Hey Ralph what did Popp promise you? Popp claims he talked with you and now the dialogue is open and you will do nothing. Feltes is back and acting like always. We are getting screwed over that is why I will not use my name. D131 is the most corrupt place to work. We just placed another order with PCS all that for nothing.
If workers were not having their jobs continually threatened by the likes of Feltes they could get things done the way they should. They have school pride too believe it or not! People not working directly around him do not see the bullying that goes on! Now,I hear that the district snowplowing is going to be bid out? What other things are Feltes and his cronies slowing taking away from union workers? He has no clue on how to manage employees, bid jobs (when he's not shuffling them out to his friends and family)or what EA needs to be successful in any way. Then when he is caught in his corruption, things get brushed under the rug? It literally pays to have a friend on the school board I guess...
It does pay to have a friend on the BOE . Mr Hull has used his influence to hire at least six staff members at Simmons and promote Gibson. . One of the employees is a Tudor and does not hold a education degree. He comes to work with a friend because of charges of druken driving. the students know. Is that a example. Gibson could not evaluate teachers for months because she lacked the credituals. they educated her on the district dime.
It was learned at a staff meeting today that any holiday celebrations are not encouraged. In fact we will not have a district wide Christmas party. Until two years we paid to goto the party a good time was had by all. We never had the option to pay they just cancelled it. Building parties or classroom parties are also not encouraged unless we pay but even then one classroom verses another would not be far to the children.
My Popp and staff are seen everyday out entertaining themselves on the district dime.. He now claims money is a issue. In reading the paper it seems like they have plenty of money to pay for the districts new administrative center. Comments from attendees at a recent board meeting heard of jobs cuts and increases in the administrative salaries.
I am so sad for this district. Hopes had been high with Mr Popp but now he will go down as the Grinch that distroyed 131.
To: Dr Michael Popp (Superintendent) Christi Tyler (Asst Superintendent Finance) District 131 East Aurora
From: Ralph Padron
Subject: Summary/Recap Major Points of conference call on December 1 2014”
Trash Liners purchases awarded to PCS Industries 1 Quotes provided for PO 153211 dtd Oct 23rd 2014 were A PCS quote was intentionally altered with fraudulent information Neither Dr Popp not Ms Tyler knew who altered the quotes. B Mayfair quote was from Feb 25 2014 C North American Paper quote was copied from their catalog and expired July 31 2014 Christi stated that she just looks at the bottom line for the lowest price only. Validating authenticity of the document is not considered.
2 Quote for PO 152081 dtd Sept 17 2014 A PCS was intentionally altered with fraudulent information B North American Quote was expired (ref: Exp Date 05/30/2014) C Approval Log showed it was approved by Marty Feltes and Christi Tyler Since Christi did not know who altered the quote, Marty Feltes was the last person who approved. The quotes were submitted by the Bldg & Grnds Dept which asks the immediate question: Why were these documents submitted repeatedly knowingly that the product ordered was not in specification which was clearly required per bid.
Valdes Enterprises Breach of Contract
The issue was why did Bldg & Grnds disregard the contract for purchases given to Valdes whom was under contract for 3 years?
The answer given to me was Valdes Enterprises probably couldn’t deliver on time the product.
I contacted Valdes to discuss the contract and that there is a Breach of Contract. Christi Tyler did get involved and the purchasing of the item was resumed immediately
This issue is under investigation. Dr Popp is awaiting the return of an employee who was on medical leave Dr Popp agreed that the quotes: A - Should only have been given to those authorized distributors for pricing. B - I also emphasized that the quote was $25,990 exceeding the 25K threshold thus mandating it be out for bid. Other purchases were made for the same amount shortly afterwards. Appears that having this go out for bid was avoided and the quotes submitted WAS NOT an “APPLES TO APPLES” scenario. I called the manufacturer of the machine for additional info on this purchase.
Personal Comments
A It is extremely disappointing that Ms Tyler’s answer to “I am only interested in the lowest price” did not reflect examining the quotes for errors or insuring everything was in order for these purchases. It is also disturbing that the statement of “Delivery Time may have been an issue” thus justifying the “Breach of Contract”.
B The altered quote was a violation and intended to direct those purchases to a specific vendor.
C Due to the seriousness of these blatant unlawful violations, I have recommended that the B&G purchasing personnel be relieved of these duties immediately to protect further wrongdoing. Dr Popp indicated that any disciplinary action taken would be handled by Joan Glotzbach and that I would have to look at the “Personnel Report” for explanation.
D Regarding the “Flag Pole” Issue, I will be discussing that under separate cover.
E One fact that is undeniable is that PCS Industries has been the recipient of all these purchases. I believe that speaks for itself.
I should not be the one pointing out these irregularities and questionable decisions on purchasing however this reinforces several observations
1 Unqualified administrators with no purchasing background/experience should not be allowed to direct purchase orders nor solicit quotes. Everything is pointing to preferential awarding of purchases thus trust/confidence has been compromised within the Bldg & Grnds Dept.
2 With the emergence of this and several other issues to be brought public soon, it is obvious that there has been no accountability with several individuals whom have proven they cannot be trusted and are unqualified to be leaders in East Aurora Dist 131. With the evidence overwhelmingly proving wrongdoing, why has Marty Feltes and David Rana not been suspended/administrative leave without pay? This would be a courageous and necessary step in regaining the trust and confidence from the community and taxpayers. As my mentor once said “It is amazing what we tolerate”
I thank Dr Michael Popp and Christi Tyler for the time set aside in discussing these matters
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
CC: Board Of Education 131 Lisa Morales Bernie Weiler Joan Glotzbach
Dr Popp and friends are about double talk. Feltes is back and telling us snow plowing is getting outsourced. Hull had a meeting with us and told us he is returning our overtime by not allowing our plowing to get outsourced. Now another lie is because we cant afford equipment we will hire out. Why is this being addressed now. We have equipment and workers. It is December and nobody knows who is on first.
Mr Padron please watch this and it shows the way Rana and Feltes run the district. In your note it shows Popp is passing the buck. He not the Superintendent and not Glozbach. There is nobody here that makes a descision.
As a resident reading these types of responses makes me sick. Ralph publishes it for everyone to read and signs his name that to me is creditability. While I believe schools need money and the State another corrupt horrible waste. I can not support any more dollars being mismanaged.
I have watched this district as a arm chair quarter back since the days of the Kaisershot drama to currently. I have never been so alarmed.
I attended the meeting two weeks ago when Truza, Gonzalez , Leonard and Johnson voted no. I can not stress how happy I am with them.
Dr Popp at one point made a public comment and quickly corrected himself. He clearly thinks he works in his old district. How did the board hire him. He is out of touch. Now this letter shows what a horrible leader he is. With all the finance problems why was he not addressing them. Where is the board in demanding answering? Why is Mr Padron the only one shouldering this. If they are students I would give them a F
One place for the District to cut is the football program. The IHSA will now require on call doctors and concussion screening equipment. hopefully before cutting the arts EA board will have the common sense to end the football program. To many of our students get injured each year. Looking at the cost it is well over $100,000
The new word now is we will just not fill open positions and some programs may have to be cut. After years of taking less than my colleagues and doing without we are back into the same sinking ship. No, I do not feel it is fair to not fill positions. The classrooms are overcrowded and the tudor positions along with the many interventions have helped greatly. Our union said they addressed starting teachers now they will address longevity. The word is that will not happen .
It is becoming more apparent the new superintendent worries about himself and the administration before the students and teachers. The talk of a new administrative center continues yet the school board sits on their hands and says nothing. we are losing faith fast.
The snow plowing is a joke. First Hull tells us we are getting overtime back. Yesterday they decided to get some quotes outsource it.
If Tyler, Feltes, Popp or Rana had a clue it would have been bid out in the summer. It would show that getting it done from the outside is more expensive. By doing it now we will pay more because all the snow plow companies will see how desparate and stupid we are.
We know your lying Ray you are just after our votes and you will stick it to us like you did last summer.
Common sense would be that Dr Popp would like to greet staff and get to know everyone. What better place than the Christmas Party. It is a small expense in the wasteful spending that goes on.
It shows the disregard that we are treated with. I am hoping the community will come together and watch what is going on.
The division chairs at EAHS do not do anything all day and our paid at $80,000 plus TRS and administrative benefits. They do not even sub in emergencies. That is a big area of waste. Start cutting there!
The Board should look at themselves when it comes to saving money two weeks ago over $5000 of district money was wasted on hotel and food bills in Chicago. Truza , Gonzalez, Hull and Preyea are all up for election. So why goto a conferance and spend money on the Hyatt? When questioned they claimed training. Hopefully they will not be on the board. Ms Strand also attended. Central insiders know that Morales was directed to book a Hotel with a room view of the parade. Checking rates the Hyatt is one of the most expensive.
Double talk Central Office claimed no money for the teacher Christmas party. They needed to set a new standard. Dr Popp tells us the State is not paying us, Positions and layoffs will happen Hull announced the need to cut art programs.
Double talk? Meanwhile they allow Popp to hire consultants, another person for Handley, and more help in the business office .Popp also continued to visit sites last week for a new administrative center. How can they have money for new buildings? Why is Popp promoting raise increases for cabinet members?
Moral is at a all time low because of the double standards. If the BOE had any ethics they would put a stop to this.
I don't know how this could have been approved. Teachers and staff who have professional development activities in Chicago are not allowed any hotel expenses (We are told to commute). As for food, we are allowed $40 a day and only $20 for parking.
How could over $5,000 have been approved? This is the sort of crap that historically begins revolts. When those with power exempt themselves from the very rules they impose on others, it's time to clean house.
The four board members up for election should have not gone and if they did they need to be a example for the entire district in regards to saving money. I am hoping the public gets them out of office they have no morals or ethics.
It is an absolute joke how much some of the managerial staff make! How about cutting the fat starting there? What are we are we getting for our money? Example: Marty Feltes Approx. salary 130K per year!! 130,000 dollars for a person with NO college degree and obviously no experience with bidding jobs or efficiently managing the day-to-day tasks in the B&G Dept. Per the Beacon- "When the district posted the director of buildings and grounds position, it listed eight qualifications, including a minimum of five years in the business field, a knowledge of competitive bidding laws and purchasing procedures, experience writing bids and a bachelor’s degree from college, or equal work experience.
Leonard, who is a longtime friend of Feltes, said there had been some discussion over the fact that Feltes does not hold a college degree. Leonard, who was on the four-person committee that initially hired Feltes but was not part of the hiring committee for the director position, said the lack of a degree shouldn’t be an issue.
“If you do life experience, the guy’s got a master’s degree,” Leonard said. “He’s perfect for the job.”
The operations manager position that Feltes eventually held was posted four times in 2012, the first two times with the requirement of a bachelor’s degree. The job description was later changed to include the requirement of a bachelor’s degree or equal work experience.
Leonard said past buildings and grounds department leaders, who did have college degrees, had mismanaged the department.
“We had people making decisions who didn’t know anything about maintenance,” Leonard said. “They had the department so screwed up it was pathetic.”
The Beacon-News reported in April on a nearly year-long battle over who would provide janitorial products to the district that led to accusations of tens of thousands of wasted taxpayer dollars, payoffs in the maintenance department and preferential treatment for vendors."
WHAT HAS CHANGED?!
I guess we can all just forget telling our children to move on to higher education! Don't need it I guess as life experiences can be "just like having a master's degree"!?? And pocket you a cool $130,000 salary even if you have none of the very important qualifications needed to do the job!
Waiting for the lawsuits to begin again from contract breaches and other inept decisions. It will cost us all a lot more than his outrageous salary!
If the powers that be won't listen- take it to the media and the taxpayers!
Hull has been running at the mouth to anyone that will listen that Oak Park and Krug should become charter schools. He proceeds to go on a rant about "white" teachers not being able to work with minority students. He recently talked with Chapa Lavia and made his thoughts known to community members at Main Street Baptist. He also attended a school conferance representing the district on Charter Schools in Chicago.
He quoted examples and gave data on how 60% of students in 131 hated their teacher. At Main Street he again stated kids only want to learn from teachers that look like them.
He thinks 700 HS students and 600 K to 8 should goto a Charter . Teachers need to realize this a BOE out of control. Administrators has stated if they tell us the move the chair right we will. Translated the BOE is running the district and they do not have a clue.
Hull is a loose cannon and the Board knew this when they elected him President. Many have heard his rants and hate for teachers. Let us not forget the first time you just did it speech. He needs to resign we do not need his racist views. Teachers give of themselves everyday in this district. My colleagues constantly buy cloths and toiletry items out of their pockets. Yes MR Hull we are white and proud of it
To Ethics Violation - just to clarify it doesn't matter how many board members get together. Open meetings acts only applies if a quorum of the members meet to discuss public business
With all this corruption and mismanagement of funds, perhaps it is time for an audit by the Illinois Atty. General's office? Here is the link below. Enough griping, nothing is being done. EA needs to get back on track!
Thanks to the Aurora Beacon today all candiadates can now have a fair chance to run for school board.
Lisa Morales only contacted pro Popp candiadates to notify them of changes in the location of filing. other candidates not known to Popp or not running on the Hull ticket could have easily been sent to Geneva. I have signed up for press releases and never received one. It is sad at the level the new transparent administrationwill go.
Hanley made no attempt to advertise changes in a place all candidates could see. What does he do all day.
Other involvement had Peryea asking us to sign petitions at the service center. It puts us in a position not to say no and as employees we are intimidated.
Peryea also used district copy machines and had Hanley take pictures for her.
All this shows the lack of morals her and Hull will go thought. . It is time for a new board.
In a attempt to secure campaign contributions Hull directed district employees to rip out a perfectly functioning alarm system at Quad County. Hull was seen meeting Chris Bychiek Alarm Detection employee and former city alderman over lunch.
After a quick visit to Quad it was decided the ADT system needed to go and Alarm Detection would replace them. To redo the Alarm the district will now pay $15,000 plus and monitoring charges will double.
Why is Hull having private meetings? Is this not the job of district officials? Do they not have a short term lease with Quad. what will happen to the Alarm in two years once the district does not lease? Did they bid the work out or not? Hull needs to be run it of office . Other exposes will soon follow.
It was learned today that Tlyer was allowed to hire her freind from West Aurora a Purchasing Agent. This person lacks a degree and has no training in bidding. Her background was secretary. Central employees are embrassed by the lack of ethics and pray something is done. Her salary at $53,000 is a mockery to every hard working secretary.
What is it with 131 and business managers. tyler is totally unethical. This is just the latest. To us how have worked for the district it is sad. This latest hire is her Accts Payable person from West. Yes it is assame teachers in this district with Masters degrees are only paid $44,000. We have support staff making $30,000 with Masters.
With all the issues the board will rubber stamp another unethical act.
Mr Padron has showed fraud Tyler was involved with with a West Aurora supplier. Nothing was done by Popp. Election is coming and we can only hope a new group with morals and ethics are elected.
Something needs to change at the high school. Student behavior is out of control. The fights are violent and occurring on a near daily basis. Students smoke pot at school and pop / sell pills in the hallways. They are abusing the expensive technology that has been provided by grant funds, and today a teacher's keys were stolen from their coat pocket, only for thay teacher's car to be stolen out of the parking lot later in the day. It seems the administration is impotent in addressing many of these issues, as students continue to walk the halls making the environment unsafe for other students and staff. I believe in guiding children and helping them to be successful, even if that means lots of chances, but things are out of hand. For those of us who love EA, this is a disheartening time. Something needs to change and fast.
So many fights break out on or off campus the Police can not contain the students. A chair was thrown at a teacher and three days later the student was in class. dealers are no longer expelled and the word is out. Word is the BOE a will no longer expell for weapons. A student treaten a teacher with pocket knife and was not expelled we get no support. Word is the Alternative campus has less than 30 students in Alternative School..
A Sodexo employee was caught buying drugs from a relative of the maintenance Union and nothing was done. This district is out of control it will be my last year I fear for my life .
Serveral of the members on the committee are friends of the Mayor of Aurora. Everyone around town knows East Aurora is looking for a administrative center. May of 2015 will see a annoucement of East Aurora taking the crumbling White elephant library off the cities back.
Dont bet on them talking about new ways to better the students.
After numerous issues in the business office Tyler would hire a associate or past friend. Would she not see a problem with this? Then to have the person not qualified shows Popp should be fired. Checking with friends she had accounting classes and no Building and Grounds experience. It shows Popp will allow business as usual to take place.
From the few people I am familiar with, there seems to be some people who really care. Let's see if their recommendations are appreciated and followed. Keep us posted Newshound.
I have heard the word, too. Pot can be smelled in the halls at EA, teachers are cussed at in front of deans who do nothing. Some teachers pass kids who should be failed, then ther teaches, and students, pay the price for having students in their class who do not belong but we're that her just pushed along to be gotten rid of.
I believe S. Byrd has EA best interest at heart. But without the support of higher admin and the Board his hands are tied. Get students out of our schools who do not want to learn. Give them one strike, second time put them out and let their parents and the courts deal with them being truant. Our teachers are getting discouraged. EA is not the easiest place to teach, but combine that with lack of management support and they have an uphill battle giving the students who want to learn the education they deserve.
These are the reasons our community do not want to see more money going into the tax coffer, when they are not efficiently making use of what they have. With all the staff that have been added, EA should have an outstanding learning environment. fix what's broken and leave everything and everyone else alone.
Wow!!! Did anybody see the picture of this Financial Advisory Council in the Beacon? This is supposed to be a group representative of the East Aurora Community? The entire coucil is white and all but one is male. The only person of color in the room was Ray Hull and he looked awfully content for somebody who has publicly stated that the children need role models that look like them. What a joke.
Somebody needs to start looking into who these people are connected to and how much district money starts flowing to them and their friends.
On Friday Dec 12th I went to the Aurora Police Dept and filed a complaint/police report regarding the fraudulent purchasing of the Trash Liners this past year. With the contract up for vote to award PCS Industries on the Board Meeting, Monday Dec 15th, I am requesting this consideration
Since PCS Industries has been the beneficiary of several controversial issues and purchases, do you believe it would be prudent to award them the contract that evening. My suggestion is to TABLE the VOTE until these issues are resolved with the authorities.
There will be additional complaints submitted on a weekly basis indefinitely.
I bring this to your attention for the sole purpose of avoiding further action taken down the road.
Dr Popp has had months to stop Feltes and his cronies from breaking the law. He looked the other way because he is to concerned with the board. The Board members also knew Feltes was breaking the law but did nothing.
Tyler knew millions of dollars was purchased without purchase orders. At least 50% of the invoices came in without purchase orders or proof the work was complete. Many times the $25,000 bid rule was not followed. In fact Dr Popp had the lawyer try to defend this. Weiler is a neighbor and church member to Feltes and Leonard and twisted the law.
The Board sat meeting after meeting and voted for the bills knowing the law was broken. Staff now asks them to vote NO against the appointment of the new purchasing agent. She should not have been affiliated with anyone. The salary she is making for NO experience is a mockery.
Teachers have been told by administration that the BOE will not expell. Students are allowed to sell drugs without consequence. This fall the students had been warned the drug dogs are coming. That day tge building was clean but it made the situation worse because of the message.
So far Dr Popp had been a failure and teachers are fed up. Now we read of more embrassment in the business office and patronage hiring.
Please goto the meeting Dec16th and express your displeasure. We need to prepare for strike if a return to displine is not returned. Dr Popp and BOE have put students and staff at risk. We need respect ! Show your solidarity.
HS staff fears the current conditions of the building right now. Hopefully Christmas will bring a cooling off to the students. This Friday as well as last Friday saw major mob action fights break out. Most of this is two rival gangs. Although I have not been a supporter of Byrd he is receiving no support. Before and after school he is on the grounds. Teachers and support staff need to show solidarity. Please come to the Union meeting and show your support.
Ironic how people's salaries do not coincide with their education levels or degrees despite the fact they are working for a SCHOOL DISTRICT! Feltes at 130K!? That should more than offend everyone paying taxes in this district! NO degree!? But Leonard says his "life skills" make up for a Master's degree?? What a joke! What a message to students!?
Feltes is not supposed to be at work on Mondays or Fridays due to his "medical condition", yet he was seen lurking around the school grounds this past Friday and again today (Monday)?
