Comments on: Brown: Dr. Heatley Should Resign Immediately

By: Ministry: ‘No Knowledge’ Of Survey Referred To | Bernews.com

Ministry: ‘No Knowledge’ Of Survey Referred To | Bernews.com — Sat, 10 May 2014 15:38:03 +0000

[...] controversy arose when it appeared that on his application for the job he claimed to have “increased public education approval rates from 23% to 93%” [...]

By: Dr. Edmond Heatley Resigns As Commissioner | Bernews.com

Dr. Edmond Heatley Resigns As Commissioner | Bernews.com — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 16:14:18 +0000

[...] controversy arose when it appeared that on his application for the job he claimed to have “increased public education approval rates from 23% to 93%” [...]

By: CRE

CRE — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 23:03:23 +0000

Am I missing something???? Does our Commissioner not know that Bermuda is not in Jonesboro, GA as stated on his application??? Or did I read this wrong????

CRE

By: Principals Vote “No Confidence” On Dr. Heatley | Bernews.com

Principals Vote “No Confidence” On Dr. Heatley | Bernews.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:26:24 +0000

[...] controversy arose when it appeared that on his application for the job he claimed to have “increased public education approval rates from 23% to 93%” [...]

By: Dr. Heatley Withdraws Orleans Job Application | Bernews.com

Dr. Heatley Withdraws Orleans Job Application | Bernews.com — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:26:21 +0000

[...] controversy arose when it appeared that on his application for the job he claimed to have “increased public education approval rates from 23% to 93%” [...]

By: looking and listening

looking and listening — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 16:46:51 +0000

Thank God for Terry Lister. If he had not taken up that cross Dr. Healey would have had the first and last laugh at our expense. The Shadow Minister needs to be fired too. Give the post to someone who is truly interested in public school education for our children. He sat by quietly as the independent in the House took up the charge. He was very supportive of Healey’s appointment and said so publicly!!! Although he is now calling for the man’s head he must at the same time be terribly embarrassed to think how he strongly supported this farce of a person. And Dr. Gibbons it will be interesting to see how you waffle your way through this one. Like Terry Lister said the man should be told to get cracking!!!! Thanks Terry. You are indeed the only one on the Hill who makes sense these days. Another suggestion how many people who are teachers or how many who gave been Education Minister’s have or gave had their children in the public education system.
Why should they have a vested interest in the system?

By: daughter of the water

daughter of the water — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 16:35:10 +0000

after a matter of weeks into the brand new one? um……yes. very poor judgement on his part. he should go.

By: Terminator

Terminator — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 15:18:35 +0000

You are incorrect. This is not a consultant’s post. He was recommended by the Board to the Public Service Commission, who hired him as a Civil Servant. He reports to the Permanent Secretary of Education. The Minister is not involved in either hiring or firing.

By: Seriously

Seriously — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 14:54:58 +0000

You obviously don’t have children in the public education system.

By: Hudson

Hudson — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 14:30:47 +0000

Suzie – you did not read my post above nor this one. Whether he applied for one, two or ten jobs is irrelevant – he can do that without issue. It might make his employer irritated, but there is no grounds to fire him on that basis. However, he allegedly LIED on a publicly filed application – TWICE! He wrote factually incorrect statements to bolser his application without considering the implications calling into question his morals, ethics and wisdom. Further, his actions have caused such a furor that he has lost the support of the community and caused his employer to not be able to conduct reasonable business with him in this position going forward IMHO. Hence, time for him to go…

Oh and in answer to your other hypothetical question, yes, it’s grounds to be fired – unless he is unionised which would then be grounds for the entire BIU to strike if he was fired so might not be worth it…

By: lisa

lisa — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:54:30 +0000

If his probation is not up yet can let him go without legal repercussions?

By: Raymond Ray

Raymond Ray — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:43:33 +0000

Tony, I also agree with the two previous letters that you’d submitted on this important topic / subject. It’s truly a crying shame when people can claim to be so damn smart yet proven to be no-more than another bloody fool:-(
The old saying is, “you can lead a horse to the trough but you can’t force it to drink”. I believe if one is to hold a horses head below the water long enough it has to consume the water, or die.

