It's about time the state looked into them. They seem to have an awful lot of money to be buying property, building new buildings and baseball fields for a "public" school. Charter schools are not private schools, they are public schools funded by taxpayers. Whereas public schools need to take all students, kids with learning disabilities, special needs, behavior kids, the MVCS seems to pick and choose the students who will give them good grades and test scores. If a student leaves MVCS the public school has to take them and educate them. The MVCS doesn't even take students that haven't been in their system for high school. They certainly have been secretive about how they do things. Imagine if the Malden school committee did things that way, people would be outraged.

The Charter is an embarrassment to government union run schools right down the street. But in the mind of Mr. Chester, those schools are superior because they are obedient, and they accomplish his most important goal: government union jobs. It's a make-work racket and the stunning success of the charter, in his mind, is not to be commended, it must be stopped. Note the absence of supposedly 'pro-Charter' Governor Patrick. I thank the Charter for giving thousands of local families real hope and actual results. They are an asset to Malden and a model for child enrichment.

ohhhh my

Ahhh, finally the corruption has been exposed. Took the State long enough. Oh and of course Kinnon's first resposne is oh "it's political".

As a parent of two boys in MVRCS I have nothing but good things to say about the school (well, actually some rules do annoy me but I can live with them). As far as picking and choosing students - we went through the lottery and the school could not have possibly "picked" the students they wanted. Not taking kids past fifth grade is a school policy - I do not necessarily agree with it but I can tell you that a kid coming in at that point would have a hard time catching up (also there is very few spaces available - maybe they could do something like increase student enrollment :) ). The Board is obviously doing a fine job - in my personal opinion the longer they stay the better for the school.

Parent of two here as well, and I can't say enough good things about it. Of course I was a victim of Prop 2 1/2 so maybe measuring the Malden Public Schools (back then) vs. what MVRCS does now isn't fare. I as well dont have to agree with everything that the charter does, however they have a proven track record and let's be honest, some people are just angry that their children weren't accepted in the lottery. It's kind of funny because when my child first got in back in 2003, I as a melrose resident was looked at laughed upon down on the soccer fields, baseball fields etc... Then the graduating classes started happening and those laughs to questions, then the inability for all Melrose kids to get in turned the local paper into a back in forth of what Melrose public was doing wrong vs. what the charter was doing right. Yeah anyways, you will never make everyone happy....

*fair

I wouldn't say that this denial is prove of corruption until such facts came to light upon further review. The state is asking for more transparency from officals about how MVR is being run, but nothing else, yet.
Interesting comments about the charter school seeming to have a lot of money. What does that mean? I assume that if the charter schools are public schools funded by taxpayers, wouldn't they have to apply for the funds in a legal way? A good question would be which school costs less to operate per student, taking into account that public schools, have extra expenditures, charter schools do not? When citizens talk about accountability in goverment or complain that there is not enough of it, I assume it's about the spending of tax dollars and unfair policies, we are concerned about, so do charter schools save the public money, but still give high perfomance? Do public schools waste money and is there any proof of that? Few today can say they have enough money, so whenever our goverment can save some money we need that. Our public schools wasteful? The questions are always about money and how it is spend. I think we should get answers to those questions when asked in the proper and legal way. I look forward to those answers and answers to other questions and accusations on this post, about improprieities in spending or school policies that are unfair, to students or taxpayers. I don't want anyone wasting our money or breaking the law with our tax dollars, does anyone?

OK - one more post which makes two more than I ever made for any article... Key Sarah - MVRCS is a public school and therefore subject to same (or nearly so) regulations as all other public schools. In other words "not performing" and "behavioral issues" would not be sufficient to as you say send the student to their sending public school district. Amy P. they can keep students back if they do not meet the standards but it would not be anything like 80 average (not even close). They will keep kid back if there is more than a certain number of unexcused absences (don't have a problem with this one either). You are obviously not involved with the school or you would know that it does everything possible to help students who are not doing well including tutoring as needed. Parents can object without fear of their kid being sent packing, naturally. Now for the finances. The charter schools are funded differently than regular public schools in the sense that they have to cover certain expenses out of the funds allocated to them (on a per student basis) that public schools do not. For example, a public school does not have to purchase their building out of their budget - MVRCS does and that is what they did, little by little. If unused money is returned to sending districts how exactly is MVRCS supposed to provide the facilities? Please people if you are going to comment about something at least make sure that you try to get informed about the subject, at least a little.

Seems like Mr. Kinnon is unaware or completely disregards the fact that the entire point of having a board of trustees in place is to bring objective oversight to an organization. You do not staff a board, any board, with the operating officers of that organization whether it is a Fortune 500 company or in Malden's case, the local charter school. It is a major conflict of interest - like the fox watching the hen house. Yes, the president usually sits on a board, but that's about it. The rest of a board is made up of local business or community leaders who have no financial or personal stake in the company. Then important decisions can be made based on truly objective thinking. Mr. Kinnon does not understand that in the real world beyond Malden, he is in fact in error and any review board would see that and this one did and made recommendations to correct the situation. The fact that Kinnon is also a city councilor is even more troubling. How many levels of conflict of interest can there be in this situation? I don't know Mr. Kinnon but I did not like his flip response that this review was all political. His response proved that the independent review committee was dead-on citing a significant lack of transparency in the leadership of MVRCS and that it sorely needs to be reorganized and opened up.

If these members have lifetime appointments to the board, has anyone looked into their pension arrangements ? This maybe an onion that has yet to be peeled !!

It is Political, and I can see why, Neil Kinnon and the MVRCS have gained plenty of premier Real Estate in Malden and they are constantly looking for more, there has got to be some conflict of interest involved in this process, it would not surprise me if Favorable Votes were being lobbied for with monetary gains. Malden might not be a big City but crooked Politics is everywhere.

OK - it took me exactly two minutes to find the charter school regulations and financial information online. So, please check it out it is available to absolutely everyone http://www.doe.mass.edu/charter/default.html as is data for all other public schools. Financial info is in Finance and Enrollment section as well as the explanation of the tuition formula used. So Suzanne - you wanted to know how much MVRCS spends per student - go online and see.

Broadway Jay, this public debate on the issues is healthy in my mind. However, one thing that no one can say about the board is that they have profited personally from serving. The entire board works with zero compensation. Zero. No pension, no health insurance, zero. When you calculate it by the hour, it's still zero. Annually, zero. Lifetime, zero. In fact, I think they must be out of their minds for doing so.

Of course it's political, especially if you take into account how many "family members and friends" work at the school. it's almost as bad as city hall...

So where does the money really come from? Theres is no way they are getting approved from the State or the City educational funds, for the money they spend to purchase and build property. So where is the money really coming from? If it is outside funding? Is this legal to accept if they are a supposed PUBLIC school? Which in my eyes they are not. No school that holds lottery's to go there should be considered a PUBLIC school, and draw educational funds form the State or any City that should be going to REAL PUBLIC schools withi those cities. As far as Kinnon goes. He should give up his seat on the City Council, as he has absolutely no interest in making the City of Malden a better place. All he cares about is the money you can put in his pocket for that school. Oh and by the way. There have been plenty of kids I'm sure, that have been allowed in after the fifth grade cutoff they have. It just depends on who you are and who you know.

I’m trying so hard not to comment here because I don’t wish to comment via “maldenpatch.com”, meaning “this page”, regarding this story. I have however already posted on my Facebook page, along with former parents, and students, who know this school inside and out, and have since the day MVRCS was born. It’s we, the parents from the very beginning, who knows the real truth about how this school operates, and not new parents. We’re the ones who lived it each and every day. We’re the ones who felt the pains, as well as the joys, when this school was founded. Having said that, I refuse to post on Malden Patch unless it’s on their Facebook page, or my FB page. This way, not one single coward without a name can comment without posting their real name, to attack me for going public again for sharing my story about what took place by this dictator and his administration. (Well, they can, but I won’t respond.) I prayed for karma to haunt this evil man one day, and I’m not even a hateful person. I’ve always said that one day the truth would come out and I, along with so many other families who were hurt by this man’s dirty deeds, could finally have our day! Too many innocent children had their self esteem robbed by this evil man and his empire! This is a sweet victory for me, my family, as well as so many other children. As former parent told me last night, “There is a God”! It took the DOE way too long to do their job, but they finally did!