Hey! Guy with the Life Skill's Master's Degree- RESIGN ALREADY! Save us our $130,000 dollars plus all of the money we will pay out in future repercussions from your inept decision making! I have already reported you to the ROE as well as the others breaking the law as noted above. I hope other taxpayers and concerned citizens will do the same!
Ironic how people's salaries do not coincide with their education levels or degrees despite the fact they are working for a SCHOOL DISTRICT! Feltes at 130K!? That should more than offend everyone paying taxes in this district! NO degree!? But Leonard says his "life skills" make up for a Master's degree?? What a joke! What a message to students!?
Feltes is not supposed to be at work on Mondays or Fridays due to his "medical condition", yet he was seen lurking around the school grounds this past Friday and again today (Monday)?
Hey! Guy with the Life Skill's Master's Degree- RESIGN ALREADY! Save us our $130,000 dollars plus all of the money we will pay out in future repercussions from your inept decision making! I have already reported you to the ROE as well as the others breaking the law as noted above. I hope other taxpayers and concerned citizens will do the same!
thanks to the teacher at Allen for complaining about subs. Our building is having the same problem. We have a smaller building at Johnson and students are placed with higher grade levels. On a daily basis classes are over 45 students. The permanent sub idea was given to Flannigan. We blamed Gloztzbach. Teachers need to come to the general assembly meeting tonight.
Since administration is doing nothing lets expose them to the public.
Why is the district installing a permanent upgrade to a rented building? Why is a board member the one deciding what money is spent, did this go through proper bidding procedures. Isn't this all against Illinois law?
The board is a embrassment I will vote for anyone but them. None of them knew what they voted on last night. These are taxes that pay for the schools and nobody was prepared.
Here is proof positive you cannot trust Ray Hull at his word. Two years ago when there were board elections and the board was infighting, Ray said he was fed up with the dysfunction of the board and while he didn’t feel resigning at the time made sense he said “You don’t have to worry about me running for school board again I’m fed up.” I know this because I was at the board meetings where he said this. So two years later and it seems power has gone to Ray’s head. That’s ok there isn’t much else up there.
Ray be a stand-up guy and honor by your word, don’t run for school board.
This blog is a great place to talk about all of the indiscretions going on in the district. Below is where to actually report this corruption to the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools.
Here is in part what it states on their site- "Regional Offices of Education and Intermediate Service Centers are entrusted with assessing compliance of local school districts and recognized non-public schools in the state of Illinois. This process consists of a systematic review of district documentation and recording compliance with state and federal laws and Illinois School Code. The resulting designation is reported on the state website and as part of the Illinois Report Card. The compliance process is seen as a opportunity to improve operations and support the programs that deliver quality educational experiences to students."
To contact them:
IARSS President Patricia Dal Santo, Regional Superintendent
Kane County Regional Office of Education 210 South 6th Street
Geneva, IL 60134 630-232-5963 pdalsanto@kaneroe.org
Let's take Ralph Padron's lead here in reporting the illegal activity going on in Dist 131.
Ray Hull has told members of his church he is retiring and leaving Aurora in one year for Mississippi. So why run for a four year seat?
It is also rumored the board lawyers sister is running for the board. Is that not a conflict? I was always told the lawyer works for the board. Then how can she manage her own brother?
I was not to concerned about Dr Popp but I think he is pulling the strings and many coverups are occurring. It seems the serial bully is back.
The Urban League has a working alarm with ADT. The District would have only had to put the alarm in their name but they opted to install a new alarm. district officials were told the monitoring fees with ADT were cheaper. Hull visited the Urban League and was seen talking to District admin including Rana, Brown and Alarm Detection. Could it be Hull was greasing someone palms for donation. That is right you can not trust Hull.
Just listen to Hull speak he changes his message in the same sentence. That is why his opinions have little to no meaning. At Monday's meetings this was clear again. First he votes yes for a tax increase and talks at length about why paying taxes is important. In the same sentance he turns around and vote no. I am not sure he knows what he is saying.
It is also clear he is not confortable in his own skin. Johnson was to close to Roberts although her time on the board did see accomplishment and Hull is to close to Popp.
Teachers are talking stike this spring. The level of disfunction can be seen at all levels. I went to the Board of Ed meeting yesterday to support a fellow teachers and much to my suprise I witnessed a new level of disfunction.
The Board President can not pass a third grade reading test. The Board of Education had no clue what they voted on. The residents are angry at the school district. The Board legal counsel is even more confused. I have no hope for our district and will lock my door and just try to finish out the year.
Meanwhile at the union meeting great concern echoed. One message is clear NO LEADERSHIP exists.
Ray Hull is seen leaving schools and visiting with staff all day. When does he do his job for the City of Aurora. He visits the Service Center several times a week and is Popps daily lunch buddy.
I don't live in 131 but I would never vote for him. A man who steals from his job steals from children. By driving a City vehicle and taking time off he is stealing.
Marty Feltes is home a lot during the day during the work week. I live right down the street and see him pull up in his Jeep all the time...and it's not just for lunch. More stealing of funds... Guess everyone is out doing what they want to do on our dime.
I attended my first meeting Monday and was told I could get updates on this sight for Ralph Padron. I was impressed with him Monday. However after the meeting I know there is no hope for the schools.
We are shown no respect the Board President started the meeting and then stopped the meeting for over 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Then the board and finance lady who should be up on explaining to the board had no clue what they voted on The lawyer confused himself and the superintendent was clueless. What a mess!
Then the poor teacher who was teaching classes of 50 or 60 students because they can't get enought help when teachers are out.
No wonder the students can't learn. The administration is so inept it is impossible.
It will not help walking around the school talking to others about how corrupt and unorganized things are and wondering when action will be taken.
WE MUST BE THE ONES TO DO IT!
Start by writing an email to the ROE (Regional Office of Education) c/o Patricia Dal Santo about what is going on. If nothing is done at that level then it is on to the State's Atty.'s Office.
We need to help the students by ridding this District of the current board and others who are ultimately undermining the learning process either by their inability to do their jobs or their concerns with lining their own pockets.
PLEASE email your comments and let's get the ball rolling. It does not have to be a long letter and you can write it without giving your name if you are afraid for your job, as many of us are (just explain this in your email).
I attended the union meeting yesterday but many of us are afraid to speak up and complain because Avis Miller takes notes and gives names to Hull. The next day we get a visit from our Principal.
Avis Millers daughter was given a promotion by Hull and the interview committee at Simmons was told we are racist.
If everyone thinks it was so bad under Annette Johnson/Jerome Roberts think again. We now live our teaching lives in fear if you do not have tenure. With the new evaluations tenure rights are suspect at best.
I will vote no and go on strike that is how my voice will be heard.
Calling the ROE is a waste many teachers have attempted this as well as community members. The ROE calls the current Sup and he swepts it under the rug. In my time I have attempted to bring attention to poor reporting or minutes and I complained long before Johnson about goast employees on the insurance at 131. I know teachers who have complained about mold and poor air quality. The ROE did nothing. These complaints involved the ROE and at the time Dr Roberts. I gave up and eventually Ralph will too. Popp knows this and he will do nothing, just wait it out.
I do see Dr Popp as slimmy like Radocovich and a bully. My experience with Roberts was laziness but not corruption. Now the district has a corupt superintendent and a even more corupt board so my conclusion is EA will be bankrupt by the end of Popps contract.
Mr. Hull stated that one of the things that he believes may be missing which is why we may not be seeing the results we want is that we are forgetting about the students and the types of students that we are dealing with. He stated that relationships are huge when it comes to dealing with students. Understanding the environment that the students come from and how to relate to them is also He feels that it could be difficult for an upper middle class teacher to come into the district and really be able to click with our students because they may not understand what goes on.
Why is he allowed to say this about our teachers without being secured. Please Mr Hull get your bigot self off the board If you feel this way why did you hire Mr Popp?
Well... If the ROE will not do anything then I guess it's up to the State's Atty.
I will start a petition and post it here to be sent to their office directly. Some form of action needs to be taken. Any other suggestions? I will always participate as will my neighbors and co-workers.
I am very interested to see what Mr. Padron's FOIAs uncover. I am very grateful for him taking the time to do this. I hope they are responding in a timely manner as required by law.
I employee was intimidated and unfairly accused of talking with Annette Johnson. This employee was innocent. Apparently the board was not told the purchasing person and friend of Christy Tyler started Monday. The board had a long discussion as to the hiring. Johnson accused Popp, Glozabach and Tyler of not telling the truth by letting out this fact.
Joany sticks to the teachers can not start unless approved by the BOE so why did Christy's friend.
Summary of conference call with Dr Popp and Ms Tyler December 1 2014
Trash Liners purchases awarded to PCS Industries PCS quotes were intentionally altered with fraudulent information Neither Dr Popp not Ms Tyler knew who altered the quotes. C North American Paper quote was copied from their catalog and expired July 31 2014 Christi stated that she just looks at the bottom line for the lowest price only. Validating authenticity of the document is not considered. C Approval Log showed it was approved by Marty Feltes and Christi Tyler Since Christi did not know who altered the quote, Marty Feltes was the last person who approved. The quotes were submitted by the Bldg & Grnds Dept which asks the immediate question: Why were these documents submitted repeatedly, knowingly that the product ordered was not in specification which was clearly required per bid specifications.
Valdes Enterprises Breach of Contract
The issue was why did Bldg & Grnds disregard the contract for purchases given to Valdes whom was under contract for 3 years? The answer given to me was Valdes Enterprises probably couldn’t deliver on time the product. I contacted Valdes to discuss the contract and that there is a Breach of Contract. Christi Tyler did get involved and the purchasing of the item was resumed immediately
Floor Scrubbers Purchases
This issue is under investigation. Dr Popp is awaiting the return of an employee who was on medical leave Dr Popp agreed that the quotes: A - Should only have been given to those authorized distributors for pricing.
Personal Comments
A It is extremely disappointing that Ms Tyler’s answer to “I am only interested in the lowest price” did not reflect examining the quotes for errors or insuring everything was in order for these purchases. It is also disturbing that the statement of “Delivery Time may have been an issue” thus justifying the “Breach of Contract”.
B The altered quote was a violation and intended to direct those purchases to a specific vendor.
C Due to the seriousness of these blatant unlawful violations, I have recommended that the B&G purchasing personnel be relieved of these duties immediately to protect further wrongdoing. Dr Popp indicated that any disciplinary action taken would be handled by Human Resources and that I would have to look at the “Personnel Report” for any action taken. E One fact that is undeniable is that PCS Industries has been the recipient of all these purchases. I believe that speaks for itself.
I should not be the one pointing out these irregularities and questionable decisions on purchasing however this reinforces several observations
1 Employees with no purchasing background/experience should NOT be allowed to direct purchase orders nor solicit quotes. Everything is pointing to preferential awarding of purchases thus trust/confidence has been compromised within the Bldg & Grnds Dept.
2 With the emergence of this and several other issues to be brought public soon, it is obvious that there has been no accountability with several individuals whom have proven they cannot be trusted and are unqualified to be leaders in East Aurora Dist 131. As my mentor once said “It is amazing what we tolerate”
Because PCS Industries was the intended recipient of this and other purchases, I have suggested to the East Aurora Board of Education that the contract to be voted on tonight be “Tabled” due to investigation forthcoming.
On Friday December 12th 2014 I filed a police report/complaint vs those involved with the purchasing of these transactions. More will be filed the near future.
I personally think that defeatist mentality is what stops a lot of people from taking action. It's contagious. I realize first-hand how depressing this is, but is that what we would teach our children to do? Roll over and give up? Not to be grandiose, but if the people that created this great nation had that attitude...well, we probably wouldn't be writing on this blog today. Take action and never give up! Contact the ROE, support Ralph Padron in his efforts, come up with other ideas. Fight for what you believe in and others will follow.
Elsa Clevers qualifications do not match the job description and now they are spending money with the district attoney to train her. One has to question why if she was qualified did she not come trained. as a purchase person at $53,000 per year should she not be doing the training? Why has employee shaken down by Tyler . The employee was wrongly accused. She should file a discrimination lawsuit? Why was she allowed to start before the Board approved her? Teachers are not allowed to start so why her? What are they covering up. Oh could it be Marty Feltes and his pal Dick Leonard's vote. Could it be Marty and Dick will campaign in the first ward for Peryea, Garza and Hull. Oh could it be that Elsa is a friend of Tyler's
I wanted to give Popp the benefit of the doubt , but after reading and attending the last meeting I am convinced he should be fired along with Tyler, and Feltes.
As a employee of this district I have been insulted as a white middle class teacher that does not identify with children. Add insult to injury, a person with no degree makes $130,000 screws up the district and is allowed to waste millions. Meanwhile, the art programs, and teachers are on the chopping block.
The lastest purchasing scandle had the opportunity to bring in a professional. They could then annouced that we made mistakes, but we are cleaning it up , and this is our plan. Instead , I am reading we hired another person without a degree, and we are training.
If the person did start on Monday that is a travesty. Our building started with 8 less teachers because HR could not process them. We also had countless support staff positions opened. Teachers are paid with Masters and even Doctoral degrees in the mid 40's
Please address this issue and tell me this is not true.
On another note, Sara Intherm is not strong enough to be our leader. Teachers should not have to come to the BOE meetings and speak. They will become targets that is why we pay dues
Dr Popp never had the experience to become a Superintenent of this district. Hull stated, and it is noted at many board meetings and his public speeches we are not a good fit to teach the children. Teachers are wondering if that was the case then why Dr Popp. Dr Popp is a middle class white man.
The other obstacle is the divide at Central Office. The Oswego curriculum group fight with the Popp group. The Roberts leftovers, other than Joan know they will get fired. Dr Popp hides in his office and does not lead.
Then Dr Popp has the cronism and board issues to deal with. He is now so tainted there is little to no chance of success.
I best describe him to co workers as the Jay Cutler. everything he touches the ball he fumbles and now it's time to bench him and his big contract.
Tyler claims she only looks at the "bottom line" as far as bids are concerned? Per her memo to the BOE, "After careful review of all submissions for the District Trash Can Liners Bid, PCS Industries came in as he lowest responsible, responsive bidder." "Careful" and "Review" are the key words here. Marty Feltes broke the law and altered this bid and upon her review she must have known that there was a change. When you break the law, there are repercussions that should come swiftly from the BOE and other parties within the District and will come from outside agencies. These brazen acts of theft can be followed through documentation and prosecuted. I am looking forward these people who steal from the school/students being brought to justice.
Just heard about this blog today on Facebook and that someone is going to start a petition demanding the corruption in District 131 be looked into by the state. Also that someone was requesting FOIAs. Great! I applaud Mr. Padron! FOIAs are facts! Can't deny them! Since there seems to be no set of Checks and Balances going on in this district I am grateful that someone with the knowledge to do this is helping. Thank you! Marla Hermes
If a police report if filed they need to report that. the petition should goto the Chicago Tribune directly. it looks like the Beacon is protecting Matt Handley and not reporting the news. This is a bigger story because it involves a board members friend Marty Feltes. Good people got dismissed last year why no displine.
Why is the board not responding to public comments. Popp has administration go and talk to individuals privately and that is subject to telling lies if it is not put out to the public. The past board always put it in writing.
Remembered this article blasting the mayor last year. How about the board cleaning house starting with themselves? What about the millions that have been squandered by this administration? How much money would rooting out and getting rid all of the corruption save? I am not disagreeing with the article's point, but it looks pretty nuts coming from a board that can't keep tabs on the mind-blowing amount of money being wasted on huge salaries and theft.
For all the taxes paid the school district is not the only problem
Despite building a $165 million police palace with massive corruption to enrich cronies and a bonus scheme by Mayor Tom Weisner and police brass, including Kristen Ziman, to exploit a temporary "zero murder" stat, the FBI says Aurora is the top Chicago area suburb for crime.
That's right. Aurora is second to none for crime.
We can't wait for the press conferences, publicity stunts, photo ops from the same taxpayer-funded fools who knowingly ignored common sense and prudent public policy while real crime was still alive and well with actual police officers dealing with it on the streets instead of the palace.
In a story about the Top 10 Most Dangerous Towns in Illinois by CBS Chicago, Aurora ranks #1 in crime for suburbs:
"For suburban Chicago, Aurora is ranked No. 1 with a crime rate of 601 per 100,000 residents."
Kristen Ziman, a commander at the Aurora Police Department and co-founder of Blue Coward, a scheme to exploit taxpayers with a Weisner campaign crony, argued vigorously during the debate on the police bonus scheme that it was "justified."
She cannot be reached for comment.
We've also reached out to Mayor Tom Weisner. Neither he nor anyone that he gathered for photo-ops and publicity stunts to exploit a crime stat two years ago can be reached.
Thank you for your insight on the petition. I am working with several others on preparing it. It will now go to the Tribune as well. I will post the link to the online petition as soon as it is finished. We are still gathering a few more facts. I hope people will be open to adding their own comments along with their signatures.
Well the teachers lose out again! I have been at the school for 30 years but even this was an eye-opener!The division chairs and their clipboard's were actually going around when we were having holiday celebrations and using PBIS positive reinforcements with our hardworking students. I read in the Division minutes that "the first 3-5 minutes are the most important in a class" That is patent bull-oney. We used to have announcements, for years and years and this allowed teachers to get their ducks in a row to start class with a bang. They moved announcements to the last 4-8 minutes of class and they are disruptive, come at all different times, and interrupt a class wrapping up-- I would argue it is the last 4-6 minutes that are paramount because that is the time for review, reflection, reminding kids of the next days work, etc.. They do not want to help and support us to be good teachers - don't you get it? They want to set situations up where we are deficient--
I have to agree with anon2. It seems our district strives, not for excellence in educating our children but rather excellence in managing to manipulate the numbers to qualify for the freebies...being deficient gets the money. I recall when Marin Gonzales was in EA. They did not want to allow children to move out of the bilingual classes, even when parents urged them. When meetings were called at the high school for bilingual students, everyone with a Spanish surname was called and counted, even though many did not even speak Spanish. If our student have learning deficiencies, family financial deficiencies.....EA gets the extra money. I feel sorry for our teachers who work so hard to educate our children. They struggle with some real student issues, but also have to fight with admin to get the support they need to do their job. Thank you, Teachers. If you feel the need to strike, do it. Maybe the truth of what goes on, on Fifth Street, will come to light.
We need the petition to ensure the current board is not reelected then we need to focus on the others. This board has been very distructive. They have done nothing about cleaning up corruption. Feltes is still working and comes and goes as he pleases now. It is worse than before because now he uses his illiiness as a excuse.
The employees of this district live in fear, it is more so true if you work at the administrative centers. Dr Popp is totally parinoid and has his henchwomen Glotzbach accuse of working with Ralph or working with Johnson.
He is openly helping Perya and Hull, rumor is the district bumbling lawyer who never wins a case even has his sister running for election. Tech people have been forced to pull emails and some have talked about the office being bugged. Hanley was caught growing through a suspected Ralph employees desk the other evening. This has created a hostile work enviroment.
The Feltes scandle is growing and that has created more hostility. Tyler brought in a all costs her highly paid spy for tge office because she does not trust anyone.
The teachers union can not have a private conversation with members because Avis Miller takes notes. Immediately following the meeting employees got visits from their applicable building supervisors.
The solution to this is a new board and a board that is willing to reign in Dr Popp. we know that will not happen. The investigations are a small part of the problem. The biggest problem is Dr Popps inability to make a descision. Please if a petition is started to remove the board and superintendent maybe some action on the part of the State will happen.
The petition will be ready at the end of today, latest tomorrow. You will be able to add in whatever comments you'd like when you sign it. It will be going to the State's Attorneys Office as well as the Chicago Tribune.
Just copy the url address above starting with the https:// to the end. Then paste into your browser. You cannot click the address to get to the petition from here. Copy and paste only.
Today I filed Police Report #2 vs Feltes, Rana, and another party. Big week last week as another party came forward and will cooperate in exposing more purchasing scandals.
We are finalizing the Preferred Vendor violations and will make a police report on that also. Tons of obvious cronyism and PO'S being given out illegally
Stay tuned for some big surprises after the 1st of the year.
