In an e-mail this afternoon, Portsmouth School Committee vice-chair Jonathan Harris took this reporter to task for my comments at last night's meeting. Harris was responding to an e-mail I forwarded from RIDE, announcing the new state technology purchasing agreement.

From: Jonathan Harris
Subject: Re: FYI - RI makes statewide tech deal
Date: September 26, 2012 2:20:58 PM EDT
To: John McDaid

Thanks for the information John. Much more productive than your tone last night it was unacceptable and I thought you were more polished than that.

*Securities and Advisory Services Offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser

Editorial note: Remember, boys and girls, anything you say to the press is on the record unless you specifically say otherwise.

In a press release this afternoon, the RI Dept. of Education (RIDE) announced that they had selected CDW-G, a leading provider of technology solutions to education and government, to deliver the state’s vision of the modern classroom to schools across the state.

Starting this fall, Rhode Island schools will be able to select a comprehensive technology package for students and teachers that includes Lenovo laptops, software from Microsoft and Dyknow, wireless access and professional development. Schools will be able to select additional classroom technology tools from CDW-G’s full catalog. They will also benefit from a comprehensive financing package. The goal of the program is to promote educational equity and improve classroom engagement by giving students and educators ready access to technology and resources, regardless of grade level or subject area.

Rhode Island’s classroom technology initiative mirrors technology integration efforts across the country. According to a recent report, Learn Now, Lecture Later, students and teachers are using more technology – including laptops, digital content and even smartphones – to teach and learn today than they were two years ago, and both students and teachers are asking to use technology even more often in class.

“As we continue to explore opportunities to transform education in Rhode Island through the use of technology, we are committed to providing students and teachers with the tools and resources they need to use technology effectively in the classroom,” said David Abbott, the Acting Commissioner of elementary and secondary education. “We are pleased to have signed an agreement with CDW-G, which will provide Rhode Island schools with an all-inclusive technology package at a competitive price. We look forward to helping innovation through technology take shape in schools and classrooms across the state.”

“Rhode Island’s administrators and educators understand that technology integration is not just about using a device – it means curriculum and professional development are focused on using the device to teach problem-solving techniques and improve critical thinking and collaboration skills, across subject areas and grade levels,” said Julie Smith, vice president of K-12 education, CDW-G. “CDW-G recommends that districts focus on technology integration because it can help teachers and students at every level. Rhode Island’s initiative is significant because it has the potential to reach more than 140,000 students at 327 schools.”

To fully integrate the technology into Rhode Island classrooms, the technology package includes extensive professional development from Educational Collaborators, Intel Teach, KeyStone Learning, Edmodo and Microsoft Professional Development. This extensive package of both online and face-to-face “just-in-time” professional development will focus on peer-to-peer mentoring, technology exploration and practice in integrating technology into the curriculum and classroom experience.

The initiative also addresses a key concern for many districts – supporting new classroom technology without adding IT staff. CDW-G and Avnet Integrated will offer districts a single source for help desk, asset management, onsite deployment and maintenance for up to four years. Together, the companies will help districts deploy the technology package, while helping to minimize districts’ IT ongoing support and maintenance costs.

Editorial note: Written from a press release while trying not to smirk.

At last night's meeting, the Portsmouth School Committee approved $5K for a study to develop a district technology vision, but what's more significant is what they did *not* approve.

While the posted agenda item was an innocuous "Authorization to have a Technology Study to Establish Long-Term Goals," the backup material originally specified appropriating funds to assess the feasibility of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure or VDI. At a high level, VDI is a way to deliver a personalized computing experience across a network. Imagine your home PC being turned into a "virtual" device hosted on a remote server; instead of needing a big box on your desk, you can interact with "your" machine from any computer — or even your phone.

Enabling anywhere/anytime access is a worthy goal, and there is no question schools need to explore this, but there are challenges and options to consider. VDI requires very large initial outlays for infrastructure: one study by IT consulting firm Forrester pegged the upfront cost of a 2,500 seat installation (slightly larger than what would be needed in Portsmouth) at $1M.