Bob T - all board trustees within non-profit organizations such as colleges, hospitals, charitable organizations, etc. operate without compensation. Serving on a non-profit board is considered an act of selfless community service. And as I said earlier, trustees are supposed to be business and community leaders not associated with the organization. The problem with MVRCS is that the board members also get their paycheck from MVRCS and that makes their seat on a governing body inappropriate and a conflict of interest. They should all be removed. Since the independent review board basically told them to clean up their act, I would suggest that for starters they bring in representatives from every city that sends students to the school. I may be from Malden but there is no reason why everything about this school is dominated by one city either. Mr. Kinnon shows his leadership shortcomings not knowing this basic principal of board purpose and make-up. I don't like a hypocrite. And when he called the independent review politically motivated, I had to cough up my morning coffee when reading the original story in Sunday's Globe North Weekly. It sounds like his career has been completely based in political advantage and he is running this school like his own personal kingdom.

CALB70, the local school boards get paid. The Charter School board does not. You stated:

The problem with MVRCS is that the board members also get their paycheck from MVRCS and that makes their seat on a governing body inappropriate and a conflict of interest.

To repeat, you are wrong. The board members do NOT get compensation.

CALB70, you seem to be very confused. The board of the school is just that, the board. A volunteer group paid nothing. In addition, the school has a full admin team, directors, asst directors, etc, who are NOT part of the board. They are accountable to the board. Please try to understand how it works before posting so emphatically about a topic.

Dear Calb70: Please understand this and you can apologize anytime right after. . The Board Members of Mystic Valley Regional Charter School are volunteers and not paid and never have been paid. All of us work real jobs and always have in the private sector. Also of the five member Board only two are from Malden. What I don't like CALB70 is when people post information without checking their facts first. As volunteers they have put in countless hours to help make Mystic Valley a Level 1 School which is the states highest ranking. According to the Dept of Education the School is faithful to its Charter, and Academic Success and a Viable Organization.

Suzanne. The Mystic Valley receives its money from the Commonwealth of MA. It is sent per pupil and the amount is calculated by District average cost. Charter Schools by law cannot take certain special education students. The amount spent on those students is subtracted by the state from the Districts Spend before the avg per pupil is calculated. Therefore Charters do not get paid for these students. Charter Schoosl must educate all students and Mystic Valley has 12% special education. Mystic Valley also has at about 3% one of the lowest student attrition rates in the state. Meaning once a student comes to the school they rarely leave so this idea of forcing out is a fallacy. By comparison local district schools MV serves have an average of 11% attrition. Some as high as 20%. None is lower than MV.

Mr. Kinnon, I don't mind being wrong at all and when I am I admit it. I read the original story in Sunday's paper that stated, "Each of the 5 trustees has served on the board for 12 years or more and is involved with day-to-day management of the school, a fact that runs counter to state guidelines." I read that as the trustees were somehow employed by the school. I apologize for the honest misreading, but I do not apologize for my disappointment as a 25-year Malden resident and taxpayer to see a critical report like this from an independent body and your embarrassing response and attitude. It is not me that has a lot explaining or apologizing to do, but you. I understand just fine how business and real boards are run and they are not closed bodies operating with impunity. Instead of looking for ways to degrade anyone who speaks against the school whether it is me or the independent reviewers, you might want to pay attention to what they are saying, understand their perspective and think about ways to fix your issues.

As for Lauren Greene on Complaints and the DOE not typically contacting the school: Well she shoud read the law note she does not deny the school was not provided the complaints they made judgements about the school with. Since the Patch declined to provide it, although they had it here it is: "A complaint is someone's written claim that the school district has violated legal requirements for education. The Department reviews complaints, investigates the claims, and determines whether the district has violated legal requirements for education. If a violation has occurred, the Department directs the school to correct the violation or to take other steps to make sure that it does not happen again.
Federal law requires all complaints to be in writing and to be signed by the complainant." Mystic Valley never received the complaints and she nor the Commisioner denies that read both stories. Here is the link to DOE complaint information:http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/prs/ Two weeks have gone by and no complaint file yet as they promised. Seems a little odd. The law also says they cannot be anonymous.

Chris what does a school do? "The Department requires this procedure for all types of complaints it receives". Further there also requirements under the Charter Regulations as well. I am sure you will do your due diligence as all good journalists do. At the end of the day the real issue is hundreds of children and their families not being given the opportunity to attend one of the best schools in the Commonwealth according to the Department of Eduacation rating it a Level 1 School. And CALEB I only called you out after you went on and on about the Board of Trustees without the facts. Did I degrade you more than you did of that group of volunteers making claims that were totally false? Read your comments. If you were not anonymous. You also have not read the report. You have read Chris Caesars and the Boston Globes small take on one section of the report that is many pages long and glows about the School and in fact give kudos to the Board of Trustees.

This level of defensiveness is pretty unbecoming of a public official.

Suzanne Mystic Valley is an sub agency of the State. Therefore it is similar to a non-profit. Mystic Valley is not a for profit organization. There are a few in the State. MV is not one of them. The money comes from good management practices for many years.

CALB70: We would be happy to correct what is supposedly wrong. However one cannot do so if you are not given the complaints. Would you agree? See Ms Greenes comments and then if you do not believe me about complaint process please open the link and read. The only thing not opaque hear is how the Commisisoner and his underlings handled these phantom complaints. Note anonymous complaints are not allowed by Federal Law or State DOE procedures. If you would like to meet I would be happy to provide you with a copy of the real report done by "Class Measures". That report was glowing about the school. As for Governence again the Commissioner and the School disagree on what our role is. We believe the law supports us. I will let you be the judge: MGL Chapter 71 Section 89 "The Board of Trustees of a Charter School , shall be deemed to be a public agents authorized by the commonwealth to supervise and control the Charter School." Class Measures also said the following "2. The MVRCS board of trustees has been stable and remains committed to the vision and mission originally conceived when the school was chartered. This commitment influences most board decisions, many of which are managerial decisions as well as policy and financial decisions." We believe the law allows us to supevise or manage? So don't always believe what you read in a story in a paper.

I am not trying to fight or anything else, do you get the extra money from low teacher salaries/benefits, don't you have to give back any unused money to the state? I don't understand if you are a school, not suppose to make a profit, then where do these millions come from, it can't be just good management, you have to be able to cut costs that the regular "public" schools cannot such as teacher salaries/benefits, maintenance on buildings, etc..

Somewhere Bernie Madoff is blushing.. But seriously, this is the D.O.E, which is toothless.. If it was the D.O.J. or A.G. then maybe it would be substantive !!

If someone filed an "anonymous" complaint about a porn star working in the school as a teacher would the school take action?

Well I see one heck of a real nice school and a fab park beside it so they cant be doing anyone any wrong. A huge improvement to that area.

Hey Mokal, whats up! I know you mentioned lookin at a trailer and headin outta here. You might be forced out if MVCS buys anymore land. They got some swampland in Fla to sell you cheap. You can even buy it anonomously.

Mr. Kinnon, As the Children's Librarian at the Malden Public Library, I would love to visit your school's K-8 library. It's the only public school library in Malden that I've been unable to visit in my 8+ years here. I've asked your school administrators but they have not responded to my requests. Since your school's website mentions that the school library has books that have the curriculum in mind, I'd love to see some of the titles that are well suited to your teachers' requirements for some of the school's more challenging student assignments. Thanks in advance!

When many of the Catholic Schools began to be closed, due to grave financial losses, it left a very significant vacancy to be filled and that need was met with the idea of establishing Charter Schools. Many families, who sent their children to the Catholic Schools for years, must have been devastated when these schools began to close. Leaders got together with the idea of Charter Schools, which have become so popular, that a lottery is used to accept students, because presently there is more demand than supply. So what do you think should be done?

The schools are primarily funded by tax dollars, so why shouldn't they be expanded, so anyone can go? Obviously today, some taxpayers and especially the state, have certain questions about how the MVR school is being operated.