By: bdadiva

bdadiva — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:40:43 +0000

He stated, as a response to one of the application questions that his contract expiration was “with a 30 day notice.” So, lets give him 30 days notice to “Get Cracking”!

By: jt

jt — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:10:48 +0000

Many of us weren’t impressed, but I think we are perhpas looking at different styls of governing. In this instance relying on a group of people who were put in place due to their skill sets, backgrounds and experience appears to have failed, but I’d rather this approach than autonomous ministererial decisions by ministers who frequently don’t (didn’t) have the background skills/knowledge related to their ministry. That style didn’t work too well for us.

By: Suzie Quattro

Suzie Quattro — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 12:57:32 +0000

Currently, no. There are some great teachers. But there are some lazy, incompetent half-assed ones as well, and everyone pussyfoots around them because it’s well known that absolutely nothing can be done to address incompetence.

By: PANGAEA

PANGAEA — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 12:57:11 +0000

Um mum ! Many years ago we decided that Bermuda a country driven by greed was not the place to bring up children and 45 years ” down de road” the same holds true .

The children are getting”a raw deal.

Our public education system is a absolute pathetic failure, all you need do is get on a school bus to see the nonsense then you will see how your tax dollars are wasted.

Who is responsible?

Not the Parents, Not the Children, Not the Teachers. Not the Taxpayers. Not the Government. Not the Unions.

May be if the parents had a vested interest and had to pay 51 % of the school bill there would be a public out cry of monumental proportions.

By: Suzie Quattro

Suzie Quattro — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 12:55:10 +0000

Maybe, but running s school is not the same as turning around a top-heavy, inefficient government ministry. The skills needed aren’t the same.

I agree with you: the whole system needs cleaning out and changing. But I think we should find the best people in the world to lead it, not be limited to the best Bermudians.

By: Suzie Quattro

Suzie Quattro — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 12:43:20 +0000

And you think applying for two jobs (if he actually did that), and not publicly disclosing that, should be grounds for immediate termination. Interesting.

Let me give you a hypothetical case. What would you and Betty think if an employee called in sick, and while out sick that employee was caught doing another job for pay. Would that be grounds for immediate dismissal?

By: Suzie Quattro

Suzie Quattro — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 12:35:23 +0000

You think that applying for another job is “serious misconduct” that justifies immediate termination?

By: In short

In short — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 12:26:46 +0000

In short he was invited to apply. If he was comfortable in his current role he might have said “no”. Or he might have said “let’s keep my current employer honest. If the “other guys” are willing to pay twice what you’re currently paying me, fix it”

But the real issue is the classic Xenophobia that Bermudians exude.

By: BETTTY TRUMP

BETTTY TRUMP — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 11:35:42 +0000

@Andrew I agree that some of the OFFICERS/Ministers are more concern about holding on to a job, rather than standing up to this issue. I can understand their need to hold unto a job, as they have family to support. But the fight for our children is lost in this matter and as a result of their weakness so our children are put at a lost. REALLY

Many are not standing up strong, and waiting for others to do their fighting and bidding for them. But as a collective group I am sure it they came together something can be done. They have no backbone, as you clearly point out. The weak Unions have still failed to address this matter… WHY NO WORD from the UNIONS? THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR OUR CHILDREN FUTURE< and they sit on the sidelines silence as a mouse.

This puppet master game has to stop, and stop now..Stand up

By: BETTTY TRUMP

BETTTY TRUMP — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 11:28:12 +0000

They got it wrong on this one. It is possible they may have been impressed by a false “FACE VALUE” look his resume. Often some folks are good interviewers, but not good in the real job environment. But they also blatantly failed to do their homework, but looking at what was posted and said about him in his other job situation, speaks volumes. Why did they fail to consider this information? That alone spoke volumes. Why they chose to overlook prior information on Heately beats me. So NO I was not impressed with the board’s decision. But more so the government to accept it, and failing to listen to the voices of the people of Bermuda. Do not overlook that Board sometimes required subjective and objectives opinions, which was clearly overlooked here.

