Wouldn't it be nice if there actually were money trees? Unfortunately in the REAL world, we must prioritize and decide how best to use our limited financial resources. It's definitely a challenge...are we up to the task?
196 comments:
Who to contact, and how
said...
State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit has substituted in East Aurora schools. She’s seen our amazing students and knows they deserve the best. Her office can be reached at Stephanie.kifowit@att.net or (630) 585-1308. State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia is an East Aurora High School graduate who represents nearly all families in East Aurora School District 131. You can reach her office at chapa-laviali@ilga.gov or (630) 264-6855. State Senator Linda Holmes has lived in Aurora for three decades and represented the Aurora area in different levels of government. You can reach her office at holmes42@senatedem.illinois.gov or (630) 801-8985.
Over the past year this blog has helped revitalize the Band Boosters and were involved in rescheduling the Pancake Breakfast.
Bloggers have stepped up and opened their hearts & wallets to assist a deserving EAHS graduate.
Now we have another opportunity to step up and do something GOOD for our community. Contact at least one of these three legislators and ask them to support Senate Bill 16.
The district has plenty of money and look how they spend it. The discisions they make are more about themselves than the children. Lets hope a new group not affilates of any of them decides to run.
Senate bill 16 had already passed the senate (Holmes voted yes) it is currently in the house where chapa la via is a sponsor...so I'm guessing she supports it. Kifowit would be the best to focus your efforts on, but she'll just vote whatever Madigan tells her to. This bill is a shell game moving money from one district to another. It will make loser out of some...we need real changes to financing of education not this excuse for reform.
When Dr Popp proves he can save money then he deserves more. Gloztbach needs to be fired this year she has failed to hire over 80 positions. These positions are filled by non certified school personnel. This means he is saving big $$$$. Hundreds of children in our district are going without a real teacher. Hundreds of Sped kids are going without a one on one aid.
This while Marty Feltes is allowed to spend what he wants.
Is it true that Linda Chapa LaVia's children go to Aurora Christian, a private school? She know's better than to send her kids to public school. Has East Aurora's ACT scores fallen to single digits yet? And you believe more money is the answer to 131's troubles? That's funny!
I am in a district that is about to lose $10million dollars with SB16. We spend the same amount of money per student as D131. D204 kids ISAT scores (state testing) are 79%. D131 kids ISAT scores are 32%. D131 kids deserve a better education! Taking $ from your neighboring districts is not the solution.
Nice post blog admin. It hits the target nicely. This newest debate is one created by big business and government. They have us fighting amongst ourselves for the scraps they choose to send our way. In this case it is NOT robbing the rich to give to the poor, but rather taking from middle class (204), to give to the poor (131). While we are arguing over who should get what, they are calculating how now we will all be happy to end up with ANYthing, and they will still give us far less than our students deserve. I feel 131 has played a hand in this by the continued misspending when it comes to educating the students.
Linda Chapa-LaVia is a co-sponsor of SB16. She and her family live on Fourth Street, in the heart of District 131. They pay property taxes to our district. If the Chapa-LaVias send their daughters to a Christian school it doesn't mean they "know better" than to send them to D131 schools; it means they are making the best choice for their children.
Good parents know their children, and know their options. Some kids thrive in a public school setting (I'm a public school product from kindergarten through college), some have special needs or interests that are best developed in a private or home-school environment, and some families prefer a strong religious component to their child's educational experience.
I do not criticize a fellow parent who chooses an option other than public school for their child. That parent is making a decision in their child's best interests...and still supports our district with their property taxes!
I agree with Anon2 and auroramom. All families have a choice whether to give their children a Faith based education or any other. Be it public, private, home school. As for the bill-I thought I had read Chapa-LaVia was NOT sponsoring the bill as it is currently written?
Because Joan has not done her job we have over 100 temporary teachers and support staff. Now a child has been injured at Krug. Inquiring minds want to know if Joan has all her paperwork in order. Our guess is not. Joan is so busy pointing fingers and setting others up she never does her job. Popp is so gullible he thinks she knows it all. Popp should realize she is ruining the district.
Seems like 2 cents more, Anon2 and auroramom have missed the point. It does not matter if the private school is Christian or not, the fact is that they provide a better education than 131. For someone like Linda Chapa LaVia to claim she supports public education, yet sends her children to a private school is a clear demonstration that she has no confidence that 131 can provide a good education for her children. Taking a look at the dismal academic performance of 131, who can blame her?
But you keep on thinking that things will get better for 131 if we throw more money at them. The likelihood of East Aurora having an average ACT score of 20 is the same as East Aurora football having a .500 season....never.
131 is in a downward spiral that will never, I repeat NEVER recover.
Anonymous3, you cannot second-guess the Chapa-LaVias' motivation for sending their child to a private school! Good parents make that decision based upon the needs and characteristics of that individual child. I know parents in D204 who pay big property tax bills but drive their daughter to Rosary High School every morning. I also know parents who homeschool their kids in the mornings and send them to East High in the afternoon for P.E. and art class.
And your cynical, negative attitude about our district's schools would be disputed by young people like the Gerhard twins or Angel Chavez. These young men are proud products of D131 who are achieving success in college. A quality education IS attainable in our district, no thanks to nay-sayers like you!
Anonymous3, my children went to D131 schools and got a good education. You say there are "exceptions to every rule"...the fact is, EVERY child is a potential exception! In our kids' case, we supplemented their D131 schooling with outside activities like karate lessons, park district drama programs, trips to Scitech, and church activities. Our goal was to help them mature mentally, physically, and spiritually.
You say that our district cannot provide a good education, but you are obviously clueless about MANY of our families. Education is a partnership between students, parents, schools, and communities--each of which has an important role to play in students' success!
D131 students deserve a better education. After perusing some of these previous blogs, it seems that D131 admin has a hard time managing money along with some wrongdoing. D204 has experienced $40 million in budget reductions in the past 4 years. D131 and D204 spend the same amount, $10,500, per student. D131 students deserve a better education. Great students come out of both districts and it doesn't matter if someone sends their kids to private or local when discussing paying property taxes. Taking $ from a neighboring district not the solution to D131's problems. D129 at least had the decency to not bloat about it. Signed D204 parent and Aurora resident.
Why does district 131 have more money than other districts ? They spend the same on children as neighboring district and In many cases more. It proves State aid pays well. Now Popp and company are spending money just to say they are broke.
It appears it all going to non student related issues since this school year we have more non teachers and open support staff positions than ever. We are violating Special Ed laws with many students going without one on one aids. Feltes is stealing the district blind by no bid work.,
That is why Senate Bill 16 is not needed. They need to be turned into the State not given more money. The board needs to be removed.
Teachers in131 have been underpaid for years. Look at what a teacher in 131 is paid with a Masters in Ed compared to other districts. Then add a student body that does not come prepared for school. Then add comments of attack on white teachers by Ray Hull or know it all administration who think we are the dregs of the earth because we teacher in 131. Not really fair.
If they are spending the same it shows how bad money is getting wasted. Please show us how it's being spent it is certainly not on the students.
After Feltes blowing through 6 million in repairs we should have no mold but he is to busy taking care of his friends. That is why 131 does not need the money they will just waste it.
He has mismanaged every contract from garbage, to janitorial to building repairs. lLet us not forget the over 1 million he mismanaged at East and the Benevides Center.
This is exactly what those in power want us to be doing. They want us fighting amongst ourselves for the limited money they are putting into education. They want the focus away from them. The fact still remains that Illinois is 50th in education funding while at the same time they run a campaign spreading the lies that education is bankrupting the state. How is the state going bankrupt spending less money than any other state in the nation. The fact is that most education money is coming from local taxes.
The question you should be asking is what are our state leaders spending our money on? Education funding by Illinois is the lowest in the nation, while at the same time our tax rate is now one of the highest. The state has repeatedly taken billions out of the teacher pension fund at the same time they refuse to pay their share into the teacher pension system.
As for your higher opinion of West aurora, FYI, it was the West Aurora leadership that led the lawsuit against the state funding formula for education. They are the reason why the state is now passing education spending reform. It was determined that the state was funneling more money into some districts than others. It was deemed illegal and instead of just putting more money into low income districts, they are creating this system of district against district, again to deflect the blame from where it really belongs, the state leadership.
Matt Handley should do his job instead of writing responses for Mike Popp and the BOE. He is never seen at events we have zero coverage of the students. Clearly we can tell Matt is now on the blog spinning for Popp.
Maybe it is time to stop wasting money by reducing his position instead of treating to layoff.qualified teachers.
Anonymous 1- AMEN! Divide and conquer. One of the oldest tactics in the books.
While we all work hard and continue paying into the coffers. They are working full time perfecting the 'slight of hand' tricks of distraction and manipulation.
Look at your neighbor, while we continue to be financially irresponsible.
Interesting that they are letting Reyna with the least knowledge and experience take Feltes place. Everyone knows he is his lackey. It shows the coverups and corruption in Feltes department. If there is a god above Feltes will not come back. His management and buddy system are stealing from poor children.
in a recent of credit card purchases Matt Hanley did not exactly tell the entire story with the Jerome Roberts going away party a $2000 deposit plus another bill for $2053 was paid by 131 for a going away party.
Other reviews revealed bills of over 8,000 per month now spent on food and drink through Sodexo and others for various training being given across the district. If food is not eaten and always over ordered it is taken home by district personnel. This while teachers patch desks, and do not have enough books in classrooms.
It is time for the State to come in a criminally charge someone and make a example of 131 Afterall it is State money being spent.
Oct 1 2014 Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer East Aurora School District 131 417 5th Street Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request for Documents David Reyna & Artlip & Sons
Dear Mr. Hanley
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information act, 5 ILCS140/1, the undersigned hereby requests copies of the following documents:
1 Application, Salary Contract, list of all applicants, interview notes and all documents pertaining to the hiring of Dave Reyna of Building & Grounds. Regarding his interim position, please provide any salary adjustment during this time period.
2. All work orders/purchase orders/invoices/inspection reports/quotes from Artlip & Sons. Please include all correspondence between the Bldg & Grounds Director pertaining to his evaluation of this work.
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
Hey maintenance workers. You guys still mad that you dont get overtime anymore. you guys must be really upset, because the custodians are still getting all the overtime they want! That's what you guys get! been milking the clock for years, and years. Just ask Andy Fair. He has taken the biggest hit. Now you guys are complaining about reyna. Give it up maintenance workers!!
Hey Matt dont dummy down your writing. When it shows Feltes no bid Arlip for he better hope the medical care in prison is better than the medical care the taxpayers are paying for him.
We work Feltes scams
More no bid scams coming out. Maybe Popp will join Marty.
What does Popp and Feltes have in common to much fat in the brain
East Aurora football scores from last weekend. Varsity Neuqua Valley 69 East Aurora. 27 Soph. Neuqua Valley 56 East Aurora. 20 Frosh. Neuqua Valley 48 East Aurora. 0
Part of the reason our football teams aren't playing very well is that many of our football players have problems maintaining academic eligibility. Last week the varsity team had to use the third-string quarterback, when it's hard enough to score against a big school like Neuqua with the first string players.
Maybe our football players need tutoring in their academic subjects as much as or more than they need practice on the field.
No reports from Hanley on soccer but they have no problem fielding a team. Just excuses get rid of football. the kids are injured and yes some form have bad grades.
I don't see where "Because..." said any specific EAHS football player has academic eligibility issues. They said, "maybe" our players need tutoring, not that the quarterbacks (or halfbacks or fullbacks for that matter) are ineligible.
I do know that it is difficult for many EAHS students to find time for their schoolwork when they also have a part-time job and/or sports activity. If I were the parent of a football player I would welcome any help such as tutoring if it was offered.
Not so Dumb. "Because" said that part of the reason we have trouble is due to athletic ineligibility. Then use the EXAMPLE that we used our third string quarter back.
"Because" was saying that our starting quarterback and 2nd string quarterback were ineligible.
If you don't see that, then you're a moron.
THE TRUTH is the starting quarter back was injured.
It is poor writing that spreads these stupid lies around. "Because" is WRONG and so are you.
You are reading between the lines and making assumptions. It is a FACT that many of our EAHS athletes have issues with academic eligibility (my son plays basketball, and tells me it is a constant concern). Maybe the second-string quarterback had academic eligibility issues, maybe he didn't. And maybe the injured first-string QB also had academic issues. We don't know, and no names were mentioned.
But you cannot deny that many of our athletes have academic eligibility issues. And I agree that tutoring would be a good idea!
With so many unfilled positions and temporary teachers in the district this year do you think the quality of education will get better? Mr Popp would have been disciplined by the parents and it would have not been tolerated.
This shows poor administration when 80 positions remain unfilled. Another sign Joan Glotzbach needs to go. how many mistakes with not checking fingerprints and backgrounds not to mention major policy issues and she is kept.
In a closer look at credit card expenditures the distrct is back to wasting the taxpayer and money to educate. this winter Dr Popp and staff will go to a resort spa in New Mexico for a seminar. The word is they are team building and resume building. This trip alone is over $30,000 once hotels, food, seminar fees and airline tickets are paid.
The board does not question or ask questions . The district has another Radocavich . We will keep posting to the blog maybe Johnson will look into the rest of the board is worthless.
Why is Kristen Strand going to staff meeting and discussing her non profit. The district has also scheduled and paid for her to network as a staff member in U46. She is getting paid off to look the other way that is why credit cards are getting abused. The board is totally corupt and needs to get replaced.
Mrs. Strand is the director of an organization called Community 4:12. Her husband is a grade school teacher in our district, and their sons attend D131 schools. The family moved here from Naperville several years ago. Mrs. Strand is very sincere about wanting to help steer our district in a positive direction. I voted for her for School Board, and will gladly support her again. She is one of the "good ones".
Here's a link to a brochure listing several projects that Community 4:12 is currently involved with:
Strand does not have a non for profit it is not registered. She is using her position on the school board to promote her personal causes. She has no place going to a administrator meeting at u46, She will also be receiving 3 million dollars from the City of Aurora to purchase and remodel building on Lasalle St. for a community center. I have looked into Ms Strand and she is not who she appears to be.
She has done nothing to save taxpayer dollars while on the school board. CORUPTION is alive and well.
In less than six months I had hopes the new administration would bring new energy to the district. So far we lost 30 millions dollars and teachers positions are in jerporty. Poor leadership and a return to the serial bully days have pleged d131.
Mr Popps agenda has been overspending and allowing the ever incompetdent Joan Glotzbach to run the district.
We need a new board hopefully four fresh faces will step forward. The EA district can not afford Mr Popp.
Recently Feltes paid Fox Valley Sewer company another plumbing buddy of his $1000 to come into EAHS and power wash sump pump basins. This is work that the maintenanace staff always preformed. He tells everyone we are not qualified and now we are not qualified to run a power washer. Really? The work preformed could have been done by someone in four hours that earned $17.25 per hour.
Ms Strand and Peryea promised a open and transparent district since they have been in charge money is flying out the door. Popp has had meeting with us and he says he will look into it but nothing is ever done. There are serious money problems now and nobody cares.
Do you honestly believe that East Aurora High School football team has lost 50 out of the last year 51 games is because of players being iineligible ? We haven't won a season opener since 2000. No player is ineligible for the first game.
Seriously, why does East Aurora even bother with football? Just scrap the football program and use the money for something useful, like improving the academic performance of the students.
Recently Feltes had sump basins power washed for over$1,000 dollars with another plumbing buddy of his. This is janitor work that could have been completed at $17 per hour. This is the waste today because nobody is watching These issues are brought to the attendtion of Popp but he does nothing. He has been allowed to spent millions and we are told we will be outsourced. It is time for someone to take a close look .
How is our district scheduled and paid for her to network as a staff member in U46. The district can't pay a board member. If Strand on her own wants to go talk to U46 about her outside programs that is her choice. I remember some time ago a board member brought cookies to school to give students when she was going into the cookie business.
As far as the credit cards this district has looked away from that for many years. It is the boards responsibility to make sure they have someone who does not have a card check the receipts to make sure they are for district business. The board has looked away with past administrators that used the cards for personal business and when it was brought to their attention they just claimed it someone else fault and still didn't get someone to check them. Their has been thousands of misused money that this district has let administration use for personal use and doesn't try to get our tax payers money back from them.
Hopefully we can get some new blood on this board that wants to follow the law.
In Central News Dr Popp is wasting tens of thousands of dollars vacating in New Mexico. this while he claims to teach his 204 does not understand the culture staff about Bilingual. Do you really think Dr Popp wants to learn about Bilingual or do you think he just wants it for his resume?
When the fool board members wake up the bank accounts will be in the red, programs like sports and arts will get cut and teachers will get laid off. Everyone can see the community attending BOE meeting will never pass another referendum.
PLEASE fill out surveys and make sure the union addresses all of them in writing with a action plan. We should not vote on a contract until everything is spelled out.
We should also have a commitment to no layoffs and a commitment that we do not have to teach other teachers classes unless we are compensated for it. This year alone in my building we have been ask to watch classes that increase class size to over 50.
As for Strand she developed a relationship with teachers at Brady. Francisco told us we will face bad reviews if we complain. He then stated he will deny it. She has a very close relationship with administration and him . BE CAREFUL do not share with her. Last year a report was shared with her and Glotzbach about a police matter. She helped keep his job.
Last night is another example of why we should not have a program. The HS program alone costs over $200,000. Becker is the highest paid coach in the Distrct making over $14,000. Quite a bit for someone who is not a employee. He also has at least 12 paid assistants. Again more than other programs. Rumor is he is Popps new best friend, Again looking for a full time job. Becker is abrasive to staff and not well liked.
Last night Jason Ward ( former EA Dean) taught him a lesson. He ran up the score. South Elgin has a simular demographic but proved they can coach better than the former Chicago Bear. Jason showed no class running up 71 points. The students had a horrible homecoming experience. Jason should know better. it is not about a adult teaching is about children.
The BOE needs to take some leadership and end this madness. Let's talk soccer.
