Disqus - Latest Comments for BillFallon

Re: School Consolidation - How do we offer quality education w/out overrides?

BillFallon — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:13:25 -0000

I find regonalizing a great example of an esoteric conversation that is about to meet reality head-on! The esoteric part of the conversation is all about Town identity, Town control, Local autonomy. Reality is going to be Prop 2 1/2, higher taxes, layoffs that cripple quality and basic money management within each town.

It is going to take some very strong minded and clear thinking people to lead the Cape into some sort of regionalization in order to financially survive. The Regional Tech schools structure might help people understand how geographic boundaries can be overcome. By focusing on the details of Nauset combining with D/Y.....I think looses sight of the real problems. Look at the number of private schools that exist on the Cape and the quality of education and experience that is provided there. They exist and flourish because the public school system is perceived to have failed. The private schools are not Town boundary restricted. Local control does not determine the quality of education. The quality of the education will attract interested students/families dispite the physical boundary challenges. Kids choose to sit on buses to travel to Kingston every day! Why? I went to a parochial school as a child. My children did not....why....because the local regional school was far superior to the other available options.

I think that Regionalization will occur because the local financial situation will demand it. You can not lay off enough teachers and close enough schools to save money and still actually educate to a reasonable level. You need to find other more creative solutions to the longer term problems. Attracting and retaining younger families, more affordable housing, more non-tourist based business opportunities are all part and parcel to solving the problem. None of them singularly is the silver bullet. The financial stress that we are all under today could be the impetus to re-look at the alternatives.

Those are my thoughts.

Thanks,
Bill

Re: Are we neglecting "Older" Professionals and Entrepreneurs?

BillFallon — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:51:15 -0000

I would like to weigh in on the theme of "improving the web-site" or making it more relavent.

I am part of the "older" entreprenuer generation. I am engaged in starting my forth career here on Cape Cod and want to be part of a vibrant community. I look for ways to engage in dialog with others of "like mind". Like Mind being people who care to grow personally and professionally here on The Cape. I may or may not agree with their politics, ideology or interpretations but that is what make a good conversation that will help us grow!

The guiding principle has to be respect for the others opinions even if you don't agree with them.

I think if this blog is to grow and thrive, it needs substance, some controversy but above all professionalism.

I landed here while attempting to respond to a Cape Cod Technology Packet email about the entrepreneur's weekend. COOL IDEA that I hope develops some critical mass. But once here, I wandered into this discussion and will return here on occasion to add my 2 cents and to see what is happening. So, guys/gals keep it up.

Thanks,
Bill

Re: Are you coming to Entrepreneurs Weekend?

BillFallon — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:32:14 -0000

I am interested in providing my experience, contacts and expertise to a start-up. It sounds very exciting to me to participate.