By: Or

Or — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 11:23:29 +0000

Or he discovered the position wasn’t what he had been told. Even ignoring classic Bermudian xenophobia does anyone believe that he didn’t discover that no-one in the education establishment was interesting in changing things for any reason?

By: BETTTY TRUMP

BETTTY TRUMP — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 11:22:22 +0000

Hudson, we have much work to do, to change the mentality of Bermudians towards their own people. This is our major problem and it is a psychological one.

By: BETTTY TRUMP

BETTTY TRUMP — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 11:21:18 +0000

@BOB Barker…..Of course the level of Education one achieves, is not the only requirement for the job, but it is an important one. But less not forget or discount that some of those Bermudians also come with those additional qualifications and experiences you outlined. Many have taught in the classroom prior to seeking further degrees. We must push to ensure that they also get to the next step, if not we would always be seeking out non-Bermudians and not pushing forward our own whom shares a more invested interest. But most important we must work with these individuals and ensure that the Best Education is provided for our children.

Education will require a joint effort from the community and not just Administrators. Parents and persons in the Community must take a stronger stand and ensure that things are moving in the right direction. Accountability must come from the ordinary citizen in Bermuda, but with some support towards the individual that is attempting to do the job.

Will it be an easy task ahead of us…NO…but can it be done…YES…it will take hard work and steady course. One of the problems in Education is the constant change of PLANS and Direction. This has to stop, Education must learn to stick with plan moving forward and see it to the very end, in order to ensure success.Regardless of whom the govt of the day is or was. Each year the Plan seems to change, and pushes teachers and students into chaos. Each time a new leader comes on board a new plan changes, and the old one thrown out the door. This will not lead to long-term success, but rather nothing more than fall out.

The Plan should not have to change regardless of whom the Minister, Government or PS or Commissioner is,if it is a sound based Evidence based Plan to improve Education. This is where we get it wrong. Change is not always best, but more costly expenses where we should not have to spent it. Look at how Heatley has now made the Ministry of Education Bigger, against the Hopkins Report. He has put back Education Officers posts that have increased the size of the Ministry. Bigger is not always better. More Officers than required for such a small Education system. More Money at the Administration level on Jobs, rather than in the schools where is should be spent. (Look at the education budget and see where the most monies are spent..on wages). So why now divert front his report recommendations? Here we go again.

By: Just to be sure I understand ...

Just to be sure I understand ... — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 11:20:49 +0000

You’re not answering the question.

Who???

As has already been pointed out, simply having letters after your name doesn’t mean that you can do the job.

And more importantly, we shouldn’t be appointing someone to a position like this simply because they’re Bermudian. It should be because they are the absolute best.

By: Truth is killin' me...

Truth is killin' me... — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 11:19:00 +0000

Americans with their smoothe talk come here all the time and jip this island and go running with the loot. Look at City Hall…this island needs to stop having the wool pulled over it and get these jokesters outta here!!

By: watchfuleyes

watchfuleyes — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 11:13:24 +0000

@Tony Brandon.. I agree that the Finland model is one of the best around but would our present set of teachers and principals even make the grade as they stand right now?the answer is No. Finland’s standards are very high, which is what we need but in the meantime, until we get to that level of qualifications in our teaching staff,who will train the teachers and support staff? And how much will that cost us? We are paying for having a poor standard of education right now one way or another, and Bermuda on a whole will continue to pay for its Educational lacking until we get it right. I do support the Finland model but are we prepared to oust teachers who do not make the mark? Are we prepared to oust the top brass who do not make the mark? Findland does not a friend and family package like we have here. Are we prepared to sacrifice friends, neighbours, cousins, godmas for our children’s sake, and get rid of the dead weight? I think not and that is the real shame!We are in our own way of progress.