Keep the info coming as contact me however you can.
it is time for our BOE to resign along with the Superintendent. HE was told in May that Feltes was stealing but he was willing to play politics with the BOE. Dr Popp the next petition will be for asking you to RESIGN if something is not done. Dr Popp you were given the benefit of doubt and Mr Padron did your job and paid for copies that Hanley covered up. you choose to look the other way Feltes has been back two weeks and nothing was done. Dr Popp you then allowed Tyler to hire another crony position in purchasing. Let's get the word out and demand change.
Ultimately this financial upset is causing the students of District 131 to suffer. Unqualified persons making huge financial decisions for this District have been creating a negative impact on taxpayers, teachers, students and the surrounding community for years. Cries for help to the Superindendant and the Regional Office of Education have produced no results.
Examples include: large salaries for personnel who do not fit job descriptions and/or preferential hiring due to friends on the Board of Education or in managerial positions, altered/ illegal vendor bids resulting in Breaches of Contract with current vendors, mismanagement of funds by the current Board of Education resulting in millions of dollars being wasted.
We ask for the sake of the community, teachers and the students that East Aurora School District 131 be audited and the necessary changes made to rectify these problems and get our school system back on track.
On Change.org Please post to the main page of the blog so everyone will know. We need help . Millions are getting put in Feltes pockets and wasted for our children education.
Steve thank you for putting this together but not only people from Aurora should sign. many of us work in the district and have witnessed corruption first hand we need to have our friends and neighbors sign strength in numbers.
Please audit East Aurora School District 131 including such things as: BOE mismanagement of funds, theft, inappropriately high salaries, altered vendor bids, unqualified personnel making costly decisions resulting in the loss of millions of dollars
Our DC's are useless. They were too worried this week with "padding their stats" and doing pointless drop ins than actually being there for us. I've had numerous unanswered emails and voicemails to my DC. Those are the only ways I can reach her since she's never in her office, yet she's "too busy" (more like too lazy) to respond. Maybe she doesn't know the answers cause she's incompetent, which must be a requirement as they all are. They are in too many of those meetings every week where nothing is accomplished yet they talk incessantly about what they should do. Plus as I walked past the SS office on Friday at 5:30 PM I noticed the door was locked and all the food they had out that day still on the table. What was that DC doing? Couldn't she take a break from Facebook to clean up? Maybe her family was at school all day and she couldn't get away from them. Rumor is all the Admin went out Friday after work, which is fine. However, I just hope they were able to drive home this time. Just ask Byrd and that SS DC about getting wasted at work outings. My guess is that went on a district card yet we can't ask for more scantrons or help from them for anything else. Here's to a New Year and a hope that they all get canned...SOON!
Yes, please everyone feel free to sign the petition. I posted on my FB page for only people from east Aurora to sign as I have over 1,000 associates from around the world on my page and didn't want any "good intention" signatures from across the globe listed. Local petitions with those types of "padded signatures" make them ring false imo.
Ralph Padron is the gentleman who inspired me to create it. He is getting the facts here and that will lead to success in exposing and hopefully correcting the corruption here.
Mr. Padron I will contact you soon and thank you for leading the way.
If this is the state of our district Dr Popp should be released at the end of the year. He needed to show leadership and remove Feltes,
Dr Roberts removed many employees or suspended them. At the time I felt it was too serve. In time it became the right move employees of the district did mind and cleanup looked hopeful. It was also good move to remove credit cards. Dr Popp came in an immediately reissued the cards. Staff could see rules were relaxed. The biggest mistake was allowing Feltes to continue because others also started abusing the rules. Now we a embrassing public petition. Dr Popp has no creditability.
Steve, it might not be a bad idea to also post the info on the petition in Spanish as a large amount of the parents and the community this effects are spanish speaking. Thanks for doing this. I think the students may rise up in support as well. Thanks
The petition is now in spanish as well(below the english body of text). I could not put it in the header as they only give you so many characters to work with there. Hope that helps.
The blog site-ea131.blogspot.com owned by Rayanne Carlson and on other anonymous individual is bad for East Aurora High School (posting here as Aurora does not have a Patch). This blog is filled with hearsay and offensive posts that directly affect EAHS negatively is a variety of different ways. The blog allows participants to post an array of very seedy and non-regulated comments (or should I say at the blogger's discretion. All posts are moderated and thus they determine what is posted publicly).
All this has done not only hurt the individuals being targeted, but has kept potential educators from considering EAHS as a place of employment. 4/10/14, 1:56 AM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Looks like our pal Steve Lawson has either had a change of heart or realized that "if you can't beat them, join them"!
I assume Matt Hanley has been told to research Steve Lawson. Here is the big difference Matt, Ralph has proved with facts district money has been mishandled or mismanaged. Ralph has given Dr Popp and the BOE hard copies that you charge him for proving fraud. Dr Popp has done nothing. The BOE has not addressed this as well. It is not Ralphs job to discover mishandled funds it is yours, Dr Popps and Christy Tylers. This has all been discovered even though you pull files out of FOIA and do not return them
Stop going through employees desks Matt and spying on good employees and fix the problem. You are now the problem, Matt.
I personally know Steve. He has had it out with people about the stuff going on at EA. Someone could have easily of used his name as they could Ralph Padron's. It's the internet give me a break!
Or perhaps I had my account hacked back in May? Now WHO would do something like that? Hmm..seems I remember having a little altercation with someone in the district in the beginning of the year about this blog? This is my personal/business account on FB. Trying very hard to discredit aren't we? Too hard.
No, it was created in April I see. Whoever it was created a "group" on my page. That is hilarious. If it was in fact MY group I would have promoted the heck out of it. It had one member. I have 1,300 friends and associates. It is erased now and my settings changed. Better luck next time. Just proves the point as to what lengths people will go to cover up their dirty deeds.
I cannot be on here all day trying to defend against people trying to discredit. I will not sink to that level and waste my time on them.
Omit me from the equation and take the petition for what it is- A chance to reclaim our school system. Don't let yourselves be turned from it because somebody dislikes me or this blog.
I see students are posting on it. It makes me proud to see they are standing up for what they believe in! That is what history teaches us to do!
I have turned the petition over to a non-disclosed source as not to "taint" it any way and to avert any personal attacks, hacking etc. to people's online accounts. Here is hoping for the very best!
Dec 22nd 2014 Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer East Aurora School District 131 417 5th Street Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request Dear Mr. Hanley
1 All emails from Marty Feltes, David Rana to Christi Tyler and Joan Glotzbach for the time period July 1st 2014 to current date Dec 22 2014.
2 All emails from Christi Tyler and Joan Glotzbach to Marty Feltes, David Rana for the time period July 1st 2014 to current date Dec 22 2014.
3 All requisitions and competitor quotes (when applicable) regarding the purchases of Toilet Paper and Dispenser Soap purchased by Bldg and Grounds for the time period January 1 2014 to current Dec 22 20104. Also include purchase orders and invoices.
4 All requisitions and competitor quotes (when applicable) regarding the purchases of Paper Towel 6/cs purchased by Bldg and Grounds for the time period January 1 2014 to current Dec 22 20104. Reference PO 146274 dtd 4-7-2014 for item description. Also include purchase orders and invoices
5 All EA Bldg & Grnds documents requesting quotes for the above items for the time period Jan 1 2014 – current Dec 22 2014.
If this does not show the lengths the district will goto to cover up. Ralph filed police reports, gave documents to Tyler/Popp, gave copies to the BOE in public and spoke in public. It does not matter who made the petition only if it is true. I doubt Mr Padron would be in public doing this if it was made up.
Mr Lawson has it on Facebook and his account has over 1300 members it is not a fake account.
Dr Popp do right by the students and staff. Admit guilt and clean it up
Why would Marty Feltes approve all purchase orders and insure PCS Industries received all this new business this year? Upon reviewing the FOIA's I have been receiving, I noticed something that caught my attention.
A good friend of mine from West Aurora Dist is helping me sort out something that has been a pattern on all the PO's. I am getting another audit going to establish the pattern. More on this later.
Preliminary "Preferred Vendor" finding is why are these vendors not being used to perform work at the district? Instead some other companies have been awarded very high priced work.
This necessitates ADDITIONAL FOIA's to answer some very sensitive questions which will be proven to be "Preferred Marty Feltes Vendors" receiving the work.
Stay tuned for more announcements of Police Reports and Scandals being exposed.
I seem to remember the board voted on perferred vendors a Mr Finley was told he needed to perpare this and was forced by L eonard to do this. It was the to keep the District honest. It is intesting that Leonard looked the other way when Feltes did not like the perferred vendors that had the cheapest price.
Dave Rana continues to receive $ 413.46 extra per week as INTERM DIRECTOR FOR bldg & grnds. It began week ending Nov 7 2014 and continues to this very day.
Why does he receive this with Feltes back to work. Must be the highest paid chauffeur for Bldg Grnds Director in the country.
This $ 413.46 per week is on top of his $ 62,000.00 salary per year. this totals $ 83,500.00 per year. Feltes is making 130,000 + year.
Total for BG Mgmt $ 213,500.00 year.
Who oversees these salaries and approves the Stipend every week for David Rana? How can this be justified.
Not only is Dave Rana paid extra but Feltes was given a extra Supervisor that past administration did not have. Past B&G also had to do purchasing and now they hired someone to do Feltes work on that. Claudia Ruiz is also assigned to him full time to help with scheduling and workers comp plus union grievances. With all the support B&G costs about $550,000 in management.
Preferred Vendor, you give too much credit to Leonard. He is not smart enough to think about bidding preferred vendors. Annette Johnson wanted to reestablish the practice so Finley researched it, prepared the public bid, and presented the results to the board for approval. The board voted to approve it.
However Feltes & Rana have chosen to use their own preferred friends.
And the 2 B & G committee members Leonard & Hull have let them do it. Oh that’s also the 2 Board members Leonard and Hull. They voted then violated.
These 4 people have totally corrupted their positions, failed the district. and wasted MILLIONS. They have also personally benefitted or boosted their egos.
The worst is Leonard, He had Feltes hired, gave him raises, and voted for all the illegal spending.
I hope the New Year brings a new board, and Christmas peace. I wish we could turn to the education of children. Dr Popp, my wishes for you have are to become the leader you are paid well to be, and clean up the B&G department. I also wish money was not wasted and spent on the children.
Best of luck to Ms. Birkett in her retirement. I live in D204 (I'm an EAHS alum), so I've seen Ms. B's outstanding work through the past 15 years. She was a shining example of a good administrator, diplomatic and ethical.
A little known fact is that she gave 131 a honest referance on her employee Dr Popp. It went along the lines of the job was too big for him. Always the diplomat, she paraphrased it in a way that our Board should have listened. Her words of wisdom have come pass.
Working in the district has been interesting this year. I recently talked with Dr Roberts for a job referance. He talked freely about decisions that were made in his administration. It proves a bird in the hand theory Always, the zen master I know now his decisions regarding Feltes were forced upon him. He stated Mr Finley was a professional and that the district did not need a repair person. He also said that Feltes was warned many times about the simular situations with bids and paperwork so he is not suprised about the currents scandals. He also mentioned Leonard as being the most devious member of the board.
The District has known about Tre Winfreys story since November but refused to help, Internal fighting on the board has stopped the help. This student is a example to other students. He is not bitter or angry he just needs help. One has to wonder how community relations spends their day. Mr Hanley can write story in the Enlighter but recent graduates why not help him.
The Jaybird Gonzalez naming was another example of the disfunction on the board. The board did not follow the will of the community and teachers to name a building after a student who lived for Kindergarden. At the very least Ms Stanford should have had honorable mention considering she was the founder and main grant writer of pre-school.
I do know a promise was broken to last years students board members with regards to Scholarships that had been in place for several years.
In all three instances they had been causes of the prior board President. It seems children are getting injured by board disfunction. It is time our board conduct themselves as adults including Dr Popp. I know this because the quite majority see's and hears.
Please put a end to this madness and look and listen yourselfs.
I attended the last school board meeting and listened while speaker after speaker complained about the poor education and us of tax dollars and wasted tax dollars. I was most impressed with the lady who taked about the Enlighter. Please stop sending that gabaage out. The interview section to me just shows a lack of knowing what to put it in. Why did Hanley not talk about the student in need. I heard him boost we take care of our own. maybe writing that would have actually helped someone. I would like to see the district reduce their budget starting with him.
Feltes is paid to run the department. My friend Rodger did his job and died doing his job. The pressure for Rodger was unbearable.When Rana got on board a whole new level of breaking the rules started. Feltes focused on repairs that normally got assigned to the maintenance crew. Rana focused building a case against the maintenance crew.
I hope Mr Padron can bring enought attendtion to Feltes. I hope a new board fires Popp he could have stopped this months ago.
If the board would step up, acknowledge this theft and fire those responsible it would give many of us hope for the new year. Facts are out there for everyone to see, so what is the problem? Start with Feltes. His theft and corruption are obvious!! Add in his outrageous salary and it makes me ill. I could pay my house off in a couple of years on that pay! He is a bully and makes/made people physically ill with his tirades and threats. Let him go back to his pitiful plumbing business and hopefully jail for his theft of funds from the district, taxpayers and STUDENTS!!!!
To: Let your voice be heard. Maybe you could post a brief explanation on how people may sign and remain unseen by the public. Many people are not as computer literate as they may wish, and do not want to submit comment on online forums for fear once they click they can never take it back. Maybe a brief step by step on how to be a part of the solution for fixing EA problems thru this petition may encourage others.
If the BOE is not crooked enought the district attoney got his sister run. Her name is Julie Garfalo. Any other Board would fire him. He has never won a case and settled hundreds of thousands. Look at this year they pay him.
Look at his Settlements just this year a teacher caught with porn and the business manager without fingerprints. Instead of properly advising the board he makes excuses for poor administror decisions. Ralph has copied him on all the. Purchasing fraud with Feltes. Feltes had made it clear he is a freind of Weilers. If elected she will directly manage her brother since the BOE employees the lawyer. talk about CORUPTION please
Bldg & Grnds Purchasing Scandal still has the best to be publicly made. Several audits have revealed more damaging evidence implicating Marty Feltes, Dave Rana, and Christi Tyler's role in overseeing this.
In addition those who have obstructed/covered up this investigation will also be exposed and hopefully prosecuted.
I can assure all this is BIG CORRUPTION pointing to Feltes and Rana. Incompetence is another issue with MANY others requiring a deeper audit and investigation.
The community should read the conservation at B&G between Jan 2013 and March 2013. It Leonard from when bids were open in Nov 2012 until April to move them to the entire board. It shows a pattern that they did not like who became the perferred vendors. Leonard states he wanted Feltes to review them. Why did anybody not see a problem with that statement. This was a public bid. It seems some of Feltes pals were sleeping and did not submit a bid so now they don't use them.
The public should also review minutes of the entire board from July 2014 to present. the board was well aware there was a problem. Several times Johnson votes no because of not following procedures with the list of bills. at one point the minutes state bids and perferred vendors. The special meeting in Aug also shows extreme financial issues with B&G.
, Hull and Leonard should resign for being on the board and B.&G when this was passed. Tyler and Popp should resign for allowing this to go on for six months. They have wasted millions.
District employees see coruption everyday but will never put their names on a petition. They have been brought into Gloztbachs office or Tyler's and intimidated. Hanley was caught going through staffs desks. We know a leak list is getting developed. We can not rely on the paper to do their job. That was handled when a reporter daughter was hired.
Our union is worthless and teachers are talking strike. A 20 year teacher volunteered to speak up for us and was questioned by her building rep. Who does the Union work for. Also Avis Miller comes to union meetings and takes notes. If a teacher complains they are talked to.
So answer me why would anyone in the district sign a petition. It is up to the newspaper to report the news. They had no problem doing this in the past what changed. Mr Padron has documentation again why not report the news.
Because it is your right as an American to petition and protest. Keeping the petition going is exposing (to some degree) the the amount of injustice and corruption going on in Dist. 131. The more signatures on it, the more water it holds. Because complaining is not doing anything, why not try a different approach? You DO NOT have to have your name made public on it. Students are signing it. It gives them a voice as well. I hope that answers your question.
At the bottom of the petition where it says SIGN you will see a box checked that says "Display my signature on Change.org". Just UNcheck it and your name will not be shown.
Methinks some of the posters on this board are trying to get people down. Getting them into thinking nothing can be done. And then they do just that-nothing.
Don't let the naysayers get into your heads. The petition will not gain signatures if it is not shared. Perhaps it should be brought to the attention of the media at this point? (I know, I know the media does nothing. Keep Trying then!)
You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
I was reading today's news with Ms Peryea's attack on Annette Johnson. I have always had my issues with Peryea and Thompson. Both are board members one on for East the other for West. Both work for one another's district. Both take considerable time during the day to attend district functions. Ms Thompsons class then needs to get covered for short periods during the day. This practice makes it difficult for her students because proper coverage is difficult to find. Ms Peryea is a Aide in the high needs school Hope Wall. I can only imagine with her taking time off how it takes away from the overburdened class room teacher. A sub is not possible for Aides.
If they want to be board members they should follow the rules of the many board members who do not have the luxury of just taking off and getting paid. Both should show more job ethics. It speaks to their personnel character.
Peryeas comments about all is well in the district community makes you wonder what community she is visiting.
Ms Peryea, I will post this on the blog for all to see! Please resign your rubber stamp tactics have lead to the multiple level coruption. I have not heard you speak until lately. You have a disregard for taxpayers, staff and students. Mr Hull, has not been a good leader, he has insulted middle income white teachers, and has called them unfit to teach. Mr Hull has ignored the financial coruption, and collectively as a group, you have voted for a unbalanced budget. The board has allowed the new superintendent to make his number one priority a admin center. This when we work in overcrowded buildings, that are either to cold in the winter , and boiling in the summer. Our building are not properly staffed. In my ten years with the district that has never happened. Our parents were treated like cattle this summer during registration. Mr Hull stated that in less than six months our financial position is so disparate the staff will face layoffs and children will not have art.
Two years ago I was highly critical of Dr Roberts for his comments at Red &Black. I also felt Ms Johnson was to harsh. In looking back , I wish he was still our leader and Ms Johnson President. The insurance has been cleared up, and as a staff we have had two years of no increases. This was unheard of. If a issue needed to be addressed it was addressed in public, and reported on. That is transparentcy. The entire staff in my building commented on proverty rates. I would have to ask was administration sleeping? Perhaps this is our financial issue. When are the issues with Mr Padron and bidding going to get addressed. Staff has commented hiring another friend for purchasing without a degree is not good judgement. It smells!
If your sole purpose is to become a rubber stamp please do the community a favor and resign!
Please do contact "the media" and let them know that you have a petition with 40 signatures. I'm sure that will make front page news and then maybe the networks will pick it up. By the end of the week you could have. ...50 signatures.
I feel Steve and Ralph are being targeted for being outspoken. I have never met either of these men, nor had I heard of them until they started speaking out against the East Aurora School District. It seems I hear more about them through anonymous posts than I do from their actual communications.
Requests have been made to shut down the blog. The reasoning behind it being potential applicants for hire by the district are discourage by what they read in the blog. Just google "East Aurora school district problems" and the news will take you back to1992 where it sounds as if it came from the district office last week. Change the wording a bit in the search and you can read about many issues D131 has faced and things written from another blog. Mostly news of the districts own making. People resigning, quitting before starting positions, policy problems......
Shutting down the blog is not about getting quality people to work for the district. There are plenty excellent teachers already here and the district does not give them the respect or acknowledgement they deserve. It is more about shutting people up. This small time blog is not the cause for hiring issues. I believe the majority of the people who live and work for the district and even those who blog about the district have one desire, as it pertains to the children of our district, that they are offered the best education possible. Which means having people in place who know how to manage all things in the school district with primary focus being on education.
Sign the petition! File a grievance! Speak up, speak out! VOTE! But do NOT wait any longer to do something. " Evil will prevail when good men do nothing"
All I can say is who are you THE media? Feltes? Tyler? Ranas perhaps? Only someone AGAINST cleaning up this district would spew something so ignorant. Laughably transparent. No wonder you are being exposed for the arrogant fools that you are! Thanks for the much needed chuckle in this sad situation affecting OUR/MY CHILDREN!
Ms Crosby is correct they are dealing with the same old coruption. The big difference is they are trying to sweep it under the rug. Ralph has provided documents and I watched him give the documents to the board.,It may be true Johnson voted no and may be the less guilty of the group but she could have filed a complaint at the ROE.