The School Committee Technology subcommittee (of which I am a member) met last week and discussed VDI as one of several approaches, including software-as-a-service offerings (like Google Docs and Microsoft Office 365) and alternative ways of delivering remote access to the school network. The subcommittee explicitly tasked Portsmouth IT Director Rose Muller to work with the district technology committee (composed of technology-savvy teachers and administrators) to develop a perspective on technology vision and options.

So how did this end up being proposed as a study on VDI? Superintendent Lynn Krizic wrote the agenda item.

She admitted this, in public session, when questioned by this reporter. This agenda item was not drafted by Tech subcommittee chair Tom Vadney, who explained that his understanding of the guidance from the subcommittee had been a more general exploration, an interpretation that was supported by school committee member Dave Croston, who also attended the meeting.

So this agenda item did not reflect the understanding of subcommittee chair Vadney, who is the community's elected policy-setting representative; rather, it was crafted by the Superintendent. School Committee Vice-chair Jonathan Harris jumped to Krizic's defense saying that VDI was the direction the subcommittee intended. "I talked to a couple of people on the committee," he said.

It will probably not surprise you to hear that he did not talk to me. And, come to think of it, why would Jon "Too Big To Fail" Harris even care about something like this?

Well, the nickel dropped for me last night listening to one of the other agenda items, the approval of the Council 94 contract. In addition to the expected changes to the retirement plan from defined-benefit to defined-contribution, there was oddly specific language about restructuring the IT department and the nature of the severance package those staff would receive.

Let's connect the dots: Harris and Krizic push for VDI, which gets rid of all the infrastructure and moves it to an off-site server farm. Now you can potentially cut several staff positions.

But, you may ask, what about supporting the actual devices in students' hands? No problem. In Supt. Krizic's world, kids bring them. This notion, called "Bring Your Own Device" or BYOD, is gaining traction in corporate and educational environments. And at last week's subcommittee meeting, Dr. Krizic advanced the notion that the district might not need to supply devices, since so many students had their own.

This reporter responded — I will admit, a bit testily — that not every family could afford to buy their kids a laptop or iPad for school. As someone from Island Park, I look around at all the houses on the market and the folks I know who are out of work, and I don't see them being able to pony up a few hundred extra bucks for each kid to bring a device to school.

To his credit, subcommittee chair Tom Vadney immediately tried to walk back Krizic's suggestion by saying that the district could create a "free or reduced-price technology" plan to provide equipment for those who couldn't afford it.

But even that, I think, glosses over the ugly reality: VDI + BYOD = a hidden tax on parents.

It was a positive development that this approach was taken off the fast track last night, and I'd urge any interested parents to attend the next Technology Subcommittee meeting on October 15 at 6pm in the PHS library.

Full disclosure: I am an appointed member — until Harris kicks me off — of the School Committee technology subcommittee as well as serving as a community representative on the Portsmouth School District technology committee (I've been the sole community participant for a couple of years in the District's state-required tech plan, and you can't touch me there, Jon.)

See: Jerusalem, Chapter 2, plate 30, lines 49-50.

Tomorrow is Primary Day in Rhode Island, and it's an especially important one for Democrats in Portsmouth, where there are three endorsed Democrats running for school committee -- Emily Copeland, Terri Cortvriend, and Andrew Kelly. Opposing them are (in my opinion, obviously) two incumbent DINOs, including one I wrote about here. For those in the north end of town, your ballot will look like this:

Please remember to vote in the House District 1 race, where David Cicilline is facing a primary challenge. No matter where you live, you can find your polling place and check out a sample ballot at the Secretary of State's excellent Voter Information Center.

And just so you can put a face with a name, here are the Portsmouth School Committee candidates again -- hope you'll get out to the polls tomorrow and give them your support.

Full disclosure: I'm a proud Democrat.

Portsmouth's Democratic candidates for School Committee (Terry Cortvriend, Andrew Kelly, Emily Copeland, and John Wojichowski) have launched a Facebook page for their campaign. With a September primary coming up for three of them — Cortvriend, Kelly, and Copeland — it's not too early to stop by and give it a like (and pass it along to your friends!)