They state that a lack of transparancy, among other complaints in the way MVR is being run. Mr.Kinnon says that the charge is politicaly motivated, but he should possess prove of that statement, or he's proving their point.

If school expansion is being denied, that hurts taxpayers, who indirectly fund these schools and want their children to attend, so those whose actions or policies, are being questioned should explain, comply or step down.

Why? Every effort should be made to satisfy the state & public's concerns about transparancy and spending or otherwise expansion will be stalled. MVR is not the Cosa Nostra, it should be assessible to everyone without a lottery system. What do you say?

Why does the Malden librarian think she has a right to audit the Charter's library? Why do people keep posting blatantly false stuff about the lottery,and personally libelous stuff about the management? So much hate. People are making up problems that don't exist, and demanding enforcement of government rules that have proven to work - where? How about directing some of that incensed attention to the Malden government union schools, which educate a lot more kids while swiping a LOT more of your tax dollars. Why are they getting Horrible results?

If your new to the school or want some accurate information, check out:

http://unofficialmvrcs.blogspot.com/

Patches McSleeves - Isn't the Charter School's Library a public one? Have the books been purchased with our tax dollars?

If "Patches McSleeves" used his/her real name, I might take his/her comment a bit more seriously. But being a public librarian, I believe in serving everyone in my community, so I would like to explain: When school librarians and public librarians work together in order to serve their community's students, it's a win-win situation. We at the public library do our best to support the charter school's K-8 assignments, and it would be helpful to know what their school library offers towards that same end so that we can consider purchasing those same materials. We want to serve the students better. (No one said anything about an audit!!)

Rebecca, Patches line about Malden Government Union Schools getting horrible results should make you want to see what the MV is doing right. You have been around for the past 8 years.Do any of you public servants ever question your own materials. Horrible Results.

I prefer to be called Broadway Jay in any physical or electronic encounter we have.. I'm not trying to hide my identity. Broadway Jay is my stage name !! OK

mvrcs is the best.My granddaughter graduated from there and it was the best thing for her,Good behavoir and school uniforms ,best.What i see going to malden High with the pants halfway down their butt is deplorable

so why don't we stop being jealous that our kids do not go to MV and stop making up absolutely obscene remarks that are 100% not true and just move a long now. coming from a student of MV for 13 years.

I read a paper last year in regards to the Library initiative (I believe that is what it was called) where the libraries co-partnered with with the public schools to benefit the children.. I thought it was wonderful.....

Idiots.

not my words exactly, but that doesn't matter, however people should not be complaining about a school that they, A) have no idea how is ran since they are not involved with it (if thats the case) and B) take it from the students that it is not a bad school, on the contrary, MANY students love the school as do i.

ahhh right, makes much more sense now thanks for clearing up, somewhat, unlike some people commenting.

I've been in this school since kindergarten and I'm now a senior with absolutely no complaints besides no February vacation but that clearly has paid off. With the consistency of school days and not getting a week off in February after a holiday break in December, has created work efficiency with the students. The school has been nothing but a great structure for my school work and my outside experiences. You cannot completely disregard all the alums who have been excepted to great schools and in this years graduating class we have students accepted to Ivy league schools such as Brown and Harvard. Mystic Valley has been a blessing to myself and I speak for almost the entire student body when I say this school gives you so many chances to exceed in academics and life.

Fact of the matter is the kids going to this school are generally smarter because of the level and volume of education they receive, not because of some corrupt scheme. They'll be making more money and helping the local and state economy and government on a scale far above the tax payer input to this school, so why wouldn't you allow the school's expansion. The facilities are well maintained, the students are well mannered, and the community genuinely benefits from the school's existence.

Love that my family goes to MVRCS!!!! I got in after spending a few years in Malden Public, and, believe me, there is no comparison!!!! Looking forward to going to MVRCS High School in September. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Naaaaa yoo mystic valley alll the way

I LOVE MYSTIC VALLEY. I LOVE MY TEACHERS AND MY FELLOW CLASSMATES. I LIKE UNIFORMS AND I'M PROUD OF HOW FAR OUR SCHOOL HAS COME. I'M SO HAPPY THAT I GO TO MV AND I COULDN'T ASK FOR A BETTER SCHOOL.

People just don't know a great school when it's right in front of them and Diana I don't need to sell you anything. I'm 18, got accepted to all 6 of my colleges and will be successful in life. Mystic Valley has given me my tools to do all of that.

One more time, the issues that most (not all) seem to be unhappy with seem to be centered around a lack of transparency and a failure to adhere to state regulations for a sustained period of time.

Its nice to hear kids excited about their school. Best of luck in the future!

yea we'll see when your son/ daughter goes no where in life when most of the alumni will be getting amazing educations, like mentioned earlier people have been accepted to Brown MIT HARVARD, other ivy league and AMAZING schools.

After having gone to public school, and now attending MV, and realizing how instrumental the school has been in getting me into the one university I truly wanted to attend, I can say that MV should only be allowed to expand and give as many kids as possible the same tools and opportunities it has give this senior class and graduating classes in the past. While transparency is important, building the youth of the community into well functioning individuals is slightly more important in my opinion. I'm sorry, but I just don't see the logic behind the level of speculation and hatred towards the school, its unwarranted and completely misplaced.

Where one school works for one - it may not work for another. I believe public discussion on public schools is healthy and can be helpful....what is not healthy is the lack of civility. There are many students that attend MHS that go on to Ivy League schools.....the discussion is about lack of transparency and denying transparency....should not a public school be transparent?

we (as a student body) know about the regulations of our school, and if thats so why hasn't anything been done earlier? i mean the school has been around since 1998.

Andrew25 -- I so wish I could like your last comment. Nice!

sorry meant to say denying expansion.....

i think the problem here is people are getting confused on is the meaning of schools being "transparent"

DANG, WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THESE BOOKS?

Go MV

It's the Ders

WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THESE BOOKS?

My fathers name is Thor

ATTENTION ALL: Boston Latin is there to mold excellence ... Does anyone have anything against Boston Latin a Public Institution that's goals are to launch leaders ?
At times there needs to be separation to filter out the potential !!
Did Mayor Christenson attend public schools, does anyone know ?

well we aren't denying expansion we are getting denied the opportunity to expand, correct me if i'm wrong, just trying to understand.

Thor Holmvik? he's kind of a big deal

MVRCS > All

The students that were picked in the lottery in kindergarten, by the way, were 4 and 5 years old. Clearly they didn't look at the name and say "yeah, that kid will boost our MCAS scores!" MV is a great school with a higher curriculum. It has a higher degree of academic difficulty. The students are proud of it, too... Mystic is a school that educates kids to help them succeed in the world. Just like every other school.

Mr. Kinnon, I know for a fact that formal complaints have been filed against both the Mystic Valley Charter School board, as well as the DOE (I have had many friends who attended MV, and their parents filed them).

Simply by serving on the Board of Directors of the Mystic Valley Charter School consitutes a clear conflict of interest.

That's a chop bro

lol ok Joe - sorry denied expansion.....

I sent two boys to MC. Some semesters I had to pay with my Visa Card. MC is a great school. MV sounds like it is run just like MC without the enormous tuition.
Neil, are you an MC grad?

Mike G. you're irrelevant, BYE

REAL MEN GET DESSERT FIRST! DESSERT FIRST!

Mike G.. Academic Egg-Head is mine..

Diana- you're embarrassing yourself.

Mystic valley is among the most prestigious schools in the state for a reason. And you certainly do not just get "picked" in a lottery for that title. We earned it. Fact of the matter is, I would rather spend 300 days a year instead of 200 attending Mystic Valley, as opposed than spending 180 in a typical public school. As the years go by, we excel greater and greater. Like Rachel said, just look at our alums and graduating senior class. The school provides top notch staff and an outstanding curriculum. Everywhere you go and bring up Mystic Valley, you will hear more good things than bad. Especially compared to when you bring up the name of other schools. So, for the sake of our sanity, let's face the truth that Mystic Valley is a better school than any other will ever be.

too many kids? are you kidding me? there is barley 300 students in the higschool.

