Principal Fitzpatrick. PBK Dr. Ward confirms fraud.
Paul Knowles
Please have your staff respond to you. Due to the unacceptability of BAHS Guidance Dept., Principal and Asst. Principal for hampering (son's) education, it has been escalated to you. No one responded to this email below. This is a problem for the superintendent to resolve. I cannot hope for them to suddenly become accountable. Please understand the difficult situation they have placed me in.
I will accept resolutions from you. Please advise. Thank you.
H.
And here it is- Superintendent Knowles commits fraud with a
counterfeit document signed by Guidance Director James Davis
and Principal Fitzpatrick. PBK Dr. Ward confirms fraud.
| rom: | Paul Knowles (pknowles@rsu71.org) This sender is in your contact list. |
| Sent: | Fri 8/28/15 10:11 AM |
| To: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
Laurie,
The
award is being mailed to you this week. Michael was absent during the
awards presentation when it was to be presented. Then students who were
absent from the ceremony were asked to pick up the awards in the office,
but this did not happen with Michael for what ever reason.
From:
delliotward@emhs.org
To: laurieallen55@msn.com
CC: mross@rsu20.org; mross@rsu71.org
Subject: RE: XXXXX Belfast Award 2015.
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2015 17:45:36 +0000
The photo you e-mailed is not of the certificate that we sent to the school. Our certificate was sent to James Davis from our printing company, likely in April. Maybe Mrs. Ross could inquire about it for you with Mr. Davis and that she could let the guidance staff know that I have said that what you received is not our certificate. The name on the form is James Davis.It was sent to James Davis. If they cannot find it and are willing to pay for a new one, someone from the school can contact me and I can give them the contact information for the printing company.
Debora Elliott Ward, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
The Acadia Hospital
268 Stillwater Ave.
Bangor, ME 04402-0422
Office (207) 973-6349
Fax (207) 973-6038
To: laurieallen55@msn.com
CC: mross@rsu20.org; mross@rsu71.org
Subject: RE: XXXXX Belfast Award 2015.
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2015 17:45:36 +0000
The photo you e-mailed is not of the certificate that we sent to the school. Our certificate was sent to James Davis from our printing company, likely in April. Maybe Mrs. Ross could inquire about it for you with Mr. Davis and that she could let the guidance staff know that I have said that what you received is not our certificate. The name on the form is James Davis.It was sent to James Davis. If they cannot find it and are willing to pay for a new one, someone from the school can contact me and I can give them the contact information for the printing company.
Debora Elliott Ward, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
The Acadia Hospital
268 Stillwater Ave.
Bangor, ME 04402-0422
Office (207) 973-6349
Fax (207) 973-6038
I.
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Sat 8/29/15 9:18 AM |
| To: | pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Cc: | Molly Ross (mross@rsu71.org) |
Superintendent
Knowles,
I had hoped for concern and immediate resolution from you. I was hopeful that you would fully investigate the history of BAHS administration staff (Director of Guidance James Davis, Counselor Jessica Woods, Principal Fitzpatrick, Asst. Principal Kenniston and Ann McClellan (ILP failure administration) intentionally dismissing my son's education. Despite their cruelty, (son) has kept his head down and with his teachers, has achieved the stellar Phi Beta Kappa Achievement Award and a 4.0(?) GPA. BAHS administration has denied (son) that achievement and crushes his self esteem. Your response is not believable and is an insult. This was an opportunity for integrity. Time is critical with early deadlines to college's worthy of (son) and 2 weeks have been wasted.
I had hoped for concern and immediate resolution from you. I was hopeful that you would fully investigate the history of BAHS administration staff (Director of Guidance James Davis, Counselor Jessica Woods, Principal Fitzpatrick, Asst. Principal Kenniston and Ann McClellan (ILP failure administration) intentionally dismissing my son's education. Despite their cruelty, (son) has kept his head down and with his teachers, has achieved the stellar Phi Beta Kappa Achievement Award and a 4.0(?) GPA. BAHS administration has denied (son) that achievement and crushes his self esteem. Your response is not believable and is an insult. This was an opportunity for integrity. Time is critical with early deadlines to college's worthy of (son) and 2 weeks have been wasted.
J. Knowles continues the fraud. He doesn't know I have sent
the fraud certificate to Dr. Ward for verification.
the fraud certificate to Dr. Ward for verification.
Knowles is more "personal" in this email because I began copying my
son's teacher- Mrs. Ross. He begins sending me down the rabbit hole,
detouring accountability and will meet with my son WITHOUT me. Right. I
don't think so.
| rom: | Paul Knowles (pknowles@rsu71.org) |
| Sent: | Sun 8/30/15 7:21 AM |
| To: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
Laurie,
By no means was there a cover up with
(son) receiving the award. Awards for all student were presented at
the final assembly. Because of the beginning of the school and all
that needs to be accomplished, an assembly for this purpose is not
possible. Jess Woods now works for the Islesboro School Department.
You may contact her directly to ask her to write the letter of
recommendation for (son). You may also contact Mrs. Ross directly to
ask her to be (son's) key adviser. She may also have a suggestion
about a male faculty member who would help (son). Certainly (son's)
father may make these contacts as well. (son's) schedule still can
be modified to best meet his needs by working with the guidance
office. Lastly, (son) is welcome to come to my office to meet me and
talk, if he wishes.
Best,
Paul D.
Knowles
K. Now Knowles has been caught and won't respond.
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Fri 9/04/15 8:56 AM |
| To: | pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org) |
| Cc: | mross@rsu20.org (mross@rsu20.org); Molly Ross (mross@rsu71.org); crabiel71@gmail.com (crabiel71@gmail.com) |
2nd request 9/4/15, please respond.