Interesting I have attempted to update the district on misuse of district maintenance money and both times it was deleted. My last attempt did not mention the companies name. I thought the blog was about reporting CORUPTION
This man is paid six figures and I would like to know what he does all day long.The past administration hired him because he worked for the Beacon. But really he still has Dr Roberts listed as Superintendent and none of the teachers or transfers have been updated. We never see him at events. He is one expense that should go away.
For some reason, several comments went into the "Spam" file. 4:30 p.m., I found one about corruption, and published it. I have no idea why those comments were sent to the spam file instead of awaiting moderation, but I will check both files from now on.
And just a reminder that anonymous comments are sent to the spam file. You must put a name on your comment.
Notice that he says every high school football program needs to have emergency equipment (defibrulators)available. When this state-of-the-art equipment is used, survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest is up to 90 %. Also, there are new high-tech helmets with special padding that minimize brain injury.
I don't think it's reasonable to discontinue the football program, but as a parent I would want to know that the school has the recommended emergency equipment just in case it's needed. A parent is NOT an idiot for being concerned about several teens dying on football fields last week. For the parents of those boys, it's a devastating loss that they would want to prevent others from suffering!
Now janitor work is getting outsourced recently. The district paid over $1000 dollars to power wash sump basins at EAHS . Again another plumbing freind of Feltes. This work could be preformed by someone making $17.25. This is why millions are be wasted . Popp is well aware and does nothing. We are being targeted and setup for the districts losses but the real problem is the new administration. The community needs to remove the board.
But maybe an idiot for not becoming informed before you speak.
Defibrulators have been required equipment in all the school building for years now. There is also a transportable model used at games. There are concussion protocols followed by all district sports. Coaches must be trained each year in the new concussion protocols. In addition coaches have training in first aid, CPR, heat stroke etc.
Everything precaution is taken to make sports as safe as possible. Unfortunately, we are mortal and every one of us will die eventually. Life is risk. Get over it. The question will not be "did you die", the question will be "How did you live"?
I like the last paragraph of that Forbes article--
"Regardless of whether the cases are ultimately settled or go to trial, only the threat of paying money makes the administrator’s light bulb go off that says “we better fix this”. If no one else reads this, I hope all parents do who face the question: “Should we let our child play football?”
I am one parent who am glad my son (now in his 30s) didn't play football. Many of his classmates are having problems with early-onset arthritis and knee problems that doctors say were related to football. Yes, any sport is risky but baseball & basketball players have far lower serious injury rates.
"Life is Great", if you saw one of those parents whose sons died last week would you really tell them "life is risk, get over it"? If so then you're not only an idiot but a complete waste of a person!
I know a good Bubble Manufacturer for you. Maybe you can keep your kid in the bubble his whole life and protect them from everything.
Your child may not have a sore knee but they also have no stories of glory days when they won or had a chance to win a championship. They have not built relationships with warriors that extend their entire lives. They have no confirmation of just how great they can be.
To me, that is the worst existence a person can have. Hail to the parent champion of mediocrity.
"...no stories of glory days when they won or had a chance to win a championship..."
On the contrary, my son was a record-setting track & field athlete in high school and narrowly missed the cut for competing in the Olympics as a college athlete. As an adult he has participated in the Chicago Marathon. But of course it's easy for some people to jump to conclusions and accuse other parents of mediocrity.
When you don't have enough players and the equipment of a team is not great plus the kids lacking conditioning you will have injuries. This coupled with EA kids not having insurance and not having great health care leaves them injured for life. I can think of many ways to spend $100,000. A couple of years ago there was talk of ending the program. it has become a money maker for a broken down Chicago Bear and his side kick Kenyon to add to his pension. Time for the school board to not play politics and end the EA Tradition. It has not been tradition for twenty five years. GET RID OF IT.
Also the condition of the field and bleachers is horrible. maybe they can spend the $100,000 on the track.
East Aurora had more than enough players this year. The equipment is certified safe every year by the manufacturer (required by the state for all teams). “Enough conditioning” is a subjective term that is impossible to quantify. As for insurance, from middle school through high school, all players must show that they have adequate health insurance before they can play and if their parents do not have insurance, they can purchase insurance through the district. If a child does not have the appropriate insurance, they can NOT play. No child is going to deal with a lifelong injury due to lack of insurance.
Now, here’s a reality check for you. No school program will ever spend $100,000 on a track unless there is a football field in the middle of it. The simple fact is that nobody gives a damn about track and field. It is just a way for the real athletes to keep up conditioning in the off season. Just look at TV ratings, millions of people watch football every weekend, nobody watches track and field except once every four years during the Olympics.
EA has a higher injury rate in their program because of poor conditioning and not Enought players. Most good programs have 90 kids out on varsity.
Our soccer program has these numbers yet that coach is paid less. We have had kids go pro recently in Soccer. They should remodel the field but not for football but soccer.
Head injuries are life time injuries it is a proven fact. If you grow up poor as a adult you may not have the best insurance. Plain and simple the program hurts kids.
Time to stop paying the broken down Bear and give the money to something kids want. BTW over 60 kids asked for boys volleyball and 50 asked for swimming but that is right we don't have a pool. Put the money in the right spot,
The public needs to come and see the new administration and how badly parents are treated tonight. A reported molestation case happened at Krug. no update to the parents now the school is using the lawyer to intimidate the parent and Flanigan is telling the parent she will lose her kid. Shame on the board for letting this happen. You are one poor excuse for a Man.
Sitting in the audience you have to wonder. A speaker representing talked about parents not getting informed at Krug about the safety of children. One has to assume the District is involved in another lawsuit or they are just plain arrogant with parents and dont feel they have feelings.
The other issue is the bids. I have heard Johnson vote No several meeting and still nobody has addressed this. By the tone of the blog it appears to need addressing. She stated the bids are illegal. Nobody stopped to correct her and I assume she knows what she is talking about since she would state this in public.
She also asked to how the money is being spent and that she can not under stand the negative balances. Why not just give her the details. Board meeting after Board they say nothing.
I wanted to give the new administration a chance but I can see to many past patterns developing. Secrets and Lies just like the Serial Bully days.
The child that was hurt is now getting askd to leave school not the teacher. The family is working with legal aid and can not afford transportation to another school. They are getting blamed for the teacher hurting the child. Families came forwarded and got told nothing. We all are treated like nothing. The white folks run the school and we have Raymond Hull who we talked to and he defends them. You are a sell out and cowerd
The families askd the school to do something with Mr Lityle. We are told nothin.
Jackie was bragging her mothers new role was to quite down the community by Thruckenbrog. Her mother long time district suck up Avis Miller has to pay off administration for Jackies job.
This was the same method used in 129 which backfired and cost millions in settlements. Inquiring minds want to know why Truckenbrog has asked Avis to talk with the parents. . The case appears to be another large settlement. How unprofessional for Thruckenburg to discuss this and how unprofessional of Jackie Gibson to brag
Several good articles today about 129. It shows that Dr Craig is experienced and forward thinking. It also shows the West Aurora BOE made a thoughtful decision when picking a new Sup. What are we stuck with a 204 disguard that never made Asst Sup.
Tony Martinez is doing a great job communicating to parents and is seen in the community. EA had a chance to rehire and picked Hanley What a poor choice.
It was also a poor choice not keep Tony's wife she is doing great things as always.
Here is hoping the four board members don't run and the other three resign. Get the brooms out community.
Does anyone see this as a publicity stunt? The formation of a finance committee that only meets four times a year. really Dr Popp why not a parents committee you are only looking to get the old white folks off your back. The handling of Krug parents shows your feelings towards the community.
Yes, Hanley is a poor choice. He never attends events unless in the daylight. We have a administration that is so out of touch with the community . They think the east side has parents that are uneducated and don't care for their children. As the community spokesperson he should have gotten out a note that they had a incident and children are safe. Dr Popp never visits our schools. in fact he came once because we was invited for the ice bucket challenge. Other schools in the district have never seen him. If they have he tours with a large group of administrators and Hanley for a photo op. The entire Central Office only has two administrators that are Bilingual. In the past both Elementary Ed and Secondary had a Bilingual Central office. There are many issues with learning the culture and it is clear they have a learning curve. Hull demoralized white teachers yet he and his fellow board members voted on the non bilingual administration.
I attend board meetings regularly. Lately I see a board that has no over-site. While Dr Popp may be okay, he is new. I dont see the focus on the finances. If a board member sits and votes to the list of bills and they allow her to say the bids are not taking place then why does anyone not fix it. If it is not true, then again why does anyone not dispute that. It looks like the board is clueless. I have no faith that the district money is in good hands.
Dear attend meetings, If you want to see what is going on and share your thoughts, apply to be on the new finance committee. Application may be obtained thru D131 FB or website.
The meetings at the high school were quite memorable today. During the afternoon faculty meeting there was a presentation up on the screen. Mr. Byrd was rambling on forever as he usually does. He was talking so long that the computer switched to the screen saver. The screen saver was six large squares. In the top right square was a picture of an enormous pair of breasts in the tiniest bikini top possible. Pasties would have covered the bikini completely. The picture left almost nothing to the imagination. When they realized what had just happened, they tried desperately to remove the picture but instead clicked on the picture making it go to full screen. Can you visualize the most enormous breasts full size on an enormous screen? It was completely unprofessional.
Next, the teachers have been told that they must watch 3 ½ hours of mandated video training. However, the administration is telling the teachers that they can NOT use school improvement time to complete the training. The teachers are expected to do all this training on their own time, UNCOMPENSATED. This is being directed by Joan Glotzbach. This all came to a head during the union meeting at the end of the day. The union leaders first tried to side with the administration and then told the teachers, if you have an issue with this, you should contact Dr. Popp directly.
The teachers turned on the union. It was a screaming match with members accusing the union of being in bed with the administration. Members screaming, what are we paying you for? Etc. It is becoming very ugly. It’s very obvious that the membership knows this is a contract year and doesn’t trust the union to represent them. It may be time to consider dissolving the union.
The administration expecting the teachers to watch 3 1/2 hours of mandated video during school hours represents to me disrepect. To me it shows the administration has no idea how our day is spent. Do they realize during our 50 minutes preparation period without students that we are preparing lesson plans, copying materials, answering emails, grading papers, entering grades calling parents, just to name a few? Most teachers are not in their own rooms during their prep. period and are without access to a computer. For the administration to tell teachers that we have time to do this during the school day is insulting.
Why is the blog deleteling comments this involves student safety.
The case of the student from Krug is far from over. dr Popp is very worried. I will not mention names but this sub was reported last year for inapproiate remarks with students. Another parent complained. The system allows red flagging if a sub is not good and should not return. HR was suppose to have done this last year. Again more details lost and this is the person who is now the chosen one to run the district.
This summer a complaint was made to Glotzbach about Byrd, Renner and Becker looking at pictures of women on the computer in Byrds office while the door was open with students in another room. Nothing was done. Becker boosted he has a in with Mike. Byrd has commented Mike is a great guy to have a beer with. No class for a Superintendent or a Principal.
Now this!
My prediction is Joan will cover it and the board will pay Byrd a settlement like the last dirty pictures guy.
Judy Durham is the Union Rep East. She is in bed with administration her sister just received a undeserved promotion at Simmons. What goes on in the Union meetings get relayed to Avis Miller who relays it to administration. The other day Thruckenbrod discussed the Krug case with Avis and asked her to get the district message out to parents. Not very professional you would think Joan and Popp would not discuss private matters. Jackie Gibson then told staff, again very unprofessional.
Why does my comments about the Krug coverup keep getting deleted there are very important facts that will come out about this case it is not over.
HR had a complaint about this teacher last year. If he comes back to work at another school I fear for the children.
One mother complained that he attempted to tell a child they are cute and he would give them a ride home. It again was marked unfounded but Joan was suppose to red flag his file not to rehire. they can do that with subs that are not good teachers or have bad behavior towards student.
11:39 a.m., a comment posted earlier this morning went to the "Spam" file instead of "Awaiting Moderation". I marked it "Not Spam", and it is now published.
There were also several anonymous comments from earlier today in the spam file. I did not publish those.
All building have been told we have to watch videos that are mandated. This was brought up to the Union a month ago. This is basic labor law if you are required to do something for work they must pay you.
Our Union is worthless and this year they will sell us down the river with another bad contract. We have heard the district is out of money and we are lucky to have jobs. Why is the Union not questioning this. A year ago Dr Roberts to us we are financially the best district around. We would never have layoffs. Why now six months later are we out of money.
The answer to that question is they will screw us. We will work more hours and get less pay. It is time to hold the union accountable.
Spencer made light of the pictures citing he had a bad day. He also commented that nothing will come of it considering the BOE did nothing about comments made by President Hull to teachers at the school assembly. Teachers of EA should file a case action sexual harassment lawsuit. Maybe then it will get some attention.
I am so disappointed in our union. Why should we call Popp? What are they getting paid for? I can see it coming.They will tell us the district has no money to pay us. God knows they can't even stand up to administration and get us the 3 1\2 hours.
Adam Harding get a administration job only to quit for more money and work in the union office. Then we get Sara Intherum how prides herself on the great relationship with the administration.
In the past that probably did not matter as much but now the times have changed. The Directors think we are incompetent lazy and stupid. they have said as much. Ray Hull insults us and Intherum does not speak up. Craig Rhodes would sign up and protect our rights.
The union will sell us down the river everyone knows Sara is to lazy to teach so this is a easy job at our expense.
As for the breast picture, Byrd was showing an education related video on YouTube. When the video ended, he bagan to speak. In the meantime, behind him the YouTube tiles of suggested videos popped up. The breast picture was one of the thumbnails for the videos. I'm not a big fan of the guy my self, but this was an honest mistake and when someone pointed it out, he immediately tried to close it. He was extremely embarrassed, and as a women, I did not feel "sexually harassed."
At Bardwell I cover the free breakfast program or the doors, we have PLC, handle parents and if that is not enough I cover other teachers classes because we do not have enough subs. The funny thing is Ms Strands husband never seems to be around. Then Dr Popp and our union think we should volunteer to watch mandated videos. I can see the writing on the wall sorry raises and back to the days of RIF notices.
You tube tiles to come up because of subjects you are interested in from past visits. You can bet he had visited these types of sites before. Speak for yourself there is no place in school for this. Teachers are held to different standards. What if that would have happened in our classrooms I also feel Hulls comments had sexual meanings and had no place in school. He should had been asked to step down. The main arguement is the school district should provide 3 hours to complete videos. Past practice is that we did have that time. If they want to change it then decide in the next contract. Teachers will be watching what they do for us. It is time we entertain getting another union. Other districts that have different representation have higher wages. This union had been in bed with the administration for years. They have not done a good job representing us. Our insurance premiums finally leveled off because the district discovered accounting problems. Again, our union never questioned why. they just expected the increases. Now we have had three union presidents in three years. Again no consistency. Sara Intherium is a nice lady but a push over she has not won a grievance. The teachers end up representing themselves It is time for a change!
Thanks for posting this, Proud Tomcat Mom! Our kids (and their several adult instructors) did an AWESOME job. I watched a couple of the earlier groups perfomances (including West High), and I was especially impressed with how sharp our kids look in their new uniforms (most of the other bands just wore T-shirts and black pants or jeans).
I think the main reason why our marching band is so grEAt this year is because for the first time since 2005 (when an assistant was hired to help the first-year band director with marching band), there are several adults who have been brought in as assistant marching director, drumline director, and flags director. They are being paid stipends for their work.
The topic of this thread is managing our money, and it's clear to me that our district made a GOOD decision to spend money on marching assistants. Yes, we're on a tight budget but watching our band's performance those stipends are money well spent!
regarding the mandated training...at the high school, we are ALL sticking together, and not doing the training on our own time. Maybe the middle and grade schools should stick together as well.
Oct 10th 2014 Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer East Aurora School District 131 417 5th Street Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request for Documents PCS ( Vendor for B & G)
Dear Mr. Hanley
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information act, 5 ILCS140/1, the undersigned hereby requests copies of the following documents:
January 1 2014 – Current
1 All purchase orders & invoices for Mayfair and PCS. 2 Price list for items purchased from PCS and price list from Mayfair for identical items. 3 Documents for PCS participating in any bid contracts the past 2 years.
Summary Sheet only to include vendor name, date, amount for B & G janitorial product purchases.
4 Yearly Summary of dollars spent for calendar year 2012, 2013, 2014
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
Money well spent, I just watched that Panther Review performance and it looks to me like the kids are wearing matching red shirts and black pants. Not the new uniforms. I do agree that they look good (better than some of the other groups in different shades of blue jeans). I don't think any of the groups wear their formal uniforms for this event.
I do agree that it's amazing what a (positive) difference hiring assistants makes. Good call, administration, on spending money for our kids.
The administration did not pay for anything several students got together took their old 20 years plus rags and embrassed the board. The thanks should be to the reporter who printed the story. . That is how to get things done. The administration does not care about the kids please.
Then who paid for the new uniforms? Did the kids buy them? Was enough money raised at the (rescheduled) pancake breakfast to pay for them?
Nope, the district saw the wisdom of spending the money for new uniforms. Maybe they needed some convincing (students coming into a meeting dressed in falling-apart old uniforms), but the bottom line is the administration did get on board with paying for them.
Just like the administration saw the wisdom of spending money to hire several adult assistants for the marching band this year. I would much rather see our district's limited funds spent for something that directly benefits the students than on an unnecessary new administrative center.
The taxpayers paid for the uniforms considering not one administrator lives in our district. The assistants are also paid by the taxpayers not administration.
The kids lobbied and won give credit to them for standing up to a group of adults.
Dr Popps old distrct gave teachers time to watch videos that was repeated in other surrounding districts.Only our district has this issue . Of course they are represented by a different union who is not in bed with administration. It is time for us to fight our union and show administration whatever they negotiate we should vote them down. When someone tells me to email Dr Popp , the question is why am I paying union dues.
Hull again spoke at a church assembly about the teachers of EA. He told a story of hate mail received by administration who is trying hard to change EA. He stated white teachers don't try hard because they don't care it is just a job. Hull told everyone the hate mail was EA teachers.