By: BETTTY TRUMP

BETTTY TRUMP — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 11:05:41 +0000

@Hudson, you have pointed out just what I am saying. We Bermudians “Do Not Value or Support our own people.” If we did we would work along with a Bermudians to ensure that the job of Educating our children does get done correctly.

We would not just stand on the sidelines and take shots at the person, but rather work collectively with them to ensure that education moves in the right direction. Often we tend to sit on the sidelines and punch the individual regardless of their efforts or attempts to improve Education. This has to be a collective effort.

Hudson, You are correct, it is not easy position to take on, particularly due to the mentality of Bermudians towards one another. We tend to bring one another down, rather than support and uphold each other, particularly those in such a position. Any person that stand strong to take on such a position will need the support of all Bermuda. The job will not be easy as Education is not an easy nor quick fix.

We Bermudians must change our mind set to work with someone whom takes on such a post. The individual must also be willing to work with Bermuda and do not go into the position believing only they have all the answers, but listen to all. A real collective effort from all of Bermuda is required.

By: Starting Point

Starting Point — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:56:02 +0000

H hopefully will resign, if he is fired Bermuda will pay out his salary, in a court based situation we have no case to terminate. Ethics is not evidence FYI, he would win.

Personally, If he does not resign I am happy to toss the 190K out the window to get rid of him rather than see him stay.

And I also feel a Bermudian could do the job, but I would prefer one with business acumen, could care less if he/she ‘cared’ for kids, this is not a class room teacher, it is an administrator who needs to manage, budget, create change, motivate etc. we are not spending 190K to have a smiley face go around to primary school and tell kids to ‘stay in school!’. We are paying for them to ensure teachers are doing their jobs, improving themselves every year, ensuring there is quality before, during and after school care to support working families etc. reduce bullying etc.

Here’s a thought, make sure the PS is competent and have them do the job, save 190K a year that no one OBA or PLP would complain about.

By: Infidelguy

Infidelguy — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:54:00 +0000

Give this clown this walking papers post haste!!

By: BETTTY TRUMP

BETTTY TRUMP — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:52:01 +0000

Thanks Hudson for letting folks like Trew know that there are some faithful OBAubp supporters whom believe he should also be gone. Yes, he should be gone, and we all agree regardless of our political ideology.

By: Tony Brannon

Tony Brannon — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:48:59 +0000

In Education the UBP / PLP & OBA are all to blame……so far

Our KIDS come first. We need the best qualified teachers in the classroom. FINLAND made the decision 30 years ago to restructure their Education system and are now # 1 in the world. In he past 30 years BERMUDA has spent over 4 BILLION on EDUCATION……The same behemoth is still in place. We failed to move in Tourism and in Education, because no one was prepared to change the STRUCTURE from The UBP / the PLP & now the OBA. At least the OBA created the Tourism Authority. They also need to “Revolutionize the Department of Education” or create a Education Authority.

http://ridethewavefoundation.blogspot.ca/

By: Mazumbo

Mazumbo — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:38:39 +0000

We all know O.B.A./ubp don’t make careless mistakes.

By: Interested

Interested — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:36:07 +0000

A great personality isn’t enough to do this job. Running a school doesn’t necessarily mean that you can run a whole system.

By: Mazumbocann

Mazumbocann — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:30:04 +0000

All conficidence is lost.
The best person for the job is Kalmar “Crack The Whip” Richards. She is a leader and knows what the end product should be, and in order to get there the foundation must be good.

By: Navin Johnson

Navin Johnson — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:05:02 +0000

his type will not resign without a job to go to….no payout if he quits…

By: Tony Brannon

Tony Brannon — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:01:22 +0000

I too have heard amazing things about Lisa Smith !