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Wed 9/02/15 5:55 PM |
| To: | pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Cc: | mross@rsu20.org (mross@rsu20.org); Molly Ross (mross@rsu71.org); crabiel71@gmail.com (crabiel71@gmail.com) |
Superintendent Knowles,
Guidance Director James Davis and Principal Fitzpatrick have committed fraud and robbed my son again. Denying him the honor of this prestigious award. You chose to support these frauds rather than fully investigate. They lied to you or you covered up for them. Which one is it? They never announced (son) as the recipient of this award. We would have never known that he received this and it would have never been put on his applications. (son) needs college application assistance and sending him to the Director of Fraud is not acceptable. Please appoint someone competent and worthy of (son's 4.0, Phi Beta Kappa intelligence that will be dedicated to guiding Michael through the early deadline college application process immediately. If the actual award cannot be produced, please contact Dr. Ward from the Maine PBK (email below) for a duplicate.
Full accountability is requested.
Sincerely,
Laurie Allen
Guidance Director James Davis and Principal Fitzpatrick have committed fraud and robbed my son again. Denying him the honor of this prestigious award. You chose to support these frauds rather than fully investigate. They lied to you or you covered up for them. Which one is it? They never announced (son) as the recipient of this award. We would have never known that he received this and it would have never been put on his applications. (son) needs college application assistance and sending him to the Director of Fraud is not acceptable. Please appoint someone competent and worthy of (son's 4.0, Phi Beta Kappa intelligence that will be dedicated to guiding Michael through the early deadline college application process immediately. If the actual award cannot be produced, please contact Dr. Ward from the Maine PBK (email below) for a duplicate.
Full accountability is requested.
Sincerely,
Laurie Allen
L. Knowles has been caught counterfeiting, yet holds firm to
fraud.
fraud.
| rom: | Paul Knowles (pknowles@rsu71.org) |
| Sent: | Fri 9/04/15 9:23 AM |
| To: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
Ms. Allan.
I assure I
have fully investigated the situation. As stated before, (son) was
absent the day of the awards presentation. All students who were
absent, were called to the guidance office the day after the
assembly to obtain their awards. Again, (son) did not go to the
office to pick up the award. Mr. Davis stated the award given to(son) was the award he received to present to (son) and is
investigating further. I am confident (son) can be helped through
the college application process with Mrs. Blood or Mr. Davis, which
ever counselor he chooses.
Paul Knowles
M.
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Fri 9/04/15 10:28 AM |
| To: | pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Cc: | mross@rsu20.org (mross@rsu20.org); Molly Ross (mross@rsu71.org); crabiel71@gmail.com (crabiel71@gmail.com); jdavis@rsu71.org (jdavis@rsu71.org); jdavis@rsu20.org (jdavis@rsu20.org); ebaker@rsu71.org (ebaker@rsu71.org); ebaker@rsu20.org (ebaker@rsu20.org) |
Superintendent Knowles,
Your response lacks accountability and recognition of administration harm to my son's education. (son) does not want any confrontations, acknowledgements or further problems. He is willing to work with James Davis and holds no animosity towards him. (son) is always forgiving.
1. Please advise when the authentic PBK award will be mailed to (son).
2. Please oversee James Davis with the assisting (son) with the early deadline college application process, Quest Bridge early application assistance, and verifying all documents in his transcripts. (son) cannot view his AP scores because of a glitch.
3. Please have James Davis confirm that (son's) AP scores have been posted and share them with (son). The college boards have conflicting birth dates for (son's) account and he cannot access the AP scores.
4. Please have James Davis advise (son) of the ACT that Jessica references below.
On Fri, Aug 21, 2015 at 8:19 AM, Jessica Woods wrote:
He is eligible for a fee waiver if he is eligible for free or reduced lunch. I'm not sure if we have received the fee waivers for this academic year, but we will have them soon. Which SAT is he thinking about? He should also take the ACT, at either husson or Bangor high. Thanks!
5. I am requesting Mrs. Ross and Mrs. Baker to be included in the oversight process with James Davis. Please advise.
Your response lacks accountability and recognition of administration harm to my son's education. (son) does not want any confrontations, acknowledgements or further problems. He is willing to work with James Davis and holds no animosity towards him. (son) is always forgiving.
1. Please advise when the authentic PBK award will be mailed to (son).
2. Please oversee James Davis with the assisting (son) with the early deadline college application process, Quest Bridge early application assistance, and verifying all documents in his transcripts. (son) cannot view his AP scores because of a glitch.
3. Please have James Davis confirm that (son's) AP scores have been posted and share them with (son). The college boards have conflicting birth dates for (son's) account and he cannot access the AP scores.
4. Please have James Davis advise (son) of the ACT that Jessica references below.
On Fri, Aug 21, 2015 at 8:19 AM, Jessica Woods wrote:
He is eligible for a fee waiver if he is eligible for free or reduced lunch. I'm not sure if we have received the fee waivers for this academic year, but we will have them soon. Which SAT is he thinking about? He should also take the ACT, at either husson or Bangor high. Thanks!
5. I am requesting Mrs. Ross and Mrs. Baker to be included in the oversight process with James Davis. Please advise.
N.
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Mon 9/14/15 10:41 AM |
| To: | jdavis@rsu71.org (jdavis@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Cc: | pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org) |
Mr. Davis,
Please advise of your meeting with (son) today. I am still waiting for response for receipt of the authentic PBK Award that (son) never received. I want that award. Please respond today.
In your meeting, please cover and advise:
1. Mr. Davis has downloaded the college board student ID form to correct the birth date error. Mr. Davis will email that form to me today, 9/14.