It is ashame that our board has such hatred for our districts hard working employees. Some of these sediments have been echoed by Flanigan and Truckenbrod when doing class visits. Comments from Popp himself have been making it around the district that is why nobody wants to go that extra mile. We are just exhausted with negativity. The union needs to represent its members and not keep making excuses.
If we have extra money, let's spend it on a new stadium. We could get artificial turf where we wouldn't have to worry about games being cancelled due to rain (I know lightning is a differ t story), a wider playing surface for soccer (trust me when I say our field is barely big enough for Middle School games, our track team could host a meet (the first time in at least 6 years), we could rent it out, band could practice on the field without having to worry about messing it up, plus our PE classes could use it. It would also get rid of that lead based paint. I'm surprised the state, or OSHA or the IEPA hasn't come in to seem it unsafe. But the administrators need bigger offices so again our kids will be put on the back burner on order for our temporary administrators (non of them will stay long enough to see our current 8th graders graduate HS) to have a better office. Hang on teachers, students and community members 131 is in trouble.
Interesting comments from the teacher at Bardwell. At the high school, one of reps clearly informed us that the high school and middle school were the ones that were having difficulty finding time during the school day to watch the mandated videos. She stated that the elementary teachers have time in their school day to view the videos. I thought it sounded strange and was perplexed that elementary teachers would have time. However, Misinformation by a union rep is no surprise. We need new, strong union leadership.
Joan Glotzbach runs the district and created this lasted flap with the teachers. This is instructional training that other districts are allowing on institute days. if a teachers chooses not to take the training on institute days then they have to watch the videos. This has been told to Dr Popp. he has surrounded himself with a very small group made up of Joan, Truckenbrod and Hanley. The rest of the administration knows he is a junior politician.
Our rocket science BOE did not check but Popp only received his endorsement in 2012. That means he is not a experienced leader. This district is complex and needed someone with more experience. When meeting he appears to agree with you but after talking with Joan he changes his mind. Joan is not respected by anyone she made many mistakes including the transgender and lack of fingerprint and background checks. Her department is the largest in administration. Accuracy is always a problem.
What was said at Monday's meeting about financial trouble loaming is true. His fixation with a new admin center is shocking. In fact Tuesday he visited the Library again.
The board is the laughing stock and Popp knows it. his comments that he has one difficult board member and six others that will always say yes to anything shows. In fact he told us do not share to much info they don't need it is why everything is rapidly declining.
When does a elementrary teacher have time during the day. If that was said I would like to know by whom? I teach at Rollins and have the same problem. Nobody is available for door duty, breakfast program has kids lined up. Without teacher help the kids would never start class on time. AfterSchool traffic with so many small children is also a teacher concern. I do care about the kids but they require more than the regular class day.
Many students have no place to go They stay on the play ground or with teachers because they have nobody to go home to? Apparently our wonderful Superintendent cut the program due to budget issues. It is clear children are not a priority in 131. He does not understand students of proverty. The needs take up more time.
"Taxpayers paid", you are correct that the money for uniforms & assistants ultimately comes from taxpayers. But administration (specifically, the School Board) has to authorize the expenditure.
And every one of our School Board members lives in our district and pays taxes here. At least one, Kirsten Strand, has a child in the band.
Yes, the taxpayers & kids deserve credit but so do administration/school board.
The BOE was embrassed they never fixed the band uniforms on their own. It is easy to write a check to fix any problem. Anyways that was last years administration. This years administration took the student board scholarship away after it was promised to Angel. They are more concerned about building a new admin center and taking trips on the districts dime than the children.
The district last year allocated $500,000 to fix the field along with another $500,000 for this year for fix Roy E Davis that money was removed by Feltes and Dr Popp and reallocated to something else. I had a recent conversation with someone in the know. It included new bleachers which today are more compact so the field could get bigger along with a track rubber track that is IASH approved. There is also a report for all to see that the ROE called attendition to the bleachers as starting to become unsafe. I did verify my facts with FOIA. Dr Popp seems more caught up in a building for himself verses the good of the students.
I'm in my second decade of teaching/coaching at the HS. I'll believe anything with that stadium when I see it. EA is all talk. But that brings up my next question, that isn't enough money to adequately fix it, it seems like it's just a temporary solution. I've seen that WAY too much here. Let's tear it down and make it right!
One Million is more than enough to spend. This district has many needs. The years of decay have turned out to cause that expense. Any school district that would allow the students to not have a track for 6 years shows what they think of the student.
Now the project is stopped again and the board will take the money along with Popp and build a administrative center. I am convinced they hate children.
1 million is just a band aid fix. It needs 5-6 to fully make the necessary changes for all students. This district doesn't care for students or teachers....just the bigwigs.
It was recently discovered in Roger Carlsons files Marty Feltes instructed him not to collect $18,987 in back charges. These bills were for damages to audio, janitor overtime and rent for Main Street Baptist. Main Street the church of Ray Hull. This is the cheating that goes on. Rays other friend Tom Boatright also never paid while training and charging kids for other school districts. This bill was over $13,000.
Then you wonder why are facilities are broken down.
It is not that teachers mind the three hours f training it is the lack of respect.
Dr Popp has never taken the time to understand the demo graphics. We earn less wages than our counterparts in his old district. We have children that come to school with no formula for success. Never knowing a book or numbers. We are better teachers. A teacher in 131 has multi level lesson plans with students language skills and educational level. it is a broken distrct.
Why not allow CU's as in the past It is a small token of a olive branch. Our union is worthless Sara should address the board. Since the superintendent and his patronage buddies as well as Hull have insulted us all.
Yesterday, I worked 3 hours on grading, planning, etc. I'm thankful to have today 'off' so I can get more work done. The 3.5 hours of training we are expected to do, has nothing to do with working outside of contractual hours. We all work outside of contractual hours anyway. To me, it has everything to do with the administration expecting that we actually have time during our contractual hours to do the training. It is a lack of respect. In addition, our half day SIP was a waste. We listened to taped voices of administrators and watched a slow PPT which was difficult to see and follow. I am a professional. Had the administration sent me a reading/PPT on PARCC testing and told me it was important and that they expected me to know it, I would have been happy to read and study it. But to sit us by divisions, and listen to administrators voices reading to us was nonsense and insulting. As the person wrote before me, the lack of respect and lack of competitive teacher wages is what causes teachers to leave the district in droves every year. Think of the way it affects our students when 25% or more of the teachers are new at the high school every year. I can't speak for the other schools, but know that most of the teachers at the high school are inexperienced. If you were a customer at any business and many employees were new or had little experience, how do you think that would affect the outcome of the business? Please, to the board and administration, think about our goal of educating students when making decisions on treatment of teachers and salary.
While I'm planning lessons, I'm thinking I should include parts from Ray Hull's Red and Black speech since it was so inspirational. I'll be asking the students to think about the first time they did it. I'll go on and on. I'm sure they'll laugh uncomfortably, maybe be somewhat embarrassed, and wonder why I would be talking about something so inappropriate. Then, I'll say, well, I'm talking about the first time you read a book. Wow. If I happen to be evaluated at the time, I wonder what the outcome would be.
SIP Days are a waste of time at Elementrary we had the same experience. The quality of reading by our administration makes one wonder how they ever made tenure. I can see why they are in administration they would never hold the interest of a classroom.
it is insulting that they think we just sit around, maybe they do but I am so busy covering other teachers classrooms because we don't have enough subs or they don't get called on time it is ridiculous. Our union is a waste of money the leadership has gone down hill and they are in bed with administration. At least Craig Rhodes did speak up.
Sara Intherum is our problem she is afraid of Joan Gloztbach. Not one issue brought up by union reps this summer and fall has been solved. Can you imagine who we will get screwed over with the new contract.
The district has already publically stated they do not have enought money to pay us for next school year and there would be layoffs. it is unfortunate that we elected her. Our only recourse is to get a better union president in May and let that person negotiate. Adam Harding set this up by recommending Sara. Then he sold us out by leaving. Let's tell the union NO.
We all know the board and administration don’t give a damn about the teachers or students and the union is in bed with them. The real problem in District 131 is the teachers who are afraid to stand up for themselves or the students. We have too many young, untenured teachers who are afraid of losing their jobs and too many female teachers who refuse to stand up for anything.
It’s the same every time the contract comes up. The middle and high school teachers vote it down but the elementary teachers push it through. There are just too many teachers who are afraid of missing even one check. They can’t see far enough to realize that if they did sacrifice a check, they would be much more financially sound.
What the teachers have to realize is that the school year must be 181 days long no matter if there are snow days, strike days etc. The teachers won’t lose a penny, they may just have to wait a week or two for it. If you start planning now and put a little away every check, you will be much better off in the long run. The children will be better off as well.
The teachers have to educate each other. You are correct no matter what we are paid for 180 days. Nobody will miss a check. Secretaries and support staff also have a vote and they have not been receiving the same percentages. Many of the support staff positions do educate children They have been added as tutors. Many have teaching degrees. That means these groups will receive less than 2%.. Anything less than what we received in the past as well as stipends for teaching additional students because they have miss managed the subs is a must. The new administration needs to be sent a message.
They have not been cheap with themselves. It is time for us to show our union and vote no that will get them out of bed fast.
This last comment smacks of an old timer who has a real legacy as a woman hater. Too many females and new teachers are the problem? Excuse me senor senior, but teaching has always been performed by a majority of women and a slim minority of men. And these women have been the forerunners of many a strike-- Dads, I know who you are and have heard your vitriol many a time. Women are the problem? Give me a break.. Go to a shrink if you need to work out your mommy issues.
You DO get CPDU credit for the 3+ hours of videos. The certificate that you can print after completing all of the sessions has details at the bottom about receiving CPDU credit (sorry, no one told me we were taking a stand until I had already completed it).
It's still pretty ridiculous that they waste SIP time instead of giving us time to do the training, but at least we get credit.
I’m sorry you took offense to my comment. I wasn’t trying to bash anybody but just point out the obvious. The elementary teachers always vote overwhelmingly for the contract, no matter how bad. There is nothing I would like to see more than the teaching staff of District 131 stand up for their rights. Maybe then the teachers at the top of the pay scale wouldn’t be getting paid $50,000 a year less than our neighboring districts.
Unfortunately, for the history of the AFT in District 131, there has never even been the threat of a strike. The union always comes to the teachers and states we should just take it, even for the worst contracts. The union takes whatever the administration and board give them, no questions asked.
We did get CPDU credits last year during institute days. Now who knows? Our union is so busy kissing up to Popp they have not even asked the question. Teachers will not vote for your agreements they are not in touch with the district.
Quit your whining. I have worked in three other school districts, and all have required the training to occur on your own time. It's just such a silly thing to complain about.
Matt maybe you should stop running teachers in the ground and do your overpaid job. It is a crime we pay you over $100,000 to take pictures of Popp and lie for the board. Matt also lies on FOIA requests he keeps denying them or major parts of them. What are you hiding and covering up. To bad your former employer is so lame.
Now the district tells use they need Senate Bill 16 to survive only to steal more they will never give it to the teachers.
hull attended a church youth leadership event at Main Street Bapist and talked about the racial divide in teaching. He talked about the many teachers in 131 that are in the wrong positions and have no idea what these children face at home. He got more emotional and stated whitee is teaching our children and we have a responsibility to find more black and brown teachers. He then stated most only do it for the money
These statements are racially motivated and have no place as a school board president. He needs to resign. The teachers more than ever need to watch negotiations and not just say okay.
Great move losing Clayton too bad Glotzbach did not do her job and turn the computers he trashed over to the States Attorney for destruction of government property. Inquiring minds would have to wonder why
Oh boy where do we begin: 1. This is East/West week, there has been NO publicity about this. What the heck is our POS AD doing besides tobacco in his office with Byrd? 2. Speaking of Admin, up until today, I completely forgot about Kosak and Kleene, they are always MIA…"working" in their office and accomplishing nothing. 3. Our D.C.'s are worthless. Mine keeps scheduling meetings during teachers lunch and preps and expects us to not make up the lunch or the prep. Another has her husband and kid visit during the school day all the time and then gets on her phone and does nothing but Facebook all day. They all play favorites and communicate like Helen Keller! Try asking them for help, they act as if you're asking them to chop off an arm. They do absolutely nothing all day and then complain as if they are overworked. They sit around all day and talk about what to do, but then accomplish nothing. 4. Where the heck is Byrd? When he's not showing his stash of porn to the staff or blabbing at a meeting, he's MIA. Maybe he's hanging out with the AD thinking of ways to insult the staff.
So a complaint was sent to Gloztbach about Byrd and she stated nothing is wrong. She never took his computer and looked to see what else he had on it. Everyone knows You Tube shows the subject matter an individual is interested in. No investagation, but is this the district that settled with a porn guy? Then there is the board president who thinks his sexual harassing comments are funny
While Byrd is allowed to make sexual harassing remarks, and go on drunken binges, division chairs have been taking trying to harass and evaluate out teachers. Two lawsuits for discrimination already got filed. in fact the one teacher left the district only to receive a promotion as a administrator. Everyone will threaten us and claim if we file a lawsuit our careers are over. it is time to ban together
Here is how we start, demand our wages get increased to levels of neighboring districts, Settle for nothing less. Make sure our time is protected and force administration to reduce class size. Classes set at 25 students indicate the most acedemic success.
If our union can not achieve this, vote down the contract. Teachers who are worried about pay need to understand we will get paid no matter what.
Everyone in town should head to East Aurora High tonight to see the East vs. West football game. They have played 122 times before. Forget about the both team's records and the problems that face our district and come together to root on East High. Game time is 7:00pm.
The students and community will be embrassed again when the game scheduled for tonight at Roy E Davis will get played in a run down stadium. Rust, peeling paint and a broken down field that has holes in the track. EA PRIDE really. Thank You Dr Popp and school board you sure care for the kids.
No Coverage this week about East/West. In fact I had to go over to the West Aurora website to catch the score. Then I had to listen to Neil Ormond talk about how great West is.
What does Hanley do all day besides post pictures of Popp on the Website. It is clear Eest cares about the community and students and Esst does not.
Ok enough rants returning to the West website to watch the game.
Why does East Aurora waste money on football? The band was great but the team horrible again. the kids do try hard about again more injuries that will impact their lives.
Oh that's right we pay for the image of a broken down Bear.
Teachers are organizing a solidarity protest of working conditions for Monday evenings BOE meeting. Show the union and board we are serious about class size, working conditions, high insurance rates and most importantly wages. Many of us "white" teachers choose to work with the students and making $15,000 less than our counterparts. However after years of abuse from poor administration and now the BOE call us out enough is enough.
Let's get paid fairly for working in a combat zone and we don't mean the students.
Remember fellow teachers we need to work as one for better wages and working conditions. They will pay our full contact. We should not or will not continue to be the lowest paid in the area. UNITE COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT'!!!!!!
There are reports at the State Board of Ed that the Statae will stop paying and miss the 3rd and 4th payments of State. The newest excuse is Sate income tax payments are down. For a district like 131 that would mean layoffs and no raises for the teachers.
Yeah, I'm in that department that has the DC having her family in all the time. I think it's ridiculous that that happens especially since they told us last year that we can't get bring in our children on "bring your child to work day" as it's not safe. They sit in the office and make everyone feel uncomfortable but if you attempt to say anything or disagree with her, look out…she has a HUGE temper rage. If I disagree with her, I'm not getting tenured. I have to be one of her lackeys otherwise she will make you feel like absolute crap. Ask her a question, look out, she'll burn a whole through your soul, and that's if you can even find her. She's usually MIA. This is just another example of how our district is ruining our school. The previous DC was AMAZING, we need her back. This one is W-O-R-T-H-L-E-S-S
The EA Maintenance staff would like to thank Board member Johnson for bring attendtion to and forcing the distrct to fix the mad man spending of Feltes. On Monday the distict will report on new procedures about not using outside pals to do work we have been doing for years. The district will attempt to save face by saying they are providing us with training. What training? We have the same boiler certifications as Feltes's pals. The public should understand over one million was wasted this summer before Johnson finally in public put it out there. This last week has started to turn the district back.
Thank you again it shows one person can make a difference. To the other rubber stamps please understand election is coming and we will make sure the community is watching.
West Aurora beats East Aurora in football 62-14. West's 62 points were the most points scored in the 123 games played between the two schools. Our kids deserve better.
I agree that Rauner would be a disaster for Illinois public schools! He says he wants to make it easier to get rid of bad tenured teachers. Looks good on the surface, right?
But who decides whether a teacher is "bad"? Not their fellow teachers, not parents, not alumni or community members. Administration would decide. That would be absolutely devastating and WRONG in districts like ours, where hundreds of community members spoke out against the band director's removal. A corrupt administration and rubber-stamping school board could (if Rauner had his way) kick a tenured teacher to the curb and deprive him/her of their livelihood for refusing to kiss their behinds.
Don't think it could happen? Ask a Wisconsin teacher what it was like working under Scott Walker (whom Rauner has called a "role model").
If you're a teacher, you have family members who are teachers, or you just want to see teachers treated like the professionals they are...
A grim picture was painted for EA today with regards to Moody's . I attend the Board meetings and what a pitiful group. they all know their yes and never question spending with the exception of Johnson.
I was not a supporter of her in fact I campaigned against her but recently appolized to her. I now believe corupt administration built a case against her because she did clean up the distrcts finances. We do not know the behind the scenes but now the corupt administration is back in charge and the results are stunning. Look at recent developments in maintenance. Allowed to spend millions in outside labor . His claim is 20 year workers did not know the job. Really?
Everyone knows Johnson is in a cat and mouse game with details for the budget because Popp intends to spend 10 million next year on a administrative center. This will come at the cost of teachers wages. The teachers have the right idea. There is strength in numbers we need to be joined by support staff, secretaries and maintenance. If this decline continues we are back to the serial bully days.
Dr poop (Popp) told union leaders who have no clue what a HS teachers does was the following:. HS teachers should complete training during teachers conferences.