JUSTICE

My brother is special needs, just like many MV alumni and current students, and all his requirements were met at Mystic Valley with no problem

Boston Latin(public school) is an Exam School and MVRCS isn't.. Why's everyone whining ?
Boston Latin is in existence to enroll the best of the best.. They recognize that we need to prepare our students today to be leaders tomorrow !!

There's too much anecdotal evidence between anonymous people in here that means nothing. Lets just step back and look at the two possibilities of this situation

1) MV is allowed to expand, they continue as planned, never have to give up information like other taxpayer funded schools and continue being shady but other than that, remaining constant

2) MV isn't allowed to expand, the school becomes overcrowded and students in a taxpayer funded school are sitting on the floor.

Now I understand why you'd be angry at their opaqueness but this is a petty issue and a terribly chosen one. This is a fight we should be having on another day, not when overcrowding the school is at stake.

BANE, WHAT'RE YOU DOING HERE?

Batman when gotham is in ashes, you have my permission to die.

WHERE IS SHE???

MR. WAYNE

Shouldn't we all be focusing on how to make the school better and how to improve the education and problems the state officials feel the board has?

no one cared who i was until i put on the mask!!!!!!

My Spider-Sense is tingling.

If you want a real outlook on the school, ask a student or a parent of a student who attends, for the most part we all love it, there is no need to attack the school just because your kid didn't get in, it's a lottery. Idiots.

do you feel in charge?

OK Kids, time to go to bed. Leave this discussion for the old people.

THIS CITY NEEDS A HERO

..this gives you power over me?

i'm gotham's wreckoning!!!

It's your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man!

made a promise on the grave of my parents that I would rid this city of the evil that took their lives. By day, I am Bruce Wayne, billionaire philanthropist. At night, criminals, a cowardly and superstitious lot, call me... Batman

If the world were full of Diana's, we'd be in big trouble

Honestly all this Batman, Joker stuff is embarrassing. You want people to respect us and our school, then take it a little more seriously.

With great power comes great responsibility

I'M NOT WEARING HOCKEY PADS

calm down doctor, now's not the time for fear. that comes later!

*Diana

perhaps it was my plan to get caught

I sure hope the world isn't full of people like you Diana. and the only 'asshole' here is you. wanna correct me on my punctuation and Misused Capitalization?

Hey Diana, why don't you make that hiring decision and leave this conversation. We don't need your crap. Everyone who goes to Mystic Valley is smart. Don't try to tell us otherwise. We have better English MCAS grades than any other school in Malden, so don't try to tell us that we don't know how to write.

mystic valley is one of the best schools... You can come visit at anytime we aren't hiding anything

The world is full of people like Diana, and that's a significant factor behind the "I hate my boss" stereotype.

Diana is an asshat... that is all

Hello Spidey

People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy, and I can’t do that as Bruce Wayne. As a man, I’m flesh and blood; I can be ignored, I can be destroyed. But as a symbol… as a symbol I can be incorruptible. I can be everlasting.

Where's Mary Jane?

These are the same zit faced teeney-boppers that flood Twitter with tweets about looking foward to cancelled school due to a snow storm. Example: @maldenpatch did #mvrcs cancel tomorrow.. Kardashian marathon on all night long.. lol #snooki

The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout. Down came the Goblin and took the spider out.

speak of the devil and he shall appear

How much do they love their school ?

Broadway Jay- nobody asked you

Oh hold on, the adults started the swearing, the adults started insulting the school and its students, and the adults started making fun of grammar. So, the adults instigated everything. And then they get mad at the students. That seems very adult-like to me. Start messing everything up and then pin it on the kid.

Also, people are complaining that the lottery doesn't enroll "x" amount of kids (lower/upper school) ... I wonder why?!? Maybe it's because the school is denied expansion

This Diana lady just needs to leave.

Oh goodness, this is entertaining. But, school starts early in the morning. Now go to bed!

I was just foolin wit y'all I luv mv it's my fave yo pce bbgs

Diana , do your children know that they have such an ignorant mother ? Update your level of common sense and relevancy . Basically ,I'm telling you to go read a couple of books. and then re-read this article , maybe that book could cause the apparent expansion your mind needs.

i am Diana's reckoning!

Now everyone knows that MV kids have a sense of humor and don't like it when people attack their school. Oh, and they appreciate irony.

TWO CHAINZ BUT I GOT ME A FEW ON!

You know folks, instead of getting your panties all bunched, you could just learn English.

Nobody appreciated your "jokes" Diana . Leave.

Ello there! I was accepted to MV but didn't end up going because an owl brought me my acceptance letter to Hogwarts.

Guys, this is literally cyber bullying. You're only shooting yourselves in the foot by making personal attacks on the internet under pseudonyms. You accomplished nothing. Stop before you make yourselves look worse

You know Diana, instead of fighting with high schoolers, you could just learn to be nice.

I may have lost brain cells reading these comments. More news at 11

Dear Diana

It is a good thing to get laid once In a while.

I weep for the future.

Hey, there's another person named Anonymous. Not cool bro, my mom named me after her father. Get lost

Well , surfing the internet is what I do as a teenager , but apparently for Diana , arguing with high school students is what she does as an adult. Don't weep for the future Mike , weep for your own generation.

HEY MR.KRABS!!!!

honestly, a wise word to my classmates, stop being ridiculous and making these obscene remarks, it's not necessary.

WANNA COME JELLY FISHING WITH ME?

Diana most likely had to drop out of school because of either: A) teen pregnancy or B) she just couldn't handle it... and now she spends her time insulting high school students. You go girl, I got your back

I have kids at both MV and Malden High School. I have been very happy with both. In fact, I believe that the Malden schools have improved - possibly because of the presence of Mystic Valley. I wonder why no one asks how the vocational schools are funded. I'm pretty sure the money comes from the same place....

Well it's safe to assume you're definitely not apart of mine , considering that you probably wouldn't say that if you weren't older than us.

I DID NOT HAVE SEXUAL AFFAIRS WITH DIANA

Are the kiddies tucked in and given their Ritalin now? Can the grown-ups talk?

Nope

i lied, clearly not.

I'm currently a senior at MV High, and I will most likely be attending UMass Lowell next year. I have the potential to be the first person in my family to graduate from college. Honestly, I am not thrilled about how the school is run. However, it is easily the best school in the area and I'm happy to be here. As for the size of the school, the building we are currently in may not have enough room to accomodate next years freshmen. The school also cannot be blamed for this because where would you like them to go? They cant just make room with a snap of their fingers. Lets be rational here

big whoop she/he used the wrong word..if there even is a right or wrong...get over it. stop trying to use that as an example to portray the stupidity of people who attend mystic valley because it has nothing to do with the real 'issue' here.

THEY'RE TAKING THE HOBBITS TO ISENGARD

Personally, I can see past the silly comments and not hold it against your school or your classmates; I actually think they're sort of funny, and I didn't have anything against your school as an institution, nor its students in the first place.

The problem is that the average reader here will take what's said at face-value - and honestly the fake names, the ad hominem attacks, and other stupidness really doesn't help your case.

There's no way to tell which Diana I am though.

It's true you don't see many dwarf women and in fact they are so a like in voice and appearance that they are often mistaken for dwarf men

It's the beards

Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers,

I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me.

A day may come when the courage of men fails,

when we forsake our friends

and break all bonds of fellowship,

but it is not this day.

An hour of wolves and shattered shields,

when the age of men comes crashing down,

but it is not this day!

This day we fight!!

By all that you hold dear on this good Earth,

I bid you stand, Men of the West!!!

Goons

I like crabby pattys eugene

for Frodo

A wizard is never late

except this time...

fly you fools

YOU SHALL NOT PASS

First, I have to say the MVC has the rudest, stuck up parents, they park where ever they want, block driveways on Jacob St without reguard to the home owners.

Also, Diana as a parent shouldn't you be making lunches . How do you expect you're child to respect people if you don't

Guyz what is this debate for we all the know THE CHUPACABRA IS REAL

I have a pet chupacabra

Mike G IS A REALLY GOOD RAPPER OH EM GIZZLE

I hear they poop on the walls at that backwards hillbilly school.