If you've got kids in our schools, or you've been following education in Portsmouth, you'll recognize these folks. I'm sure they'll be using their page to introduce themselves to our neighbors and ask for our votes.

I trust Terri, Andrew, Emily, and John to do the right things for our kids and our schools. Hope you'll join me in supporting them.

Full disclosure: I am a member of the Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee. My views are entirely my own.

According to comments posted on Portsmouth Patch, Marilyn King was elected as the new Chair of the school committee at last night's meeting, replacing the departed Cynthia Perrotti.

Congratulations and best wishes to Ms. King.

Update: According to highlights posted on the PSD site, in her first action as Chair, King appointed Angela Volpicelli to fill her role as Clerk.

Congratulations and best wishes to Ms. Volpicelli.

Update 2: Patch adds a writethru.

Portsmouth school committee chair Cynthia Perrotti announced at last night's meeting that she is resigning, effective May 15, according to a summary posted on the school department web site:

In a very thoughtful and heartfelt speech, Mrs. Perrotti shared with her fellow School Committee members and members of the community her intentions to resign from the School Committee effective May 15, 2012, for personal reasons. In her remarks, she expressed her appreciation to School Committee members, administrators, staff, and the community for their work and support. Mrs. Perrotti thanked the community for electing her to the School Committee as well as thanked members of the School Committee for electing her to serve as School Committee Chair. Mrs. Perrotti received a standing ovation by the audience.

Perrotti was appointed to the Portsmouth School Committee in May, 2009 by the previous Town Council (at a meeting during which no public comment was permitted) to fill a seat left vacant by the resignation of Jamie Heaney (R). She ran for school committee in 2010, and was the top vote-getter. Perrotti was elected as Chair by the members of the school committee on Nov. 23, 2010, despite the Democrats holding a 4-3 majority.

Full disclosure: I was a Democratic candidate in the 2010 school committee election.

The town of Portsmouth announced the upcoming budget schedule in an e-mail to news media this afternoon. All meetings take place at 7pm in the Town Council chambers except as noted.

April 30: Capital Improvement Plan
May 1: Police, Fire DPW
May 2: All other budgets
May 3 6:30pm Portsmouth Library: Council-School Committee budget collaboration workshop.
May 7: Budget Workshop Panel #3 - State Mandates - Pension Experience Study
May 14: Regular Town Council Meeting
May 15: School Budget and Adopt Provisional Budget
June 13, 7pm, Portsmouth Middle School: Public Budget Hearing
June 25: Council adopts budget

Editorial note: I'm intrigued (and mildly amused) that the kumbaya session between the Council and School Committee was scheduled for neutral turf at the Library. I guess it was either that or Fort Butts with brass knuckles...

In a three-hour Portsmouth School Committee meeting packed with green-shirted supporters and marked by sharp partisan exchanges between Democrat Dave Croston and Republican Chair Cynthia Perrotti and Vice-Chair Jonathan Harris, the effort to outsource the district's custodial and maintenance staff went down to a 5-2 defeat. An unrelated austerity move that would have left empty the position of a retiring PHS assistant principal met the same fate.

There were more than 70 supporters of the custodians and maintenance staff on hand for the meeting — which had been moved to the high school auditorium because of the anticipated crowd — and many took the opportunity to speak during the public comment time near the top of the agenda.

Rick Weida, the PHS head custodian urged the committee to think about student safety. "We know how how many foot-pounds it takes to open a door," he said, adding that they make sure any child can move them in an emergency. He also talked about staff going above and beyond, like a crew that emptied all the dumpsters to find a student's lost retainer. [Editorial note: I apologize for not catching Rick's last name, my ears are pretty clogged right now; if someone can add in comments or message me, I'll update.] [Updated]

Teachers also spoke in solidarity. Amanda Boswell stressed the importance of the custodial staff as part of the school. "Custodial staff are our community," she said. "They teach our students respect and that we should be proud of our surroundings." Pat McCarthy was direct about the need for school committee to show respect for their employees. "They deserve better at the hands of the town, its administration, and its elected officials."

When public comment ended, the agenda moved forward and there emerged something of an undercard event, a proposal by School Committee member Angela Volpicelli. From the agenda: "I would like to discuss the feasibility of having one Vice Principal at the High School. I feel that having one Vice Principal could be feasible and would have a positive impact on the budget."