Let's break that down:
Does he think stopping and starting will have a positive impact on the subject matter we are suppose to learn?
Teacher/parent conferances:
He claims that his background is in HS education and now everyone is questioning that. We have more kids and tight schedules, therefore we don't have time. Then there is a translation issue. The district does not have enough translators available. Dr Popp should know this.
How our union leadership made this deal in beyond belief.
The purchaseing shows the lack of leadership and inference with BOE members. Tyler is a Asst Sup and should have had reporting over Feltes. Popp choose to play politics with Leonard and Popp had Feltes reporting to him. Central office protocol is a Director reports to a Asst Sup and so forth. Popp gets lucky because Feltes goes out on disability, now Tyler is overseeing maintenance and without Feltes the department is improving. The question now is if Feltes returns rumors are flying of another back door six figure payout; Who will run maintenance ?
The procedure dog and pony show is because of the last board meeting. Popp is very angry with Johnson and claims he will silence her once in for all. Many don't believe that but none of this would even have become a issue if Popp was a leader.
The maintenance department is one story but simular stories are getting reported all over the district because the real Sup is Glotzbach.
I go above and beyond everyday for my students. Teacher conferances barely give me enought time to prepare. I sent personnel invites home or via email to get as many parents as I can into my classroom. With 200 plus students we just do not have enough time. many of my associates also run tutor programs before or after school.
In the past we had been allowed to do this type of work on institute days. Why the change? Dr Popp does not understand my classroom needs nor did he take the time to find out. This has been explained to leadership. I speak for many when I say Dr Popp does not impress me.
The issues I have with all this training is the same issues I have with all the testing that our politicians subject our children to. It’s nothing more than administrative BS that takes time away from learning and its true purpose is to funnel off millions of public tax dollars to corporate interests. I want my time to be spent teaching. That is why I became a teacher.
First we should look a little at the history of Federal Standards in Education. There has never been any legislation regarding federal standards. The reason is simple, to do so would be in violation of the constitution. The Tenth Amendment is very clear, any power not given to the Federal Government in the constitution resides in the States. There is nothing in the constitution that gives power over education to the Federal Government. They should not be making any rules. The Federal Education Department is an illegal institution and is run by Arnie Duncan who has never taught a single day in a classroom.
Now let’s look at the new PARCC testing system that is being implemented and who is profiting from the new testing system. Again, there has been no legislation regarding the new testing system. It is just being forced down everyone’s throat by an illegal Federal Education Department. So, who is really pushing all this through? The Answer: Bill Gates. Bill is also getting assistance from the two corporations that stand to profit the most from this testing; McGraw Hill and Pearson.
The new testing system will be completely computerized. Schools are now being forced to purchase millions of new computers nationwide. Bill Gates makes a profit on every one of those computer purchases. McGraw Hill and Pearson will now make record profits with the elimination of all printing. There is no longer a need to print anything yet these companies are charging more than ever.
While we are on the subject of corporate greed, don’t forget about food services. The illegal Federal Education Department has now allowed school districts to call all students eligible for free breakfast and lunch allowing for maximum corporate profits. In addition, they have passed rules forbidding school fund raisers during the school day or even teachers giving treats as rewards for good behavior because it might cut into corporate profits. And don’t forget, District 131 attempted to change food services and were not allowed to.
Maintenance in the buildings is also going insane. Whenever a company comes in to do any work, they are paid what is called “Prevailing Rates”. They run approximately 10 times what a homeowner would pay for the same repair. To move a light switch would cost a consumer $75-$100. A school will pay at least $1000. To move a fire alarm will cost at least $2000. Exterminators get paid $125 for each mouse trap they set (and the custodians have to empty it). They are basically being paid $1000 an hour to do work in a school. There is no end to it.
What is the net result? Record profits for corporations and much higher taxes for all of us. Why is there such a push to cut teacher salaries and teacher pensions? Because the corporations want to steal even more tax dollars.
People are not going to wake up, simply because they are not paying attention. It easier to complain about the unfairness of everything, than to realize the root causes and be a part of of fixing those problems. Whether it is your community group, the PTA, or a union, people join thinking they now they have a group to air their gripes who will fix it for them. Not all, but many people do not want to " make waves" so it is easier to just keep their heads in the sand, and make excuses or point the finger at something else.
Teachers unite come to the board meeting and speak out. The distrct needs to get sent a message. We want equal pay to other distrcts, manageable class sizes, protected time, and a fair evaluation process. If the distrct attempts to silence us it will get documented in public for futher discrimination lawsuits.
These are hard times in 131 the mood towards teachers has changed. Administration thinks we are incompetent and wants to put the blame for poor student performance on teachers. The BOE President Hull stated because of race we are incapable of teaching. Gloztbach overlooks sexual harassment reports with Byrd. Remember All There is strength in numbers.
All are invited to enjoy an evening of fun and frightful music to kick off the Halloween weekend. Choirs from Bardwell Elementary School, Waldo Middle School, and East Aurora High School will join forces for the Second Annual Fall Fling concert. This event will take place in Hawks Auditorium at East Aurora High School on Thursday, October 30, at 7 p.m. The concert is free for Bardwell students, families, and friends, and students are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. For ticket information for middle school and high school families and friends, please contact Lisa Gawlik at lgawlik@d131.org. For more information regarding the concert, please contact Eliseo Martinez at emartinez@d131.org
There is something EVERYONE in our district can do, to support our hardworking teachers...
VOTE for Pat Quinn for Governor!
Quinn's opponent, Bruce Rauner, is against all unions (including teachers unions). He wants to give MORE power to administrators to get rid of tenured teachers (may look good on the surface, but we've seen in our district how administration's power can be twisted around against our students and community).
Some may say, "what's the use of voting since my vote is so insignificant?" Your one vote is every bit as valuable and influential as the vote of a multimillionaire or celebrity. Bruce Rauner may be able to spend millions of $ on expensive ads and signs, but he cannot buy a single vote...our democratic system insures "one person, one vote".
A teacher today was conformed by Byrd about spending out emails on her own email account to fellow teachers private accounts. She documented it and asked he email her. We will then use this for a class action. Most of us feel the board will just pay a big settlement anyways. We can not back down!
After attending tonight's meetings it is clear that if you put pressure on the board and Dr Popp they will cave. our union leadership is horrible. She could not say thank you enought.
The maintenance union also had a victory the distrct promised they will not outsource.
Now we need to demand pay of other districts. If we stick together that will happen. Let's send Sara a message that we are willing to strike over wages.
Tonight we learned a lesson if we come out to meetings and act in solidarity our union can not get weak kneed and administration will understand we are not to get pushed around. We need to focus on class size and payment equal to West Aurora. Roughly calculated our union should ask for a nothing less than 6% per year. We should be willing to Strike.
The blog address needs to get shared. If not for the blog Sara would have not spoken or remained strong.
We need to make it clear to the BOE we will not be discriminated against.
You are not an hourly employee. You are a salaried employee, which means you work until your job is complete. You are uniting over having to watch videos that will make the school environment a healthier place. You are the source of the problem.
You also are threatening a class action lawsuit because ofa perceived wrong doing by a principal. Where do you think that money comes from?away from the students you claim to love so much and work selflessly for. Seems like you are the selfish root of the problem.
Feltes stated to a group of maintenance workers at Simmons quote You SOB,s are so lazy next year you will loss our jobs. Dr Popp is in full agreement it saved his last district millions. Quote Ray has seen the light when he was challenged about you. You are now on record although you back peddled somewhat about that being a option last night.
What is the purpose of upseting the teachers only to give in a two months later. This training could have been completed at the beginning of the year. It shows Gloztbach runs the district and not Popp.
Everyone knows apply a little pressure and they will settle. The BOE is the laughing stock of the community and district.
First, let us understand the district only gave an hour. Sara caved again, the teachers had strength in numbers so we got the hour, not Sara. Why are we paying union dues? She had no business being thankful. On the other hand after two months giving an hour on the districts part shows they are weak. if Sara had a spine we would have rights. Remember we still have the vote.
Dr Popp admitted in public that the outside service providers can charge what they want. Ha stated Arlip reduced the price but they can just bill more hours. Feltes has had outside contractors working daily in the district and claimed he saved the distrct money. in light of Popps comments does anyone believe they saved money. Feltes should get fired for his mismanagement. The rumor in maintenance is he will not be back and the board is offering up a big settlement.
Leonard did not attend his second meeting in a row. It shows he was about getting Feltes hired and not about the the students.
Here is a direct quote from an email from Joan Glotzbach this week explaining why she was only allocating to the teachers one hour to complete 3 ½ hours of mandated training:
“As a district, we are also involved in many initiatives related to curriculum, instruction and assessment such as: school improvement planning in six arenas; common core alignment, assessment development, evaluation instrument roll-out; grade level articulation, PARCC preparation; instructional strategies training; PBIS/Olweus/discipline enrichment; professional learning community advancement; student growth identification for PERA; technology tools expansion; intervention with fidelity; parent/community engagement; etc.”
Apparently, Joan’s explanation to the staff is that the district has piled on so many administrative tasks to teachers that there isn’t time during the actual school year for the state mandated requirements. The teachers are supposed to use personal time to complete mandated training. And this is just a small amount of the administrative BS that this district puts teachers through. It starts to make a person wonder when teachers have any time left to actually teach. We used to use prep time to do things for the children of this community. We now use it to jump through a plethora of administrative tasks that do little to nothing to benefit children.
Quit whining. Every other district does the same thing. We are a profession in flux. Either get on the bus and have a good attitude, or get off the bus and find another career.
Rauner would be a DISASTER for Illinois teachers!
said...
Everyone who is a teacher, knows a teacher, or whose life has been influenced by a teacher (that's probably all of us) should watch this video:
vimeo.com/109329959
This is a series of interviews with Wisconsin teachers talking about what it's like to teach under Governor Scott Walker. Walker has eliminated collective bargaining for teachers, has denied teachers their benefits for advanced coursework, and threatened their pensions.
If Bruce Rauner is elected Governor, Illinois teachers can expect to be treated similarly. Our hard-working, dedicated teachers DESERVE better!
This district is so disorganized they change their minds daily. Unlike other districts that operate with a schedule. If anyone made the mistakes Glozabach she would have been fired. This is a broken district and it is only going downhill.
Oct 22nd 2014 Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer East Aurora School District 131 417 5th Street Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request for Documents Flag Pole Painting Project Quotes PCS for 2014
Dear Mr. Hanley
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information act, 5 ILCS140/1, the undersigned hereby requests copies of the following documents:
1 Ref: Bd Mtg Oct 20 2014 discussion on “Flag Pole Painting Project”
Please provide all documents A Requisition to include scope of work and proposals from all vendors B Purchase Order C Invoice D Before and after pictures of this entire project. E Minutes of meetings which this project was discussed.
2 Current policy/procedure/flow chart for purchasing of materials and labor. (Comparable with Purchasing Procedure on Oct 20th Board Agenda)
3 Ref: PCS purchases for 2014 (previous FOIA I have PO and Invoices) need requisitions with quotes submitted to make these purchases.
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
Did not know until I heard at the board the flag poles cost $12,800. The companies name is K& J Painting they have also did other painting in the district that painting crews handled. It is rumored this company had ties to Dave Rana and he brought them in. Up until Monday he opened all his own quotes. Dr Popp was told by other maintenance people that Marty was doing this. Someone from central office was always present In the past administration
The Flag poles painted are made of materials that did not rust in the majority of buildings. Now they are painted and will rust. Sixteen Flag poles did not need painting. Many of us thought it was wasteful but we thought it was a couple of hundred not $12,800.
The wash rooms painted were also painted by Ranas friend. We had church groups doing work for free this summer and paint crews last year making $12 per hour. Hulls statement was a lie they are outsourcing labor daily to friends. Hull also lied about no knowing this was going on. We paid Stokes this summer to do landscaping and buy mulch. They do not sell mulch and they do not do landscaping. Danny Stokes is a good freind of Hull. He does sewer work at the City
Rana could be heard on the phone refering to Johnson as F**k up.
Mr. Hanley can say whatever he wants about the blog; at this point, there are no plans to shut it down.
And let me assure you that we (administrators) do NOT share any information (IP addresses or statistics) with anyone. The Captcha requirement is simply a way to screen for spam.
And speaking of spam, just a friendly reminder that anonymous comments go into the spam file ;)
Throwback Thursday, thanks for providing another example of why this blog is (usually) a GOOD thing for our community. When a d131 employee (in this case, Kevin Kaisershot) received national attention for an accomplishment it was the blog that brought it to the community's attention. The local paper didn't even mention it until 2 weeks after the blog.
And here's another reason not to vote for Rauner: he has gone on record as saying that he opposes tenure for teachers. If Rauner had his way a teacher like Kaisershot who spoke up for his students and refused to kiss administration's backsides would have been FIRED, not reassigned! Despite support from hundreds of students, parents, fellow teachers, and community members a handful of corrupt administrators & a rubber-stamp School Board could DEPRIVE that teacher of his livelihood.
But our district could be very negatively affected if Rauner is elected Governor! The video of Wisconsin teachers talking about teaching under Scott Walker's leadership is just plain scary. If you think teacher morale is low now, just imagine if Rauner gets his way...no tenure, no collective bargaining. Basically all sticks and no carrots for our hard-working teachers.
No surprise if our superintendent supports Rauner; Dr. Popp is, after all, an administrator. Under Rauner's plan administrations & school boards would have even more power than they currently do. In d131, we've seen the damage a corrupt administration can do. Our district's reputation has suffered, and good teachers are hesitant to work here. Ultimately it is the CHILDREN who end up losing out.
Final score from tonight's varsity football game. Bartlett 51 East Aurora 6 East Aurora varsity record this year: 0-9 Kurt Becker's career record as East's head coach: 1-26
The East Aurora Varsity football team just finished a 0-9 season. The team coached by Kurt Becker, is 1-26 in his three years as head coach. This year the team scored in nine games just 113 points and gave up 446. That comes to an average score of 12-50. Of the over 500 schools playing high school football only 4 gave up more points than East High. They gave up 71 points to South Elgin HS and 62 points to West Aurora (most in the 123 game history between the two schools). Don't the great young men on our East side deserve better?
196 comments:
State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit has substituted in East Aurora schools. She’s seen our amazing students and knows they deserve the best. Her office can be reached at Stephanie.kifowit@att.net or (630) 585-1308.
State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia is an East Aurora High School graduate who represents nearly all families in East Aurora School District 131. You can reach her office at chapa-laviali@ilga.gov or (630) 264-6855.
State Senator Linda Holmes has lived in Aurora for three decades and represented the Aurora area in different levels of government. You can reach her office at holmes42@senatedem.illinois.gov or (630) 801-8985.
Over the past year this blog has helped revitalize the Band Boosters and were involved in rescheduling the Pancake Breakfast.
Bloggers have stepped up and opened their hearts & wallets to assist a deserving EAHS graduate.
Now we have another opportunity to step up and do something GOOD for our community. Contact at least one of these three legislators and ask them to support Senate Bill 16.
The district has plenty of money and look how they spend it. The discisions they make are more about themselves than the children. Lets hope a new group not affilates of any of them decides to run.
Let's review
beaconnews.suntimes.com/2014/09/25/commentary-east-aurora-superintendent-talks-poverty-penalty/
Senate bill 16 had already passed the senate (Holmes voted yes) it is currently in the house where chapa la via is a sponsor...so I'm guessing she supports it. Kifowit would be the best to focus your efforts on, but she'll just vote whatever Madigan tells her to. This bill is a shell game moving money from one district to another. It will make loser out of some...we need real changes to financing of education not this excuse for reform.
When Dr Popp proves he can save money then he deserves more. Gloztbach needs to be fired this year she has failed to hire over 80 positions. These positions are filled by non certified school personnel. This means he is saving big $$$$. Hundreds of children in our district are going without a real teacher. Hundreds of Sped kids are going without a one on one aid.
This while Marty Feltes is allowed to spend what he wants.
openline.blogspot.com/2006/08/east-aurora-school-district-131-board.html
Is it true that Linda Chapa LaVia's children go to Aurora Christian, a private school? She know's better than to send her kids to public school. Has East Aurora's ACT scores fallen to single digits yet? And you believe more money is the answer to 131's troubles? That's funny!
I am in a district that is about to lose $10million dollars with SB16. We spend the same amount of money per student as D131. D204 kids ISAT scores (state testing) are 79%. D131 kids ISAT scores are 32%. D131 kids deserve a better education! Taking $ from your neighboring districts is not the solution.
Nice post blog admin. It hits the target nicely. This newest debate is one created by big business and government. They have us fighting amongst ourselves for the scraps they choose to send our way. In this case it is NOT robbing the rich to give to the poor, but rather taking from middle class (204), to give to the poor (131). While we are arguing over who should get what, they are calculating how now we will all be happy to end up with ANYthing, and they will still give us far less than our students deserve. I feel 131 has played a hand in this by the continued misspending when it comes to educating the students.
Linda Chapa-LaVia is a co-sponsor of SB16. She and her family live on Fourth Street, in the heart of District 131. They pay property taxes to our district. If the Chapa-LaVias send their daughters to a Christian school it doesn't mean they "know better" than to send them to D131 schools; it means they are making the best choice for their children.
Good parents know their children, and know their options. Some kids thrive in a public school setting (I'm a public school product from kindergarten through college), some have special needs or interests that are best developed in a private or home-school environment, and some families prefer a strong religious component to their child's educational experience.
I do not criticize a fellow parent who chooses an option other than public school for their child. That parent is making a decision in their child's best interests...and still supports our district with their property taxes!
Look at the way they spend money. Do we want to give hem more?
Feltes and board member Leobard involved in millions of wasted dollars.
$18,000 in a porn payoff
$78,000 to the former Sup plus a $2,000 retirement party.
$120,000 to Ernest Clark for not getting fingerprints and allowing him to run the business office.
New Sup's first order of business get a administration center while children are in overcrowded classrooms.