2. Mr. Davis and Jessica Woods will give (son) their letter of recommendation by what date?
3. Mr. Davis has assisted (son) with the fee waiver and completed the ACT test registration online with (son).
4. Mr Davis has provided (sons) with specific directions towards college applications and will advise if any further meetings are needed. If so, please schedule those today with (son) and advise. He is leaving at noon on 9/17/2015.
Sincerely,
Laurie Allen
Please advise of your meeting with (son) today. I am still waiting for response for receipt of the authentic PBK Award that (son) never received. I want that award. Please respond today.
In your meeting, please cover and advise:
1. Mr. Davis has downloaded the college board student ID form to correct the birth date error. Mr. Davis will email that form to me today, 9/14.
2. Mr. Davis and Jessica Woods will give (son) their letter of recommendation by what date?
3. Mr. Davis has assisted (son) with the fee waiver and completed the ACT test registration online with (son).
4. Mr Davis has provided (sons) with specific directions towards college applications and will advise if any further meetings are needed. If so, please schedule those today with (son) and advise. He is leaving at noon on 9/17/2015.
Sincerely,
Laurie Allen
O.
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Tue 9/15/15 8:22 AM |
| To: | jdavis@rsu71.org (jdavis@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Cc: | pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); Molly Ross (mross@rsu71.org) |
Mr. Davis,
It is my understanding that Michael met with you yesterday and #1, 2, and 3 were not resolved and #4 is pending your advisement. The authentic PBK Award is not resolved.
Resisting accountability makes the situation worse and negatively impacts s(sons). The history of failures warrants written accounting of your college guidance and application process with (son) to Superintendent Knowles and me. Superintendent Knowles assured me on 9/4/15 of his confidence in you. I copied Mrs. Ross because Superintendent Knowles gave approval for Mrs. Ross to assist with (son's) college process. Mrs. Ross kindly said she would help (son) as much as she could and has already given (son) her letter of recommendation.
(son) was not feeling well when I picked him up from school yesterday. He is home today. I understand that you wanted to see him again today to resolve the issues listed. These should have been resolved yesterday.
Please advise me and Superintendent Knowles through email today #1, 2, 3 and 4 and when I will receive the authentic PBK award.
It is my understanding that Michael met with you yesterday and #1, 2, and 3 were not resolved and #4 is pending your advisement. The authentic PBK Award is not resolved.
Resisting accountability makes the situation worse and negatively impacts s(sons). The history of failures warrants written accounting of your college guidance and application process with (son) to Superintendent Knowles and me. Superintendent Knowles assured me on 9/4/15 of his confidence in you. I copied Mrs. Ross because Superintendent Knowles gave approval for Mrs. Ross to assist with (son's) college process. Mrs. Ross kindly said she would help (son) as much as she could and has already given (son) her letter of recommendation.
(son) was not feeling well when I picked him up from school yesterday. He is home today. I understand that you wanted to see him again today to resolve the issues listed. These should have been resolved yesterday.
Please advise me and Superintendent Knowles through email today #1, 2, 3 and 4 and when I will receive the authentic PBK award.
P. The only email from Davis this entire crucial month and he
throws Questbridge away.
throws Questbridge away.
| rom: | James Davis (jdavis@rsu71.org) |
| Sent: | Tue 9/15/15 10:29 AM |
| To: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Cc: | pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); Molly Ross (mross@rsu71.org) |
Ms. Allen -
Your email to me was sent yesterday at 10:41 AM.
(son) and I
met at 11:00. I read your email sometime after (son's) appointment.
Here is an update for you:
1. (son) will
see me later today to sign the Collegeboard form that you requested.
Then I will email it to you.
2. Typically
recommendations do not go from the recommender to the student or the
family. They go directly to the institution, as they become devalued
otherwise. Let me know if this is your wish. When (son) brings in
his Transcript Request Form to the Counseling Office, then the
recommendation will get written. (son) will receive more information
on this later this week in English class.
3. (son) was
comfortable in going home, creating an ACT account, and starting the
registration process himself. He said that I did not need to do this
for him. That was (son's) choice. I have his fee waiver here.
4. Group
information will be provided to all Seniors in English class this
week. Students are then invited to schedule their Senior Interview.
Lastly, the
printer of the PBK certificate said that 'we will print and mail as
soon as we have a chance'.
Upon calling
(son) to the Counseling Office, we see that he is absent today. Both
the CollegeBoard form and the ACT waiver await him in my office.
Mr. Davis
Q. I ask Davis to schedule the college interview now and advise.
Davis does not respond. Knowles is equally negligent.
Davis does not respond. Knowles is equally negligent.
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Tue 9/15/15 1:19 PM |
| To: | jdavis@rsu71.org (jdavis@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Cc: | pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); Molly Ross (mross@rsu71.org) |
Mr.
Davis,
(son) will go to your office tomorrow morning before school begins. Please confirm that you will be there and the following will be fulfilled.
1. College board form requires an affixed photo of (son) and your school seal imprint on the corner of the photo. (son) will bring in his college boards photo to affix to the form (tape or glue- your choice) with your seal. Please confirm compliance. PLEASE SEND THE ORIGINAL FORM HOME WITH MICHAEL. AN EMAIL WILL NOT SUFFICE. I must fax the original form to Jessica @ the College boards.
2. Please give (son) the recommendation letters. (son) does not have a Transcript Request form. Mrs. Baker requested (son's) transcripts and activity sheet that your office provided for Mrs. Baker's letter of recommendation. You have his transcripts- are you giving him a form to tell you to give yourself the transcripts? Please advise when your letter of recommendation will be complete.
3. Please give (son) the ACT waiver form.
4. Please schedule (son's) Senior Interview now and advise me of the date and time.
Sincerely,
Laurie Allen
(son) will go to your office tomorrow morning before school begins. Please confirm that you will be there and the following will be fulfilled.