Peryea has shown she is more focused on fighting with Johnson than asking questions. They have put themselves in a box to back Popp on whatever he does. Popp is playing all of them. Everyone could tell that when he and Joan abused the staffs rights and then talked about purchasing a administration center. This board is a throw back to the serial bully days when stealing and back room deals were a day to day accurance.
What's ignorant? The petition is laughable. 40 Signatures and you think the media gives a crap. I am none of those people. I am a person who wishes all the people with big mouths would shut up and DO SOMETHING rather than talk about how somebody should do something.
I'm pretty sure you don't know the meaning of the word ignorant. Ignorant means you talk about something intelligently but you really have no knowledge of the subject.
While I can appreciate all the complaining about the Board and Feltes, I am getting the feeling that the problems at the individual schools are getting overlooked. It is obvious as to the building I work in and I for one am hoping 2015 brings in sweeping changes. Our Admin do hardly anything except talk about how "busy" they are. I have not seen any admin except my worthless DC come to our classrooms on the second and third floors. Where is Keene, Byrd, and Kosak? What do they do all day? Why did we teachers have to sign students up for classes next year? Isn't that what counselors do? There's another group of worthless sacs! I am curious to see if the SS office is cleared out or if that L-A-Z-Y DC let the rats have a holiday feast.
Byrd has openly told a chosen few he is working on furthering his career. He does not watch the DC's they have free reign. He has openly commented about the divide in administration. it's the Oswego group against the Popp group. The Popp group makes more money with less experience and the Oswego group works in anger. Then Popp announces the admins need more money and let's cut teachers. Hull has visited our building and personally insulted many of us.
Displine is out of control, teachers are not supported and the Deans have no power. they have openly stated we are not allowed to issue suspensions or expulsions. Drugs are petaled throughout the hallways openly. The second and third floor are openly run by rival gangs. Our union will not fight for us and who do you complain with? Everyone's hands are handcuffed. The financial distractions are one thing but we are afraid for safety. Student drug dealing, weapons and fights are being manipulated. We feel it's a resume building issue now for some Central Office employees. We are hoping no one gets killed or seriously hurt. IT IS THAT BAD. WAKE UP
What did the board expect in hiring Popp. the student makeup is something that he never had experience with. The Finances, HR, B&G just to name a few was also something he had no experience with.
I have read Hulls direct quotes about middle and upper class teachers not have enough experience. So why did you advocate for hiring him, Mr Hull. If hiring at school you would have not hired him to teach, so why administration.
Yes, I am sure they want to shut down the blog. The staff knows the board is a bunch of bungling idiots.
If you think that is colorful you should walk our halls. The Deans do not do anything about the disrespect shown by our students. Our DCs stand around berating the students with the new radios they get to carry. Now they can ignore us teachers even more! Plus, now you can see where the students get it. Especially the Math and SS DCs, they think they are more important than they are with those "big boy" radios.
Yep, used "ignorant" correctly in a sentence(Mr. Media). I did, unlike Feltes and Clever, obtain my BA and Master's degrees (oh, and not the "life skills" kind). Go try your distraction elsewhere.
I await the next school board meeting. Please come if you can and voice your opinions.
Mr Hull is lucky anyone is willing to teach at the HS. The students know they are in charge. Byrd is to busy looking for a job and finishing up his education. The DCs are worthless. The Deans are nonexistent. Walk by a bathroom the smell of weed will get you high. Not one person is helping the children. Ms Strand is very aware of what is going on. Her comments are always "I am not sure what to believe". The board needs to get their heads out of Popps big fat a** and open their eyes. You should all be ashamed of yourselfs.
Finalizing another fraudulent purchasing activity this past year with PCS Industries and Building Grounds. This will be a 2 part scandal and again pointing to insure PCS is awarded all the purchase orders.
Mr. Hanley your critique of the teachers is the root of the problem. You would not last 1 day at the high school- the kids would eat you alive. You look so terrified when you grip the sides of the podium at Red and Black day. The root of the problem, Matt, are the worker bee teachers who do all the work in unhealthy conditions and make $20,000 less than their counterparts at West High and the admins at the Service Center who are paid the top salaries in the Fox Valley- and whose sole contribution is to say that teachers are the "root of the problem"-- you are a hack reporter from a hack newspaper and you should have been arrested for breaking into the property of a co-worker.
Not Matt Hanley....publish all of my comments
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I find it interesting that you are replying to "critique" of the teachers that have not been published because the moderator has not posted them.
This entire blog is full of teachers who clearly should not have a job because they use words like "yourselfs" and can't write. The other people who post are crazy old men who dig up useless information and waste school resources in doing so.
Matt Hanley is a stand up guy. And does what he says he's going to do. There are good people in this district, despite the rhetoric portrayed on this blog.
Not Matt Hanley....publish all of my comments
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Referring to the students as predators is not the root of the problem? Students can't have hope to achieve when the people who are charged with their education can't spell/write and refer to them as something to fear.
Popp, Tyler, Hull and Feltes should resign, please visit the district website under BOE meeting and see how your dollars are being used. Everything in maintenance is over budget while teachers are spending money buying art supplies, and other incidentals for the students.
Our Principal tells us to use our classroom budget a $200 stipend for teachers to buy basic needs. In preparing for year end taxes, this year, I represent a white middle class teacher who can not identify with the children (quotes from Hull) I have receipts totaling $1856 dollars for class room extras. Please read the monies that have not been used for the education..
We need to speak out. The public needs to understand what is going on. Thank-you to the teacher at Allen for bring attendtion to no subs. We have no subs, because the district would rather have us teach classes of 40 to 60 students instead of paying for a sub.
Numbers do not lie, the district allows Feltes to spend, spend, spend. He and his friends are getting rich while 5 children per group share a box of crayons.
Social media is full of informal writings. Many computers self correct today. Get a life, Matt Hanley is not a stand up guy. Stand up guys do not go through employees desks.
Mr Hull. As a Latina, I am thankful for the hundreds of teachers who teach, empower, and love the students of our community -- regardless of race, background, or zip code. I have seen them give and give and give and show our children their hearts in spite of a broken system. Thank you, teachers. Mr Hull, Encourage them! All of them! Leave a legacy you can be proud of! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/31/ruby-bridges-civil-rights_n_6397002.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063
Thank you anonymous Latina for saying what many of us think, when it comes to the teachers and what nationality or race they should be. The Ruby Bridges link was great testimony.
Not Matt Hanley-- the students are not predators, dillweed.. it is a system which punishes the teachers for following procedures and asking for help and then not getting any...we love our kids.. we will do and have done anything for them.. most of my salary is spent on them-- that's o.k.. don't try to portray me as negative/nasty/unsupportive because you have come into a system and have just tried to advance yourself
Mr Hull and his racist remarks have NO place in 131. In FACT, Mr Hull most highly qualified Bilingual teachers and Afro Americans leave because of pay and large class sizes. Some folks stay because they want to impact the community. Eventually they leave unless a spouse makes a great salary. You can not support a growing older family on what we are paid. That's why we leave.
If you want to make a impact work on your bloated budget and pay us. A teacher in 131 after five years with a masters makes $15,000 less. That is a mortgage payment MR Hull. The last Board made some impact with the $1,200 plus % increases. That is what we want hear, not new air conditioned administrative centers. Do something about the maintenance scandals. Let's get back to the day to day education of students. Please
Dr Popp should not have his contract renewed. I visited the board agenda . Judge for yourself!! Material should get purchased at the beginning of the year. Feltes is allowed to overspend. What is he spending it on? At Oak Park some areas are so hot kids wear shorts in the winter other areas are cold Every building is like that. Our roof leaked so bad after patching all summer now we are replacing it. What planning is that? Our students do not have a track. Classrooms have no art supplies. The majority of computers have issues. We are also missing classroom coverage.
I was told don't believe the blog. The administration does not have a clue. EA is hopeless!
Ray Hull recently attended a Illinois Association of Schools meeting and was spotted at a charter school meeting. He stated middle class teachers at Oak Park school took a survey and the majority did not feel they could teach the kids. Hull went on to state 500 students could get a better education. this will cost the district millions.
In today's Beacon News a article appeared that a Charter will petition D131 schools in January with the possibility of opening in late summer 2015.
What closed secret deal is Hull involved in. His hate for the teachers of this district is well documented. he does not feel you are able to teach.
At our General meeting Hulls picture was shown as attending the above mentioned meeting. We had a speaker share Hulls comments at the meeting. He is a racist that is clear, and does not support teachers. Dr Popp is attempting to break our union. Our union has not done a good job communicating working conditions. I would like see Dr Popp last one day teaching a class in 131. The subssitutude class size, displine and lack of curriculum in his administration have made it impossible.
Police reports filed and the Aurora Beacon will not write a article. It's about time the Tribune fire these hack reporters. The Beacon edits the news they do not print it.
Is it because Crosby's daughter works for the district or is it Hanley the hack and former Beacon reporter they are defending?
Why has Dr Popp not addressed Feltes. We have seen FOIA requests and documented letters from Ralph. This has gone one too long and nobody has respect for Popp. If Popp will not take action it is up to the Board of Directors. The question to all candidates is how would they handle a Superintendent who allows this to go on.
The Board and Superintendent first responsibility is the district money, after reading the board meeting it is clear Mr Popp and the Board have no creditability.
You are incorrect. The board and superintendents first responsibility is to the education of the districts students. Money is just a necessary evil to that end.
The issue in District 131 is those who don't understand this fundamental fact. We have a small vocal group in the community who don't want to contribute anything finacial because their children are grown (I'm sure their views were very different when their children were being educated). We also have some in the building department who think the district finances are to enrich their buddies.
The superintendent and board have to gain control over both these groups if they are going to accomplish their primary goal of education.
How long before things will come to light?
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Exactamundo! Beyond belief, but the small vocal group has control of the board. Four of the members live in Ward one where the complainers live. One board member has the nerve to complain about how high her taxes were. PAY YOUR FAIR SHARE! Your property value is higher you should be taxed more. You want lower taxes, move in around the schools where property values are much lower. or leave! The one big problem is how the money from the district is spent. The superintendent presents that budget to the board, and they approve it. They are to blame. If Feltes is lining his pockets and all his buddies, too. He is an opportunist taking advantage of a super and board who are easily manipulated. If he is doing it, how may others.....admin? Contractors?....
Employees in the district are frustrated! Feltes is a fool, who is paid $130,000 plus. He is stealing the district blind. At the last meeting the teachers talked about no subs , and the residents stated they would pay more for performance. Mr Padron stated mismanagement of funds which is easily addressed if Feltes was terminated. Allowing Feltes to mismanage funds takes away from the education. In reviewing the budget Feltes is allowed to go over budget but the Curriculum budget is not utilized. It shows what they value. They need to get replaced they have no character. Dr Popp is only concerned with his position and not the children or he would have dealt with this.
Beyond please attend a meeting and see how the "new" admin operates.
I live and work in the d131 community and worked hard to get Strand and Peryea on the board. That said, I have never been so disappointed. My reasoning was Johnson and at time the current board took to long fixing problems and kept a do nothing Superintendent.
In fairness new buildings got built, teachers salaries increased, and purchases for the enrichment of students happened. Today the system is back to the old boys network. I have gone to board meetings all summer into the fall. Only Johnson votes against the expenditures which has included wild spending by Feltes. She stated why she was voting no. The other members could have looked into it in 6 months.
The budget is in the red and only Johnson asked for details. At Mondays meeting will be the first time the board sees/knows what the district is spending. It is troubling when you read Feltes is already in the red and art/music supplies have not been purchased yet. The entire board could have asked in July for this. I also heard Hull state to the public they will need to stop the arts/music/sports and cut programs and staff. The tax increase of over 10% hurts everyone many of my close friends, neighbors and relatives can not sell their homes. Now we get a 10% tax increase for a failing school system. I heard Johnson ask Tyler what will this cost. Tyler stated $400,000. If the school district can not cut Feltes wild spending by $400,000 then they should all get fired. I heard Johnson state the district money is not invested properly. Not one board member or admin said it was untrue. It does not seem they did anything to reduce the tax burden for anyone, including myself who doesnot live in ward one. It is time the entire board get replaced. Strand and Peryea told us they would pick a good Superintendent, so far he has played fast and loose politics and done nothing. He main goal is to build a admin center. Not one board member stopped him. Why is it up to Padron to point out the financial mismanagement. It is the job of the people we elect.
Ms Strand do us a favor and resign. Mr Hull and Peryea should not get returned to the board and please do elect the lawyers sister if that is true.
In addition Please Mr Leonard resign. You have destroyed lived only to get your unqualified buddy a job. You have watched him mismanage or steal millions
Headlines lines today in all the Chicago media outlets
Yet it has been proven by documented paperwork that Feltes did the same. Documents have been shared with Popp, the board and local media yet nothing happens. SAD, that we do not live in Chicago were a news is reported.
A former Chicago Public Schools employee, with help from colleagues and vendors, orchestrated the theft of more than $870,000 by fraudulently billing the district for goods and services, according to the annual report from the district's inspector general.
CPS has a inspector general that investigates we have only Ralph Padron. We all have a great deal of respect for him and he should be rewarded. The reality is 131 is a corrupt place because the parents and community do not care. The current Board voted 7-0 to promote Feltes and everyone involved should resign. They will not because everyone lacks the ethics to do so. The news did report procedures were not followed. The Beacon did report only 2 people got interviewd and the job description got changed for the benefit of Feltes. Leonard was allowed by his fellow board members to vote even after he announces Feltes is a friend. Roberts was forced to hire Feltes everyone was told that by Roberts. Move on to Popp He inherited a board that was Corrupt and again instead of doing right by the district he has a agenda and allows Feltes full reign. He hires Freinds of his and pays them more money than current higher educated employees in the same position. The board does not ask questions and approves them. Popps background is also questionable at best. More coming on that. On Hull He made plenty of promises and got input from many employees about Feltes. instead of doing right by the district he sells out the district for ego and power. Many employees names have been given to Popp and harassed. The real story is we are screwed. Don't fool yourselves nothing will change.
Immediately after entering the high school today, several of us noticed we began coughing and found it hard to breathe. It is hard to teach when you struggle for breath, are coughing and have a sore throat or all of a sudden can barely speak. Of course, we are white teachers so we don't care about our black and Hispanic students and are only there for a pay check. HOW DARE YOU RAY HULL--If a white Board of Ed President had said that black and Hispanic teachers hated/didn't care about white students he would be relieved of his duties immediately-- I get you would like more teachers of color- doesn't mean you have to slam the staff you have who have been in the trenches with these kids for years. Let me give you a little economic/social lesson Ray- What happens to the lower class during an economic decline? They roll into a further decline. So what is the solution? Well, since it would be too hard/take to much energy to try to address some of the community's problems, the easiest way is to look as though you are trying to change things to criticize/blame the teachers-- fire a few or more. Then you go and talk Charter schools-- a losing proposition wherever they have been implemented and they suck money and resources off the remaining schools in the district. They don't work. Here's an idea-- show some inner growth-- don't just look at color. Don't like racism? Don't be a racist. Be the change that you want to implement and right now you have a big job to do and are blowing it.
The DCS are worthless and we should threaten to speak at the next BOE meeting. Last weeks meeting regarding discipline with Byrd may produce some results. It was not until teachers threaten to call the district out in public that Byrd would listen. Our Union is worthless and if Thruckenbrod and company get wind we will embrass them in public they will cave. SPEAKING OUT WORKS!!!
Mr Padron thank you again for all your work! More corruption was exposed last night. Mr Padron handed the BOE members documents showing the facts. Again the BOE sat with blank looks doing nothing.
Issues ranged from millions of no bid contracts, to breach of contracts with the district paying more for janitorial supplies to PCS industries, to Rana paid a mid year raise to do Feltes job , to cronism with the hire of Tyler's friend from West Aurora, to vendor cronism for district building repairs.
Dr Popp, why are you not addressing this? You have lost the respect hard working teachers and the community. Board Members why do you do nothing? Reality is the BOE and Superintent are so arrogant they are telling the public SCREW YOU.
If that was not enough budgets were presented . Ms Childress had all her facts. Feltes followed next. He was unable to speak. Tyler had to do all the talking. She had no clue and could provide no answers. All she can state was "I inherited a mess". Her excuses are getting old. Please have ethics and admit you allowed Feltes to spend like a drunk.
Please elect a new board that will fire Popp, Tyler and Feltes. Stop allowing them to waste millions that could have been directed at the education of children. .
ISSUE #1 This is the 4th purchasing scandal surfacing at B&G and again several illegal activities are uncovered. 1 Breach of a 3 year contract 2 Switch vendors to pay $ 2.00 more per case 3 BG Director approves all these transaction & Business Office does not question this.
Fact: Again PCS Industries was the recipient of this fraudulent purchasing tactic Why would someone intentionally do this and yet still, the PCS Salesman continues to visit an East Aurora BG Supervisor? Come to your own conclusions.
ISSUE #2 East Aurora solution to the purchasing problem: Hire a purchasing Agent at $ 53K per year Good idea except the person 1 has no purchasing experience 2 former assistant to the Business/Finance Mgr 3 get to be trained by the EA Attorney
ISSUE #3 The BG Director was on medical leave and received full pay until the end of the year. In his absence an interim director was named and received a STIPEND of $413.46 ea week thru 2014.. Why was an experienced supervisor not chosen to be the Interim Director? Who appointed the interim director and approved this person? It is no coincidence that this person is 1 of the individuals at the center of the Purchasing Scandal. Please audit the amounts paid to insure entitlement was no more nor less.
ISSUE #4 Was the Trash/Recycle Service reduced at all buildings this past 2 week Christmas break. I suspect not, thus 2014 was fully serviced and fully billed regardless of service needed or not . I was assured in the Spring by the Superintendent it was going to be researched. Never heard a word.
Concluding Comments I have repeatedly requested a written response from the Superintendent to many an issue I have addressed. His policy is no written response. If the district is to be one of TRUE TRANSPARENCY, don’t you think you would want all to know and see your positions, policies and responses. I know I would.
Feltes sat next to Tyler like a big stuffed suit. He maybe said 20 words if that. WHAT ARE WE PAYING HIM 130K for again?? When I drove in today and yesterday none of the walks were cleared or salted- it looked like since the snow began. My kids had a hard time walking. BOE gave Feltes a BIG congrats at the meeting last night on how he told them he was prepping for the snow. WHAT A JOKE! Check up on what this liar tells you! Check his past work and see all the lies he has been telling you. If you even care.... FIRE HIM! He will never resign with that big head you've given him! You have created a monster- spending out of control. Funds that could be spent on the students! HELLO!? The Superintendent is supposed to be monitoring him and taking action if he does not perform to his job description. More and more people are getting wind of this and will act. Your lack of action is taking it's toll on our community. You should be ashamed.
Feltes is paid $130,000 per year and could not answer one question about his budget. Tyler is even more incompetent. She knows Feltes is stealing and has covered up all year for him. It is no wonder her last school district is broke. After last night I will work my fingers to a bone against anyone who is currently on the board. It is up to them to demand answers. MS PERYEA EVERYTHING IS NOT FINE. Please resign I supported and trusted you shame on the fact you can allow such thief as a Christian.
Thank you to Johnson and Strand for at least acknowledging there is a problem. Ms Strand stop fighting Annette and join with her and do the right thing and help our district that was a embrassment.
Joan Glotzbach approves sick leave in reviewing Feltes he was not granted sick leave after taking off months he was paid at full rate. Teachers and other employees get sick pay deducted why not Feltes. Is sick days not 12 per year for administration? Why is his leave not made public like all the teachers. Why is Feltes always treated special. Oh, maybe that is because he has a special friend on the board.
Feltes was swearing up a strom today in his office. Seems he was not very happy after last nights meeting. It is time he and Leonard resign. To this day he is unable to send a email much less manage a budget. It is time the BOE stop playing politics and force Popp to terminate him.
It is time to point out the waste of money with the DCs and ask what do they do all day long. Talk about a waste of money.
Speaking out will get our rights restored. It you listen to Ray Racist Hull we have no rights. By the way Ray your black teachers did not show today, must have been to cold.