Once he gets the money how will he spend it. Gee wiz a new fancy admin center while kids suffer in classrooms above 100 degrees
I agree with Anon2 and auroramom. All families have a choice whether to give their children a Faith based education or any other. Be it public, private, home school. As for the bill-I thought I had read Chapa-LaVia was NOT sponsoring the bill as it is currently written?
Because Joan has not done her job we have over 100 temporary teachers and support staff. Now a child has been injured at Krug. Inquiring minds want to know if Joan has all her paperwork in order. Our guess is not. Joan is so busy pointing fingers and setting others up she never does her job. Popp is so gullible he thinks she knows it all. Popp should realize she is ruining the district.
Seems like 2 cents more, Anon2 and auroramom have missed the point. It does not matter if the private school is Christian or not, the fact is that they provide a better education than 131. For someone like Linda Chapa LaVia to claim she supports public education, yet sends her children to a private school is a clear demonstration that she has no confidence that 131 can provide a good education for her children. Taking a look at the dismal academic performance of 131, who can blame her?
But you keep on thinking that things will get better for 131 if we throw more money at them. The likelihood of East Aurora having an average ACT score of 20 is the same as East Aurora football having a .500 season....never.
131 is in a downward spiral that will never, I repeat NEVER recover.
Anonymous3, you cannot second-guess the Chapa-LaVias' motivation for sending their child to a private school! Good parents make that decision based upon the needs and characteristics of that individual child. I know parents in D204 who pay big property tax bills but drive their daughter to Rosary High School every morning. I also know parents who homeschool their kids in the mornings and send them to East High in the afternoon for P.E. and art class.
And your cynical, negative attitude about our district's schools would be disputed by young people like the Gerhard twins or Angel Chavez. These young men are proud products of D131 who are achieving success in college. A quality education IS attainable in our district, no thanks to nay-sayers like you!
"Anonymous3, you cannot second-guess the Chapa-LaVias' motivation for sending their child to a private school!"
Actually I can. These parents are motivated to see that their children get the best education possible. 131 cannot provide that, you know that.
"And your cynical, negative attitude about our district's schools would be disputed by young people like the Gerhard twins or Angel Chavez."
Congrats to them. There will always be exceptions to the rule, you know that as well. So what was your point exactly?
I stand by my remarks and, based on statistical data of 131's performance, they seem to be right on the mark.
Anonymous3, my children went to D131 schools and got a good education. You say there are "exceptions to every rule"...the fact is, EVERY child is a potential exception! In our kids' case, we supplemented their D131 schooling with outside activities like karate lessons, park district drama programs, trips to Scitech, and church activities. Our goal was to help them mature mentally, physically, and spiritually.
You say that our district cannot provide a good education, but you are obviously clueless about MANY of our families. Education is a partnership between students, parents, schools, and communities--each of which has an important role to play in students' success!
D131 residents pay the highest taxes with a rate over 11.66%. we have the lowest home values for a worthless school district.
Look at the Magnet School and its poor performance. There are few expections in 131 . Give it all the money you want it will never get better.
D131 students deserve a better education.
After perusing some of these previous blogs, it seems that D131 admin has a hard time managing money along with some wrongdoing.
D204 has experienced $40 million in budget reductions in the past 4 years. D131 and D204 spend the same amount, $10,500, per student.
D131 students deserve a better education.
Great students come out of both districts and it doesn't matter if someone sends their kids to private or local when discussing paying property taxes.
Taking $ from a neighboring district not the solution to D131's problems. D129 at least had the decency to not bloat about it. Signed D204 parent and Aurora resident.
Why does district 131 have more money than other districts ? They spend the same on children as neighboring district and In many cases more. It proves State aid pays well. Now Popp and company are spending money just to say they are broke.
It appears it all going to non student related issues since this school year we have more non teachers and open support staff positions than ever. We are violating Special Ed laws with many students going without one on one aids. Feltes is stealing the district blind by no bid work.,
That is why Senate Bill 16 is not needed. They need to be turned into the State not given more money. The board needs to be removed.
Teachers in131 have been underpaid for years. Look at what a teacher in 131 is paid with a Masters in Ed compared to other districts. Then add a student body that does not come prepared for school. Then add comments of attack on white teachers by Ray Hull or know it all administration who think we are the dregs of the earth because we teacher in 131. Not really fair.
If they are spending the same it shows how bad money is getting wasted. Please show us how it's being spent it is certainly not on the students.
How about we take that money and remove all the mold in the hallways at the high school?
After Feltes blowing through 6 million in repairs we should have no mold but he is to busy taking care of his friends. That is why 131 does not need the money they will just waste it.
He has mismanaged every contract from garbage, to janitorial to building repairs. lLet us not forget the over 1 million he mismanaged at East and the Benevides Center.
Do us a favor Marty don't. Come back.
To: 204 perspective
This is exactly what those in power want us to be doing. They want us fighting amongst ourselves for the limited money they are putting into education. They want the focus away from them. The fact still remains that Illinois is 50th in education funding while at the same time they run a campaign spreading the lies that education is bankrupting the state. How is the state going bankrupt spending less money than any other state in the nation. The fact is that most education money is coming from local taxes.
The question you should be asking is what are our state leaders spending our money on? Education funding by Illinois is the lowest in the nation, while at the same time our tax rate is now one of the highest. The state has repeatedly taken billions out of the teacher pension fund at the same time they refuse to pay their share into the teacher pension system.
As for your higher opinion of West aurora, FYI, it was the West Aurora leadership that led the lawsuit against the state funding formula for education. They are the reason why the state is now passing education spending reform. It was determined that the state was funneling more money into some districts than others. It was deemed illegal and instead of just putting more money into low income districts, they are creating this system of district against district, again to deflect the blame from where it really belongs, the state leadership.
Matt Handley should do his job instead of writing responses for Mike Popp and the BOE. He is never seen at events we have zero coverage of the students. Clearly we can tell Matt is now on the blog spinning for Popp.
Maybe it is time to stop wasting money by reducing his position instead of treating to layoff.qualified teachers.
Anonymous 1- AMEN! Divide and conquer. One of the oldest tactics in the books.
While we all work hard and continue paying into the coffers. They are working full time perfecting the 'slight of hand' tricks of distraction and manipulation.
Look at your neighbor, while we continue to be financially irresponsible.
Why is Hanley hiding Ray Hulls speech. Who knows what else he is hiding?
Interesting that they are letting Reyna with the least knowledge and experience take Feltes place. Everyone knows he is his lackey. It shows the coverups and corruption in Feltes department. If there is a god above Feltes will not come back. His management and buddy system are stealing from poor children.
More lies
in a recent of credit card purchases Matt Hanley did not exactly tell the entire story with the Jerome Roberts going away party a $2000 deposit plus another bill for $2053 was paid by 131 for a going away party.
Other reviews revealed bills of over 8,000 per month now spent on food and drink through Sodexo and others for various training being given across the district. If food is not eaten and always over ordered it is taken home by district personnel. This while teachers patch desks, and do not have enough books in classrooms.
It is time for the State to come in a criminally charge someone and make a example of 131 Afterall it is State money being spent.
Maybe we should start with Hanley.
Oct 1 2014
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
David Reyna & Artlip & Sons
Dear Mr. Hanley
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information act, 5 ILCS140/1, the undersigned hereby requests copies of the following documents:
1 Application, Salary Contract, list of all applicants, interview notes and all documents
pertaining to the hiring of Dave Reyna of Building & Grounds.
Regarding his interim position, please provide any salary adjustment during this time period.
2. All work orders/purchase orders/invoices/inspection reports/quotes from Artlip & Sons. Please include all correspondence between the Bldg & Grounds Director pertaining to his evaluation of this work.
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
Hey maintenance workers. You guys still mad that you dont get overtime anymore. you guys must be really upset, because the custodians are still getting all the overtime they want! That's what you guys get! been milking the clock for years, and years. Just ask Andy Fair. He has taken the biggest hit. Now you guys are complaining about reyna. Give it up maintenance workers!!
Hey Matt dont dummy down your writing. When it shows Feltes no bid Arlip for he better hope the medical care in prison is better than the medical care the taxpayers are paying for him.
We work Feltes scams
More no bid scams coming out. Maybe Popp will join Marty.
What does Popp and Feltes have in common to much fat in the brain
East Aurora football scores from last weekend.
Varsity Neuqua Valley 69
East Aurora. 27
Soph. Neuqua Valley 56
East Aurora. 20
Frosh. Neuqua Valley 48
East Aurora. 0
Part of the reason our football teams aren't playing very well is that many of our football players have problems maintaining academic eligibility. Last week the varsity team had to use the third-string quarterback, when it's hard enough to score against a big school like Neuqua with the first string players.
Maybe our football players need tutoring in their academic subjects as much as or more than they need practice on the field.
No reports from Hanley on soccer but they have no problem fielding a team. Just excuses get rid of football. the kids are injured and yes some form have bad grades.
Because..... you don't have a clue. The starting quarterback played the beginning of the game and then got injured.
I don't know about the second string but in certainly not going to make something up about him.
I don't see where "Because..." said any specific EAHS football player has academic eligibility issues. They said, "maybe" our players need tutoring, not that the quarterbacks (or halfbacks or fullbacks for that matter) are ineligible.
I do know that it is difficult for many EAHS students to find time for their schoolwork when they also have a part-time job and/or sports activity. If I were the parent of a football player I would welcome any help such as tutoring if it was offered.
ea131.blogspot.com/2008/01/i-am-still-here.html
Not so Dumb. "Because" said that part of the reason we have trouble is due to athletic ineligibility. Then use the EXAMPLE that we used our third string quarter back.
"Because" was saying that our starting quarterback and 2nd string quarterback were ineligible.
If you don't see that, then you're a moron.
THE TRUTH is the starting quarter back was injured.
It is poor writing that spreads these stupid lies around. "Because" is WRONG and so are you.
You are reading between the lines and making assumptions. It is a FACT that many of our EAHS athletes have issues with academic eligibility (my son plays basketball, and tells me it is a constant concern).
Maybe the second-string quarterback had academic eligibility issues, maybe he didn't. And maybe the injured first-string QB also had academic issues. We don't know, and no names were mentioned.
But you cannot deny that many of our athletes have academic eligibility issues. And I agree that tutoring would be a good idea!
With so many unfilled positions and temporary teachers in the district this year do you think the quality of education will get better? Mr Popp would have been disciplined by the parents and it would have not been tolerated.
This shows poor administration when 80 positions remain unfilled. Another sign Joan Glotzbach needs to go. how many mistakes with not checking fingerprints and backgrounds not to mention major policy issues and she is kept.
In a closer look at credit card expenditures the distrct is back to wasting the taxpayer and money to educate. this winter Dr Popp and staff will go to a resort spa in New Mexico for a seminar. The word is they are team building and resume building. This trip alone is over $30,000 once hotels, food, seminar fees and airline tickets are paid.
The board does not question or ask questions . The district has another Radocavich . We will keep posting to the blog maybe Johnson will look into the rest of the board is worthless.
Why is Kristen Strand going to staff meeting and discussing her non profit. The district has also scheduled and paid for her to network as a staff member in U46. She is getting paid off to look the other way that is why credit cards are getting abused. The board is totally corupt and needs to get replaced.
"No hope", you have no clue.
Mrs. Strand is the director of an organization called Community 4:12. Her husband is a grade school teacher in our district, and their sons attend D131 schools. The family moved here from Naperville several years ago. Mrs. Strand is very sincere about wanting to help steer our district in a positive direction. I voted for her for School Board, and will gladly support her again. She is one of the "good ones".
Here's a link to a brochure listing several projects that Community 4:12 is currently involved with:
communitychristian.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2014-2015C412Brochure-Web2.pdf
Strand does not have a non for profit it is not registered. She is using her position on the school board to promote her personal causes. She has no place going to a administrator meeting at u46, She will also be receiving 3 million dollars from the City of Aurora to purchase and remodel building on Lasalle St. for a community center. I have looked into Ms Strand and she is not who she appears to be.
She has done nothing to save taxpayer dollars while on the school board. CORUPTION is alive and well.
In less than six months I had hopes the new administration would bring new energy to the district. So far we lost 30 millions dollars and teachers positions are in jerporty. Poor leadership and a return to the serial bully days have pleged d131.
Mr Popps agenda has been overspending and allowing the ever incompetdent Joan Glotzbach to run the district.
We need a new board hopefully four fresh faces will step forward. The EA district can not afford Mr Popp.
Recently Feltes paid Fox Valley Sewer company another plumbing buddy of his $1000 to come into EAHS and power wash sump pump basins. This is work that the maintenanace staff always preformed. He tells everyone we are not qualified and now we are not qualified to run a power washer. Really? The work preformed could have been done by someone in four hours that earned $17.25 per hour.
Ms Strand and Peryea promised a open and transparent district since they have been in charge money is flying out the door. Popp has had meeting with us and he says he will look into it but nothing is ever done. There are serious money problems now and nobody cares.
Do you honestly believe that East Aurora High School football team has lost 50 out of the last year 51 games is because of players being iineligible ? We haven't won a season opener since 2000. No player is ineligible for the first game.
Seriously, why does East Aurora even bother with football? Just scrap the football program and use the money for something useful, like improving the academic performance of the students.
Yeah, right. Like that can happen....lol!!!
Oh how 131 has fallen!
Recently Feltes had sump basins power washed for over$1,000 dollars with another plumbing buddy of his. This is janitor work that could have been completed at $17 per hour. This is the waste today because nobody is watching These issues are brought to the attendtion of Popp but he does nothing. He has been allowed to spent millions and we are told we will be outsourced. It is time for someone to take a close look .
How is our district scheduled and paid for her to network as a staff member in U46. The district can't pay a board member. If Strand on her own wants to go talk to U46 about her outside programs that is her choice. I remember some time ago a board member brought cookies to school to give students when she was going into the cookie business.
As far as the credit cards this district has looked away from that for many years. It is the boards responsibility to make sure they have someone who does not have a card check the receipts to make sure they are for district business. The board has looked away with past administrators that used the cards for personal business and when it was brought to their attention they just claimed it someone else fault and still didn't get someone to check them. Their has been thousands of misused money that this district has let administration use for personal use and doesn't try to get our tax payers money back from them.
Hopefully we can get some new blood on this board that wants to follow the law.
In Central News Dr Popp is wasting tens of thousands of dollars vacating in New Mexico. this while he claims to teach his 204 does not understand the culture staff about Bilingual. Do you really think Dr Popp wants to learn about Bilingual or do you think he just wants it for his resume?
When the fool board members wake up the bank accounts will be in the red, programs like sports and arts will get cut and teachers will get laid off. Everyone can see the community attending BOE meeting will never pass another referendum.
There are very dangerous warning signs already.
TEACHER
PLEASE fill out surveys and make sure the union addresses all of them in writing with a action plan. We should not vote on a contract until everything is spelled out.
We should also have a commitment to no layoffs and a commitment that we do not have to teach other teachers classes unless we are compensated for it. This year alone in my building we have been ask to watch classes that increase class size to over 50.
As for Strand she developed a relationship with teachers at Brady. Francisco told us we will face bad reviews if we complain. He then stated he will deny it. She has a very close relationship with administration and him . BE CAREFUL do not share with her. Last year a report was shared with her and Glotzbach about a police matter. She helped keep his job.
She never did the right thing.
Last night is another example of why we should not have a program. The HS program alone costs over $200,000. Becker is the highest paid coach in the Distrct making over $14,000. Quite a bit for someone who is not a employee. He also has at least 12 paid assistants. Again more than other programs. Rumor is he is Popps new best friend, Again looking for a full time job. Becker is abrasive to staff and not well liked.
Last night Jason Ward ( former EA Dean) taught him a lesson. He ran up the score. South Elgin has a simular demographic but proved they can coach better than the former Chicago Bear. Jason showed no class running up 71 points. The students had a horrible homecoming experience. Jason should know better. it is not about a adult teaching is about children.
The BOE needs to take some leadership and end this madness. Let's talk soccer.
"Football Program" is a perfect example of this blog, and what it represents. A complete LIAR.
"South Elgin has a simular demographic"
WRONG
South Elgin, According to illinoisreportcard.com has the following demographic:
56.6% White
6 % Black
25.6% Hispanic
8.8% Asian
Then the rest small percentages.
East Aurora is:
5.4% White
10.8% Black
82.6% Hispanic
0.4% Asian
Then the rest small percentages.
Please tell me what is "simular"
Interesting I have attempted to update the district on misuse of district maintenance money and both times it was deleted. My last attempt did not mention the companies name. I thought the blog was about reporting CORUPTION
Bet you don't post my comment
This man is paid six figures and I would like to know what he does all day long.The past administration hired him because he worked for the Beacon. But really he still has Dr Roberts listed as Superintendent and none of the teachers or transfers have been updated. We never see him at events. He is one expense that should go away.
For some reason, several comments went into the "Spam" file. 4:30 p.m., I found one about corruption, and published it. I have no idea why those comments were sent to the spam file instead of awaiting moderation, but I will check both files from now on.
And just a reminder that anonymous comments are sent to the spam file. You must put a name on your comment.
To Football Said:
On average, there are between 600-700 traffic deaths per week. That is just in the US alone. Should we reconsider driving as well?
People die every day. Only idiots like you want to stop living before your death because you might get hurt.
Here's a link to an interview with the team physician for the Seattle Seahawks:
espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/11635693/high-school-football-deaths-tragic-not-necessarily-trend
Notice that he says every high school football program needs to have emergency equipment (defibrulators)available. When this state-of-the-art equipment is used, survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest is up to 90 %. Also, there are new high-tech helmets with special padding that minimize brain injury.
I don't think it's reasonable to discontinue the football program, but as a parent I would want to know that the school has the recommended emergency equipment just in case it's needed. A parent is NOT an idiot for being concerned about several teens dying on football fields last week. For the parents of those boys, it's a devastating loss that they would want to prevent others from suffering!
Hopefully you will not delete.