Ms. Volpicelli offered no specific metrics to justify the assertion of feasibility. There was a discussion of the way the schools were years ago, when there was only one assistant principal. Fellow committee member Marilyn King offered the suggestion that the school hire a "security officer" instead.

Seriously, Ms. King? Why not just call in the Department of Homeland Security and have pilotless drones in the hallways?

PHS Principal Robert Littlefield argued strenuously that the increasing mandates for student improvement and new curriculum made the second position imperative. Asst. Principal Jeff Goss warned the committee that they could "destroy the school system" with just four votes.

Tailgunner Gleason got up to the mike to offer a rambling screed that seemed both embrace the custodians ("I need you like you need me.") while also supporting austerity measures, and telling the committee she understood their difficulties ("I've sat up there before, and may again.") prompting Dave Croston to ask pointedly, "Are you running?"

PCC apparatchik Cheshire Kathy Melvin urged the committee to cut the position and let the chips fall where they may. ""If it's a disaster, it's a disaster." It's clear that the PCC cares more about taxes then whatever might happen to our kids in a school with insufficient supervision.

In a show of rationality, when it came time to count the votes, the proposal failed, 5-2, with King and Volpicelli in the minority.

Then it was on to the main event.

Wealth management professional Jonathan Harris moved to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to privatize custodial and maintenance.

Crickets.

There was a very, very long pause, and finally, Cynthia Perrotti stepped up and seconded.

Then Harris, as befitting a captain of industry, regaled the attendees with a PowerPoint presentation, showing lots of numbers. You can download it from the PSD site. You may also want to view the rest of his supporting material here.

In what Harris clearly believed was his killer chart, he showed that a teacher with 28 years of service ended up only with 60% of their salary in retirement, but a custodial staff member with 40 years of service received 144%. Perrotti apparently liked the point — she repeated it as evidence that the system was unsustainable.

Sleight of hand with data gets right up my nose. I got up to speak. My son, Jack, had asked me to be sure to mention how much he appreciates the custodians who assist the middle school Green Team, where they work side-by-side with kids after school to recycle. I added that, as a parent, I appreciate knowing the folks who work with my son, and knowing that they care about our kids. And I asked Harris about the actual dollar numbers, rather than percentages. He acknowledged that the retirement numbers would be about $46K for custodial and $42K for the teacher, which, I pointed out, paints a very different picture than 144% and 60%.

And, finally, I reminded our community that both Harris and Perrotti opposed the referendum to exceed the cap two years ago on the grounds that extra money for the schools wasn't needed. And now they turn around and cry poverty as an excuse to "screw these guys."

Admittedly, not the most polite language for a school committee meeting. But I was genuinely annoyed. We need to remember.

There was more excellent speaking from members of the custodial staff, and the president of RI Council 94, and when push came to shove, the motion failed, 5-2 with Harris and Perrotti in the minority.

I made a point of going up to the committee and thanking Sylvia Wedge, Angela Volpicelli, Marilyn King, Dave Croston, and Tom Vadney for their votes.

Update 12:18pm 3/28/12: Added Rick Weida's last name, thanks to an informed reader.

Editorial note: Apologies if this post is a bit sloppy; I just about made it through the meeting and am home sick today (as is our son) with this late-season bug that's been going around. Thanks to everyone who came out and spoke last night to defend our school community.

The Portsmouth School Committee last night chose five community members for its technology subcommittee, according to meeting highlights posted on the district web site.

The new members of the subcommittee, which will advise the district on technology issues, are Brenda Langlais, Linnea Wolf, Robert Hewett, and Jeff Swider, with auxiliary member Roy Huck.

According to the posted highlights, "The School Committee has reopened applications for the Technology Subcommittee, as additional members are needed. Applications should be sent to Patti Cofield, cofieldp@portsmouthschoolsri.org by March 13."

The School Committee has assembled a well-credentialed panel, and I wish them them all the best as they help guide our schools through this important transitional period.

Full disclosure: I submitted the required materials to be considered for this subcommittee in December.