Feltes was at the BOE and never spoke with regards to his budget, or sscandels.Tyler spoke and claimed I am to new and don't know about the budget. Members of the audience can see Dr Popp as a person who stonewalls and coverups. He will not answer Mr Padron in public, nor will he provide a written response. What is wrong with this, is that he is telling you as a community you are not entitled to the information. What else is Dr Popp up too this is only one example. He is allowing millions to be stolen from the children. It is up to the BOE to now demand answers. They will not because they are to arrogant to admit Dr Popp, Tyler and Feltes are stealing. They constantly Say everything is fine. Is it fine to steal millions ThE public must demand answers and not return any of the current BOE members back to the BOE.
Why would the BOE ask Dr Popp to clean up the distrct Ray Hull has promoted or found positions for many family and friends in his short time as BOE President. He is now off working on a Charter School with Clayton Muhammed. Their claim is Afro American children are underserved. Let's translate " white folks can't teach Afro American kids" We have no place in our school distrct for this type of racism. The Charter school will take millions for our schools. Frank Hill may have his name on the forms but Hull has sold out the teachers of this district because of his racism.
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Peryea was asking for signatures and petitioning at the Service Center. This is a violation of Illinois School Code.
Her and Hull have Hanley writing campaign materials and taking professional pictures for flyers.
Strand, Hull and Peryea also had a meeting with Popp another violation. Three board members can not meet.
District employees can only report Popp will find a way to fire us not all in Central Office have a union contract.
openline.blogspot.com/2008/06/east-aurora-school-district-131.html
Hey Ralph what did Popp promise you? Popp claims he talked with you and now the dialogue is open and you will do nothing. Feltes is back and acting like always. We are getting screwed over that is why I will not use my name. D131 is the most corrupt place to work. We just placed another order with PCS all that for nothing.
If workers were not having their jobs continually threatened by the likes of Feltes they could get things done the way they should. They have school pride too believe it or not! People not working directly around him do not see the bullying that goes on! Now,I hear that the district snowplowing is going to be bid out? What other things are Feltes and his cronies slowing taking away from union workers? He has no clue on how to manage employees, bid jobs (when he's not shuffling them out to his friends and family)or what EA needs to be successful in any way. Then when he is caught in his corruption, things get brushed under the rug? It literally pays to have a friend on the school board I guess...
It does pay to have a friend on the BOE . Mr Hull has used his influence to hire at least six staff members at Simmons and promote Gibson. . One of the employees is a Tudor and does not hold a education degree. He comes to work with a friend because of charges of druken driving. the students know. Is that a example. Gibson could not evaluate teachers for months because she lacked the credituals. they educated her on the district dime.
The Board is so corrupt no one has respect.
Mr Popp wins the Grinch award this year.
It was learned at a staff meeting today that any holiday celebrations are not encouraged. In fact we will not have a district wide Christmas party. Until two years we paid to goto the party a good time was had by all. We never had the option to pay they just cancelled it. Building parties or classroom parties are also not encouraged unless we pay but even then one classroom verses another would not be far to the children.
My Popp and staff are seen everyday out entertaining themselves on the district dime.. He now claims money is a issue. In reading the paper it seems like they have plenty of money to pay for the districts new administrative center. Comments from attendees at a recent board meeting heard of jobs cuts and increases in the administrative salaries.
I am so sad for this district. Hopes had been high with Mr Popp but now he will go down as the Grinch that distroyed 131.
December 5th, 2014
To: Dr Michael Popp (Superintendent)
Christi Tyler (Asst Superintendent Finance)
District 131 East Aurora
From: Ralph Padron
Subject: Summary/Recap Major Points of conference call on December 1 2014”
Trash Liners purchases awarded to PCS Industries
1 Quotes provided for PO 153211 dtd Oct 23rd 2014 were
A PCS quote was intentionally altered with fraudulent information
Neither Dr Popp not Ms Tyler knew who altered the quotes.
B Mayfair quote was from Feb 25 2014
C North American Paper quote was copied from their catalog and expired July 31 2014
Christi stated that she just looks at the bottom line for the lowest price only. Validating authenticity of the document is not considered.
2 Quote for PO 152081 dtd Sept 17 2014
A PCS was intentionally altered with fraudulent information
B North American Quote was expired (ref: Exp Date 05/30/2014)
C Approval Log showed it was approved by Marty Feltes and Christi Tyler
Since Christi did not know who altered the quote, Marty Feltes was the last person who approved.
The quotes were submitted by the Bldg & Grnds Dept which asks the immediate question:
Why were these documents submitted repeatedly knowingly that the product ordered was not in specification which was clearly required per bid.
Valdes Enterprises Breach of Contract
The issue was why did Bldg & Grnds disregard the contract for purchases given to Valdes whom was under contract for 3 years?
The answer given to me was Valdes Enterprises probably couldn’t deliver on time the product.
I contacted Valdes to discuss the contract and that there is a Breach of Contract.
Christi Tyler did get involved and the purchasing of the item was resumed immediately
Floor Scrubbers Purchases
This issue is under investigation. Dr Popp is awaiting the return of an employee who was on medical leave
Dr Popp agreed that the quotes:
A - Should only have been given to those authorized distributors for pricing.
B - I also emphasized that the quote was $25,990 exceeding the 25K threshold thus mandating it be out for bid. Other purchases were made for the same amount shortly afterwards.
Appears that having this go out for bid was avoided and the quotes submitted WAS NOT an “APPLES TO APPLES” scenario. I called the manufacturer of the machine for additional info on this purchase.
Personal Comments
A It is extremely disappointing that Ms Tyler’s answer to “I am only interested in the lowest price” did not reflect examining the quotes for errors or insuring everything was in order for these purchases. It is also disturbing that the statement of “Delivery Time may have been an issue” thus justifying the “Breach of Contract”.
B The altered quote was a violation and intended to direct those purchases to a specific vendor.
C Due to the seriousness of these blatant unlawful violations, I have recommended that the B&G purchasing personnel be relieved of these duties immediately to protect further wrongdoing.
Dr Popp indicated that any disciplinary action taken would be handled by Joan Glotzbach and that I would have to look at the “Personnel Report” for explanation.
D Regarding the “Flag Pole” Issue, I will be discussing that under separate cover.
E One fact that is undeniable is that PCS Industries has been the recipient of all these purchases.
I believe that speaks for itself.
I should not be the one pointing out these irregularities and questionable decisions on purchasing however
this reinforces several observations
1 Unqualified administrators with no purchasing background/experience should not be allowed to direct purchase orders nor solicit quotes. Everything is pointing to preferential awarding of purchases thus trust/confidence has been compromised within the Bldg & Grnds Dept.
2 With the emergence of this and several other issues to be brought public soon, it is obvious that there has been no accountability with several individuals whom have proven they cannot be trusted and are unqualified to be leaders in East Aurora Dist 131. With the evidence overwhelmingly proving wrongdoing, why has Marty Feltes and David Rana not been suspended/administrative leave without pay? This would be a courageous and necessary step in regaining the trust and confidence from the community and taxpayers.
As my mentor once said “It is amazing what we tolerate”
I thank Dr Michael Popp and Christi Tyler for the time set aside in discussing these matters
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
CC: Board Of Education 131
Lisa Morales
Bernie Weiler
Joan Glotzbach
Dr Popp and friends are about double talk. Feltes is back and telling us snow plowing is getting outsourced. Hull had a meeting with us and told us he is returning our overtime by not allowing our plowing to get outsourced. Now another lie is because we cant afford equipment we will hire out.
Why is this being addressed now. We have equipment and workers. It is December and nobody knows who is on first.
Mr Padron please watch this and it shows the way Rana and Feltes run the district. In your note it shows Popp is passing the buck. He not the Superintendent and not Glozbach. There is nobody here that makes a descision.
As a resident reading these types of responses makes me sick. Ralph publishes it for everyone to read and signs his name that to me is creditability. While I believe schools need money and the State another corrupt horrible waste. I can not support any more dollars being mismanaged.
I have watched this district as a arm chair quarter back since the days of the Kaisershot drama to currently. I have never been so alarmed.
I attended the meeting two weeks ago when Truza, Gonzalez , Leonard and Johnson voted no. I can not stress how happy I am with them.
Dr Popp at one point made a public comment and quickly corrected himself. He clearly thinks he works in his old district. How did the board hire him. He is out of touch. Now this letter shows what a horrible leader he is. With all the finance problems why was he not addressing them.
Where is the board in demanding answering? Why is Mr Padron the only one shouldering this. If they are students I would give them a F
beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/05/fox-valley-districts-still-divided-school-funding-reform/
One place for the District to cut is the football program. The IHSA will now require on call doctors and concussion screening equipment. hopefully before cutting the arts EA board will have the common sense to end the football program. To many of our students get injured each year. Looking at the cost it is well over $100,000
The new word now is we will just not fill open positions and some programs may have to be cut. After years of taking less than my colleagues and doing without we are back into the same sinking ship. No, I do not feel it is fair to not fill positions. The classrooms are overcrowded and the tudor positions along with the many interventions have helped greatly. Our union said they addressed starting teachers now they will address longevity. The word is that will not happen .
It is becoming more apparent the new superintendent worries about himself and the administration before the students and teachers. The talk of a new administrative center continues yet the school board sits on their hands and says nothing. we are losing faith fast.
The snow plowing is a joke. First Hull tells us we are getting overtime back. Yesterday they decided to get some quotes outsource it.
If Tyler, Feltes, Popp or Rana had a clue it would have been bid out in the summer. It would show that getting it done from the outside is more expensive. By doing it now we will pay more because all the snow plow companies will see how desparate and stupid we are.
We know your lying Ray you are just after our votes and you will stick it to us like you did last summer.
Common sense would be that Dr Popp would like to greet staff and get to know everyone. What better place than the Christmas Party. It is a small expense in the wasteful spending that goes on.
It shows the disregard that we are treated with. I am hoping the community will come together and watch what is going on.
The division chairs at EAHS do not do anything all day and our paid at $80,000 plus TRS and administrative benefits. They do not even sub in emergencies. That is a big area of waste. Start cutting there!
The Board should look at themselves when it comes to saving money two weeks ago over $5000 of district money was wasted on hotel and food bills in Chicago. Truza , Gonzalez, Hull and Preyea are all up for election. So why goto a conferance and spend money on the Hyatt? When questioned they claimed training. Hopefully they will not be on the board. Ms Strand also attended. Central insiders know that Morales was directed to book a Hotel with a room view of the parade. Checking rates the Hyatt is one of the most expensive.
Double talk
Central Office claimed no money for the teacher Christmas party. They needed to set a new standard.
Dr Popp tells us the State is not paying us, Positions and layoffs will happen Hull announced the need to cut art programs.
Double talk?
Meanwhile they allow Popp to hire consultants, another person for Handley, and more help in the business office .Popp also continued to visit sites last week for a new administrative center. How can they have money for new buildings? Why is Popp promoting raise increases for cabinet members?
Moral is at a all time low because of the double standards. If the BOE had any ethics they would put a stop to this.
To: Double talk
I don't know how this could have been approved. Teachers and staff who have professional development activities in Chicago are not allowed any hotel expenses (We are told to commute). As for food, we are allowed $40 a day and only $20 for parking.
How could over $5,000 have been approved? This is the sort of crap that historically begins revolts. When those with power exempt themselves from the very rules they impose on others, it's time to clean house.
The four board members up for election should have not gone and if they did they need to be a example for the entire district in regards to saving money. I am hoping the public gets them out of office they have no morals or ethics.
It is an absolute joke how much some of the managerial staff make! How about cutting the fat starting there?
What are we are we getting for our money?
Example: Marty Feltes Approx. salary 130K per year!! 130,000 dollars for a person with NO college degree and obviously no experience with bidding jobs or efficiently managing the day-to-day tasks in the B&G Dept.
Per the Beacon- "When the district posted the director of buildings and grounds position, it listed eight qualifications, including a minimum of five years in the business field, a knowledge of competitive bidding laws and purchasing procedures, experience writing bids and a bachelor’s degree from college, or equal work experience.
Leonard, who is a longtime friend of Feltes, said there had been some discussion over the fact that Feltes does not hold a college degree. Leonard, who was on the four-person committee that initially hired Feltes but was not part of the hiring committee for the director position, said the lack of a degree shouldn’t be an issue.
“If you do life experience, the guy’s got a master’s degree,” Leonard said. “He’s perfect for the job.”
The operations manager position that Feltes eventually held was posted four times in 2012, the first two times with the requirement of a bachelor’s degree. The job description was later changed to include the requirement of a bachelor’s degree or equal work experience.
Leonard said past buildings and grounds department leaders, who did have college degrees, had mismanaged the department.
“We had people making decisions who didn’t know anything about maintenance,” Leonard said. “They had the department so screwed up it was pathetic.”
The Beacon-News reported in April on a nearly year-long battle over who would provide janitorial products to the district that led to accusations of tens of thousands of wasted taxpayer dollars, payoffs in the maintenance department and preferential treatment for vendors."
WHAT HAS CHANGED?!
I guess we can all just forget telling our children to move on to higher education! Don't need it I guess as life experiences can be "just like having a master's degree"!?? And pocket you a cool $130,000 salary even if you have none of the very important qualifications needed to do the job!
Waiting for the lawsuits to begin again from contract breaches and other inept decisions. It will cost us all a lot more than his outrageous salary!
If the powers that be won't listen- take it to the media and the taxpayers!
Hull has been running at the mouth to anyone that will listen that Oak Park and Krug should become charter schools. He proceeds to go on a rant about "white" teachers not being able to work with minority students. He recently talked with Chapa Lavia and made his thoughts known to community members at Main Street Baptist.
He also attended a school conferance representing the district on Charter Schools in Chicago.
He quoted examples and gave data on how 60% of students in 131 hated their teacher. At Main Street he again stated kids only want to learn from teachers that look like them.
He thinks 700 HS students and 600 K to 8 should goto a Charter . Teachers need to realize this a BOE out of control. Administrators has stated if they tell us the move the chair right we will. Translated the BOE is running the district and they do not have a clue.
Hull is a loose cannon and the Board knew this when they elected him President. Many have heard his rants and hate for teachers. Let us not forget the first time you just did it speech. He needs to resign we do not need his racist views. Teachers give of themselves everyday in this district. My colleagues constantly buy cloths and toiletry items out of their pockets. Yes MR Hull we are white and proud of it
beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/08/naperville-north-hosts-talk-plan-overhaul-illinois-schools/
To Ethics Violation - just to clarify it doesn't matter how many board members get together. Open meetings acts only applies if a quorum of the members meet to discuss public business
Violation
When they get together in the Superintenents office you can bet they are discussing public business
D131 doesn't follow the law anyway.
With all this corruption and mismanagement of funds, perhaps it is time for an audit by the Illinois Atty. General's office?
Here is the link below.
Enough griping, nothing is being done. EA needs to get back on track!
http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/about/email_ag.jsp
openline.blogspot.com/2011/04/election-2011-aurora-voters-choose.html
Thanks to the Aurora Beacon today all candiadates can now have a fair chance to run for school board.
Lisa Morales only contacted pro Popp candiadates to notify them of changes in the location of filing. other candidates not known to Popp or not running on the Hull ticket could have easily been sent to Geneva. I have signed up for press releases and never received one. It is sad at the level the new transparent administrationwill go.
Hanley made no attempt to advertise changes in a place all candidates could see. What does he do all day.
Other involvement had Peryea asking us to sign petitions at the service center. It puts us in a position not to say no and as employees we are intimidated.
Peryea also used district copy machines and had Hanley take pictures for her.
All this shows the lack of morals her and Hull will go thought. . It is time for a new board.
beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/11/filing-site-changes-east-aurora-west-aurora-school-board-candidates/
In a attempt to secure campaign contributions Hull directed district employees to rip out a perfectly functioning alarm system at Quad County. Hull was seen meeting Chris Bychiek Alarm Detection employee and former city alderman over lunch.
After a quick visit to Quad it was decided the ADT system needed to go and Alarm Detection would replace them. To redo the Alarm the district will now pay $15,000 plus and monitoring charges will double.
Why is Hull having private meetings? Is this not the job of district officials? Do they not have a short term lease with Quad. what will happen to the Alarm in two years once the district does not lease? Did they bid the work out or not?
Hull needs to be run it of office . Other exposes will soon follow.
It was learned today that Tlyer was allowed to hire her freind from West Aurora a Purchasing Agent. This person lacks a degree and has no training in bidding. Her background was secretary. Central employees are embrassed by the lack of ethics and pray something is done. Her salary at $53,000 is a mockery to every hard working secretary.
What is it with 131 and business managers. tyler is totally unethical. This is just the latest. To us how have worked for the district it is sad. This latest hire is her Accts Payable person from West. Yes it is assame teachers in this district with Masters degrees are only paid $44,000. We have support staff making $30,000 with Masters.
With all the issues the board will rubber stamp another unethical act.
Mr Padron has showed fraud Tyler was involved with with a West Aurora supplier. Nothing was done by Popp. Election is coming and we can only hope a new group with morals and ethics are elected.
Something needs to change at the high school. Student behavior is out of control. The fights are violent and occurring on a near daily basis. Students smoke pot at school and pop / sell pills in the hallways. They are abusing the expensive technology that has been provided by grant funds, and today a teacher's keys were stolen from their coat pocket, only for thay teacher's car to be stolen out of the parking lot later in the day. It seems the administration is impotent in addressing many of these issues, as students continue to walk the halls making the environment unsafe for other students and staff. I believe in guiding children and helping them to be successful, even if that means lots of chances, but things are out of hand. For those of us who love EA, this is a disheartening time. Something needs to change and fast.
So many fights break out on or off campus the Police can not contain the students. A chair was thrown at a teacher and three days later the student was in class. dealers are no longer expelled and the word is out. Word is the BOE a will no longer expell for weapons. A student treaten a teacher with pocket knife and was not expelled we get no support. Word is the Alternative campus has less than 30 students in Alternative School..
A Sodexo employee was caught buying drugs from a relative of the maintenance Union and nothing was done. This district is out of control it will be my last year I fear for my life .
beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/13/east-aurora-names-financial-advisory-council/
Serveral of the members on the committee are friends of the Mayor of Aurora. Everyone around town knows East Aurora is looking for a administrative center. May of 2015 will see a annoucement of East Aurora taking the crumbling White elephant library off the cities back.
Dont bet on them talking about new ways to better the students.
After numerous issues in the business office Tyler would hire a associate or past friend. Would she not see a problem with this? Then to have the person not qualified shows Popp should be fired. Checking with friends she had accounting classes and no Building and Grounds experience. It shows Popp will allow business as usual to take place.
From the few people I am familiar with, there seems to be some people who really care. Let's see if their recommendations are appreciated and followed. Keep us posted Newshound.
I have heard the word, too. Pot can be smelled in the halls at EA, teachers are cussed at in front of deans who do nothing. Some teachers pass kids who should be failed, then ther teaches, and students, pay the price for having students in their class who do not belong but we're that her just pushed along to be gotten rid of.
I believe S. Byrd has EA best interest at heart. But without the support of higher admin and the Board his hands are tied. Get students out of our schools who do not want to learn. Give them one strike, second time put them out and let their parents and the courts deal with them being truant. Our teachers are getting discouraged. EA is not the easiest place to teach, but combine that with lack of management support and they have an uphill battle giving the students who want to learn the education they deserve.
These are the reasons our community do not want to see more money going into the tax coffer, when they are not efficiently making use of what they have. With all the staff that have been added, EA should have an outstanding learning environment. fix what's broken and leave everything and everyone else alone.
Wow!!! Did anybody see the picture of this Financial Advisory Council in the Beacon? This is supposed to be a group representative of the East Aurora Community? The entire coucil is white and all but one is male. The only person of color in the room was Ray Hull and he looked awfully content for somebody who has publicly stated that the children need role models that look like them. What a joke.
Somebody needs to start looking into who these people are connected to and how much district money starts flowing to them and their friends.
Dec 13 2014
Dear Board of Ed
On Friday Dec 12th I went to the Aurora Police Dept and filed a complaint/police report
regarding the fraudulent purchasing of the Trash Liners this past year. With the contract up for vote to
award PCS Industries on the Board Meeting, Monday Dec 15th, I am requesting this consideration
Since PCS Industries has been the beneficiary of several controversial issues and purchases, do you believe
it would be prudent to award them the contract that evening. My suggestion is to TABLE the VOTE until these
issues are resolved with the authorities.