By: Tony Brannon

Tony Brannon — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 10:00:13 +0000

EDUCATION is a HUMAN RIGHT
We think that this argument has an important value to it. We believe that making school more engaging, personalized, less assessment focused and more adapted to the needs of a changing world is crucial to the future of education, but we also feel that this goal should never shadow the importance of education as a fundamental human right and a way to empower kids and give them the key to their future. Not only this right should be accessible to all, but should also grant all kids equal opportunities.
http://ridethewavefoundation.blogspot.ca/2014/03/education-as-human-right.html

By: Tony Brannon

Tony Brannon — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 09:58:01 +0000

BERMUDA’s Education system needs a complete rebuild. From TOP to BOTTOM.
Our KIDS come first. We need the best qualifies teachers in the classroom. Once again FINLAND made the decision 30 years ago to restructure their Education system and are now # 1 in the world. In he past 30 years BERMUDA has spent over 4 BILLION on EDUCATION……The same behemoth is still in place. We failed to move in Tourism and in Education, because no one was prepared to change the STRUCTURE.

BERMUDA needs to emulate the BEST Education system in the world. WHY are we not following FINLAND ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx2f9OeV74c

• The Finland Phenomenon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkNK3gY-rxg
• What can the world learn from educational change in Finland? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeMM-hL0KFY
• The Finland Phenomenon 1 4 2011 Full documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70AlyhEGWf4
• The Finland Phenomenon 2 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EoknAHLDBk
• The Finland Phenomenon 3 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LJl5XaNQNk
• The Finland Phenomenon 4 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xeU6R-iKwI
• On a mission to save PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the world: Finland: an education phenomenon? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoMzsaRTW5U
• KEN ROBINSON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M8Hl5MUr8w

By: godson

godson — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 09:49:44 +0000

OBA COULD CARE LESS ABOUT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE!!!! They have appointed a non-committed Minister….Plus they scrapped the ministry of youth….They have taken away too many grants, scholorships, and opportunities for our young people…Its obvious, they are too busy chasing the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$…… There are/will be more people from outside of Bda who will hoodwink our money hungry Gov’t….The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil! Get a qualified Bermudian in this position(with the love and passion for our kids), train them(if neccessary) and let’s help our kids!!!

By: Inspector Gadget

Inspector Gadget — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 09:26:19 +0000

Wait…. who is this guy again? Aint never heard of him. I still can’t fathom why on earth HE was the one chosen to run our edu system. Did they just throw a rock and the first person they hit was this guy? I am sure he’s done well for himself and the people in the USA, but this is Bermuda, and someone who has ties and feelings towards our young people should lead. He may have an unbiased approach, some my argue, but there are plently of qualified young peoplw with fresh ideas in our own country. Lastly, why go for an American guy (whos educational system is the worst in the world?). WHy not go for an Indian or Chinese or British? Those of which who have the best EDU system in the world!? LOST!

By: Sandy Bottom

Sandy Bottom — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 09:16:41 +0000

One thing is for sure. Education in this country is frikkin awful. Someone needs to be there to shake it up.

By: JustAsking2

JustAsking2 — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 04:15:47 +0000

Us Bermudians have always been naive and gullible…

By: Mike Hind

Mike Hind — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 03:25:14 +0000

Seriously? You can’t even show the respect to get my name right?

I get that you might not like my posts, but come on. It’s not hard to read something then write it again.

By: drunken ursula

drunken ursula — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 02:08:20 +0000

Lisa Smith should replace him…an educated young lady with personality she is the great principal of Harrington Sound Primary, our loss at HSPS wound be public education teachers and students gain..

By: Hurricane

Hurricane — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 01:51:55 +0000

@ O’Brien, totally agree with you on you comment about Mike Hinds.

By: Young Bermudian

Young Bermudian — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 01:39:48 +0000

We have the legislation to request documents, PATI Act, but Bermudians aren’t mature enough to make the politicians enact it.

By: lisa

lisa — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 01:24:29 +0000

The job applications are a matter of public record. http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2014/03/orleans_parish_schools_superin_1.html

seems like none of those interviewed impressed the board and more applicants were required to be interviewed.

By: JAWS

JAWS — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:54:32 +0000

I’m with you Mike.

Dr. Grant Gibbons my friend this Dr. Heatly is only committed to his self and his sea of lies. He reminds me of a clown fish.