Joyce tuck in your underbite

Hi

I have now set the comments on this thread to require my approval for publication. If you want to make a constructive comment, I will publish it, but if you are going to derail the thread, no dice.

The most ironic thing about this whole issue is the fact that Kinnon himself actually filed a complaint against the mayor for similar reasons.

http://malden.advocatenews.net/mayor-councillor-react-kinnon-wants-start-over-to-proposed-city-hall-project/

"Kinnon is of the opinion that the city council did not adhere to the city charter. He filed a complaint with the state attorney general’s office back in November, accusing the mayor of violating open meeting laws."

I can only imagine how proud Neil Kinnon (and the other members of the management team), Martin Trice, Chris Finn, George Benzie, and Alex Dan are going to be of their students and their behavior this evening. They are fine examples of the exceptional, well-behaved, civic minded students that MV produces. Thank you for showing us all the light!

Neil is a Malden High grad....Not MC

LET''S GO MC!!!!! BEAT CM!!!!

Well I got to say that these kids that are posting here are proud of there school and that's a big plus. I have no clue how the Charter Schools operate so I have no bussiness posting about it..Id like to see a new school at the one on Salem Street. I hate seeing that school with the drug rehab across the street.

Mike good morning: Not the same at all. Firsts my complaint was against the City Council and Mayor. Second no complaint has been ever filed against the Mystic Valley regarding the open meeting law. My complaints against the Council and Mayor were also completely transparent. I shared the complaint with the City Council President in writing as is required long before filing a formal complaint as is required by law. There have never been nor to our knowledge today are their any formal complaints. We are waiting to see if those complaints about the Board really exist. Note in the article here or in the Globe do you see them denying that complaints were not shared with the MV Volunteer Board or Trustees? Far different than the Council or the Mayor. All including myself had ample heads up in writing with specifics not via opaque non specific claims which have yet to be backed up.

Glad to see you are now censoring responses. Shades of Anthem when its not going how you would like.

Wow, glad you put an end to that chris. And Diana, you getting into it with those kids? You scare me sometimes, but I have to say, you stand your ground, no backing off. hey Moke, I think I am getting smitten on LiL Snarky.

Citing a " clear record of insularity and opaque decision making" Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester last month placed conditions on the school's charter and denied Mystic Valley's request to increase enrollment

The Globe reports Chester told education officials in a Feb.8 memo that the school " has not consistently operated with transparency or been accessible to all stakeholders". He further observed that five school trustess have served for 12 or more years and were involved in "day to day management at the school," contrary to state guide-lines.

The report also cites an analysis by "Class Measure" that says the school's board of trustees" may have regularly discussed matters in executive session that do not fall within the allowable purposes outlined in the state's Open Meeting Laws.

While the schools charter was renewed administratiors must now submit all meeting agendas and minutes for review by state eduacation officials, as well as provide any further information as requested. "according to a memo penned by Chester.

The School must also expand it's board and impose limits on it's members

The schools expansion to meet demand is probably needed and this is not a reflection on the other public schools in the area, since they may also have to make an effort to expand since student enrollment is increasing all over in the area. Citizens should try to cooperate rather than compete in this area.

"Class Measures" is a specialist consultancy firm with a focus on raising student achievement by improving instructional leadership and school organization. Their mission to develop highly qualified teachers and school leaders who educate students to rigorous standards of learning and self-fulfillment and who use effective accountability processes to continuously improve their work.

Hopefully this is constructive enough.

What is the point of contention being debated? And what did Diana say that is causing such a ruckus? The two comments I can find is an objection to the school's admission policy of SPED students and a lot of snark towards students/alumni

(BTW points out grammar mistakes to undermine posters is still a largely fallacious argument despite it is a mark of level of education - because the measurement of a school post graduation includes how well one lives afterwards. If a person lives a happy and productive life with partly in credit from the school's quality of education, then spelling in a comment is a minor metric and does not undermine points like success in entering top universities and careers).

So is the whole criticism is the admission policy? Or there something else originally being debated before it turn into a snark-fest then just mockery.

"The schools expansion to meet demand is probably needed and this is not a reflection on he other public schools in the area, since they may also. have to make and effort to expand since student enrollment is increasing all over in the area. Citizens should try to cooperate rather than compete in the area". I should have made note that this last paragraph taken from my 9:17 entry this morning, was my own personal entry and not anything that the Department of Education said.

Correction I meant my 9:05 entry not my 9:17 entry.

Thank you Chris. I had to clear the overload from my email inbox this morning. Good topic. Interesting opinions.

It would be great to hear from others from the Charter school and city hall besides Kinnon, just curious what their take on this is?

Thank you Chris for changing the settings! As a MVRCS parent I am very happy with the education my children are getting. When my oldest was starting school she was not able to attend the school of my choice in Malden Public (which was 4 houses away from where I lived) because it was already full and I was not that far back in the registration line when it opened. A friend of mine who is an Early Childhood Educator had told me about MVRCS before I registered my child for Malden Public. Needless to say she was selected in the lottery for admission. They have sibling preference which meant my 2nd child was going to get in too. I know that someone mentioned in the mess above that not everything works for everyone this is why there are alternatives to life. MV works for my children...they are remarkable students (but I at the time they reached school age would not have known that or would any of the school systems). I have friends with children at MVRCS and friends that have their children in Malden Public and I also have friends that started off at MV and moved to MC or MHS and even NE Vocational. You are only going to get out of your education what you put into it. Lets stop the mud slinging! The DOE is doing what it thinks is best, that is what they are paid to do.

“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity - not a threat”

"When school librarians and public librarians work together in order to serve their community's students, it's a win-win situation." When people are forced to listen to a bureaucrat, be it a librarian, or a Dept of Ed government union-rules enforcer, it's a lose-lose. Would you help a parent or kid who came to you asking for help in finding a book? Then you're all set. If your aim is to help.

First, let me say my kids are grown and they did not go to Malden public or MV.

I did not pay much attention to the formation of the school. Bothered me that my tax money was paying for a private school, if you want your kid to go to private school pay for it. I did.

It is to bad that Mr. Kinnon, as a public servant, does not put in the time or effort into Malden public schools as he does MV. I get the sense that most people have a problem with the administration at the school and I will have to say it is nepotism at it's finest. But go into any city hall and you will find the same thing. There is a conflict here.

I thought the premise of this school was academics and athletics was secondary. Colleges and Universities do want well rounded students, but do you think that pool would have gone in if Mr. Kinnon's kids did not swim? It has seemed like the tide has changed, the new athletic facility shows that.

The state must have something - money talks and their is a lot of money in that school.

Mr. Kinnon I believe you need a refresher in Government 101.

Mr. Kinnon, please explain, as a concerned Malden Resident, explain how serving on the City Council and the Board of Directors of Mystic Valley Charter School isnt a conflict of interest?

Hello Neil, remember me? As a founding family of the school I have sent several emails to the DOE questioning the practices of you and the board. I still have the emails including copies sent to unofficialmvrcs.blogspot.com. A sampling include:
-How is a public elementary school able to buy 2 residential homes and an apartment building (722 Salem St.) with money that should be used for improving the students' education and acting like a real estate development company?
-The original board consisted of 11 members and after about 5 years shrunk to 5 and no one has been added or changed out. The requirement you set terms is thanks to me and my inquiries. You simply set the 2 year terms and kept re-electing each other! Another side step to your dictatorship.
-Parents are given a short time after a board meeting to ask questions. If you don't like the tone or direction, you shut it down and go into Executive Session. When I asked for those minutes you said put it in writing. I wrote it on a piece of paper and handed it to you. Never got them.
-You denied my son taking 2 math classes against Mr. Hieser's (former hs director) strong advice-ask Ms. McKinnon about that. She advised I speak to you.

Time to move on Neil. Thanks for your service!

For such intelligent children being churned out by the Charter, it's odd that many make their points through denigrating the public school system in the town some of them live in. Have to wonder why.
A generation is being taught to be apart. At least that is how it appears to be playing out. Unintended consequences.....