There will be additional complaints submitted on a weekly basis indefinitely.
I bring this to your attention for the sole purpose of avoiding further action taken down the road.
Thank you
Ralph
Dr Popp has had months to stop Feltes and his cronies from breaking the law. He looked the other way because he is to concerned with the board. The Board members also knew Feltes was breaking the law but did nothing.
Tyler knew millions of dollars was purchased without purchase orders. At least 50% of the invoices came in without purchase orders or proof the work was complete. Many times the $25,000 bid rule was not followed. In fact Dr Popp had the lawyer try to defend this. Weiler is a neighbor and church member to Feltes and Leonard and twisted the law.
The Board sat meeting after meeting and voted for the bills knowing the law was broken. Staff now asks them to vote NO against the appointment of the new purchasing agent. She should not have been affiliated with anyone. The salary she is making for NO experience is a mockery.
Teachers have been told by administration that the BOE will not expell. Students are allowed to sell drugs without consequence. This fall the students had been warned the drug dogs are coming. That day tge building was clean but it made the situation worse because of the message.
So far Dr Popp had been a failure and teachers are fed up. Now we read of more embrassment in the business office and patronage hiring.
Please LORD bring us a new school board.
Please goto the meeting Dec16th and express your displeasure. We need to prepare for strike if a return to displine is not returned. Dr Popp and BOE have put students and staff at risk. We need respect ! Show your solidarity.
HS staff fears the current conditions of the building right now. Hopefully Christmas will bring a cooling off to the students. This Friday as well as last Friday saw major mob action fights break out. Most of this is two rival gangs. Although I have not been a supporter of Byrd he is receiving no support. Before and after school he is on the grounds. Teachers and support staff need to show solidarity. Please come to the Union meeting and show your support.
Ironic how people's salaries do not coincide with their education levels or degrees despite the fact they are working for a SCHOOL DISTRICT! Feltes at 130K!? That should more than offend everyone paying taxes in this district! NO degree!? But Leonard says his "life skills" make up for a Master's degree?? What a joke!
What a message to students!?
Feltes is not supposed to be at work on Mondays or Fridays due to his "medical condition", yet he was seen lurking around the school grounds this past Friday and again today (Monday)?
Hey!
Guy with the Life Skill's Master's Degree- RESIGN ALREADY! Save us our $130,000 dollars plus all of the money we will pay out in future repercussions from your inept decision making!
I have already reported you to the ROE as well as the others breaking the law as noted above. I hope other taxpayers and concerned citizens will do the same!
Ironic how people's salaries do not coincide with their education levels or degrees despite the fact they are working for a SCHOOL DISTRICT! Feltes at 130K!? That should more than offend everyone paying taxes in this district! NO degree!? But Leonard says his "life skills" make up for a Master's degree?? What a joke!
What a message to students!?
Feltes is not supposed to be at work on Mondays or Fridays due to his "medical condition", yet he was seen lurking around the school grounds this past Friday and again today (Monday)?
Hey!
Guy with the Life Skill's Master's Degree- RESIGN ALREADY! Save us our $130,000 dollars plus all of the money we will pay out in future repercussions from your inept decision making!
I have already reported you to the ROE as well as the others breaking the law as noted above. I hope other taxpayers and concerned citizens will do the same!
Watch the rubber stamp board approve her tonight. She also does not have any skills hopefully a new board will be elected and throw the bums out.
http://beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/15/school-board-races-already-heating-fox-valley/
Hull directed a brand new alarm to be installed at the Urban League today. Looks like Hull needs his signs and campaign flyers paid for by ADS.
thanks to the teacher at Allen for complaining about subs. Our building is having the same problem. We have a smaller building at Johnson and students are placed with higher grade levels. On a daily basis classes are over 45 students. The permanent sub idea was given to Flannigan. We blamed Gloztzbach. Teachers need to come to the general assembly meeting tonight.
Since administration is doing nothing lets expose them to the public.
Why is the district installing a
permanent upgrade to a rented building? Why is a board member the one deciding what money is spent, did this go through proper bidding procedures. Isn't this all against Illinois law?
The board is a embrassment I will vote for anyone but them. None of them knew what they voted on last night. These are taxes that pay for the schools and nobody was prepared.
Here is proof positive you cannot trust Ray Hull at his word. Two years ago when there were board elections and the board was infighting, Ray said he was fed up with the dysfunction of the board and while he didn’t feel resigning at the time made sense he said “You don’t have to worry about me running for school board again I’m fed up.” I know this because I was at the board meetings where he said this. So two years later and it seems power has gone to Ray’s head. That’s ok there isn’t much else up there.
Ray be a stand-up guy and honor by your word, don’t run for school board.
This blog is a great place to talk about all of the indiscretions going on in the district. Below is where to actually report this corruption to the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools.
Here is in part what it states on their site- "Regional Offices of Education and Intermediate Service Centers are entrusted with assessing compliance of local school districts and recognized non-public schools in the state of Illinois. This process consists of a systematic review of district documentation and recording compliance with state and federal laws and Illinois School Code. The resulting designation is reported on the state website and as part of the Illinois Report Card. The compliance process is seen as a opportunity to improve operations and support the programs that deliver quality educational experiences to students."
To contact them:
IARSS President
Patricia Dal Santo, Regional Superintendent
Kane County Regional Office of Education
210 South 6th Street
Geneva, IL 60134
630-232-5963
pdalsanto@kaneroe.org
Let's take Ralph Padron's lead here in reporting the illegal activity going on in Dist 131.
Ray Hull has told members of his church he is retiring and leaving Aurora in one year for Mississippi. So why run for a four year seat?
It is also rumored the board lawyers sister is running for the board. Is that not a conflict? I was always told the lawyer works for the board. Then how can she manage her own brother?
I was not to concerned about Dr Popp but I think he is pulling the strings and many coverups are occurring. It seems the serial bully is back.
The Urban League has a working alarm with ADT. The District would have only had to put the alarm in their name but they opted to install a new alarm. district officials were told the monitoring fees with ADT were cheaper.
Hull visited the Urban League and was seen talking to District admin including Rana, Brown and Alarm Detection. Could it be Hull was greasing someone palms for donation. That is right you can not trust Hull.
Mr Padron please check on this
Just listen to Hull speak he changes his message in the same sentence. That is why his opinions have little to no meaning. At Monday's meetings this was clear again. First he votes yes for a tax increase and talks at length about why paying taxes is important. In the same sentance he turns around and vote no. I am not sure he knows what he is saying.
It is also clear he is not confortable in his own skin. Johnson was to close to Roberts although her time on the board did see accomplishment and Hull is to close to Popp.
Teachers are talking stike this spring. The level of disfunction can be seen at all levels. I went to the Board of Ed meeting yesterday to support a fellow teachers and much to my suprise I witnessed a new level of disfunction.
The Board President can not pass a third grade reading test. The Board of Education had no clue what they voted on. The residents are angry at the school district. The Board legal counsel is even more confused. I have no hope for our district and will lock my door and just try to finish out the year.
Meanwhile at the union meeting great concern echoed. One message is clear NO LEADERSHIP exists.
Ray Hull is seen leaving schools and visiting with staff all day. When does he do his job for the City of Aurora. He visits the Service Center several times a week and is Popps daily lunch buddy.
I don't live in 131 but I would never vote for him. A man who steals from his job steals from children. By driving a City vehicle and taking time off he is stealing.
Marty Feltes is home a lot during the day during the work week. I live right down the street and see him pull up in his Jeep all the time...and it's not just for lunch. More stealing of funds... Guess everyone is out doing what they want to do on our dime.
I attended my first meeting Monday and was told I could get updates on this sight for Ralph Padron. I was impressed with him Monday. However after the meeting I know there is no hope for the schools.
We are shown no respect the Board President started the meeting and then stopped the meeting for over 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Then the board and finance lady who should be up on explaining to the board had no clue what they voted on The lawyer confused himself and the superintendent was clueless. What a mess!
Then the poor teacher who was teaching classes of 50 or 60 students because they can't get enought help when teachers are out.
No wonder the students can't learn. The administration is so inept it is impossible.
It will not help walking around the school talking to others about how corrupt and unorganized things are and wondering when action will be taken.
WE MUST BE THE ONES TO DO IT!
Start by writing an email to the ROE (Regional Office of Education) c/o Patricia Dal Santo about what is going on. If nothing is done at that level then it is on to the State's Atty.'s Office.
We need to help the students by ridding this District of the current board and others who are ultimately undermining the learning process either by their inability to do their jobs or their concerns with lining their own pockets.
PLEASE email your comments and let's get the ball rolling. It does not have to be a long letter and you can write it without giving your name if you are afraid for your job, as many of us are (just explain this in your email).
Thanks! The students need us!
I attended the union meeting yesterday but many of us are afraid to speak up and complain because Avis Miller takes notes and gives names to Hull. The next day we get a visit from our Principal.
Avis Millers daughter was given a promotion by Hull and the interview committee at Simmons was told we are racist.
If everyone thinks it was so bad under Annette Johnson/Jerome Roberts think again. We now live our teaching lives in fear if you do not have tenure. With the new evaluations tenure rights are suspect at best.
I will vote no and go on strike that is how my voice will be heard.
Dec 16th 2014
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
Dear Mr. Hanley
1 Payment History & Cancelled Checks to PCS Industries for
PO 150028 Inv # 168013
PO 150339 Inv # 165781
2 Payroll summary for Marty Feltes from Jan 1 2014 to current date.
3 Updated copy of David Rana STIPEND payments for 2014
4 Application of the newly appointed Purchasing Agent and all other documents.
Also other applications submitted for this position.
5 Recent Listing of the Purchasing Agent Position and Job Description.
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
Next BIG SCANDAL TO BE EXPOSED
Preferred Vendor List
now this will be exciting and entertaining to expose more corruption and especially CRONYISM.
Stay tuned for more interesting info I will be posting soon
Calling the ROE is a waste many teachers have attempted this as well as community members. The ROE calls the current Sup and he swepts it under the rug. In my time I have attempted to bring attention to poor reporting or minutes and I complained long before Johnson about goast employees on the insurance at 131. I know teachers who have complained about mold and poor air quality. The ROE did nothing. These complaints involved the ROE and at the time Dr Roberts. I gave up and eventually Ralph will too. Popp knows this and he will do nothing, just wait it out.
I do see Dr Popp as slimmy like Radocovich and a bully. My experience with Roberts was laziness but not corruption. Now the district has a corupt superintendent and a even more corupt board so my conclusion is EA will be bankrupt by the end of Popps contract.
Mr Hulls comments at a board meeting
Mr. Hull stated that one of the things that he believes may be missing which is why we may not be seeing the results we want is that we are forgetting about the students and the types of students that we are dealing with. He stated that relationships are huge when it comes to dealing with students. Understanding the environment that the students come from and how to relate to them is also He feels that it could be difficult for an upper middle class teacher to come into the district and really be able to click with our students because they may not understand what goes on.
Why is he allowed to say this about our teachers without being secured. Please Mr Hull get your bigot self off the board If you feel this way why did you hire Mr Popp?
Well... If the ROE will not do anything then I guess it's up to the State's Atty.
I will start a petition and post it here to be sent to their office directly.
Some form of action needs to be taken. Any other suggestions? I will always participate as will my neighbors and co-workers.
I am very interested to see what Mr. Padron's FOIAs uncover. I am very grateful for him taking the time to do this. I hope they are responding in a timely manner as required by law.
I employee was intimidated and unfairly accused of talking with Annette Johnson. This employee was innocent. Apparently the board was not told the purchasing person and friend of Christy Tyler started Monday. The board had a long discussion as to the hiring. Johnson accused Popp, Glozabach and Tyler of not telling the truth by letting out this fact.
Joany sticks to the teachers can not start unless approved by the BOE so why did Christy's friend.
Everyone knows Popp plays Hull like a lap dog.
December 15th, 2014 Board Meeting Speech
Summary of conference call with Dr Popp and Ms Tyler December 1 2014
Trash Liners purchases awarded to PCS Industries
PCS quotes were intentionally altered with fraudulent information
Neither Dr Popp not Ms Tyler knew who altered the quotes.
C North American Paper quote was copied from their catalog and expired July 31 2014
Christi stated that she just looks at the bottom line for the lowest price only. Validating authenticity of the document is not considered.
C Approval Log showed it was approved by Marty Feltes and Christi Tyler
Since Christi did not know who altered the quote, Marty Feltes was the last person who approved.
The quotes were submitted by the Bldg & Grnds Dept which asks the immediate question:
Why were these documents submitted repeatedly, knowingly that the product ordered was not in specification which was clearly required per bid specifications.
Valdes Enterprises Breach of Contract
The issue was why did Bldg & Grnds disregard the contract for purchases given to Valdes whom was under contract for 3 years?
The answer given to me was Valdes Enterprises probably couldn’t deliver on time the product.
I contacted Valdes to discuss the contract and that there is a Breach of Contract.
Christi Tyler did get involved and the purchasing of the item was resumed immediately
Floor Scrubbers Purchases
This issue is under investigation. Dr Popp is awaiting the return of an employee who was on medical leave
Dr Popp agreed that the quotes:
A - Should only have been given to those authorized distributors for pricing.
Personal Comments
A It is extremely disappointing that Ms Tyler’s answer to “I am only interested in the lowest price” did not reflect examining the quotes for errors or insuring everything was in order for these purchases. It is also disturbing that the statement of “Delivery Time may have been an issue” thus justifying the “Breach of Contract”.
B The altered quote was a violation and intended to direct those purchases to a specific vendor.
C Due to the seriousness of these blatant unlawful violations, I have recommended that the B&G purchasing personnel be relieved of these duties immediately to protect further wrongdoing.
Dr Popp indicated that any disciplinary action taken would be handled by Human Resources and that I would have to look at the “Personnel Report” for any action taken.
E One fact that is undeniable is that PCS Industries has been the recipient of all these purchases.
I believe that speaks for itself.
I should not be the one pointing out these irregularities and questionable decisions on purchasing however
this reinforces several observations
1 Employees with no purchasing background/experience should NOT be allowed to direct purchase orders nor solicit quotes. Everything is pointing to preferential awarding of purchases thus trust/confidence has been compromised within the Bldg & Grnds Dept.
2 With the emergence of this and several other issues to be brought public soon, it is obvious that there has been no accountability with several individuals whom have proven they cannot be trusted and are unqualified to be leaders in East Aurora Dist 131.
As my mentor once said “It is amazing what we tolerate”
Because PCS Industries was the intended recipient of this and other purchases, I have suggested to the East Aurora Board of Education that the contract to be voted on tonight be “Tabled” due to investigation forthcoming.
On Friday December 12th 2014 I filed a police report/complaint vs those involved with the purchasing of these transactions. More will be filed the near future.
I personally think that defeatist mentality is what stops a lot of people from taking action. It's contagious. I realize first-hand how depressing this is, but is that what we would teach our children to do? Roll over and give up? Not to be grandiose, but if the people that created this great nation had that attitude...well, we probably wouldn't be writing on this blog today. Take action and never give up! Contact the ROE, support Ralph Padron in his efforts, come up with other ideas. Fight for what you believe in and others will follow.
http://ea131.blogspot.com/2009/06/school-board-workshop-public-welcome.html
Elsa Clevers qualifications do not match the job description and now they are spending money with the district attoney to train her. One has to question why if she was qualified did she not come trained. as a purchase person at $53,000 per year should she not be doing the training?
Why has employee shaken down by Tyler . The employee was wrongly accused. She should file a discrimination lawsuit? Why was she allowed to start before the Board approved her? Teachers are not allowed to start so why her?
What are they covering up.
Oh could it be Marty Feltes and his pal Dick Leonard's vote. Could it be Marty and Dick will campaign in the first ward for Peryea, Garza and Hull.
Oh could it be that Elsa is a friend of Tyler's
I wanted to give Popp the benefit of the doubt , but after reading and attending the last meeting I am convinced he should be fired along with Tyler, and Feltes.
As a employee of this district I have been insulted as a white middle class teacher that does not identify with children. Add insult to injury, a person with no degree makes $130,000 screws up the district and is allowed to waste millions. Meanwhile, the art programs, and teachers are on the chopping block.
The lastest purchasing scandle had the opportunity to bring in a professional. They could then annouced that we made mistakes, but we are cleaning it up , and this is our plan. Instead , I am reading we hired another person without a degree, and we are training.
If the person did start on Monday that is a travesty. Our building started with 8 less teachers because HR could not process them. We also had countless support staff positions opened. Teachers are paid with Masters and even Doctoral degrees in the mid 40's
Please address this issue and tell me this is not true.
On another note, Sara Intherm is not strong enough to be our leader. Teachers should not have to come to the BOE meetings and speak. They will become targets that is why we pay dues
Dr Popp never had the experience to become a Superintenent of this district. Hull stated, and it is noted at many board meetings and his public speeches we are not a good fit to teach the children. Teachers are wondering if that was the case then why Dr Popp. Dr Popp is a middle class white man.
The other obstacle is the divide at Central Office. The Oswego curriculum group fight with the Popp group. The Roberts leftovers, other than Joan know they will get fired. Dr Popp hides in his office and does not lead.
Then Dr Popp has the cronism and board issues to deal with. He is now so tainted there is little to no chance of success.
I best describe him to co workers as the Jay Cutler. everything he touches the ball he fumbles and now it's time to bench him and his big contract.
Tyler claims she only looks at the "bottom line" as far as bids are concerned? Per her memo to the BOE,
"After careful review of all submissions for the District Trash Can Liners Bid, PCS Industries came in as he lowest responsible, responsive bidder."
"Careful" and "Review" are the key words here.
Marty Feltes broke the law and altered this bid and upon her review she must have known that there was a change.
When you break the law, there are repercussions that should come swiftly from the BOE and other parties within the District and will come from outside agencies. These brazen acts of theft can be followed through documentation and prosecuted. I am looking forward these people who steal from the school/students being brought to justice.
Just heard about this blog today on Facebook and that someone is going to start a petition demanding the corruption in District 131 be looked into by the state. Also that someone was requesting FOIAs. Great! I applaud Mr. Padron! FOIAs are facts! Can't deny them! Since there seems to be no set of Checks and Balances going on in this district I am grateful that someone with the knowledge to do this is helping. Thank you!
Marla Hermes
If a police report if filed they need to report that. the petition should goto the Chicago Tribune directly. it looks like the Beacon is protecting Matt Handley and not reporting the news. This is a bigger story because it involves a board members friend Marty Feltes. Good people got dismissed last year why no displine.
Why is the board not responding to public comments. Popp has administration go and talk to individuals privately and that is subject to telling lies if it is not put out to the public. The past board always put it in writing.
Remembered this article blasting the mayor last year. How about the board cleaning house starting with themselves? What about the millions that have been squandered by this administration? How much money would rooting out and getting rid all of the corruption save? I am not disagreeing with the article's point, but it looks pretty nuts coming from a board that can't keep tabs on the mind-blowing amount of money being wasted on huge salaries and theft.
http://openline.blogspot.com/2013/06/east-aurora-school-district-131-blasts.html
http://beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/19/intent-review-east-aurora-school-board-approves-levy-hike/
For all the taxes paid the school district is not the only problem
Despite building a $165 million police palace with massive corruption to enrich cronies and a bonus scheme by Mayor Tom Weisner and police brass, including Kristen Ziman, to exploit a temporary "zero murder" stat, the FBI says Aurora is the top Chicago area suburb for crime.
That's right. Aurora is second to none for crime.
We can't wait for the press conferences, publicity stunts, photo ops from the same taxpayer-funded fools who knowingly ignored common sense and prudent public policy while real crime was still alive and well with actual police officers dealing with it on the streets instead of the palace.
In a story about the Top 10 Most Dangerous Towns in Illinois by CBS Chicago, Aurora ranks #1 in crime for suburbs:
"For suburban Chicago, Aurora is ranked No. 1 with a crime rate of 601 per 100,000 residents."
Kristen Ziman, a commander at the Aurora Police Department and co-founder of Blue Coward, a scheme to exploit taxpayers with a Weisner campaign crony, argued vigorously during the debate on the police bonus scheme that it was "justified."
She cannot be reached for comment.
We've also reached out to Mayor Tom Weisner. Neither he nor anyone that he gathered for photo-ops and publicity stunts to exploit a crime stat two years ago can be reached.