1. College board form requires an affixed photo of (son) and your school seal imprint on the corner of the photo. (son) will bring in his college boards photo to affix to the form (tape or glue- your choice) with your seal. Please confirm compliance. PLEASE SEND THE ORIGINAL FORM HOME WITH MICHAEL. AN EMAIL WILL NOT SUFFICE. I must fax the original form to Jessica @ the College boards.
2. Please give (son) the recommendation letters. (son) does not have a Transcript Request form. Mrs. Baker requested (son's) transcripts and activity sheet that your office provided for Mrs. Baker's letter of recommendation. You have his transcripts- are you giving him a form to tell you to give yourself the transcripts? Please advise when your letter of recommendation will be complete.
3. Please give (son) the ACT waiver form.
4. Please schedule (son's) Senior Interview now and advise me of the date and time.
Sincerely,
Laurie Allen
R.
Davis is forced to see my son before the deadline, 9/28.
He tells my son that he can wait to apply for regular decision if
he wants to try to take his SAT's again for a higher score. We
believed him. We lost Questbridge. Deadline for all decisions
was 9/28.
Davis is forced to see my son before the deadline, 9/28.
He tells my son that he can wait to apply for regular decision if
he wants to try to take his SAT's again for a higher score. We
believed him. We lost Questbridge. Deadline for all decisions
was 9/28.
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Thu 9/24/15 7:08 PM |
| To: | jdavis@rsu71.org (jdavis@rsu71.org); pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Cc: | ebaker@rsu71.org (ebaker@rsu71.org); Molly Ross (mross@rsu71.org) |
Mr. Davis and Superintendent
Knowles,
I am begging for Mr. Davis to work with (son) tomorrow and complete the early application Questbridge program. It must be received by Monday, 9/28/2015 and (son) does not have his transcripts, secondary school report and letters of recommendation from Mr. Davis and Mrs. Baker. On September 15th I had sent an email to Mr. Davis requesting an appointment for the college application and never received a response.
I am begging for Mr. Davis to work with (son) tomorrow and complete the early application Questbridge program. It must be received by Monday, 9/28/2015 and (son) does not have his transcripts, secondary school report and letters of recommendation from Mr. Davis and Mrs. Baker. On September 15th I had sent an email to Mr. Davis requesting an appointment for the college application and never received a response.
10/22/15 Since August, with the Superintendent of Schools, Paul Knowles, Belfast Area High School Principal Fitzpatrick and Director of Guidance James Davis covering up their fraud with the Phi Beta Kappa Achievement Award, with a documented history of targeting my son since entering BAHS, they have now cost us the Questbridge College Applications- Free tuition, room and board @ top colleges for low income top students, my son ... unbearable and brutal.
Below was sent to Maine DOE, Senator George Mitchell's college fund staff and the school board chair, David Crabriel and Maine, DOE. Last year, Abigail informed me that guidance lied to my son again and cost him AP Environmental Science. 9th Grade was Latin and Honors English, I copied that email so Abigail would remember... So much more, all because Belfast City Hall and real estate agents targeted a low income Mom in 2010. Counting on me to stay down and take the abuse because of the danger to my children. Blaming me is their forte'. Proof and truth is mine. Robbing my son of this chance for stellar college choices is beyond comprehension. He will hate that I made this public. He is so sick of all this, so am I. Nothing hurts more than ADULTS hurting my children. LEAVE THEM ALONE!! My biggest fear is that I will die, be falsely imprisoned, become ill, my son harmed... before he can get away. Five years now, I keep holding on and try to fix the corruption. Alone.
| rom: | LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Sent: | Tue 10/20/15 11:39 AM |
| To: | abigail.manahan@maine.gov (abigail.manahan@maine.gov); samantha.warren@maine.gov (samantha.warren@maine.gov); LAURIE ALLEN (laurieallen55@msn.com) |
| Cc: | crabiel71@gmail.com (crabiel71@gmail.com); pknowles@rsu71.org (pknowles@rsu71.org); mbaxter@mitchellinstitute.org (mbaxter@mitchellinstitute.org) |
Below are more lies, fraud, a punishing schedule and more bullying that have cost us Questbridge. I cannot stop crying. It is unbearable to know (son) must face this and them every day and ask them for guidance. It is nothing short of sending the abused before their abusers to receive more abuse. (son) does not have anger and tries to protect Mr. Davis. Victims of abuse 101, the story of his life while watching me take on bully after bully, from family, businesses and government for protecting our basic constitutional rights . Mr. Crabriel is the Chairman of the school board and is aware.
I believe Senator Mitchell is somewhat aware. I was protesting Belfast City Hall and Realtor corruption outside of the First Church in Belfast while the Senator was inside promoting his book through Left Bank Books. I am reaching out for help. Punishing (son's) education because I stand up for our rights is the core of corruption.
(son) should be flying after all he has achieved, consistent high honors, Phi Beta Kappa award, National Honors, AP Scholar Honors... Instead he is sick every day and night. All he needed was the support of his guidance counselor in 9th grade. I tried my best to stay out of the school so that no one would know that I was his mother. I knew they would hurt him (not the teachers).
Sincerely,
Laurie Allen
10/24/15 Note- "Below" is all the information above- all the emails and documentation. I deleted it here to avoide the lengthy redundancy.
Voters approve RSU 71 budget on second pass
New numbers rejected by two towns, carried by a majorityBy Ethan Andrews | Aug 04, 2015
http://waldo.villagesoup.com/p/voters-approve-rsu-71-budget-on-second-pass/1385898
Belfast — A second draft of the Regional School Unit 71 budget passed by popular majority at a validation referendum Aug. 4.
The $25.2 million budget was approved by a tally of 716 in favor and 465 votes against. Belfast, Belmont and Searsmont had more votes in support of the budget, while Morrill and Swanville each had more opposed.