Only the best students walk through MVRCS's halls each and every day. Kids may say how much they hate this school but there kids nobody likes to go to school every day. They may have alot of money but its not like they spend money like its nothing they spend it when and where they need it.

Joe, understand that many of the MV students appear have taken the comments by many on this board personally. They are obviously a proud bunch who work hard to accomplish much, and clearly, some on here struck a chord with the insults tossed the schools way, indirectly insulting them. I've always found the 'us vs them' argument that has developed in the charter vs public debate to be very unfortunate. But no one should be surprised when a group reacts over what they see as insults against the school they attend. Kind of expected.

Annie. As a former employee, I voiced my concerns as well. I'm happily teaching at the Linden.

Bob T., I understand your point. Well said. But to defend themselves against the incoming fire at their leader, by slipping in the occasional off-handed put down of the other students and schools in this town, goes a little too far.
We do not see the other students from the other public/private schools trashing the Charter school in "any" known public forum. The students from the other schools are mostly circumspect and respectful to one another.
There is a loose cohesiveness among the entire student body population of Malden, including the Cheverus, Malden Catholic and anybody else I forgot to mention. There doesn't seem to be that belonging feeling from the Charter school students. It doesn't seem to extend to the Charter anywhere publicly, that I've noticed. The feeling is that the Charter school is apart. They reinforce that feeling, when randomly boasting how much better they are than the other children in "all" the other schools. That feeling comes from the top, in my opinion. It is coming from somewhere.
Attack the adults, if they want to make a point or two. Creepy adults are making some of the nastier comments. I'm concerned that there is a feeling being reinforced of "us vs them" among the children. No one seems to have addressed this in the word game, finger pointing battles raging back and forth. Like I said before, unintended consequences. Innocents are being drawn into adult battles.

Just home school

is it a school just mainly for whites and a few mandatory others? the students that could really use a helping hand in education certinly are not enrolled in the charter school. is it true their only curiculam is the study of what will be in the MCAS testing?

Ok listen all you old people MVRCS is a great school which gives even people in a bad situation a chance to succeed. Our teachers are fully qualified and I think you guys are all just pissed bc your kids didn't get in bc you know how good our school is. Want to talk about money and expansion? Let's talk about Malden High bc they just had a huge makeover. And as for the kinnons finns howards and hogans when they applied not many people knew about the school so they got in on a lottery. And actually not every finn got in the lower school principle Chris Finn's children didn't get in so they do not attend. And there are multiple children who speak Spanish as a first language. Our field and sports complex we have bc our school saved money and was trying to give our school oppurtunities that other students have if they attended their city high school. MVRCS' s education program is extremely upstandable. Our students keep a high gpa while participating in sports and other school activities. As for diana get a life!

A little confused with all the comments here. Is everyone mad about the school or the people running the school? From what I've seen in the papers, mostly all your tops schools are charter schools in the state. Maybe the public schools could take a lesson from them, they seem to be working. My kids have been through private, charter and public schools in the city. My take on MV is that they are a bit extreme when it comes to rules. Not saying that rules are bad, but some are just stupid. I don't understand why high schooler's can't wear nail polish or color their hair, lower school kids can't talk during lunch. Not sure if the trade off is worth it yet.

But I will tell you if you do not conform to their standards they make it very difficult to stay. As for Eddie's comment saying it's mostly white kids, that is not true. MV is very diverse, maybe not as much as the public schools in Malden, but you have to take into consideration they are schooling 5 towns, Stoneham, Melrose, Wakefield, Medford, Malden and Everett. As for the MCAS, that is not true, they do not only teach to MCAS like the public schools have too.

I too wish they used the new faciltiy as a high school or even a jr. high school. So sad that people blocked the sale of the old malden hospital, that would have been a perfect location.

Neil: Cat got your tongue? I find it amusing I get no response from him to dispute anything I say. Where are your friends Michael Victor and Marc Levine? Anything A25? Since you cannot defend or dispute, the "go to" is the bashing. Bring it on. I've been waiting a long time for this.

lol, AnnieOMalden has been around for so long, with all the same old noise. She hates Neil Kinnon therefore, she hates MVRCS. But, let's not forget, her children graduated from the same school and apparently did well. But, since she is a self-proclaimed "founding family," she feels the need to continue to bash the school because of her original well known hatred for all things Neil Kinnon. Even I realize that Councilor Kinnon will never respond to AnnieOMalden, and I'm only in 8th grade!

My son got into the charter school 6 years ago on the lottery for kindergarten . As we went for the tour I found the school dirty and they had to open a door with a crowbar. We then sat in on a class, a student was reciting a line and got nervous and started to studder , the teacher berated the poor child for this. After that , I sent my child to public.

I support the Librarians. This is kind of within topic, so bear with me. It's complicated. I'm sure someone will let me know if I've missed something. The children's' Librarians' job description is to support all children of Malden. The Malden Librarians seem to have a collegial working relationship with all the public & private schools of Malden, except one. A simple request to coordinate book collections for the benefit of one of the Malden schools has gone ignored. Situations, where charter children go to the Malden Public Library with emergency last minute requests, do not get turned away, if possible. Malden public servants go above and beyond to ensure the charter children achieve good grades with little to no assistance from the charter administration. A little more information sharing with the city librarians would more than aptly benefit charter children & smooth over relations.
Charter kids excel, achieve phenomenal test scores & go on to ivy league schools. Malden Public Library employees get no apparent recognition for doing everything possible to help the charter children succeed. Charter children seem to believe they have done it all within their own little community.

Part 2:
Public servants are annoyed. Public school parents are annoyed. Public school teachers are annoyed. Public school children stay quiet. Bridges are burned. Hard feeling accumulate. But the charter children are taught to ignore everyone else's feelings, because "look at the results". They are excellent examples of a working business model. Extreme capitalism at all costs, in my opinion.
Personally, I'm too soft to brutally win at cost of my neighbors and fellow students. I don't always agree with the DOE or the school committee, but under these circumstances, I support the librarians.

Leornardo: To answer some of your questions, "No". You aren't going to get a clear explanation of the two sides in this debate. I can try to partially explain some of it though. The school committee, governing boards, principals, mayor, etc all play by an established set of rules. Sometimes there are disagreements with decisions, such as Valentines Day restrictions, but everything is very transparent within the Malden system, except at the charter school. This article highlights the fact that no other school, public or private, in Malden has a known legitimate accusation against it for a lack of transparency. Some of the policies or practices of the charter shamelessly take advantage of city resources, like the library, without making any reasonable attempt to coordinate resources for the benefit of the students. Residents in Malden are unsure "why". Charter parents, students and administration are circling the wagons, because they believe they are doing the right thing and everyone else is wrong. If you're suggesting that there be a middle ground for discussions, neither side will budge.
Outside observers will never get the full story.

You should be "defobbed" from the 630 Salem St building. Then maybe a viable candidate can sneak in, pass out cookies, jar openers and key chains for their candidate, and have an even chance for your seat

IMHO, if a certain group of people on this forum don't see a conflict of interest issue with Neil Kinnon being BOTH a city councillor AND the chairman of the board of trustees at MVRCS, then I'm afraid the other side will have a hard time convincing them of the legitimacy of their grievances against the group running the MVRCS.

Andrew is making stuff up about my happiness. Stop reading my mind. This article is about transparency at the charter. Somebody in town(not me) has made administrative transparency an issue. Trying to give outside observers an encapsulated view of the issue, albeit from my perspective. All sides will never see eye to eye on this topic. That's all.

Why are Malden residents ticked off at a successful school yet nobody wants to talk about why we have a charter school in the first place? Look at the salaries on the school committee who don't teach, enjoy their summers off, union protected and a failing student body that nobody wants to address.

Thanks to all the families and teachers for doing a great job MV.