Join Facebook the Openline Interns are back.
Thank you newshound. I have submitted a comment on this article as I hope others will.
Thank you for your insight on the petition. I am working with several others on preparing it. It will now go to the Tribune as well. I will post the link to the online petition as soon as it is finished. We are still gathering a few more facts. I hope people will be open to adding their own comments along with their signatures.
Well the teachers lose out again! I have been at the school for 30 years but even this was an eye-opener!The division chairs and their clipboard's were actually going around when we were having holiday celebrations and using PBIS positive reinforcements with our hardworking students. I read in the Division minutes that "the first 3-5 minutes are the most important in a class" That is patent bull-oney. We used to have announcements, for years and years and this allowed teachers to get their ducks in a row to start class with a bang. They moved announcements to the last 4-8 minutes of class and they are disruptive, come at all different times, and interrupt a class wrapping up-- I would argue it is the last 4-6 minutes that are paramount because that is the time for review, reflection, reminding kids of the next days work, etc.. They do not want to help and support us to be good teachers - don't you get it? They want to set situations up where we are deficient--
I have to agree with anon2. It seems our district strives, not for excellence in educating our children but rather excellence in managing to manipulate the numbers to qualify for the freebies...being deficient gets the money. I recall when Marin Gonzales was in EA. They did not want to allow children to move out of the bilingual classes, even when parents urged them. When meetings were called at the high school for bilingual students, everyone with a Spanish surname was called and counted, even though many did not even speak Spanish. If our student have learning deficiencies, family financial deficiencies.....EA gets the extra money.
I feel sorry for our teachers who work so hard to educate our children. They struggle with some real student issues, but also have to fight with admin to get the support they need to do their job. Thank you, Teachers. If you feel the need to strike, do it. Maybe the truth of what goes on, on Fifth Street, will come to light.
We need the petition to ensure the current board is not reelected then we need to focus on the others. This board has been very distructive. They have done nothing about cleaning up corruption. Feltes is still working and comes and goes as he pleases now. It is worse than before because now he uses his illiiness as a excuse.
He is milking it.
The employees of this district live in fear, it is more so true if you work at the administrative centers. Dr Popp is totally parinoid and has his henchwomen Glotzbach accuse of working with Ralph or working with Johnson.
He is openly helping Perya and Hull, rumor is the district bumbling lawyer who never wins a case even has his sister running for election. Tech people have been forced to pull emails and some have talked about the office being bugged. Hanley was caught growing through a suspected Ralph employees desk the other evening. This has created a hostile work enviroment.
The Feltes scandle is growing and that has created more hostility. Tyler brought in a all costs her highly paid spy for tge office because she does not trust anyone.
The teachers union can not have a private conversation with members because Avis Miller takes notes. Immediately following the meeting employees got visits from their applicable building supervisors.
The solution to this is a new board and a board that is willing to reign in Dr Popp. we know that will not happen. The investigations are a small part of the problem. The biggest problem is Dr Popps inability to make a descision.
Please if a petition is started to remove the board and superintendent maybe some action on the part of the State will happen.
The petition will be ready at the end of today, latest tomorrow.
You will be able to add in whatever comments you'd like when you sign it. It will be going to the State's Attorneys Office as well as the Chicago Tribune.
The website change,org is a great place for a petition.
That's exactly where we put it.
Sign and please let me know if there is anything anyone would like to add.
You are also able to add your own personal comments when you sign.
This will go to the Kane Co. State's Attorney's Office as well as the Tribune. Please share.
Sorry, the URL is long.
https://www.change.org/p/kane-county-state-s-attorney-s-office-please-audit-east-aurora-school-district-131-including-such-things-as-boe-mismanagement-of-funds-theft-inappropriately-high-salaries-altered-vendor-bids-unqualified-personnel-making-costly-decisions-resulting-in-
Steve Lawson - you should contact Ralph Padron. He has worked with the State's Attorney on D131 crimes. We also have contacts at the Tribune.
Check the 131 board minutes for his address.
If you sign the petition, VOTE. Vote for people that are not on the board.
This effort should be coordinated to be effective. There is power in numbers!
Just copy the url address above starting with the https:// to the end. Then paste into your browser. You cannot click the address to get to the petition from here.
Copy and paste only.
Today I filed Police Report #2 vs Feltes, Rana, and another party. Big week last week as another party came forward and will cooperate in exposing more purchasing scandals.
We are finalizing the Preferred Vendor violations and will make a police report on that also. Tons of obvious cronyism and PO'S being given out illegally
Stay tuned for some big surprises after the 1st of the year.
Keep the info coming as contact me however you can.
it is time for our BOE to resign along with the Superintendent. HE was told in May that Feltes was stealing but he was willing to play politics with the BOE. Dr Popp the next petition will be for asking you to RESIGN if something is not done. Dr Popp you were given the benefit of doubt and Mr Padron did your job and paid for copies that Hanley covered up. you choose to look the other way Feltes has been back two weeks and nothing was done. Dr Popp you then allowed Tyler to hire another crony position in purchasing. Let's get the word out and demand change.
Ultimately this financial upset is causing the students of District 131 to suffer. Unqualified persons making huge financial decisions for this District have been creating a negative impact on taxpayers, teachers, students and the surrounding community for years. Cries for help to the Superindendant and the Regional Office of Education have produced no results.
Examples include: large salaries for personnel who do not fit job descriptions and/or preferential hiring due to friends on the Board of Education or in managerial positions, altered/ illegal vendor bids resulting in Breaches of Contract with current vendors, mismanagement of funds by the current Board of Education resulting in millions of dollars being wasted.
We ask for the sake of the community, teachers and the students that East Aurora School District 131 be audited and the necessary changes made to rectify these problems and get our school system back on track.
On Change.org
Please post to the main page of the blog so everyone will know. We need help . Millions are getting put in Feltes pockets and wasted for our children education.
Steve thank you for putting this together but not only people from Aurora should sign. many of us work in the district and have witnessed corruption first hand we need to have our friends and neighbors sign strength in numbers.
Please audit East Aurora School District 131 including such things as: BOE mismanagement of funds, theft, inappropriately high salaries, altered vendor bids, unqualified personnel making costly decisions resulting in the loss of millions of dollars
Our DC's are useless. They were too worried this week with "padding their stats" and doing pointless drop ins than actually being there for us. I've had numerous unanswered emails and voicemails to my DC. Those are the only ways I can reach her since she's never in her office, yet she's "too busy" (more like too lazy) to respond. Maybe she doesn't know the answers cause she's incompetent, which must be a requirement as they all are. They are in too many of those meetings every week where nothing is accomplished yet they talk incessantly about what they should do. Plus as I walked past the SS office on Friday at 5:30 PM I noticed the door was locked and all the food they had out that day still on the table. What was that DC doing? Couldn't she take a break from Facebook to clean up? Maybe her family was at school all day and she couldn't get away from them. Rumor is all the Admin went out Friday after work, which is fine. However, I just hope they were able to drive home this time. Just ask Byrd and that SS DC about getting wasted at work outings. My guess is that went on a district card yet we can't ask for more scantrons or help from them for anything else. Here's to a New Year and a hope that they all get canned...SOON!
Yes, please everyone feel free to sign the petition. I posted on my FB page for only people from east Aurora to sign as I have over 1,000 associates from around the world on my page and didn't want any "good intention" signatures from across the globe listed. Local petitions with those types of "padded signatures" make them ring false imo.
Ralph Padron is the gentleman who inspired me to create it. He is getting the facts here and that will lead to success in exposing and hopefully correcting the corruption here.
Mr. Padron I will contact you soon and thank you for leading the way.
Respectfully,
Steve Lawson
If this is the state of our district Dr Popp should be released at the end of the year. He needed to show leadership and remove Feltes,
Dr Roberts removed many employees or suspended them. At the time I felt it was too serve. In time it became the right move employees of the district did mind and cleanup looked hopeful. It was also good move to remove credit cards. Dr Popp came in an immediately reissued the cards. Staff could see rules were relaxed. The biggest mistake was allowing Feltes to continue because others also started abusing the rules. Now we a embrassing public petition. Dr Popp has no creditability.
Steve, it might not be a bad idea to also post the info on the petition in Spanish as a large amount of the parents and the community this effects are spanish speaking. Thanks for doing this. I think the students may rise up in support as well.
Thanks
As soon as I get a moment today I will add a Spanish translation. Excellent idea! Thanks.
The petition is now in spanish as well(below the english body of text). I could not put it in the header as they only give you so many characters to work with there. Hope that helps.
Here's a post from Openline Blog:
Steve Lawson said...
The blog site-ea131.blogspot.com owned by Rayanne Carlson and on other anonymous individual is bad for East Aurora High School (posting here as Aurora does not have a Patch). This blog is filled with hearsay and offensive posts that directly affect EAHS negatively is a variety of different ways. The blog allows participants to post an array of very seedy and non-regulated comments (or should I say at the blogger's discretion. All posts are moderated and thus they determine what is posted publicly).
All this has done not only hurt the individuals being targeted, but has kept potential educators from considering EAHS as a place of employment.
4/10/14, 1:56 AM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Looks like our pal Steve Lawson has either had a change of heart or realized that "if you can't beat them, join them"!
;)
Sorry, I am no one's "pal" and that is not me. I am not quite that dense. Are you a target of the petition? I think I would focus on that first.
I assume Matt Hanley has been told to research Steve Lawson. Here is the big difference Matt, Ralph has proved with facts district money has been mishandled or mismanaged. Ralph has given Dr Popp and the BOE hard copies that you charge him for proving fraud. Dr Popp has done nothing. The BOE has not addressed this as well. It is not Ralphs job to discover mishandled funds it is yours, Dr Popps and Christy Tylers. This has all been discovered even though you pull files out of FOIA and do not return them
Stop going through employees desks Matt and spying on good employees and fix the problem. You are now the problem, Matt.
I personally know Steve. He has had it out with people about the stuff going on at EA. Someone could have easily of used his name as they could Ralph Padron's. It's the internet give me a break!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/237409909798830/
Either he's lying about being the "Steve Lawson" trying to shut down the blog, or his online identity has been compromised.
The picture on the Facebook page is the same as on the Change.org petition page.
Or perhaps I had my account hacked back in May? Now WHO would do something like that? Hmm..seems I remember having a little altercation with someone in the district in the beginning of the year about this blog? This is my personal/business account on FB. Trying very hard to discredit aren't we? Too hard.
Matt Hanley has been told to take down this blog. They are using the same scare tactics in the District.
Now they are worried because students are starting to post.
No, it was created in April I see. Whoever it was created a "group" on my page. That is hilarious. If it was in fact MY group I would have promoted the heck out of it. It had one member. I have 1,300 friends and associates. It is erased now and my settings changed. Better luck next time. Just proves the point as to what lengths people will go to cover up their dirty deeds.
I cannot be on here all day trying to defend against people trying to discredit. I will not sink to that level and waste my time on them.
Omit me from the equation and take the petition for what it is- A chance to reclaim our school system. Don't let yourselves be turned from it because somebody dislikes me or this blog.
I see students are posting on it. It makes me proud to see they are standing up for what they believe in! That is what history teaches us to do!
I have turned the petition over to a non-disclosed source as not to "taint" it any way and to avert any personal attacks, hacking etc. to people's online accounts.
Here is hoping for the very best!
Dec 22nd 2014
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request
Dear Mr. Hanley
1 All emails from Marty Feltes, David Rana to Christi Tyler and Joan Glotzbach for the time period July 1st 2014 to current date Dec 22 2014.
2 All emails from Christi Tyler and Joan Glotzbach to Marty Feltes, David Rana for the time period July 1st 2014 to current date Dec 22 2014.
3 All requisitions and competitor quotes (when applicable) regarding the purchases of Toilet Paper and Dispenser Soap purchased by Bldg and Grounds for the time period January 1 2014 to current Dec 22 20104. Also include purchase orders and invoices.
4 All requisitions and competitor quotes (when applicable) regarding the purchases of Paper Towel 6/cs purchased by Bldg and Grounds for the time period January 1 2014 to current Dec 22 20104. Reference PO 146274 dtd 4-7-2014 for item description. Also include purchase orders and invoices
5 All EA Bldg & Grnds documents requesting quotes for the above items for the time period
Jan 1 2014 – current Dec 22 2014.
If possible please send via email and USPS
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
If this does not show the lengths the district will goto to cover up. Ralph filed police reports, gave documents to Tyler/Popp, gave copies to the BOE in public and spoke in public. It does not matter who made the petition only if it is true. I doubt Mr Padron would be in public doing this if it was made up.
Mr Lawson has it on Facebook and his account has over 1300 members it is not a fake account.
Dr Popp do right by the students and staff. Admit guilt and clean it up
Why would Marty Feltes approve all purchase orders and insure PCS Industries received all this new business this year? Upon reviewing the FOIA's I have been receiving, I noticed something that caught my attention.
A good friend of mine from
West Aurora Dist is helping me sort out something that has been a pattern on all the PO's. I am getting another audit going to establish the pattern. More on this later.
Preliminary "Preferred Vendor" finding is why are these vendors not being used to perform work at the district? Instead some other companies have been awarded very high priced work.
This necessitates ADDITIONAL FOIA's to answer some very sensitive questions which will be proven to be "Preferred Marty Feltes Vendors" receiving the work.
Stay tuned for more announcements of Police Reports and Scandals being exposed.
I seem to remember the board voted on perferred vendors a Mr Finley was told he needed to perpare this and was forced by L eonard to do this. It was the to keep the District honest. It is intesting that Leonard looked the other way when Feltes did not like the perferred vendors that had the cheapest price.
Was the petition taken down I can't find it using the link?
No, it is still up. Here is the link-
https://www.change.org/p/kane-county-state-s-attorney-s-office-please-audit-east-aurora-school-district-131-including-such-things-as-boe-mismanagement-of-funds-theft-inappropriately-high-salaries-altered-vendor-bids-unqualified-personnel-making-costly-decisions-resulting-in-
http://beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/23/4-fox-valley-school-districts-will-least-7-candidates/
Dave Rana continues to receive $ 413.46 extra per week as INTERM DIRECTOR FOR bldg & grnds. It began week ending Nov 7 2014 and continues to this very day.
Why does he receive this with Feltes back to work. Must be the highest paid chauffeur for Bldg Grnds Director in the country.
This $ 413.46 per week is on top of his $ 62,000.00 salary per year. this totals $ 83,500.00 per year. Feltes is making 130,000 + year.
Total for BG Mgmt $ 213,500.00 year.
Who oversees these salaries and approves the Stipend every week for David Rana? How can this be justified.
Any thoughts or answers on this.
I will be addressing this immediately
Not only is Dave Rana paid extra but Feltes was given a extra Supervisor that past administration did not have. Past B&G also had to do purchasing and now they hired someone to do Feltes work on that. Claudia Ruiz is also assigned to him full time to help with scheduling and workers comp plus union grievances. With all the support B&G costs about $550,000 in management.
Preferred Vendor, you give too much credit to Leonard. He is not smart enough to think about bidding preferred vendors. Annette Johnson wanted to reestablish the practice so Finley researched it, prepared the public bid, and presented the results to the board for approval. The board voted to approve it.
However Feltes & Rana have chosen to use their own preferred friends.
And the 2 B & G committee members Leonard & Hull have let them do it. Oh that’s also the 2 Board members Leonard and Hull. They voted then violated.
These 4 people have totally corrupted their positions, failed the district. and wasted MILLIONS. They have also personally benefitted or boosted their egos.
The worst is Leonard, He had Feltes hired, gave him raises, and voted for all the illegal spending.
I hope the New Year brings a new board, and Christmas peace. I wish we could turn to the education of children. Dr Popp, my wishes for you have are to become the leader you are paid well to be, and clean up the B&G department. I also wish money was not wasted and spent on the children.
Amen to common sense!
Best of luck to Ms. Birkett in her retirement. I live in D204 (I'm an EAHS alum), so I've seen Ms. B's outstanding work through the past 15 years. She was a shining example of a good administrator, diplomatic and ethical.
http://beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/24/career-educator-kathryn-birkett-savoring-retirement/
Wasn't she married to "Serial Bully" Radakovich back in the early 2000's?
Good for her for dropping the loser and working hard for D204's kids!
A little known fact is that she gave 131 a honest referance on her employee Dr Popp. It went along the lines of the job was too big for him. Always the diplomat, she paraphrased it in a way that our Board should have listened. Her words of wisdom have come pass.
Working in the district has been interesting this year. I recently talked with Dr Roberts for a job referance. He talked freely about decisions that were made in his administration. It proves a bird in the hand theory Always, the zen master I know now his decisions regarding Feltes were forced upon him. He stated Mr Finley was a professional and that the district did not need a repair person. He also said that Feltes was warned many times about the simular situations with bids and paperwork so he is not suprised about the currents scandals. He also mentioned Leonard as being the most devious member of the board.
http://beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/26/east-aurora-2014-world-records-acts-kindness/
http://beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/26/many-ways-east-aurora-kindergarten-center-tied-gonzalez-family/
The District has known about Tre Winfreys story since November but refused to help, Internal fighting on the board has stopped the help. This student is a example to other students. He is not bitter or angry he just needs help. One has to wonder how community relations spends their day. Mr Hanley can write story in the Enlighter but recent graduates why not help him.
The Jaybird Gonzalez naming was another example of the disfunction on the board. The board did not follow the will of the community and teachers to name a building after a student who lived for Kindergarden. At the very least Ms Stanford should have had honorable mention considering she was the founder and main grant writer of pre-school.
I do know a promise was broken to last years students board members with regards to Scholarships that had been in place for several years.
In all three instances they had been causes of the prior board President. It seems children are getting injured by board disfunction. It is time our board conduct themselves as adults including Dr Popp. I know this because the quite majority see's and hears.
Please put a end to this madness and look and listen yourselfs.
I attended the last school board meeting and listened while speaker after speaker complained about the poor education and us of tax dollars and wasted tax dollars. I was most impressed with the lady who taked about the Enlighter. Please stop sending that gabaage out. The interview section to me just shows a lack of knowing what to put it in. Why did Hanley not talk about the student in need. I heard him boost we take care of our own. maybe writing that would have actually helped someone. I would like to see the district reduce their budget starting with him.
Feltes is paid to run the department. My friend Rodger did his job and died doing his job. The pressure for Rodger was unbearable.When Rana got on board a whole new level of breaking the rules started. Feltes focused on repairs that normally got assigned to the maintenance crew. Rana focused building a case against the maintenance crew.
I hope Mr Padron can bring enought attendtion to Feltes. I hope a new board fires Popp he could have stopped this months ago.
If the board would step up, acknowledge this theft and fire those responsible it would give many of us hope for the new year. Facts are out there for everyone to see, so what is the problem? Start with Feltes. His theft and corruption are obvious!! Add in his outrageous salary and it makes me ill. I could pay my house off in a couple of years on that pay! He is a bully and makes/made people physically ill with his tirades and threats. Let him go back to his pitiful plumbing business and hopefully jail for his theft of funds from the district, taxpayers and STUDENTS!!!!
Sign the petition. You can sign without your name being revealed to the public.
https://www.change.org/p/kane-county-state-s-attorney-s-office-please-audit-east-aurora-school-district-131-including-such-things-as-boe-mismanagement-of-funds-theft-inappropriately-high-salaries-altered-vendor-bids-unqualified-personnel-making-costly-decisions-resulting-in-
To: Let your voice be heard. Maybe you could post a brief explanation on how people may sign and remain unseen by the public. Many people are not as computer literate as they may wish, and do not want to submit comment on online forums for fear once they click they can never take it back. Maybe a brief step by step on how to be a part of the solution for fixing EA problems thru this petition may encourage others.
If the BOE is not crooked enought the district attoney got his sister run. Her name is Julie Garfalo. Any other Board would fire him. He has never won a case and settled hundreds of thousands. Look at this year they pay him.
Look at his Settlements just this year a teacher caught with porn and the business manager without fingerprints. Instead of properly advising the board he makes excuses for poor administror decisions. Ralph has copied him on all the. Purchasing fraud with Feltes. Feltes had made it clear he is a freind of Weilers. If elected she will directly manage her brother since the BOE employees the lawyer. talk about CORUPTION please
Bldg & Grnds Purchasing Scandal still has the best to be publicly made. Several audits have revealed more damaging evidence implicating Marty Feltes, Dave Rana, and Christi Tyler's role in overseeing this.