Speaking after the votes were in, RSU 71 board Chairman David Crabiel said he wasn't put off by the split but rather was encouraged to see closer margins than at the first referendum in June.
"Obviously, I wanted to have it pass in all five towns, but I think you have to look at the number overall," he said. "I think people saw the work that the board did."
Crabiel was referring to cuts totaling roughly $500,000 that the board made after the June referendum.
Additionally, district officials anticipate another half-million in revenue that was not factored in the original budget — including a $300,000 increase in state funding.
The combined $1 million reduction would increase in the local share of school funding by an average of 2.26 percent across the five towns instead of 9.3 percent as projected in the first draft.
In the weeks leading up to the vote, the board vowed to look in the coming year for savings in areas too complex to analyze during the crunch of the previous six months, which were largely consumed with getting the new district off the ground.
Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Searsmont and Swanville formed RSU 71 after withdrawing simultaneously from the eight-town RSU 20 in November 2014. The board of the new district held its first meeting in January. As of June, the nine-member board had met more than 50 times.
At a public budget meeting July 28, some voters reiterated concerns that any increase in property taxes could cause residents with low or fixed incomes to lose their homes to foreclosure. Peter Sheff of Morrill and Stephen Hopkins of Belmont, who have been outspoken opponents of increases in the local share, made a number of attempts to cut money from the major cost centers in the school board's budget but were outnumbered by supporters, including some who felt the board had done enough since the last vote.
"I think the school board and the superintendent made a good effort to drop [the bottom line] down considerably," Morrill Selectman Randy Place said at the July 28 meeting. Place had previously told the board his town wouldn't be able to make its payments to the district, but he said he would support the reworked budget, adding that he hoped to see another million dollars taken off the bottom line by next year.
"Is it possible?" he said. "I don't know, but I think you guys can find out … Maybe you can't drop it, but show us why you can't."
A bone of contention in the budget was the board's decision to keep three new teachers, in elementary art, middle school foreign language and high school music.
The positions were cut while the five towns were part of RSU 20, leading many board members to describe them as "restored" rather than "new." Superintendent Paul Knowles, who is new, recommended waiting to see if there were enough students enrolled to justify hiring the teachers. The board disagreed, in part because many members viewed the investment in arts and humanities as a way to set the educational tone of the new district.
At the budget meeting, several residents echoed this view.
Kate Forand of Belfast said many parents wouldn't be able to afford private art, music and language classes. "The only place to get these classes is in public school," she said.
Belfast - Yes 445, No 195
Belmont - Yes 49, No 41
Morrill - Yes 76, No 88
Searsmont - Yes 102, No 80
Swanville - Yes 44, No 61
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
In the olden days journalists and newspapers used to
try and present both sides of an issue. In this article I see no mention
of any named person or quotes opposed to the tax increase. How about
mentioning the Tax Collector from Morrill who had just sent out 90
foreclosure notices for delinquent property taxes, or the disabled,
weeping woman who may no longer be able to afford to remain in her
house, and so many other people who spoke against the tax increase ( the
first "Article" only just made it through through the vote). Even in
the printed version of the Republican Journal three pro School Budget
letters were printed. Anyone who goes to these budget meetings knows
that the audience is packed with school employees, their friends and
relatives. I've heard endless tales of the Board's " hard work". Well "
hard work "is fine for digging ditches, personally I'd rather see "Smart
Work" in terms of fiscal issues.
The money from the State was a windfall, we will never likely see it again, the " Carry over" from RSU20 will never be seen again. Rather than cutting some of the 11 surplus teachers ( and the huge fiscal penalty the State imposes on this surplus ) our new Board has seen fit to HIRE 3 more ( against the advice of their Superintendent ), and this is without anyone knowing how many students are actually enrolled in RSU 71. We start a new District in the same mode as we left the old one , over staffed and bounding towards massive debt. This time next year we will hear about the "Lack of Revenue" from the State and the Board will once again ask for a 10% increase.
At this Meeting I watched the Board ignore ANY compromise with the old, the poverty stricken, the disabled, the disinfranchised. RSU 71 doesn't have a PR problem it has a PR nightmare, perhaps "Let them eat cake" should be the new District motto. I hope that on Tuesday, August 4th people will vote NO on this Budget, it would be prudent and logical to wait a year and see how the District evolves before hiring ANYONE and increasing the tax burden on an already grossly over taxed populace.
Chris, as a former board member yourself, I am truly dismayed at your comments. Peter Sheff and Steve Hopkins are both mentioned in this article.
The fact that you have not attended even ONE budget workshop that the RSU 71 BOD held makes your argument much less persuasive. Frankly, I am startled at your insulting tone. It is not the tone of the gentleman that I served with on the RSU 20 Board.
This budget IS a compromise. If it were not a compromise, it would look the same way as the one we presented in June. It does not, it lowers the increase by a significant degree. VOTE YES on Tuesday. YES to a commonsense budget that values both the children and the taxpayers. YES to RSU 71 Budget.
The elephant in the room Ms. Hills is too many teachers - too few students- the Board has not only failed to address this issue it wants to exacerbate the problem by hiring three more teachers.
I've attended countless Board Budget Meetings in the past and witnessed the cavalier attitude of Board Members towards taxpayer's money. If you want transparency televise your Budget Meetings as the Belfast City Council does, but oh I forgot, your Chairman doesn't want any Meetings televised for fear someone might "grandstand", so much for transparency.
The last I checked my Social Contract there was an obligation to protect widows and orphans, the sick and aged...not exploit them with regressive taxation designed to hurt the poorest amongst us the most. Don't throw grandma under the bus on Tuesday, vote "NO", and send this Board back to do it's job.