I think the funniest or most ironic aspect of this entire situation is that the students are already spread out at and that the main facilities are maxed and cramped. Now would the DESE be making such directives or conditions if the funds had been more wisely spent? Could NEIL's decision (and we know that he was the driving force in the pool facility) have resulted in bringing even MORE attention to his shenanigans and ultimately result in HIS constituents becoming more proactive in their efforts to bring him AND the school under scrutiny? Do SOME of the students do well? Yes, but if only 36 graduated in a class that started with 125 student, it seems obvious that they are not meeting the educational needs of ALL students (that are typically educated within public schools). While even THAT may be justifiable or explainable to some degree, the superiority and arrogance of Sir Kinnon, has created a volatile, unhealthy, and unnecessary situation. So much for him being a good Christian.
Ok, so I said the above was the most ironic but it a close race between that and Sir Arse-on claiming that no claims were made and/or that they weren't aware of them, A very close friend of his has told people that according to King Tut, the DESE receives calls DAILY regarding issues at the school but that he wasn't concerned about it. Seems things are changing a bit....

It baffles me how a librarian can't seem to Google "Core Knowledge Curriculum." It's all there. Amazing how you need to get in there personally. Everyone's calling for "accountability" from people who have proven themselves excellent - not at donating to union coffers, not at make-work for teachers or burgeoning administration staffs - at educating children. Heaven forbid that should happen in Malden.

I am outsider on this subject. I'm trying to better understand this discussion. From what I've read I don't see that most posters are asking for accountability in the areas of student performance at MVR or the charter program in general. Most agree that the school does excellent in trying to accomplish what any school tries to accomplish, teaching students, as best they can to give them every chance in life to succeed, but I get that enough people are upset/angry about the politics, of how this school is run. That concerns me. My children are grown, but I will always have to pay my taxes and so a bottom line for me is how my taxes are spent. I would like every benefit that is "affordable" for all our communities children to continue and grow. However when I read that the DESE has certain complaints against MVR and hear other citizens echoing some of the same concerns it opens my eyes. I understand this school wants to expand and at this time the DESE is not allowing it. So who does the responsiblity fall on to remedy that situation? I can't make an argument in court to the judge that the cop that gave me that ticket for going over the speed limit in a school zone or telling him just because I forgot my license and registration at home the cop reasons for stopping me were just personal, even if it's well known I do a great job working for the taxi co. My performance on the job doesn't exonerate be from following the rules, no matter how good a taxi driver I might be.

You people are so childish.

I love union teachers - as individuals they can do amazing work. Don't you see they are forced to join a union in order to do that work? And that mandatory union has rules that prohibit the seemingly magical, incredibly unusual success of the government-union-free Charter school? So everyone's demanding that the Charter 'follow the rules' of a failing system. What do you imagine will happen?

Leonardo......The Commissioner of Education has made a political decision based on hearsay and undocumented allegations ......his biased decision has hurt the families and taxpayer by denying access to one of the most successful Public Charter Schools in the State. Commissioner Chester continues to change the rules with his Dictatorial powers for which Mystic Valley has little recourse....By the way.... Where do our Elected official stand on this Subject? Catherine Clark? Paul Brodeur ?

Sean Hickey....The answer is the same reason that the Mayor is also the Chairman of the School Committee.....conflict of interest......same thing

Yeah, your meetings are open to the public until things arent going your way. Then BOOM - executive session.

I am so sick of heraring and reading about this school. Spend the money on education for kids and not things like public relations people. From what I can see there seems to be a lot of insider issues and some ethics questions. Every time I read one of their press releases about some acomplishments of the students they have familiar last names. Who has the great love of swimming on the board?

Neil, I appeal to you as a parent and citizen in your ward. It is time for you to move on. The only one who can tell you what to do at the school has spoken. Save the students' money on lawyers and be a man and do what you are told. It is time. Don't you demand those at the school do what they are told? No arguments, no complaints, just do it? You've done a great job and it's time to turn the reins over to some new blood who can build on what you've created.

If you fight this, it will bring more scrutiny and you could be the one who brings the school down. Can't you see by reading all these comments you will not have the support you envision? You know there have been complaints for years and you chose to ignore them.

Your family is growing up without you as you have too many things on your plate. You got your wife a cushy job at Malden Housing at 630 Salem St. (Occupancy Specialist-sounds nice) which would enable you to endear yourself to those residents for your re-election. The Mrs. is much lovelier than you could dream of being. You need to focus on your job as ward councilor which you have neglected for so many years. When's the last time you had a ward meeting? Why is it you have a "Councilor Neil Kinnon" website no one can comment on unless you accept them as a "friend"? Time to lead by example.

Leonardo....I would like to think Mystic Valley would like to spend our taxpayers dollars on Education rather than Lawyers which is why I call into Question our elected leaders who should have insight into this issue....and pressure Commissioner Chester into making a fair decision.........

As for teachers in the Public Schools in fear of their Jobs....How about looking at it this way....For every child that is enrolled at Mystic Valley that directly corresponds to Lower Classroom size in Public Schools, which has proven to help Students Succeed.......If we are talking Dollars taken from the Public School and moving it to the Public Charter School.....it is a windfall for the Public School because the School District is reimbursed by the State 100% the first year a student attend a Charter...66% in the Second year and 33% the third year for Budgeting purposes ....and they are not Educating the Child...Also Charter Schools are not eligible to access the State School Building Fund and therefore have to save for the Buildings that their students are taught in......That fund is all of our taxpayer Dollars for which public charter kids have no access....If the Public schools do not wish to share with public charter schools our tax dollars and also receive reimbursement from the State .....then maybe People who have lost faith in Public Education and enrolled their children in Private or Parochial school should be given a Voucher.

Well I just dont get all of this. Back n forth like a ping pong ball. The real issue here is the students. Do They like their school? Thats who counts. If the majority hates it then there is no sence. If they love their school and are learning and having fun learning then whatever the pols do its all worth it. It's all about the kids.

Well said mokal

Annie O.....I will repeat my previous suggestion to you .....you should never hate (Neil Kinnon)....for you are the one who bleeds inside.....

David....Like a famous song.......the kids (Charter) are alright !!!

David: Trust me, there is not a lot of "fun" going on at the school. Punishment, yes. Fun, not so much. Their idea of a party is allowing the kids to talk at their seats among each other for 15 minutes! That is what my kids "earned" for a month's worth of good behavior! Ms. McKinnon and the board probably don't remember my bringing that one up at a board meeting because no notes are kept on what parents bring up during our brief opportunity to speak.

Leonardo: Previously vocal people are quiet on this topic because they prefer to "lurk" and watch. Many do not desire to get covered by the finger pointing mud that eventually bubbles up. Many are watching this thread and not commenting. Many in town know what is happening and have opinions one way or the other, but do not talk for fear of angering neighbors or drawing undue attention. Only the characters(like me, occasionally) come out here. Only the truly brave use their real names.
I, for example, am not commenting very much more, because the debate has become redundant and the mud is bubbling around on this topic at random.
It must be clear by now that arbitration is a tough road for this topic. Something like this will happen in the future and the same crowd of people will resume this same debate months from now on another related issue with the Charter. It seems to be some new major political(citywide) blow up every year or two with that place. Ask others, if you think I'm exaggerating. You don't have to take my word for it. Signing out on this topic, unless something compelling drags me back in.

FYI people, goodnight! http://malden.advocatenews.net/mystic-valley-disputes-ed-commissioners-unfairness-and-lack-of-transparency/

Annie -
I'm thinking Liz = Martin Gately...? Iag be wrong but I can assure you - she isn't an 8th grader at MVRCS!
And Annie, the only people who DON'T get your issues with the King, are those that don't dare challenge him. If a parent of a child at the school DOESN'T see how detrimental he is to the education of their children and the danger he is putting the schools charter in, then let them sit and watch what happens.
Isn't it funny to sit back though and watch his outrage and try to BS his way out of this? Somehow just knowing he is not liking being treated the way he treats the parents, students, and staff gives me great satisfaction. I'm hearing from my sources that he has gotten on someone's bad side that has clout and this isn't going away easily. Annie, I think the show is going to be good so sit back and enjoy!
Oh, and enjoy that notoriety Liz speaks of as its people like you who dare speak out against the King that have been the driving force in holding the school accountable.

Just got done reading http://malden.advocatenews.net/mystic-valley-disputes-ed-commissioners-unfairness-and-lack-of-transparency/ pretty much tells it all which Korando Blockhead(One of Annies other personalities) confirms. Its not about the results just someone out to get someone. What do we call that?

