Bob Bombast was watching “Fox News” on June 27 when the scroll at the bottom of the screen caught his eye. “Supreme Court strikes down agency fees; deals big blow to public sector unions!!” Though Bob had chaired the Personnel … Read more
Archives: CABE Journal Columns
Subscribe to CABE Journal Columns RSS FeedSEE YOU IN COURT! – June 2018
The Nutmeg Board of Education finally has a budget for the 2018-2019 school year. Difficult as the process was, however, the hard work for the Board of Education was now beginning. Somehow, somewhere, the Nutmeg Board of Education must find … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – May 2018
Bob Bombast, veteran member of the Nutmeg Board of Education, was surprised to see a work team and a backhoe on the grounds of Median Middle School. So surprised in fact that he parked his car and walked over to … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – April 2018
After serving as Chairperson of the Nutmeg Board of Education for six long years, Mr. Chairman announced unexpectedly at the last meeting in February that his company had transferred him to Illinois. At what would be his last meeting, Mr. … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – March 2018
Mark Millennial was recently elected to the Nutmeg Board of Education. More than ten years younger than any of the other Board members, Mark brings a new approach to Board service. His presence on social media is far more extensive … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – February 2018
A student recently came to Mr. Principal in tears, accusing Joe Blow, a fifth-year senior at Nutmeg Memorial High School, of threatening to beat him up if he didn’t hand over his lunch money. When Mr. Principal investigated this claim, … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – January 2018
Mr. Superintendent was hoping that the first meeting of the Nutmeg Board of Education after the holidays would be uneventful, maybe even boring. It was not to be. During Public Comment, Peter Parent gave an impassioned speech about how the … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – December 2017
The General Assembly has finally passed a budget, and the Nutmeg Board of Education has been spared the catastrophic cuts in state aid that some had predicted. Veteran Board member Bob Bombast was therefore pleased to turn his attention to … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – November 2017
As the football season wound down in Nutmeg, Bob Bombast went on a Facebook rant against the players in the NFL who take a knee during the playing of the National Anthem. Coach Rock, veteran coach at Nutmeg Memorial High … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – October 2017
It didn’t take long. School started in Nutmeg just a month ago, and already Ms. Superintendent was calling the members of the Board of Education to schedule an expulsion hearing. “This is a good one,” she told veteran Board member … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – September 2017
The ongoing State budget stalemate has many public officials in Nutmeg on edge. “How can we give the Board of Education money when we don’t even know whether and when the State will give us our ECS funds?” asked Seymour … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – July/August
It was a tough budget season in Nutmeg, and the Board of Education was forced to make difficult cuts just to start the new year with a balanced budget. To make matters worse, Town officials are whispering about possibly clawing … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – June 2017
The members of the Nutmeg Board of Education are tired of having to put up with the constant barrage of criticism. Cut teaching positions? The parents go crazy. Add teaching positions? The taxpayer group goes crazy. To make matters worse, … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – May 2017
As Chair of the Finance Committee of the Nutmeg Board of Education, new Board member Penny Pincher is deeply concerned about the budget next year. Given the uncertainties regarding state funding, Seymour Dollars, venerable Chairperson of the Nutmeg Board of … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – April 2017
The Nutmeg Board of Education was frustrated and dismayed this budget season by the need to cut programs and reduce costs. However, given various warnings from Seymour Dollars, the irascible Chairperson of the Nutmeg Board of Finance, Board members felt … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – March 2017
Sally Scrivener was elected to the Nutmeg Board of Education last November, and she was surprised when her Board colleagues voted to elect her to serve as secretary of the Board. Sally is nothing if not conscientious, and she has … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – February 2017
This budget season has been the worst in memory for the Nutmeg Board of Education. Next year will be the second year of a three-year contract with the Nutmeg Union of Teachers (NUTS), and that contract includes a salary increase … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – January 2017
For years, the Nutmeg Board of Education has invited members of the public to comment at the beginning of its meetings. Last year, the Board adopted some new rules and even printed those rules on the bottom of the agenda: … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – December 2016
The last game for the Nutmeg Knights couldn’t come fast enough for veteran Nutmeg Board of Education member Bob Bombast. A defensive tackle on the legendary 1984 team, Bob bleeds Nutmeg persimmon and gold and attends every game. But those … Read more
CAS Legal Mailbag Question of the Week – 11/10/16
Originally appeared in the CAS Weekly Newsletter. Written by Attorney Thomas B. Mooney.
Dear Legal Mailbag:
It is tough being a coach, as I know from personal experience. I was the boys basketball coach before getting this gig as … Read more
CAS Legal Mailbag Question of the Week – 11/4/16
Originally appeared in the CAS Weekly Newsletter Written by Attorney Thomas B. Mooney
Dear Legal Mailbag:
Last week, we had three teachers “take the knee” during the playing of the National Anthem at a whole-school pep rally. Fortunately, only a … Read more
CAS Legal Mailbag Question of the Week – 10/28/16
Originally appeared in the CAS Weekly Newsletter Written by Attorney Thomas B. Mooney
Dear Legal Mailbag:
As an assistant principal, my responsibilities include dealing with students who have disciplinary issues. While most of these students are good people just caught … Read more
CAS Legal Mailbag Question of the Week – 10/21/16
Originally appeared in the CAS Weekly Newsletter Written by Attorney Thomas B. Mooney
Dear Legal Mailbag:
I am an elementary principal in an urban district and students in my school come and go with some frequency, which makes for a … Read more
SEE YOU IN COURT! – November 2016
Bob Bombast, veteran member of the Nutmeg Board of Education, couldn’t believe that he has never attended the CABE Convention before. When he finally signed up and attended the 2016 Convention, he was surprised by and pleased with the wealth
… Read more