Posted by: Caitlin Hills | Aug 02, 2015 14:13
Well, not you are just lying Chris. I know it's tempting when you don't have the facts, and you gave in to the temptation.. You have NOT attended any budget workshops put forth by the RSU 71. Our Chairman NEVER said he did not want our meetings televised. Throwing out the "orphan and old" card? So beneath you. This budget reflects the Board's concern for the taxpayers while also moving the district toward a more vibrant learning community. VOTES YES FOR OUR CHILDREN and OUR COMMUNITIES!
Ms. Hills,
If you read what wrote I said I'd attended many Budget Meetings in the past, yes, RSU20 Meetings, I've suffered enough. Anyway are they any different from those hosted by RSU71? Judging from from the burnt turkey of a Budget you first sent out to the polls I'd say the finished product is just like that of the old RSU20, or worse. This new budget not only kicks the can down the road,again, it sets us up for a huge debt next year.
As to your Chairman stating he wouldn't allow filming because he feared " grandstanding", ask him to deny it, other people were in the Meeting, I think perhaps you were on vacation.
Maybe you find it difficult to believe there is poverty in RSU 71, you need to get out more, we live in one of the poorest counties in the State of Maine.
8/2-
Posted by: Laurie Allen (the paper banned me for calling out the corrupt Downtown Revitilization Plan- City Planner Wayne Marshall and his henchmen- Harriman Consultors)
Caitlin Hills is difficult and self-superior in her mind. Sadly, so is the rest of her click- including the unethical wife of Belfast City Council Eric Sanders- Courtney. Their drama is below the article. I questioned the ethics of Courtney telling voters to Vote No on the 2013 mind blowing budget. Just like her hubbie. Fiscally and ethically bereft. (I was then blocked on that "open" group- Friends and Supporters of RSU20- the posts are on below..)
I would like to see the teachers submit an anonymous budget- give them the budget amount and see what they come back with.Anyone who will not allowing taping a public meeting spells corrupt.
We also received $314,000.00 additional dollars from the
state and Dr Knowles found around $200,000.00 in other revenues based on
a closer look at the estimated revenues so that we are actually having
to raise a little more than one million dollars less then the first
budget. In our town of Morrill that is a bit more than a one mil
savings so far.The money from the State was a windfall, we will never likely see it again, the " Carry over" from RSU20 will never be seen again. Rather than cutting some of the 11 surplus teachers ( and the huge fiscal penalty the State imposes on this surplus ) our new Board has seen fit to HIRE 3 more ( against the advice of their Superintendent ), and this is without anyone knowing how many students are actually enrolled in RSU 71. We start a new District in the same mode as we left the old one , over staffed and bounding towards massive debt. This time next year we will hear about the "Lack of Revenue" from the State and the Board will once again ask for a 10% increase.
At this Meeting I watched the Board ignore ANY compromise with the old, the poverty stricken, the disabled, the disinfranchised. RSU 71 doesn't have a PR problem it has a PR nightmare, perhaps "Let them eat cake" should be the new District motto. I hope that on Tuesday, August 4th people will vote NO on this Budget, it would be prudent and logical to wait a year and see how the District evolves before hiring ANYONE and increasing the tax burden on an already grossly over taxed populace.
Chris, as a former board member yourself, I am truly dismayed at your comments. Peter Sheff and Steve Hopkins are both mentioned in this article.
The fact that you have not attended even ONE budget workshop that the RSU 71 BOD held makes your argument much less persuasive. Frankly, I am startled at your insulting tone. It is not the tone of the gentleman that I served with on the RSU 20 Board.
This budget IS a compromise. If it were not a compromise, it would look the same way as the one we presented in June. It does not, it lowers the increase by a significant degree. VOTE YES on Tuesday. YES to a commonsense budget that values both the children and the taxpayers. YES to RSU 71 Budget.
The elephant in the room Ms. Hills is too many teachers - too few students- the Board has not only failed to address this issue it wants to exacerbate the problem by hiring three more teachers.
I've attended countless Board Budget Meetings in the past and witnessed the cavalier attitude of Board Members towards taxpayer's money. If you want transparency televise your Budget Meetings as the Belfast City Council does, but oh I forgot, your Chairman doesn't want any Meetings televised for fear someone might "grandstand", so much for transparency.
The last I checked my Social Contract there was an obligation to protect widows and orphans, the sick and aged...not exploit them with regressive taxation designed to hurt the poorest amongst us the most. Don't throw grandma under the bus on Tuesday, vote "NO", and send this Board back to do it's job.
Posted by: Caitlin Hills | Aug 02, 2015 14:13
Well, not you are just lying Chris. I know it's tempting when you don't have the facts, and you gave in to the temptation.. You have NOT attended any budget workshops put forth by the RSU 71. Our Chairman NEVER said he did not want our meetings televised. Throwing out the "orphan and old" card? So beneath you. This budget reflects the Board's concern for the taxpayers while also moving the district toward a more vibrant learning community. VOTES YES FOR OUR CHILDREN and OUR COMMUNITIES!
Ms. Hills,
If you read what wrote I said I'd attended many Budget Meetings in the past, yes, RSU20 Meetings, I've suffered enough. Anyway are they any different from those hosted by RSU71? Judging from from the burnt turkey of a Budget you first sent out to the polls I'd say the finished product is just like that of the old RSU20, or worse. This new budget not only kicks the can down the road,again, it sets us up for a huge debt next year.
As to your Chairman stating he wouldn't allow filming because he feared " grandstanding", ask him to deny it, other people were in the Meeting, I think perhaps you were on vacation.
Maybe you find it difficult to believe there is poverty in RSU 71, you need to get out more, we live in one of the poorest counties in the State of Maine.