Not apparent from what I read. Not apparent in Patch article either. Did you interview anyone else? Looks like advocate just did more fact checking on law and regulations.
Did you talk to anyone at Board or education or this Chester guy? Both stories yours and advocate quote the Globe. Chester makes accusations in articles with statement but no backup in anyone ive seen. Not in your story?

Congrats to the boys down at MC another great year another great school.

Michael -
I can assure you that while I admire Annie for sticking up to Sir Kinnon, I am NOT her nor do I even know her outside of MVRCS forums. As for the Advocate article, if you are actively part of the school and know how Sir Sleaze does things and STILL believe the story Marty Gately probably wrote FOR the Advocate, then you and your kids deserve what you get at MVRCS. Say what you want about whatever you want, if you have a smidge of a brain to you, you would start asking questions of your school board and demanding change or it will be your children that will pay the consequences. Truthfully, I've already pulled my children out of the school and if it weren't for the kids that are NOT getting the services they need, I could give two turds what happens there. And just to clarify, my kids were doing well there, top of their classes, no learning disabilities or behavior issues. It came down to the fact that I had just had enough of a school board who has no educational background or feel compelled to listen to those who do (i.e. McCleary, their teachers, educated parents). All at the expense of the students let us not forget. I should also point out that my kids, while at the top of their grade level at MV, weren’t heads or tails above their new classmates in their public school. Yes, they continue to do well but just as with most kids, if they have it, they have it and will succeed without all the BS, negativity, or stress that they often incurred there. Good Luck!

TOO FUNNY FOR WORDS!!!

Annie -
Reading back over various comments I came one across one from 'Liz' who has been following you for years but only in 8th grade and a few others from 'students' - notice anything interesting?

studentatmv
2:48 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013

Yes, of course students were permitted to access the internet and the Patch to read these articles....I think NOT!
Good job Marty!!!

Neil (and Michael or Marty)
I'm not sure how you can dispute being notified as I was able to find at least one instance of, at the very least, the your refusal to adhere to the laws and regulations that the Board of Education discussed and documented. It can be found at http://www.doe.mass.edu/boe/docs/FY08/0907.pdf - its about half way down. Do I need to paste it here for you too or are going to stop the BS about not knowing?

Love the 'generally effective' remark!
'Site visit teams from the Charter School Office found that instruction in the lower school was generally effective and reflective of high academic standards, but that students in the upper school were less engaged and were not asked to employ critical thinking skills.'
The school's board consists of five members, the minimum number of members allowed by the school's bylaws. Three of the members have served on the board since the school's founding, one has served for six years, and one has served for four years. To date, the board has refused to comply with the Charter School
Office's recommendation that the school's bylaws include a provision for specific reasonable limits on successive or total terms that a member may serve.
● Site visit teams and the renewal inspection team found that the school does not comply with the provisions of the state's Open Meeting Law in that board minutes do not consistently reflect a public declaration of the purpose of the executive session, record votes on the question of whether to convene an open session, and
indicate whether the board would reconvene in open meeting after executive session. In addition, matters discussed in executive session do not always fall within the allowable purposes outlined in the Open Meeting Law, and board subcommittees do not maintain minutes.

Yes, but lets file a complaint against Christenson because you follow the laws so closely???

This was directly from Jeff Wolfson from the DESE regarding term limits:

DESE recommends that charter school by-laws include such limits, and we require newly chartered schools to include such a provision. We have discussions ongoing with the MVCPS board regarding adding such a provision to their by-laws. Those discussions continue....

Funny Neil, almost forgot about this post - should we start posting copies of the FORMAL complaints that were in fact made against the school?
We have since obtained a number of copies of other letters sent to not only Mr. Wulfson but also to a Mary Street, another DESE employee who is (or was) responsible for the oversight of MVRCS."

This came from the blog @ http://unofficialmvrcs.blogspot.com/2010/10/letter-to-dese.html where even more detailed information can be found.

Funny, 'politically motivated'? Funny, they hold other charter schools equally accountable - you just don't like that the rules are being applied to YOU! I know that they warned you previously that you needed to comply but you didn't listen apparently.

'As a side note on this matter, Neil Kinnon has stated that ‘the state Department of Education has repeatedly questioned the trustees’ long tenure’, yet he fails to mention that they have not simply questioned the Board but have issued directives regarding the setting of term limits. Also, as we have mentioned in earlier posts, other charter schools have had their charter renewal contingent upon the adoption and incorporation of term limits into their by-laws.

Neil -
Do you have copies of the documents references below or should I post those too?

“In brief, the term limits debate derives from the bylaws that the School proposed with its original charter application that the original members of the Board of Trustees would serve until they resigned. Exh. 1, page 44. See also Exh. 1, pages 8-9, 20 (identifying founding members). Changing this provision was a condition of the State Board’s 2004 charter renewal, and an agreement on three consecutive 3-year terms (9 years total) was slowly reached. Exh. 9 (Department’s approval letter dated 3/23/07). See also Exh. 192 (former Commissioner Driscoll’s September 2006 update to State Board).”

On a roll Neil, LOVE it when you try to deny things you know to be true - not only can it be document that you are not being truthful, but some other interesting tidbits are dug up....
Oh, BTW, this WAS a formal complaint to Jeff Wolfson of the DESE....
Nice spending habits there big guy - why don't you explain again why you wanted Maldens school funding to be reduced...?
As MVRCS financials will show, the list of expenditures (year ending 2008) that appear excessive in comparison to other districts include,
‘Instructional Leadership’ travel expense of $67,785.00, ‘
Professional Development travel and other expenses’ of $77,468,
Administration ‘Recruitment/Advertising’ of $91,304.00,
‘Travel, Dues, and other expenses’ of $48, 418.00 and
‘Fringe’ benefits of $990,587.00.

Malden citizens should be outraged!

MVRCS is financially sound and stable.
● The school's board consists of five members, the minimum number of members allowed by the school's
bylaws. Three of the members have served on the board since the school's founding, one has served for six
years, and one has served for four years. To date, the board has refused to comply with the Charter School
Office's recommendation that the school's bylaws include a provision for specific reasonable limits on
successive or total terms that a member may serve

Korando blockhead(which personality?) went to where you said. Good stuff funny you had to go back to six years ago when the school got an unconditional renewal no? from 2007. Also who wrote that complaint looks like another anonymous complaint you wrote and that article from the other paper says anonymous complaints are illegal. "recommendation" is not something required. And clearly the Board of education understood that it seems. Jeff must not have sent that complaint to the school since it was anonymous then is my guess. Annie writing complaints about the school under five different names doesn't make them any different or really from a different person does it?

Michael -
Now I see why you are ok with the status quo at MV - you don't have the mental ability to process information! Yes, back in 2007 the DESE recommended the board set term limits, a few years later it was a directive, now (yes many years later) they have made it a condition of their renewal because King Tut refuses to follow the rules and laws that apply to the rear of the world.
As for the complaint, I wrote that and numerous others to Jeff Wolfson and they were not illegal. Of course your idol thinks that anonymous complaints don't count but the DESE may not be able to act on them per se but the information is still on file and taken into consideration. Not to mention if 200 people are all saying the same thing to them, they at least know a problem exists.
I'd be a bit more careful about using the term blockhead - considering your own density in that area.

I don't know Neil Kinnon never met him but why is he allways the sacraficial lamb. If the school is thriving,students are learning what can he be doing wrong. Transparency? Whats that? What are they hiding? Some nitwit in the Statehoue says they are not transparent. Im sure that any parent at anytime can visit the school and see how theire child is doing. Thats Transparentcy. At times when I ride by the kids are at recess and all look happy to me and the teachers are close by. The plus's outweigh the bad if there is any at all. I think everyone should stop dumping on the school its not doing the students any good.

I think the City of Malden should worry about the recent spree of murders in the city before worrying about a charter school that is doing quite well at educating children.
A small business owner/ war veteran was robbed and killed in broad daylight and the police have no answers. #BiggerFishToFry