Now janitor work is getting outsourced recently. The district paid over $1000 dollars to power wash sump basins at EAHS . Again another plumbing freind of Feltes. This work could be preformed by someone making $17.25. This is why millions are be wasted . Popp is well aware and does nothing. We are being targeted and setup for the districts losses but the real problem is the new administration. The community needs to remove the board.
To: Not an idiot for wanting to protect my son!
But maybe an idiot for not becoming informed before you speak.
Defibrulators have been required equipment in all the school building for years now. There is also a transportable model used at games. There are concussion protocols followed by all district sports. Coaches must be trained each year in the new concussion protocols. In addition coaches have training in first aid, CPR, heat stroke etc.
Everything precaution is taken to make sports as safe as possible. Unfortunately, we are mortal and every one of us will die eventually. Life is risk. Get over it. The question will not be "did you die", the question will be "How did you live"?
Here's a link to an article from Forbes magazine (a business-focused periodical):
http://www.forbes.com/sites/rogergroves/2014/10/04/the-underpublicized-high-school-football-deaths/
I like the last paragraph of that Forbes article--
"Regardless of whether the cases are ultimately settled or go to trial, only the threat of paying money makes the administrator’s light bulb go off that says “we better fix this”. If no one else reads this, I hope all parents do who face the question: “Should we let our child play football?”
I am one parent who am glad my son (now in his 30s) didn't play football. Many of his classmates are having problems with early-onset arthritis and knee problems that doctors say were related to football. Yes, any sport is risky but baseball & basketball players have far lower serious injury rates.
"Life is Great", if you saw one of those parents whose sons died last week would you really tell them "life is risk, get over it"? If so then you're not only an idiot but a complete waste of a person!
To Good Parent:
I know a good Bubble Manufacturer for you. Maybe you can keep your kid in the bubble his whole life and protect them from everything.
Your child may not have a sore knee but they also have no stories of glory days when they won or had a chance to win a championship. They have not built relationships with warriors that extend their entire lives. They have no confirmation of just how great they can be.
To me, that is the worst existence a person can have. Hail to the parent champion of mediocrity.
Life is Great said--
"...no stories of glory days when they won or had a chance to win a championship..."
On the contrary, my son was a record-setting track & field athlete in high school and narrowly missed the cut for competing in the Olympics as a college athlete. As an adult he has participated in the Chicago Marathon. But of course it's easy for some people to jump to conclusions and accuse other parents of mediocrity.
Hail to the champion of false assumptions!
When you don't have enough players and the equipment of a team is not great plus the kids lacking conditioning you will have injuries. This coupled with EA kids not having insurance and not having great health care leaves them injured for life. I can think of many ways to spend $100,000.
A couple of years ago there was talk of ending the program. it has become a money maker for a broken down Chicago Bear and his side kick Kenyon to add to his pension. Time for the school board to not play politics and end the EA Tradition. It has not been tradition for twenty five years. GET RID OF IT.
Also the condition of the field and bleachers is horrible. maybe they can spend the $100,000 on the track.
To Football is dangerous:
East Aurora had more than enough players this year. The equipment is certified safe every year by the manufacturer (required by the state for all teams). “Enough conditioning” is a subjective term that is impossible to quantify. As for insurance, from middle school through high school, all players must show that they have adequate health insurance before they can play and if their parents do not have insurance, they can purchase insurance through the district. If a child does not have the appropriate insurance, they can NOT play. No child is going to deal with a lifelong injury due to lack of insurance.
Now, here’s a reality check for you. No school program will ever spend $100,000 on a track unless there is a football field in the middle of it. The simple fact is that nobody gives a damn about track and field. It is just a way for the real athletes to keep up conditioning in the off season. Just look at TV ratings, millions of people watch football every weekend, nobody watches track and field except once every four years during the Olympics.
EA has a higher injury rate in their program because of poor conditioning and not Enought players. Most good programs have 90 kids out on varsity.
Our soccer program has these numbers yet that coach is paid less. We have had kids go pro recently in Soccer. They should remodel the field but not for football but soccer.
Head injuries are life time injuries it is a proven fact. If you grow up poor as a adult you may not have the best insurance. Plain and simple the program hurts kids.
Time to stop paying the broken down Bear and give the money to something kids want. BTW over 60 kids asked for boys volleyball and 50 asked for swimming but that is right we don't have a pool.
Put the money in the right spot,
The public needs to come and see the new administration and how badly parents are treated tonight. A reported molestation case happened at Krug. no update to the parents now the school is using the lawyer to intimidate the parent and Flanigan is telling the parent she will lose her kid. Shame on the board for letting this happen. You are one poor excuse for a Man.
The district is covering up and the kids are not safe.
What is the District not telling us?
Sitting in the audience you have to wonder. A speaker representing talked about parents not getting informed at Krug about the safety of children. One has to assume the District is involved in another lawsuit or they are just plain arrogant with parents and dont feel they have feelings.
The other issue is the bids. I have heard Johnson vote No several meeting and still nobody has addressed this. By the tone of the blog it appears to need addressing. She stated the bids are illegal. Nobody stopped to correct her and I assume she knows what she is talking about since she would state this in public.
She also asked to how the money is being spent and that she can not under stand the negative balances. Why not just give her the details. Board meeting after Board they say nothing.
I wanted to give the new administration a chance but I can see to many past patterns developing. Secrets and Lies just like the Serial Bully days.
Families of Krug
The child that was
hurt is now getting askd to leave school not the teacher. The family is working with legal aid and can not afford transportation to another school. They are getting blamed for the teacher hurting the child. Families came forwarded and got told nothing. We all are treated like nothing. The white folks run the school and we have Raymond Hull who we talked to and he defends them. You are a sell out and cowerd
The families askd the school to do something with Mr Lityle. We are told nothin.
Jackie was bragging her mothers new role was to quite down the community by Thruckenbrog. Her mother long time district suck up Avis Miller has to pay off administration for Jackies job.
This was the same method used in 129 which backfired and cost millions in settlements. Inquiring minds want to know why Truckenbrog has asked Avis to talk with the parents. . The case appears to be another large settlement. How unprofessional for Thruckenburg to discuss this and how unprofessional of Jackie Gibson to brag
Several good articles today about 129. It shows that Dr Craig is experienced and forward thinking. It also shows the West Aurora BOE made a thoughtful decision when picking a new Sup. What are we stuck with a 204 disguard that never made Asst Sup.
Tony Martinez is doing a great job communicating to parents and is seen in the community. EA had a chance to rehire and picked Hanley What a poor choice.
It was also a poor choice not keep Tony's wife she is doing great things as always.
Here is hoping the four board members don't run and the other three resign. Get the brooms out community.
Does anyone see this as a publicity stunt? The formation of a finance committee that only meets four times a year. really Dr Popp why not a parents committee you are only looking to get the old white folks off your back. The handling of Krug parents shows your feelings towards the community.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/2014/10/07/east-aurora-seeks-applicants-financial-advisory-committee/
Yes, Hanley is a poor choice. He never attends events unless in the daylight. We have a administration that is so out of touch with the community . They think the east side has parents that are uneducated and don't care for their children. As the community spokesperson he should have gotten out a note that they had a incident and children are safe.
Dr Popp never visits our schools. in fact he came once because we was invited for the ice bucket challenge. Other schools in the district have never seen him. If they have he tours with a large group of administrators and Hanley for a photo op.
The entire Central Office only has two administrators that are Bilingual. In the past both Elementary Ed and Secondary had a Bilingual Central office. There are many issues with learning the culture and it is clear they have a learning curve.
Hull demoralized white teachers yet he and his fellow board members voted on the non bilingual administration.
Time for a change EA
I attend board meetings regularly. Lately I see a board that has no over-site. While Dr Popp may be okay, he is new. I dont see the focus on the finances. If a board member sits and votes to the list of bills and they allow her to say the bids are not taking place then why does anyone not fix it. If it is not true, then again why does anyone not dispute that. It looks like the board is clueless. I have no faith that the district money is in good hands.
Central Office news is the situation at Krug will not go away.
The parent is contending that she has voice mails that the district attempted to buy her off. That was stated in public at the school today
EA is full of secrets since Dr Popp took over the community needs to be aware. We will continue to post for all to see.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/2014/10/08/police-close-alleged-abuse-case-east-aurora-school/
Dear attend meetings,
If you want to see what is going on and share your thoughts, apply to be on the new finance committee. Application may be obtained thru D131 FB or website.
The meetings at the high school were quite memorable today. During the afternoon faculty meeting there was a presentation up on the screen. Mr. Byrd was rambling on forever as he usually does. He was talking so long that the computer switched to the screen saver. The screen saver was six large squares. In the top right square was a picture of an enormous pair of breasts in the tiniest bikini top possible. Pasties would have covered the bikini completely. The picture left almost nothing to the imagination. When they realized what had just happened, they tried desperately to remove the picture but instead clicked on the picture making it go to full screen. Can you visualize the most enormous breasts full size on an enormous screen? It was completely unprofessional.
Next, the teachers have been told that they must watch 3 ½ hours of mandated video training. However, the administration is telling the teachers that they can NOT use school improvement time to complete the training. The teachers are expected to do all this training on their own time, UNCOMPENSATED. This is being directed by Joan Glotzbach. This all came to a head during the union meeting at the end of the day. The union leaders first tried to side with the administration and then told the teachers, if you have an issue with this, you should contact Dr. Popp directly.
The teachers turned on the union. It was a screaming match with members accusing the union of being in bed with the administration. Members screaming, what are we paying you for? Etc. It is becoming very ugly. It’s very obvious that the membership knows this is a contract year and doesn’t trust the union to represent them. It may be time to consider dissolving the union.
All in all, SNAFU!!!!!
The administration expecting the teachers to watch 3 1/2 hours of mandated video during school hours represents to me disrepect. To me it shows the administration has no idea how our day is spent. Do they realize during our 50 minutes preparation period without students that we are preparing lesson plans, copying materials, answering emails, grading papers, entering grades calling parents, just to name a few? Most teachers are not in their own rooms during their prep. period and are without access to a computer. For the administration to tell teachers that we have time to do this during the school day is insulting.
Why is the blog deleteling comments this involves student safety.
The case of the student from Krug is far from over. dr Popp is very worried. I will not mention names but this sub was reported last year for inapproiate remarks with students. Another parent complained. The system allows red flagging if a sub is not good and should not return. HR was suppose to have done this last year. Again more details lost and this is the person who is now the chosen one to run the district.
This summer a complaint was made to Glotzbach about Byrd, Renner and Becker looking at pictures of women on the computer in Byrds office while the door was open with students in another room. Nothing was done. Becker boosted he has a in with Mike. Byrd has commented Mike is a great guy to have a beer with. No class for a Superintendent or a Principal.
Now this!
My prediction is Joan will cover it and the board will pay Byrd a settlement like the last dirty pictures guy.
Judy Durham is the Union Rep East. She is in bed with administration her sister just received a undeserved promotion at Simmons. What goes on in the Union meetings get relayed to Avis Miller who relays it to administration. The other day Thruckenbrod discussed the Krug case with Avis and asked her to get the district message out to parents. Not very professional you would think Joan and Popp would not discuss private matters.
Jackie Gibson then told staff, again very unprofessional.
Advice get rid of Judy Durham as your rep.
openline.blogspot.com/2011/02/ryan-boatright-scores-41-to-give-east.html
Why does my comments about the Krug coverup keep getting deleted there are very important facts that will come out about this case it is not over.
HR had a complaint about this teacher last year. If he comes back to work at another school I fear for the children.
One mother complained that he attempted to tell a child they are cute and he would give them a ride home.
It again was marked unfounded but Joan was suppose to red flag his file not to rehire. they can do that with subs that are not good teachers or have bad behavior towards student.
11:39 a.m., a comment posted earlier this morning went to the "Spam" file instead of "Awaiting Moderation". I marked it "Not Spam", and it is now published.
There were also several anonymous comments from earlier today in the spam file. I did not publish those.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AohGUtl8x21LdERBbXBBeGQxWG5IVGZZcHVLd1JUbWc&output=html
All building have been told we have to watch videos that are mandated. This was brought up to the Union a month ago. This is basic labor law if you are required to do something for work they must pay you.
Our Union is worthless and this year they will sell us down the river with another bad contract. We have heard the district is out of money and we are lucky to have jobs. Why is the Union not questioning this. A year ago Dr Roberts to us we are financially the best district around. We would never have layoffs. Why now six months later are we out of money.
The answer to that question is they will screw us. We will work more hours and get less pay. It is time to hold the union accountable.
Spencer made light of the pictures citing he had a bad day. He also commented that nothing will come of it considering the BOE did nothing about comments made by President Hull to teachers at the school assembly. Teachers of EA should file a case action sexual harassment lawsuit. Maybe then it will get some attention.
I am so disappointed in our union. Why should we call Popp? What are they getting paid for? I can see it coming.They will tell us the district has no money to pay us. God knows they can't even stand up to administration and get us the 3 1\2 hours.
Adam Harding get a administration job only to quit for more money and work in the union office. Then we get Sara Intherum how prides herself on the great relationship with the administration.
In the past that probably did not matter as much but now the times have changed. The Directors think we are incompetent lazy and stupid. they have said as much. Ray Hull insults us and Intherum does not speak up. Craig Rhodes would sign up and protect our rights.
The union will sell us down the river everyone knows Sara is to lazy to teach so this is a easy job at our expense.
As for the breast picture, Byrd was showing an education related video on YouTube. When the video ended, he bagan to speak. In the meantime, behind him the YouTube tiles of suggested videos popped up. The breast picture was one of the thumbnails for the videos. I'm not a big fan of the guy my self, but this was an honest mistake and when someone pointed it out, he immediately tried to close it. He was extremely embarrassed, and as a women, I did not feel "sexually harassed."
At Bardwell I cover the free breakfast program or the doors, we have PLC, handle parents and if that is not enough I cover other teachers classes because we do not have enough subs. The funny thing is Ms Strands husband never seems to be around. Then Dr Popp and our union think we should volunteer to watch mandated videos. I can see the writing on the wall sorry raises and back to the days of RIF notices.
My union dues are a waste of money.
marching tomcats in action. they start at around 2 hours 8 minutes, GO EA . http://www.highschoolcube.com/event/panther-marching-band-review-373675
You tube tiles to come up because of subjects you are interested in from past visits. You can bet he had visited these types of sites before. Speak for yourself there is no place in school for this. Teachers are held to different standards. What if that would have happened in our classrooms
I also feel Hulls comments had sexual meanings and had no place in school. He should had been asked to step down.
The main arguement is the school district should provide 3 hours to complete videos. Past practice is that we did have that time. If they want to change it then decide in the next contract. Teachers will be watching what they do for us. It is time we entertain getting another union. Other districts that have different representation have higher wages. This union had been in bed with the administration for years. They have not done a good job representing us.
Our insurance premiums finally leveled off because the district discovered accounting problems. Again, our union never questioned why. they just expected the increases. Now we have had three union presidents in three years. Again no consistency. Sara Intherium is a nice lady but a push over she has not won a grievance. The teachers end up representing themselves It is time for a change!
Thanks for posting this, Proud Tomcat Mom! Our kids (and their several adult instructors) did an AWESOME job. I watched a couple of the earlier groups perfomances (including West High), and I was especially impressed with how sharp our kids look in their new uniforms (most of the other bands just wore T-shirts and black pants or jeans).
I think the main reason why our marching band is so grEAt this year is because for the first time since 2005 (when an assistant was hired to help the first-year band director with marching band), there are several adults who have been brought in as assistant marching director, drumline director, and flags director. They are being paid stipends for their work.
The topic of this thread is managing our money, and it's clear to me that our district made a GOOD decision to spend money on marching assistants. Yes, we're on a tight budget but watching our band's performance those stipends are money well spent!
regarding the mandated training...at the high school, we are ALL sticking together, and not doing the training on our own time. Maybe the middle and grade schools should stick together as well.
Oct 10th 2014
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
PCS ( Vendor for B & G)
Dear Mr. Hanley
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information act, 5 ILCS140/1, the undersigned hereby requests copies of the following documents:
January 1 2014 – Current
1 All purchase orders & invoices for Mayfair and PCS.
2 Price list for items purchased from PCS and price list from Mayfair for identical items.
3 Documents for PCS participating in any bid contracts the past 2 years.
Summary Sheet only to include vendor name, date, amount for B & G janitorial product purchases.
4 Yearly Summary of dollars spent for calendar year 2012, 2013, 2014
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
Money well spent, I just watched that Panther Review performance and it looks to me like the kids are wearing matching red shirts and black pants. Not the new uniforms.
I do agree that they look good (better than some of the other groups in different shades of blue jeans). I don't think any of the groups wear their formal uniforms for this event.
I do agree that it's amazing what a (positive) difference hiring assistants makes. Good call, administration, on spending money for our kids.
The administration did not pay for anything several students got together took their old 20 years plus rags and embrassed the board. The thanks should be to the reporter who printed the story. . That is how to get things done.
The administration does not care about the kids please.
"The administration did not pay for anything"...
Then who paid for the new uniforms? Did the kids buy them? Was enough money raised at the (rescheduled) pancake breakfast to pay for them?
Nope, the district saw the wisdom of spending the money for new uniforms. Maybe they needed some convincing (students coming into a meeting dressed in falling-apart old uniforms), but the bottom line is the administration did get on board with paying for them.
Just like the administration saw the wisdom of spending money to hire several adult assistants for the marching band this year. I would much rather see our district's limited funds spent for something that directly benefits the students than on an unnecessary new administrative center.
The taxpayers paid for the uniforms considering not one administrator lives in our district. The assistants are also paid by the taxpayers not administration.
The kids lobbied and won give credit to them for standing up to a group of adults.
Dr Popps old distrct gave teachers time to watch videos that was repeated in other surrounding districts.Only our district has this issue . Of course they are represented by a different union who is not in bed with administration. It is time for us to fight our union and show administration whatever they negotiate we should vote them down. When someone tells me to email Dr Popp , the question is why am I paying union dues.
it is sad it has come to this.