Posted by: Caitlin Hills
| Aug 03, 2015 22:15
Thanks Chris. I just wonder, if you " had enough" why did
you even run for RSU 71? I guess the voters questioned that as well, as
you lost. In terms of getting out in the community? I challenge you to
come up with things you have done done for the community vs what I have
done. I run a family friendly y FB page with over 700 followers and a
dedicated website midcoastmainekids.info. That lists all sorts of great
events for children. I volunteer at the schools twice a week, every
week. I seek grants from companies to help our schools. I advocate for
our children EVERY day. And you?
Posted by: Christopher Hyk
| Aug 04, 2015 08:11
Ms. Hills,
The focus of this article concerns the Budget, I've seen the same old dog and pony show once too often. I ran for the RSU 71 seat in hopes that a new paradigm might be created, a new Board not created by, of and for the employees of RSU71. In Belfast 7% of the voters turned out to vote at the end of January, your mandate.
What have I done for the Community? I suggest you ask Ben Potter about the Farnsworth Education Program, ask Bonnie Kein at the WCTC, ask the Islesboro Islands Trust, ask the Friends of Sears Islands, ask the Belfast City Council, ask Kit Seelye at the New York Times.... but is this a contest of virtue? I thought it was about the Budget.
90 people in Morrill received a foreclosure notice for Property Taxes, can you honestly not see that something is grossly out of balance?
The focus of this article concerns the Budget, I've seen the same old dog and pony show once too often. I ran for the RSU 71 seat in hopes that a new paradigm might be created, a new Board not created by, of and for the employees of RSU71. In Belfast 7% of the voters turned out to vote at the end of January, your mandate.
What have I done for the Community? I suggest you ask Ben Potter about the Farnsworth Education Program, ask Bonnie Kein at the WCTC, ask the Islesboro Islands Trust, ask the Friends of Sears Islands, ask the Belfast City Council, ask Kit Seelye at the New York Times.... but is this a contest of virtue? I thought it was about the Budget.
90 people in Morrill received a foreclosure notice for Property Taxes, can you honestly not see that something is grossly out of balance?
Posted by: Jeff Davis
| Aug 04, 2015 06:52
He was the first to come forward and volunteered to record
the meetings. Then, another Saint Savior of Kids accused him of doing
for politcial gain and he quit. And I thank the Lord daily that I can
read this from afar and know that it doesn't effect our children. Our
budget passed.
Ms. Hills,
The focus of this article concerns the Budget, I've seen the same old dog and pony show once too often. I ran for the RSU 71 seat in hopes that a new paradigm might be created, a new Board not created by, of and for the employees of RSU71. In Belfast 7% of the voters turned out to vote at the end of January, your mandate.
What have I done for the Community? I suggest you ask Ben Potter about the Farnsworth Education Program, ask Bonnie Kein at the WCTC, ask the Islesboro Islands Trust, ask the Friends of Sears Islands, ask the Belfast City Council, ask Kit Seelye at the New York Times.... but is this a contest of virtue? I thought it was about the Budget.
90 people in Morrill received a foreclosure notice for Property Taxes, can you honestly not see that something is grossly out of balance?
The focus of this article concerns the Budget, I've seen the same old dog and pony show once too often. I ran for the RSU 71 seat in hopes that a new paradigm might be created, a new Board not created by, of and for the employees of RSU71. In Belfast 7% of the voters turned out to vote at the end of January, your mandate.
What have I done for the Community? I suggest you ask Ben Potter about the Farnsworth Education Program, ask Bonnie Kein at the WCTC, ask the Islesboro Islands Trust, ask the Friends of Sears Islands, ask the Belfast City Council, ask Kit Seelye at the New York Times.... but is this a contest of virtue? I thought it was about the Budget.
90 people in Morrill received a foreclosure notice for Property Taxes, can you honestly not see that something is grossly out of balance?
Posted by: Roxanna Morse
| Aug 07, 2015 17:59
I hope our Northport students will return to BAHS: We love them!
I agree with Jeff Davis. From a distance.........things look better.8/2-
Posted by: Laurie Allen (the paper banned me for calling out the corrupt Downtown Revitilization Plan- City Planner Wayne Marshall and his henchmen- Harriman Consultors)
Caitlin Hills is difficult and self-superior in her mind. Sadly, so is the rest of her click- including the unethical wife of Belfast City Council Eric Sanders- Courtney. Their drama is below the article. I questioned the ethics of Courtney telling voters to Vote No on the 2013 mind blowing budget. Just like her hubbie. Fiscally and ethically bereft. (I was then blocked on that "open" group- Friends and Supporters of RSU20- the posts are on below..)
I would like to see the teachers submit an anonymous budget- give them the budget amount and see what they come back with.Anyone who will not allowing taping a public meeting spells corrupt.
Comments (1)
The last budget voted on was $25.7 million. So this one is $25.2 million, if my math is correct that is only $500,000 thousand not 1 million in cuts.
http://waldo.villagesoup.com/p/rsu-71-budget-headed-back-to-referendum-1m-lighter/1383303#1383889
Five towns to vote Tuesday, Aug. 4
RSU 71 budget headed back to referendum, $1M lighter
By Ethan Andrews | Jul 30, 2015
Belfast — Voters
approved a pared down second draft of the Regional School Unit 71
budget by a margin of roughly two to one at a public meeting July 28.
The $25.2 million bottom line goes before voters for final approval at a
referendum Tuesday, Aug. 4.
After having a first draft of the budget rejected by voters in June, the school board found $500,000 in additional non-program cuts and learned the district would get $500,000 more in state general purpose aid than was factored in the original budget. The combined $1 million reduction would change the increase in the local share of school funding from 9.3 percent to 2.26 percent on average.
Additionally, the board vowed to look in the coming year for saving in areas too complex to analyze during the crunch of the previous six months, which were largely consumed with getting the new district off the ground.
Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Searsmont and Swanville formed RSU 71 after withdrawing simultaneously from the eight-town RSU 20 in November 2014. The board of the new district held its first meeting in January. As of June, the nine-member board had met more than 50 times.
In many ways the July 28 meeting resembled the first budget meeting in June. A minority opposed to of any increase in property taxes attempted to cut money from the major cost centers on the meeting warrant but were outnumbered by supporters of the budget approved by the school board.
But with the local share reduced by $1 million, the board may have won over some voters who voiced appreciation for the board's efforts the first time around but opposed the first draft based on what it would do to local tax bills.
Morrill Selectman Randy Place told the board at the first budget meeting in June that he had supported the withdrawal and served on the town withdrawal committee but his town wouldn't be able to pay its bill to the school district based on the original budget proposal.
On Tuesday, he said the cuts and added revenue in the current draft were enough for now.
"I think the school board and the superintendent made a good effort to drop that down considerably," he said. Place said he would support the budget, but by next year hoped to see another million dollars taken off the bottom line.
"Is it possible?" he said. "I don't know, but I think you guys can find out … Maybe you can't drop it, but show us why you can't."
The reductions since the last draft were not enough for some residents who testified Tuesday night that residents, particularly in the smaller towns, would lose their homes if there were any increase in the local share over last year.
Peter Sheff of Morrill and Stephen Hopkins of Belmont made numerous attempts to amend major cost centers. Some targeted specifics of the budget, like the board's decision to keep three teachers — in elementary art, middle school foreign language and high school music — that are considered either new or "restored" positions.
The positions were cut while the five towns were part of RSU 20. Newly hired Superintendent Paul Knowles recommended waiting to see if there were enough students to justify hiring the teachers. Many board members saw restoring the positions as a way to establish the educational tone of the new district.
At the budget meeting, several residents defended the positions as important investments in the the community.
"This is where we have to place our money," said Paul Krohne of Belfast. "This is it."
Kate Forand of Belfast said many parents can't afford the alternative of private art, music and language classes. "The only place to get these classes is in public school," she said.
Joyce Scott of Morrill, who gave the budget a hard critique in June said there was more to do but she trusted the board and the new superintendent to work on it in the coming year.
The number of voters at the July 28 public budget meeting, by town, were 39 from Belfast, 14 from Belmont, 19 from Morrill, 17 from Searsmont and 15 from Swanville.
The RSU 71 budget goes before voters Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Belfast polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Belfast Boathouse for wards 1, 2, 3 and 4. Ward 5 voters should go to Belfast United Methodist Church.
Belmont polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the town office.
Searsmont polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the town office.
Contact other town offices for polling location and hours.
After having a first draft of the budget rejected by voters in June, the school board found $500,000 in additional non-program cuts and learned the district would get $500,000 more in state general purpose aid than was factored in the original budget. The combined $1 million reduction would change the increase in the local share of school funding from 9.3 percent to 2.26 percent on average.
Additionally, the board vowed to look in the coming year for saving in areas too complex to analyze during the crunch of the previous six months, which were largely consumed with getting the new district off the ground.
Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Searsmont and Swanville formed RSU 71 after withdrawing simultaneously from the eight-town RSU 20 in November 2014. The board of the new district held its first meeting in January. As of June, the nine-member board had met more than 50 times.
In many ways the July 28 meeting resembled the first budget meeting in June. A minority opposed to of any increase in property taxes attempted to cut money from the major cost centers on the meeting warrant but were outnumbered by supporters of the budget approved by the school board.
But with the local share reduced by $1 million, the board may have won over some voters who voiced appreciation for the board's efforts the first time around but opposed the first draft based on what it would do to local tax bills.
Morrill Selectman Randy Place told the board at the first budget meeting in June that he had supported the withdrawal and served on the town withdrawal committee but his town wouldn't be able to pay its bill to the school district based on the original budget proposal.
On Tuesday, he said the cuts and added revenue in the current draft were enough for now.
"I think the school board and the superintendent made a good effort to drop that down considerably," he said. Place said he would support the budget, but by next year hoped to see another million dollars taken off the bottom line.
"Is it possible?" he said. "I don't know, but I think you guys can find out … Maybe you can't drop it, but show us why you can't."
The reductions since the last draft were not enough for some residents who testified Tuesday night that residents, particularly in the smaller towns, would lose their homes if there were any increase in the local share over last year.
Peter Sheff of Morrill and Stephen Hopkins of Belmont made numerous attempts to amend major cost centers. Some targeted specifics of the budget, like the board's decision to keep three teachers — in elementary art, middle school foreign language and high school music — that are considered either new or "restored" positions.
The positions were cut while the five towns were part of RSU 20. Newly hired Superintendent Paul Knowles recommended waiting to see if there were enough students to justify hiring the teachers. Many board members saw restoring the positions as a way to establish the educational tone of the new district.
At the budget meeting, several residents defended the positions as important investments in the the community.
"This is where we have to place our money," said Paul Krohne of Belfast. "This is it."
Kate Forand of Belfast said many parents can't afford the alternative of private art, music and language classes. "The only place to get these classes is in public school," she said.
Joyce Scott of Morrill, who gave the budget a hard critique in June said there was more to do but she trusted the board and the new superintendent to work on it in the coming year.
The number of voters at the July 28 public budget meeting, by town, were 39 from Belfast, 14 from Belmont, 19 from Morrill, 17 from Searsmont and 15 from Swanville.
The RSU 71 budget goes before voters Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Belfast polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Belfast Boathouse for wards 1, 2, 3 and 4. Ward 5 voters should go to Belfast United Methodist Church.
Belmont polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the town office.
Searsmont polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the town office.
Contact other town offices for polling location and hours.
8/7/13
Caitlin Hills
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