Hull again spoke at a church assembly about the teachers of EA. He told a story of hate mail received by administration who is trying hard to change EA. He stated white teachers don't try hard because they don't care it is just a job. Hull told everyone the hate mail was EA teachers.
It is ashame that our board has such hatred for our districts hard working employees. Some of these sediments have been echoed by Flanigan and Truckenbrod when doing class visits. Comments from Popp himself have been making it around the district that is why nobody wants to go that extra mile. We are just exhausted with negativity. The union needs to represent its members and not keep making excuses.
If we have extra money, let's spend it on a new stadium. We could get artificial turf where we wouldn't have to worry about games being cancelled due to rain (I know lightning is a differ t story), a wider playing surface for soccer (trust me when I say our field is barely big enough for Middle School games, our track team could host a meet (the first time in at least 6 years), we could rent it out, band could practice on the field without having to worry about messing it up, plus our PE classes could use it. It would also get rid of that lead based paint. I'm surprised the state, or OSHA or the IEPA hasn't come in to seem it unsafe. But the administrators need bigger offices so again our kids will be put on the back burner on order for our temporary administrators (non of them will stay long enough to see our current 8th graders graduate HS) to have a better office. Hang on teachers, students and community members 131 is in trouble.
Interesting comments from the teacher at Bardwell. At the high school, one of reps clearly informed us that the high school and middle school were the ones that were having difficulty finding time during the school day to watch the mandated videos. She stated that the elementary teachers have time in their school day to view the videos. I thought it sounded strange and was perplexed that elementary teachers would have time. However, Misinformation by a union rep is no surprise. We need new, strong union leadership.
Joan Glotzbach runs the district and created this lasted flap with the teachers. This is instructional training that other districts are allowing on institute days. if a teachers chooses not to take the training on institute days then they have to watch the videos. This has been told to Dr Popp. he has surrounded himself with a very small group made up of Joan, Truckenbrod and Hanley. The rest of the administration knows he is a junior politician.
Our rocket science BOE did not check but Popp only received his endorsement in 2012. That means he is not a experienced leader. This district is complex and needed someone with more experience. When meeting he appears to agree with you but after talking with Joan he changes his mind. Joan is not respected by anyone she made many mistakes including the transgender and lack of fingerprint and background checks. Her department is the largest in administration. Accuracy is always a problem.
What was said at Monday's meeting about financial trouble loaming is true. His fixation with a new admin center is shocking. In fact Tuesday he visited the Library again.
The board is the laughing stock and Popp knows it. his comments that he has one difficult board member and six others that will always say yes to anything shows. In fact he told us do not share to much info they don't need it is why everything is rapidly declining.
We do not have a leader.
When does a elementrary teacher have time during the day. If that was said I would like to know by whom? I teach at Rollins and have the same problem. Nobody is available for door duty, breakfast program has kids lined up. Without teacher help the kids would never start class on time. AfterSchool traffic with so many small children is also a teacher concern. I do care about the kids but they require more than the regular class day.
Many students have no place to go They stay on the play ground or with teachers because they have nobody to go home to? Apparently our wonderful Superintendent cut the program due to budget issues.
It is clear children are not a priority in 131. He does not understand students of proverty. The needs take up more time.
"Taxpayers paid", you are correct that the money for uniforms & assistants ultimately comes from taxpayers. But administration (specifically, the School Board) has to authorize the expenditure.
And every one of our School Board members lives in our district and pays taxes here. At least one, Kirsten Strand, has a child in the band.
Yes, the taxpayers & kids deserve credit but so do administration/school board.
The BOE was embrassed they never fixed the band uniforms on their own. It is easy to write a check to fix any problem. Anyways that was last years administration. This years administration took the student board scholarship away after it was promised to Angel. They are more concerned about building a new admin center and taking trips on the districts dime than the children.
The district last year allocated $500,000 to fix the field along with another $500,000 for this year for fix Roy E Davis that money was removed by Feltes and Dr Popp and reallocated to something else.
I had a recent conversation with someone in the know. It included new bleachers which today are more compact so the field could get bigger along with a track rubber track that is IASH approved. There is also a report for all to see that the ROE called attendition to the bleachers as starting to become unsafe.
I did verify my facts with FOIA.
Dr Popp seems more caught up in a building for himself verses the good of the students.
I'm in my second decade of teaching/coaching at the HS. I'll believe anything with that stadium when I see it. EA is all talk. But that brings up my next question, that isn't enough money to adequately fix it, it seems like it's just a temporary solution. I've seen that WAY too much here. Let's tear it down and make it right!
One Million is more than enough to spend. This district has many needs. The years of decay have turned out to cause that expense. Any school district that would allow the students to not have a track for 6 years shows what they think of the student.
Now the project is stopped again and the board will take the money along with Popp and build a administrative center. I am convinced they hate children.
1 million is just a band aid fix. It needs 5-6 to fully make the necessary changes for all students. This district doesn't care for students or teachers....just the bigwigs.
It was recently discovered in Roger Carlsons files Marty Feltes instructed him not to collect $18,987 in back charges. These bills were for damages to audio, janitor overtime and rent for Main Street Baptist. Main Street the church of Ray Hull. This is the cheating that goes on. Rays other friend Tom Boatright also never paid while training and charging kids for other school districts. This bill was over $13,000.
Then you wonder why are facilities are broken down.
It is not that teachers mind the three hours f training it is the lack of respect.
Dr Popp has never taken the time to understand the demo graphics. We earn less wages than our counterparts in his old district. We have children that come to school with no formula for success. Never knowing a book or numbers. We are better teachers. A teacher in 131 has multi level lesson plans with students language skills and educational level. it is a broken distrct.
Why not allow CU's as in the past It is a small token of a olive branch. Our union is worthless Sara should address the board. Since the superintendent and his patronage buddies as well as Hull have insulted us all.
Yesterday, I worked 3 hours on grading, planning, etc. I'm thankful to have today 'off' so I can get more work done. The 3.5 hours of training we are expected to do, has nothing to do with working outside of contractual hours. We all work outside of contractual hours anyway. To me, it has everything to do with the administration expecting that we actually have time during our contractual hours to do the training. It is a lack of respect. In addition, our half day SIP was a waste. We listened to taped voices of administrators and watched a slow PPT which was difficult to see and follow. I am a professional. Had the administration sent me a reading/PPT on PARCC testing and told me it was important and that they expected me to know it, I would have been happy to read and study it. But to sit us by divisions, and listen to administrators voices reading to us was nonsense and insulting. As the person wrote before me, the lack of respect and lack of competitive teacher wages is what causes teachers to leave the district in droves every year. Think of the way it affects our students when 25% or more of the teachers are new at the high school every year. I can't speak for the other schools, but know that most of the teachers at the high school are inexperienced. If you were a customer at any business and many employees were new or had little experience, how do you think that would affect the outcome of the business? Please, to the board and administration, think about our goal of educating students when making decisions on treatment of teachers and salary.
While I'm planning lessons, I'm thinking I should include parts from Ray Hull's Red and Black speech since it was so inspirational. I'll be asking the students to think about the first time they did it. I'll go on and on. I'm sure they'll laugh uncomfortably, maybe be somewhat embarrassed, and wonder why I would be talking about something so inappropriate. Then, I'll say, well, I'm talking about the first time you read a book. Wow. If I happen to be evaluated at the time, I wonder what the outcome would be.
SIP Days are a waste of time at Elementrary we had the same experience. The quality of reading by our administration makes one wonder how they ever made tenure. I can see why they are in administration they would never hold the interest of a classroom.
it is insulting that they think we just sit around, maybe they do but I am so busy covering other teachers classrooms because we don't have enough subs or they don't get called on time it is ridiculous. Our union is a waste of money the leadership has gone down hill and they are in bed with administration. At least Craig Rhodes did speak up.
Sara Intherum is our problem she is afraid of Joan Gloztbach. Not one issue brought up by union reps this summer and fall has been solved. Can you imagine who we will get screwed over with the new contract.
The district has already publically stated they do not have enought money to pay us for next school year and there would be layoffs. it is unfortunate that we elected her. Our only recourse is to get a better union president in May and let that person negotiate. Adam Harding set this up by recommending Sara. Then he sold us out by leaving. Let's tell the union NO.
We all know the board and administration don’t give a damn about the teachers or students and the union is in bed with them. The real problem in District 131 is the teachers who are afraid to stand up for themselves or the students. We have too many young, untenured teachers who are afraid of losing their jobs and too many female teachers who refuse to stand up for anything.
It’s the same every time the contract comes up. The middle and high school teachers vote it down but the elementary teachers push it through. There are just too many teachers who are afraid of missing even one check. They can’t see far enough to realize that if they did sacrifice a check, they would be much more financially sound.
What the teachers have to realize is that the school year must be 181 days long no matter if there are snow days, strike days etc. The teachers won’t lose a penny, they may just have to wait a week or two for it. If you start planning now and put a little away every check, you will be much better off in the long run. The children will be better off as well.
The teachers have to educate each other. You are correct no matter what we are paid for 180 days. Nobody will miss a check. Secretaries and support staff also have a vote and they have not been receiving the same percentages. Many of the support staff positions do educate children They have been added as tutors. Many have teaching degrees. That means these groups will receive less than 2%.. Anything less than what we received in the past as well as stipends for teaching additional students because they have miss managed the subs is a must. The new administration needs to be sent a message.
They have not been cheap with themselves. It is time for us to show our union and vote no that will get them out of bed fast.
This last comment smacks of an old timer who has a real legacy as a woman hater. Too many females and new teachers are the problem? Excuse me senor senior, but teaching has always been performed by a majority of women and a slim minority of men. And these women have been the forerunners of many a strike-- Dads, I know who you are and have heard your vitriol many a time. Women are the problem? Give me a break.. Go to a shrink if you need to work out your mommy issues.
FYI,
You DO get CPDU credit for the 3+ hours of videos. The certificate that you can print after completing all of the sessions has details at the bottom about receiving CPDU credit (sorry, no one told me we were taking a stand until I had already completed it).
It's still pretty ridiculous that they waste SIP time instead of giving us time to do the training, but at least we get credit.
To Anonymous2:
I’m sorry you took offense to my comment. I wasn’t trying to bash anybody but just point out the obvious. The elementary teachers always vote overwhelmingly for the contract, no matter how bad. There is nothing I would like to see more than the teaching staff of District 131 stand up for their rights. Maybe then the teachers at the top of the pay scale wouldn’t be getting paid $50,000 a year less than our neighboring districts.
Unfortunately, for the history of the AFT in District 131, there has never even been the threat of a strike. The union always comes to the teachers and states we should just take it, even for the worst contracts. The union takes whatever the administration and board give them, no questions asked.
We did get CPDU credits last year during institute days. Now who knows? Our union is so busy kissing up to Popp they have not even asked the question. Teachers will not vote for your agreements they are not in touch with the district.
Last Friday's night football results:
Varsity
Metea Valley 48
East 8
Sophomore
Metea Valley 54
East High. 8
Freshman
Metea Valley 20
East High. 0
Quit your whining. I have worked in three other school districts, and all have required the training to occur on your own time. It's just such a silly thing to complain about.
Matt maybe you should stop running teachers in the ground and do your overpaid job. It is a crime we pay you over $100,000 to take pictures of Popp and lie for the board.
Matt also lies on FOIA requests he keeps denying them or major parts of them. What are you hiding and covering up. To bad your former employer is so lame.
Now the district tells use they need Senate Bill 16 to survive only to steal more they will never give it to the teachers.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/2014/10/13/east-aurora-seeks-grant-expand-preschool-offerings/
hull attended a church youth leadership event at Main Street Bapist and talked about the racial divide in teaching. He talked about the many teachers in 131 that are in the wrong positions and have no idea what these children face at home. He got more emotional and stated whitee is teaching our children and we have a responsibility to find more black and brown teachers. He then stated most only do it for the money
These statements are racially motivated and have no place as a school board president. He needs to resign. The teachers more than ever need to watch negotiations and not just say okay.
Soccer Champs!
http://www.d131.org/newsDetail.asp?id=2997&guid=
openline.blogspot.com/2013/03/east-aurora-school-district-shifts.html
Great move losing Clayton too bad Glotzbach did not do her job and turn the computers he trashed over to the States Attorney for destruction of government property. Inquiring minds would have to wonder why
Oh boy where do we begin:
1. This is East/West week, there has been NO publicity about this. What the heck is our POS AD doing besides tobacco in his office with Byrd?
2. Speaking of Admin, up until today, I completely forgot about Kosak and Kleene, they are always MIA…"working" in their office and accomplishing nothing.
3. Our D.C.'s are worthless. Mine keeps scheduling meetings during teachers lunch and preps and expects us to not make up the lunch or the prep. Another has her husband and kid visit during the school day all the time and then gets on her phone and does nothing but Facebook all day. They all play favorites and communicate like Helen Keller! Try asking them for help, they act as if you're asking them to chop off an arm. They do absolutely nothing all day and then complain as if they are overworked. They sit around all day and talk about what to do, but then accomplish nothing.
4. Where the heck is Byrd? When he's not showing his stash of porn to the staff or blabbing at a meeting, he's MIA. Maybe he's hanging out with the AD thinking of ways to insult the staff.
That is all for now.
No publicity by Hanley this week about East/West say what you want about Clayton at least he was out and about.
Central Office is a bunch of white elitist that could not make it in another district so they ended up with EA okay.
Rumor is two former Sups had lunch in Florida and interesting facts revealed what we really have in Popp and Truckenbrod. More to come?
So a complaint was sent to Gloztbach about Byrd and she stated nothing is wrong. She never took his computer and looked to see what else he had on it. Everyone knows You Tube shows the subject matter an individual is interested in. No investagation, but is this the district that settled with a porn guy? Then there is the board president who thinks his sexual harassing comments are funny
While Byrd is allowed to make sexual harassing remarks, and go on drunken binges, division chairs have been taking trying to harass and evaluate out teachers. Two lawsuits for discrimination already got filed. in fact the one teacher left the district only to receive a promotion as a administrator. Everyone will threaten us and claim if we file a lawsuit our careers are over. it is time to ban together
Here is how we start, demand our wages get increased to levels of neighboring districts, Settle for nothing less. Make sure our time is protected and force administration to reduce class size. Classes set at 25 students indicate the most acedemic success.
If our union can not achieve this, vote down the contract. Teachers who are worried about pay need to understand we will get paid no matter what.
Show the union we will not get bought off.
Everyone in town should head to East Aurora High tonight to see the East vs. West football game. They have played 122 times before. Forget about the both team's records and the problems that face our district and come together to root on East High. Game time is 7:00pm.
The students and community will be embrassed again when the game scheduled for tonight at Roy E Davis will get played in a run down stadium. Rust, peeling paint and a broken down field that has holes in the track. EA PRIDE really. Thank You Dr Popp and school board you sure care for the kids.
No Coverage this week about East/West. In fact I had to go over to the West Aurora website to catch the score. Then I had to listen to Neil Ormond talk about how great West is.
What does Hanley do all day besides post pictures of Popp on the Website. It is clear Eest cares about the community and students and Esst does not.
Ok enough rants returning to the West website to watch the game.
Why does East Aurora waste money on football? The band was great but the team horrible again. the kids do try hard about again more injuries that will impact their lives.
Oh that's right we pay for the image of a broken down Bear.
Teachers unite
Teachers are organizing a solidarity protest of working conditions for Monday evenings BOE meeting. Show the union and board we are serious about class size, working conditions, high insurance rates and most importantly wages. Many of us "white" teachers choose to work with the students and making $15,000 less than our counterparts. However after years of abuse from poor administration and now the BOE call us out enough is enough.
Let's get paid fairly for working in a combat zone and we don't mean the students.
Remember fellow teachers we need to work as one for better wages and working conditions. They will pay our full contact. We should not or will not continue to be the lowest paid in the area. UNITE COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT'!!!!!!
Bruce Rauner has managed to alienate not only teachers, but unions.
He spent $20 million of his own money over just the last couple of weeks trying to buy himself the job of governor of Illinois.
He says he wants to cut taxes, but would collect NEW taxes on things not currently taxed (haircuts, legal services, gym memberships...).
His record of how he treats his own employees is miserable.
Many call him "Rauner the Downer".
Illinois deserves better!
There are reports at the State Board of Ed that the Statae will stop paying and miss the 3rd and 4th payments of State. The newest excuse is Sate income tax payments are down. For a district like 131 that would mean layoffs and no raises for the teachers.
So go and vote for Quinn.
Yeah, I'm in that department that has the DC having her family in all the time. I think it's ridiculous that that happens especially since they told us last year that we can't get bring in our children on "bring your child to work day" as it's not safe. They sit in the office and make everyone feel uncomfortable but if you attempt to say anything or disagree with her, look out…she has a HUGE temper rage. If I disagree with her, I'm not getting tenured. I have to be one of her lackeys otherwise she will make you feel like absolute crap. Ask her a question, look out, she'll burn a whole through your soul, and that's if you can even find her. She's usually MIA. This is just another example of how our district is ruining our school. The previous DC was AMAZING, we need her back. This one is W-O-R-T-H-L-E-S-S
The EA Maintenance staff would like to thank Board member Johnson for bring attendtion to and forcing the distrct to fix the mad man spending of Feltes. On Monday the distict will report on new procedures about not using outside pals to do work we have been doing for years. The district will attempt to save face by saying they are providing us with training. What training? We have the same boiler certifications as Feltes's pals. The public should understand over one million was wasted this summer before Johnson finally in public put it out there. This last week has started to turn the district back.
Thank you again it shows one person can make a difference. To the other rubber stamps please understand election is coming and we will make sure the community is watching.
West Aurora beats East Aurora in football 62-14. West's 62 points were the most points scored in the 123 games played between the two schools. Our kids deserve better.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/2014/10/18/despite-falling-property-values-east-auroras-credit-rating-holds-strong/
Inspirational article about a wonderful East High alumna, Mary Stearns:
beaconnews.suntimes.com/2014/10/19/tom-strong-east-aurora-daycare-for-teen-moms/
I agree that Rauner would be a disaster for Illinois public schools! He says he wants to make it easier to get rid of bad tenured teachers. Looks good on the surface, right?
But who decides whether a teacher is "bad"? Not their fellow teachers, not parents, not alumni or community members. Administration would decide. That would be absolutely devastating and WRONG in districts like ours, where hundreds of community members spoke out against the band director's removal. A corrupt administration and rubber-stamping school board could (if Rauner had his way) kick a tenured teacher to the curb and deprive him/her of their livelihood for refusing to kiss their behinds.
Don't think it could happen? Ask a Wisconsin teacher what it was like working under Scott Walker (whom Rauner has called a "role model").
If you're a teacher, you have family members who are teachers, or you just want to see teachers treated like the professionals they are...
...do NOT vote for Bruce Rauner!
A grim picture was painted for EA today with regards to Moody's . I attend the Board meetings and what a pitiful group. they all know their yes and never question spending with the exception of Johnson.
I was not a supporter of her in fact I campaigned against her but recently appolized to her. I now believe corupt administration built a case against her because she did clean up the distrcts finances. We do not know the behind the scenes but now the corupt administration is back in charge and the results are stunning. Look at recent developments in maintenance. Allowed to spend millions in outside labor . His claim is 20 year workers did not know the job. Really?
Everyone knows Johnson is in a cat and mouse game with details for the budget because Popp intends to spend 10 million next year on a administrative center. This will come at the cost of teachers wages. The teachers have the right idea. There is strength in numbers we need to be joined by support staff, secretaries and maintenance. If this decline continues we are back to the serial bully days.
IT is time to replace the brain dead board!
Dr poop (Popp) told union leaders who have no clue what a HS teachers does was the following:. HS teachers should complete training during teachers conferences.
Let's break that down:
Does he think stopping and starting will have a positive impact on the subject matter we are suppose to learn?
Teacher/parent conferances:
He claims that his background is in HS education and now everyone is questioning that. We have more kids and tight schedules, therefore we don't have time. Then there is a translation issue. The district does not have enough translators available. Dr Popp should know this.
How our union leadership made this deal in beyond belief.
The purchaseing shows the lack of leadership and inference with BOE members. Tyler is a Asst Sup and should have had reporting over Feltes. Popp choose to play politics with Leonard and Popp had Feltes reporting to him. Central office protocol is a Director reports to a Asst Sup and so forth. Popp gets lucky because Feltes goes out on disability, now Tyler is overseeing maintenance and without Feltes the department is improving. The question now is if Feltes returns rumors are flying of another back door six figure payout; Who will run maintenance ?
The procedure dog and pony show is because of the last board meeting. Popp is very angry with Johnson and claims he will silence her once in for all. Many don't believe that but none of this would even have become a issue if Popp was a leader.
The maintenance department is one story but simular stories are getting reported all over the district because the real Sup is Glotzbach.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/2014/10/19/fox-valley-schools-funding-reform-winnerslosers-list/
beaconnews.suntimes.com/2014/10/19/fox-valley-schools-struggling-fill-certain-staff-positions/
I go above and beyond everyday for my students. Teacher conferances barely give me enought time to prepare. I sent personnel invites home or via email to get as many parents as I can into my classroom. With 200 plus students we just do not have enough time. many of my associates also run tutor programs before or after school.
In the past we had been allowed to do this type of work on institute days. Why the change? Dr Popp does not understand my classroom needs nor did he take the time to find out. This has been explained to leadership. I speak for many when I say Dr Popp does not impress me.
The issues I have with all this training is the same issues I have with all the testing that our politicians subject our children to. It’s nothing more than administrative BS that takes time away from learning and its true purpose is to funnel off millions of public tax dollars to corporate interests. I want my time to be spent teaching. That is why I became a teacher.
First we should look a little at the history of Federal Standards in Education. There has never been any legislation regarding federal standards. The reason is simple, to do so would be in violation of the constitution. The Tenth Amendment is very clear, any power not given to the Federal Government in the constitution resides in the States. There is nothing in the constitution that gives power over education to the Federal Government. They should not be making any rules. The Federal Education Department is an illegal institution and is run by Arnie Duncan who has never taught a single day in a classroom.
Now let’s look at the new PARCC testing system that is being implemented and who is profiting from the new testing system. Again, there has been no legislation regarding the new testing system. It is just being forced down everyone’s throat by an illegal Federal Education Department. So, who is really pushing all this through? The Answer: Bill Gates. Bill is also getting assistance from the two corporations that stand to profit the most from this testing; McGraw Hill and Pearson.
The new testing system will be completely computerized. Schools are now being forced to purchase millions of new computers nationwide. Bill Gates makes a profit on every one of those computer purchases. McGraw Hill and Pearson will now make record profits with the elimination of all printing. There is no longer a need to print anything yet these companies are charging more than ever.
While we are on the subject of corporate greed, don’t forget about food services. The illegal Federal Education Department has now allowed school districts to call all students eligible for free breakfast and lunch allowing for maximum corporate profits. In addition, they have passed rules forbidding school fund raisers during the school day or even teachers giving treats as rewards for good behavior because it might cut into corporate profits. And don’t forget, District 131 attempted to change food services and were not allowed to.
Maintenance in the buildings is also going insane. Whenever a company comes in to do any work, they are paid what is called “Prevailing Rates”. They run approximately 10 times what a homeowner would pay for the same repair. To move a light switch would cost a consumer $75-$100. A school will pay at least $1000. To move a fire alarm will cost at least $2000. Exterminators get paid $125 for each mouse trap they set (and the custodians have to empty it). They are basically being paid $1000 an hour to do work in a school. There is no end to it.
What is the net result? Record profits for corporations and much higher taxes for all of us. Why is there such a push to cut teacher salaries and teacher pensions? Because the corporations want to steal even more tax dollars.
People are not going to wake up, simply because they are not paying attention. It easier to complain about the unfairness of everything, than to realize the root causes and be a part of of fixing those problems. Whether it is your community group, the PTA, or a union, people join thinking they now they have a group to air their gripes who will fix it for them. Not all, but many people do not want to " make waves" so it is easier to just keep their heads in the sand, and make excuses or point the finger at something else.
Teachers unite come to the board meeting and speak out. The distrct needs to get sent a message. We want equal pay to other distrcts, manageable class sizes, protected time, and a fair evaluation process. If the distrct attempts to silence us it will get documented in public for futher discrimination lawsuits.
These are hard times in 131 the mood towards teachers has changed. Administration thinks we are incompetent and wants to put the blame for poor student performance on teachers. The BOE President Hull stated because of race we are incapable of teaching. Gloztbach overlooks sexual harassment reports with Byrd. Remember All There is strength in numbers.
Saw this on our district's website:
All are invited to enjoy an evening of fun and frightful music to kick off the Halloween weekend.
Choirs from Bardwell Elementary School, Waldo Middle School, and East Aurora High School will join forces for the Second Annual Fall Fling concert. This event will take place in Hawks Auditorium at East Aurora High School on Thursday, October 30, at 7 p.m.
The concert is free for Bardwell students, families, and friends, and students are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.
For ticket information for middle school and high school families and friends, please contact Lisa Gawlik at lgawlik@d131.org.
For more information regarding the concert, please contact Eliseo Martinez at emartinez@d131.org
And another opportunity to support our students, TODAY.
10603329_101547037464600...206_n.jpg
You must bring the flyer with you to Buona Beef in Montgomery, in order for a percentage of your money to go to the EAHS Band.
The band has done this fundraiser several times in the past, and it's a grEAt way to help our kids!
http://www.d131music.org/uploads/1/5/6/3/15638230/buona_night.pdf
There is something EVERYONE in our district can do, to support our hardworking teachers...
VOTE for Pat Quinn for Governor!
Quinn's opponent, Bruce Rauner, is against all unions (including teachers unions). He wants to give MORE power to administrators to get rid of tenured teachers (may look good on the surface, but we've seen in our district how administration's power can be twisted around against our students and community).
Some may say, "what's the use of voting since my vote is so insignificant?" Your one vote is every bit as valuable and influential as the vote of a multimillionaire or celebrity. Bruce Rauner may be able to spend millions of $ on expensive ads and signs, but he cannot buy a single vote...our democratic system insures "one person, one vote".
VOTE for Quinn for Governor!
A time to be heard
A teacher today was conformed by Byrd about spending out emails on her own email account to fellow teachers private accounts. She documented it and asked he email her. We will then use this for a class action. Most of us feel the board will just pay a big settlement anyways. We can not back down!
Sorry about the auto correct sending out emails.
Additional comments
Ms Montroy promised a district that would respect rights if her husband, Strand and Peryea joined the board.
What a lie
Our rights are more at risk than ever and to top it all off they expect us to work without pay!
After attending tonight's meetings it is clear that if you put pressure on the board and Dr Popp they will cave. our union leadership is horrible. She could not say thank you enought.
The maintenance union also had a victory the distrct promised they will not outsource.
Now we need to demand pay of other districts. If we stick together that will happen. Let's send Sara a message that we are willing to strike over wages.
One victory at a time!
The superintendent and board are pitiful.
Tonight we learned a lesson if we come out to meetings and act in solidarity our union can not get weak kneed and administration will understand we are not to get pushed around. We need to focus on class size and payment equal to West Aurora. Roughly calculated our union should ask for a nothing less than 6% per year. We should be willing to Strike.
The blog address needs to get shared. If not for the blog Sara would have not spoken or remained strong.
We need to make it clear to the BOE we will not be discriminated against.
You are not an hourly employee. You are a salaried employee, which means you work until your job is complete. You are uniting over having to watch videos that will make the school environment a healthier place. You are the source of the problem.
You also are threatening a class action lawsuit because ofa perceived wrong doing by a principal. Where do you think that money comes from?away from the students you claim to love so much and work selflessly for. Seems like you are the selfish root of the problem.
Mr Hull
Feltes stated to a group of maintenance workers at Simmons quote You SOB,s are so lazy next year you will loss our jobs. Dr Popp is in full agreement it saved his last district millions. Quote Ray has seen the light when he was challenged about you. You are now on record although you back peddled somewhat about that being a option last night.
I not sure we will believe you.
What is the purpose of upseting the teachers only to give in a two months later. This training could have been completed at the beginning of the year. It shows Gloztbach runs the district and not Popp.
Everyone knows apply a little pressure and they will settle. The BOE is the laughing stock of the community and district.
First, let us understand the district only gave an hour. Sara caved again, the teachers had strength in numbers so we got the hour, not Sara. Why are we paying union dues? She had no business being thankful. On the other hand after two months giving an hour on the districts part shows they are weak. if Sara had a spine we would have rights. Remember we still have the vote.
Mismanagement by Feltes
Dr Popp admitted in public that the outside service providers can charge what they want. Ha stated Arlip reduced the price but they can just bill more hours. Feltes has had outside contractors working daily in the district and claimed he saved the distrct money. in light of Popps comments does anyone believe they saved money. Feltes should get fired for his mismanagement. The rumor in maintenance is he will not be back and the board is offering up a big settlement.
Leonard did not attend his second meeting in a row. It shows he was about getting Feltes hired and not about the the students.
Will East Aurora High School's football team ever have a winning season?
Here is a direct quote from an email from Joan Glotzbach this week explaining why she was only allocating to the teachers one hour to complete 3 ½ hours of mandated training:
“As a district, we are also involved in many initiatives related to curriculum, instruction and assessment such as: school improvement planning in six arenas; common core alignment, assessment development, evaluation instrument roll-out; grade level articulation, PARCC preparation; instructional strategies training; PBIS/Olweus/discipline enrichment; professional learning community advancement; student growth identification for PERA; technology tools expansion; intervention with fidelity; parent/community engagement; etc.”
Apparently, Joan’s explanation to the staff is that the district has piled on so many administrative tasks to teachers that there isn’t time during the actual school year for the state mandated requirements. The teachers are supposed to use personal time to complete mandated training. And this is just a small amount of the administrative BS that this district puts teachers through. It starts to make a person wonder when teachers have any time left to actually teach. We used to use prep time to do things for the children of this community. We now use it to jump through a plethora of administrative tasks that do little to nothing to benefit children.
Quit whining. Every other district does the same thing. We are a profession in flux. Either get on the bus and have a good attitude, or get off the bus and find another career.
Everyone who is a teacher, knows a teacher, or whose life has been influenced by a teacher (that's probably all of us) should watch this video:
vimeo.com/109329959
This is a series of interviews with Wisconsin teachers talking about what it's like to teach under Governor Scott Walker. Walker has eliminated collective bargaining for teachers, has denied teachers their benefits for advanced coursework, and threatened their pensions.
If Bruce Rauner is elected Governor, Illinois teachers can expect to be treated similarly. Our hard-working, dedicated teachers DESERVE better!
Vote for Pat Quinn on November 2nd!
This district is so disorganized they change their minds daily. Unlike other districts that operate with a schedule. If anyone made the mistakes Glozabach she would have been fired. This is a broken district and it is only going downhill.
Oct 22nd 2014
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
Flag Pole Painting Project
Quotes PCS for 2014
Dear Mr. Hanley
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information act, 5 ILCS140/1, the undersigned hereby requests copies of the following documents:
1 Ref: Bd Mtg Oct 20 2014 discussion on “Flag Pole Painting Project”
Please provide all documents
A Requisition to include scope of work and proposals from all vendors
B Purchase Order
C Invoice
D Before and after pictures of this entire project.
E Minutes of meetings which this project was discussed.
2 Current policy/procedure/flow chart for purchasing of materials and labor.
(Comparable with Purchasing Procedure on Oct 20th Board Agenda)
3 Ref: PCS purchases for 2014 (previous FOIA I have PO and Invoices) need requisitions with quotes submitted to make these purchases.
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
Did not know until I heard at the board the flag poles cost $12,800. The companies name is K& J Painting they have also did other painting in the district that painting crews handled. It is rumored this company had ties to Dave Rana and he brought them in. Up until Monday he opened all his own quotes. Dr Popp was told by other maintenance people that Marty was doing this. Someone from central office was always present In the past administration
The Flag poles painted are made of materials that did not rust in the majority of buildings. Now they are painted and will rust. Sixteen Flag poles did not need painting. Many of us thought it was wasteful but we thought it was a couple of hundred not $12,800.
The wash rooms painted were also painted by Ranas friend. We had church groups doing work for free this summer and paint crews last year making $12 per hour.
Hulls statement was a lie they are outsourcing labor daily to friends. Hull also lied about no knowing this was going on. We paid Stokes this summer to do landscaping and buy mulch. They do not sell mulch and they do not do landscaping. Danny Stokes is a good freind of Hull. He does sewer work at the City
Rana could be heard on the phone refering to Johnson as F**k up.
That is what is happening at EA today
Blog Master
Hanley claims he is working with you to put a stop to the blog.
By collecting our Please prove you are not a Robot are you turning our IP addresses over to the district to find out who the trouble makers are?
Work to union members needs to get out I am sure you understand the district is a secretive corrupt place and everyone needs to know
Mr. Hanley can say whatever he wants about the blog; at this point, there are no plans to shut it down.
And let me assure you that we (administrators) do NOT share any information (IP addresses or statistics) with anyone. The Captcha requirement is simply a way to screen for spam.
And speaking of spam, just a friendly reminder that anonymous comments go into the spam file ;)
The blog is keeping administration on their toes. Thank you for a place to share.
ea131.blogspot.com/2008/12/131-director-wont-blow-his-own-horn.html
Throwback Thursday, thanks for providing another example of why this blog is (usually) a GOOD thing for our community. When a d131 employee (in this case, Kevin Kaisershot) received national attention for an accomplishment it was the blog that brought it to the community's attention. The local paper didn't even mention it until 2 weeks after the blog.
And here's another reason not to vote for Rauner: he has gone on record as saying that he opposes tenure for teachers. If Rauner had his way a teacher like Kaisershot who spoke up for his students and refused to kiss administration's backsides would have been FIRED, not reassigned! Despite support from hundreds of students, parents, fellow teachers, and community members a handful of corrupt administrators & a rubber-stamp School Board could DEPRIVE that teacher of his livelihood.
VOTE for PAT QUINN!
Way to go Ralph
They think they got rid you. Dr Popp says he and Matt will wear you down. Please do not give up this district is more about back room deals than ever.
politics.suntimes.com/article/springfield/rauner-plows-another-3-million-campaign-nears-record/thu-10232014-711pm
We need to worry about d131 not the Quinn/Rauner race. It may interest everyone to know Dr Popp is openly campaigning for Rauner.
But our district could be very negatively affected if Rauner is elected Governor! The video of Wisconsin teachers talking about teaching under Scott Walker's leadership is just plain scary. If you think teacher morale is low now, just imagine if Rauner gets his way...no tenure, no collective bargaining. Basically all sticks and no carrots for our hard-working teachers.
No surprise if our superintendent supports Rauner; Dr. Popp is, after all, an administrator. Under Rauner's plan administrations & school boards would have even more power than they currently do. In d131, we've seen the damage a corrupt administration can do. Our district's reputation has suffered, and good teachers are hesitant to work here. Ultimately it is the CHILDREN who end up losing out.
Support our teachers...support our students...
VOTE FOR PAT QUINN.
realrauner.com/site/bruce-rauner-pay-to-play/
Final score from tonight's varsity football game.
Bartlett 51
East Aurora 6
East Aurora varsity record this year: 0-9
Kurt Becker's career record as East's head coach: 1-26
The East Aurora Varsity football team just finished a 0-9 season. The team coached by Kurt Becker, is 1-26 in his three years as head coach. This year the team scored in nine games just 113 points and gave up 446. That comes to an average score of 12-50. Of the over 500 schools playing high school football only 4 gave up more points than East High. They gave up 71 points to South Elgin HS and 62 points to West Aurora (most in the 123 game history between the two schools). Don't the great young men on our East side deserve better?
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