In addition those who have obstructed/covered up this investigation will also be exposed and hopefully prosecuted.
I can assure all this is BIG CORRUPTION pointing to Feltes and Rana. Incompetence is another issue with MANY others requiring a deeper audit and investigation.
Stay tuned as evidence will surface very soon.
The community should read the conservation at B&G between Jan 2013 and March 2013. It Leonard from when bids were open in Nov 2012 until April to move them to the entire board. It shows a pattern that they did not like who became the perferred vendors. Leonard states he wanted Feltes to review them. Why did anybody not see a problem with that statement. This was a public bid. It seems some of Feltes pals were sleeping and did not submit a bid so now they don't use them.
The public should also review minutes of the entire board from July 2014 to present. the board was well aware there was a problem. Several times Johnson votes no because of not following procedures with the list of bills. at one point the minutes state bids and perferred vendors. The special meeting in Aug also shows extreme financial issues with B&G.
, Hull and Leonard should resign for being on the board and B.&G when this was passed. Tyler and Popp should resign for allowing this to go on for six months. They have wasted millions.
WOW! A whole 40 people have signed that petition. Look at the reach of this influential blog.
District employees see coruption everyday but will never put their names on a petition. They have been brought into Gloztbachs office or Tyler's and intimidated. Hanley was caught going through staffs desks. We know a leak list is getting developed. We can not rely on the paper to do their job. That was handled when a reporter daughter was hired.
Our union is worthless and teachers are talking strike. A 20 year teacher volunteered to speak up for us and was questioned by her building rep. Who does the Union work for. Also Avis Miller comes to union meetings and takes notes. If a teacher complains they are talked to.
So answer me why would anyone in the district sign a petition. It is up to the newspaper to report the news. They had no problem doing this in the past what changed. Mr Padron has documentation again why not report the news.
Because it is your right as an American to petition and protest. Keeping the petition going is exposing (to some degree) the the amount of injustice and corruption going on in Dist. 131. The more signatures on it, the more water it holds.
Because complaining is not doing anything, why not try a different approach?
You DO NOT have to have your name made public on it. Students are signing it. It gives them a voice as well. I hope that answers your question.
At the bottom of the petition where it says SIGN you will see a box checked that says "Display my signature on Change.org". Just UNcheck it and your name will not be shown.
Methinks some of the posters on this board are trying to get people down. Getting them into thinking nothing can be done. And then they do just that-nothing.
Don't let the naysayers get into your heads. The petition will not gain signatures if it is not shared. Perhaps it should be brought to the attention of the media at this point? (I know, I know the media does nothing. Keep Trying then!)
You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
I was reading today's news with Ms Peryea's attack on Annette Johnson. I have always had my issues with Peryea and Thompson.
Both are board members one on for East the other for West. Both work for one another's district. Both take considerable time during the day to attend district functions. Ms Thompsons class then needs to get covered for short periods during the day. This practice makes it difficult for her students because proper coverage is difficult to find. Ms Peryea is a Aide in the high needs school Hope Wall. I can only imagine with her taking time off how it takes away from the overburdened class room teacher. A sub is not possible for Aides.
If they want to be board members they should follow the rules of the many board members who do not have the luxury of just taking off and getting paid. Both should show more job ethics. It speaks to their personnel character.
Peryeas comments about all is well in the district community makes you wonder what community she is visiting.
Ms Peryea, I will post this on the blog for all to see!
Please resign your rubber stamp tactics have lead to the multiple level coruption. I have not heard you speak until lately. You have a disregard for taxpayers, staff and students.
Mr Hull, has not been a good leader, he has insulted middle income white teachers, and has called them unfit to teach. Mr Hull has ignored the financial coruption, and collectively as a group, you have voted for a unbalanced budget. The board has allowed the new superintendent to make his number one priority a admin center. This when we work in overcrowded buildings, that are either to cold in the winter , and boiling in the summer. Our building are not properly staffed. In my ten years with the district that has never happened. Our parents were treated like cattle this summer during registration. Mr Hull stated that in less than six months our financial position is so disparate the staff will face layoffs and children will not have art.
Two years ago I was highly critical of Dr Roberts for his comments at Red &Black. I also felt Ms Johnson was to harsh. In looking back , I wish he was still our leader and Ms Johnson President. The insurance has been cleared up, and as a staff we have had two years of no increases. This was unheard of. If a issue needed to be addressed it was addressed in public, and reported on. That is transparentcy. The entire staff in my building commented on proverty rates. I would have to ask was administration sleeping? Perhaps this is our financial issue. When are the issues with Mr Padron and bidding going to get addressed. Staff has commented hiring another friend for purchasing without a degree is not good judgement. It smells!
If your sole purpose is to become a rubber stamp please do the community a favor and resign!
http://beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/28/new-east-aurora-leaders-dealing-with-some-old-challenges/
Please do contact "the media" and let them know that you have a petition with 40 signatures. I'm sure that will make front page news and then maybe the networks will pick it up. By the end of the week you could have. ...50 signatures.
I feel Steve and Ralph are being targeted for being outspoken. I have never met either of these men, nor had I heard of them until they started speaking out against the East Aurora School District. It seems I hear more about them through anonymous posts than I do from their actual communications.
Requests have been made to shut down the blog. The reasoning behind it being potential applicants for hire by the district are discourage by what they read in the blog. Just google "East Aurora school district problems" and the news will take you back to1992 where it sounds as if it came from the district office last week. Change the wording a bit in the search and you can read about many issues D131 has faced and things written from another blog. Mostly news of the districts own making. People resigning, quitting before starting positions, policy problems......
Shutting down the blog is not about getting quality people to work for the district. There are plenty excellent teachers already here and the district does not give them the respect or acknowledgement they deserve. It is more about shutting people up. This small time blog is not the cause for hiring issues.
I believe the majority of the people who live and work for the district and even those who blog about the district have one desire, as it pertains to the children of our district, that they are offered the best education possible. Which means having people in place who know how to manage all things in the school district with primary focus being on education.
Sign the petition! File a grievance! Speak up, speak out! VOTE! But do NOT wait any longer to do something.
" Evil will prevail when good men do nothing"
All I can say is who are you THE media? Feltes? Tyler? Ranas perhaps? Only someone AGAINST cleaning up this district would spew something so ignorant. Laughably transparent. No wonder you are being exposed for the arrogant fools that you are! Thanks for the much needed chuckle in this sad situation affecting OUR/MY CHILDREN!
Ms Crosby is correct they are dealing with the same old coruption. The big difference is they are trying to sweep it under the rug. Ralph has provided documents and I watched him give the documents to the board.,It may be true Johnson voted no and may be the less guilty of the group but she could have filed a complaint at the ROE.
Peryea has shown she is more focused on fighting with Johnson than asking questions. They have put themselves in a box to back Popp on whatever he does. Popp is playing all of them. Everyone could tell that when he and Joan abused the staffs rights and then talked about purchasing a administration center. This board is a throw back to the serial bully days when stealing and back room deals were a day to day accurance.
History does repeat!
What's ignorant? The petition is laughable. 40 Signatures and you think the media gives a crap. I am none of those people. I am a person who wishes all the people with big mouths would shut up and DO SOMETHING rather than talk about how somebody should do something.
I'm pretty sure you don't know the meaning of the word ignorant. Ignorant means you talk about something intelligently but you really have no knowledge of the subject.
While I can appreciate all the complaining about the Board and Feltes, I am getting the feeling that the problems at the individual schools are getting overlooked. It is obvious as to the building I work in and I for one am hoping 2015 brings in sweeping changes. Our Admin do hardly anything except talk about how "busy" they are. I have not seen any admin except my worthless DC come to our classrooms on the second and third floors. Where is Keene, Byrd, and Kosak? What do they do all day? Why did we teachers have to sign students up for classes next year? Isn't that what counselors do? There's another group of worthless sacs! I am curious to see if the SS office is cleared out or if that L-A-Z-Y DC let the rats have a holiday feast.
Byrd has openly told a chosen few he is working on furthering his career. He does not watch the DC's they have free reign. He has openly commented about the divide in administration. it's the Oswego group against the Popp group. The Popp group makes more money with less experience and the Oswego group works in anger. Then Popp announces the admins need more money and let's cut teachers. Hull has visited our building and personally insulted many of us.
Displine is out of control, teachers are not supported and the Deans have no power. they have openly stated we are not allowed to issue suspensions or expulsions. Drugs are petaled throughout the hallways openly. The second and third floor are openly run by rival gangs. Our union will not fight for us and who do you complain with? Everyone's hands are handcuffed. The financial distractions are one thing but we are afraid for safety. Student drug dealing, weapons and fights are being manipulated. We feel it's a resume building issue now for some Central Office employees.
We are hoping no one gets killed or seriously hurt. IT IS THAT BAD.
WAKE UP
What did the board expect in hiring Popp. the student makeup is something that he never had experience with. The Finances, HR, B&G just to name a few was also something he had no experience with.
I have read Hulls direct quotes about middle and upper class teachers not have enough experience. So why did you advocate for hiring him, Mr Hull. If hiring at school you would have not hired him to teach, so why administration.
Yes, I am sure they want to shut down the blog. The staff knows the board is a bunch of bungling idiots.
Wow. So glad our teaching staff has a colorful vocabulary and positive outlook on life. Root of the problem.
Maybe Mr Haley should spend less time commenting on the blog and less time district time attempting to get the blog shut down.
If you think that is colorful you should walk our halls. The Deans do not do anything about the disrespect shown by our students. Our DCs stand around berating the students with the new radios they get to carry. Now they can ignore us teachers even more! Plus, now you can see where the students get it. Especially the Math and SS DCs, they think they are more important than they are with those "big boy" radios.
Yep, used "ignorant" correctly in a sentence(Mr. Media). I did, unlike Feltes and Clever, obtain my BA and Master's degrees (oh, and not the "life skills" kind). Go try your distraction elsewhere.
I await the next school board meeting. Please come if you can and voice your opinions.
Mr Hull is lucky anyone is willing to teach at the HS. The students know they are in charge. Byrd is to busy looking for a job and finishing up his education. The DCs are worthless. The Deans are nonexistent. Walk by a bathroom the smell of weed will get you high. Not one person is helping the children. Ms Strand is very aware of what is going on. Her comments are always "I am not sure what to believe". The board needs to get their heads out of Popps big fat a** and open their eyes. You should all be ashamed of yourselfs.
UPDATE
Finalizing another fraudulent purchasing activity this past year with PCS Industries and Building Grounds. This will be a 2 part scandal and again pointing to insure PCS is awarded all the purchase orders.
Will be posting this activity very soon.
Mr. Hanley your critique of the teachers is the root of the problem. You would not last 1 day at the high school- the kids would eat you alive. You look so terrified when you grip the sides of the podium at Red and Black day. The root of the problem, Matt, are the worker bee teachers who do all the work in unhealthy conditions and make $20,000 less than their counterparts at West High and the admins at the Service Center who are paid the top salaries in the Fox Valley- and whose sole contribution is to say that teachers are the "root of the problem"-- you are a hack reporter from a hack newspaper and you should have been arrested for breaking into the property of a co-worker.
I find it interesting that you are replying to "critique" of the teachers that have not been published because the moderator has not posted them.
This entire blog is full of teachers who clearly should not have a job because they use words like "yourselfs" and can't write. The other people who post are crazy old men who dig up useless information and waste school resources in doing so.
Matt Hanley is a stand up guy. And does what he says he's going to do. There are good people in this district, despite the rhetoric portrayed on this blog.
Referring to the students as predators is not the root of the problem? Students can't have hope to achieve when the people who are charged with their education can't spell/write and refer to them as something to fear.
Please resign
Popp, Tyler, Hull and Feltes should resign, please visit the district website under BOE meeting and see how your dollars are being used. Everything in maintenance is over budget while teachers are spending money buying art supplies, and other incidentals for the students.
Our Principal tells us to use our classroom budget a $200 stipend for teachers to buy basic needs. In preparing for year end taxes, this year, I represent a white middle class teacher who can not identify with the children (quotes from Hull) I have receipts totaling $1856 dollars for class room extras. Please read the monies that have not been used for the education..
We need to speak out. The public needs to understand what is going on. Thank-you to the teacher at Allen for bring attendtion to no subs. We have no subs, because the district would rather have us teach classes of 40 to 60 students instead of paying for a sub.
Numbers do not lie, the district allows Feltes to spend, spend, spend. He and his friends are getting rich while 5 children per group share a box of crayons.
Social media is full of informal writings. Many computers self correct today. Get a life, Matt Hanley is not a stand up guy. Stand up guys do not go through employees desks.
Mr Hull. As a Latina, I am thankful for the hundreds of teachers who teach, empower, and love the students of our community -- regardless of race, background, or zip code. I have seen them give and give and give and show our children their hearts in spite of a broken system. Thank you, teachers. Mr Hull, Encourage them! All of them! Leave a legacy you can be proud of! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/31/ruby-bridges-civil-rights_n_6397002.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063
My New Years Hope
Please bring us a Superintendent that can lead and a new Board of education. Let's stop stealing from the children!
Thank you anonymous Latina for saying what many of us think, when it comes to the teachers and what nationality or race they should be. The Ruby Bridges link was great testimony.
Not Matt Hanley-- the students are not predators, dillweed.. it is a system which punishes the teachers for following procedures and asking for help and then not getting any...we love our kids.. we will do and have done anything for them.. most of my salary is spent on them-- that's o.k.. don't try to portray me as negative/nasty/unsupportive because you have come into a system and have just tried to advance yourself
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6244176357434381693&postID=1274948142200583431
Mr Hull and his racist remarks have NO place in 131. In FACT, Mr Hull most highly qualified Bilingual teachers and Afro Americans leave because of pay and large class sizes. Some folks stay because they want to impact the community. Eventually they leave unless a spouse makes a great salary. You can not support a growing older family on what we are paid. That's why we leave.
If you want to make a impact work on your bloated budget and pay us. A teacher in 131 after five years with a masters makes $15,000 less. That is a mortgage payment MR Hull. The last Board made some impact with the $1,200 plus % increases. That is what we want hear, not new air conditioned administrative centers. Do something about the maintenance scandals. Let's get back to the day to day education of students. Please
Dr Popp should not have his contract renewed. I visited the board agenda . Judge for yourself!! Material should get purchased at the beginning of the year. Feltes is allowed to overspend. What is he spending it on? At Oak Park some areas are so hot kids wear shorts in the winter other areas are cold Every building is like that. Our roof leaked so bad after patching all summer now we are replacing it. What planning is that? Our students do not have a track. Classrooms have no art supplies. The majority of computers have issues. We are also missing classroom coverage.
I was told don't believe the blog. The administration does not have a clue. EA is hopeless!
Here's a link to 21 pages of recent articles about our district:
https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=36357240
The article on page 12 of that link is about East Aurora, NEW YORK.
Who is responsible for this? Mr. Hanley?
At least this blog doesn't confuse our district with New York!
Teachers beware
Ray Hull recently attended a Illinois Association of Schools meeting and was spotted at a charter school meeting. He stated middle class teachers at Oak Park school took a survey and the majority did not feel they could teach the kids. Hull went on to state 500 students could get a better education. this will cost the district millions.
In today's Beacon News a article appeared that a Charter will petition D131 schools in January with the possibility of opening in late summer 2015.
What closed secret deal is Hull involved in. His hate for the teachers of this district is well documented. he does not feel you are able to teach.
Wow! East Aurora girls' basketball is UNDEFEATED this year!?!?
Oh, wait...
it's East Aurora, New York.
Get it right.
:(
At our General meeting Hulls picture was shown as attending the above mentioned meeting. We had a speaker share Hulls comments at the meeting. He is a racist that is clear, and does not support teachers. Dr Popp is attempting to break our union. Our union has not done a good job communicating working conditions. I would like see Dr Popp last one day teaching a class in 131. The subssitutude class size, displine and lack of curriculum in his administration have made it impossible.
http://beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2015/01/02/school-board-ballot-lineups-finalized/
Police reports filed and the Aurora Beacon will not write a article. It's about time the Tribune fire these hack reporters. The Beacon edits the news they do not print it.
Is it because Crosby's daughter works for the district or is it Hanley the hack and former Beacon reporter they are defending?
Report the news or get out.
Why has Dr Popp not addressed Feltes. We have seen FOIA requests and documented letters from Ralph. This has gone one too long and nobody has respect for Popp. If Popp will not take action it is up to the Board of Directors. The question to all candidates is how would they handle a Superintendent who allows this to go on.
The Board and Superintendent first responsibility is the district money, after reading the board meeting it is clear Mr Popp and the Board have no creditability.
To: character counts
You are incorrect. The board and superintendents first responsibility is to the education of the districts students. Money is just a necessary evil to that end.
The issue in District 131 is those who don't understand this fundamental fact. We have a small vocal group in the community who don't want to contribute anything finacial because their children are grown (I'm sure their views were very different when their children were being educated). We also have some in the building department who think the district finances are to enrich their buddies.
The superintendent and board have to gain control over both these groups if they are going to accomplish their primary goal of education.
Exactamundo! Beyond belief, but the small vocal group has control of the board. Four of the members live in Ward one where the complainers live. One board member has the nerve to complain about how high her taxes were. PAY YOUR FAIR SHARE! Your property value is higher you should be taxed more. You want lower taxes, move in around the schools where property values are much lower. or leave!
The one big problem is how the money from the district is spent. The superintendent presents that budget to the board, and they approve it. They are to blame. If Feltes is lining his pockets and all his buddies, too. He is an opportunist taking advantage of a super and board who are easily manipulated. If he is doing it, how may others.....admin? Contractors?....
Beyond
Employees in the district are frustrated! Feltes is a fool, who is paid $130,000 plus. He is stealing the district blind. At the last meeting the teachers talked about no subs , and the residents stated they would pay more for performance. Mr Padron stated mismanagement of funds which is easily addressed if Feltes was terminated. Allowing Feltes to mismanage funds takes away from the education. In reviewing the budget Feltes is allowed to go over budget but the Curriculum
budget is not utilized.
It shows what they value. They need to get replaced they have no character. Dr Popp is only concerned with his position and not the children or he would have dealt with this.
Beyond please attend a meeting and see how the "new" admin operates.
I live and work in the d131 community and worked hard to get Strand and Peryea on the board. That said, I have never been so disappointed.
My reasoning was Johnson and at time the current board took to long fixing problems and kept a do nothing Superintendent.
In fairness new buildings got built, teachers salaries increased, and purchases for the enrichment of students happened.
Today the system is back to the old boys network. I have gone to board meetings all summer into the fall. Only Johnson votes against the expenditures which has included wild spending by Feltes. She stated why she was voting no. The other members could have looked into it in 6 months.
The budget is in the red and only Johnson asked for details. At Mondays meeting will be the first time the board sees/knows what the district is spending. It is troubling when you read Feltes is already in the red and art/music supplies have not been purchased yet. The entire board could have asked in July for this. I also heard Hull state to the public they will need to stop the arts/music/sports and cut programs and staff.
The tax increase of over 10% hurts everyone many of my close friends, neighbors and relatives can not sell their homes. Now we get a 10% tax increase for a failing school system. I heard Johnson ask Tyler what will this cost. Tyler stated $400,000. If the school district can not cut Feltes wild spending by $400,000 then they should all get fired. I heard Johnson state the district money is not invested properly. Not one board member or admin said it was untrue. It does not seem they did anything to reduce the tax burden for anyone, including myself who doesnot live in ward one.
It is time the entire board get replaced. Strand and Peryea told us they would pick a good Superintendent, so far he has played fast and loose politics and done nothing. He main goal is to build a admin center. Not one board member stopped him. Why is it up to Padron to point out the financial mismanagement. It is the job of the people we elect.
Ms Strand do us a favor and resign. Mr Hull and Peryea should not get returned to the board and please do elect the lawyers sister if that is true.
In addition
Please Mr Leonard resign. You have destroyed lived only to get your unqualified buddy a job. You have watched him mismanage or steal millions
Please excuse typo
You have destroyed livelihoods only to get your unqualified buddy a job
Headlines lines today in all the Chicago media outlets
Yet it has been proven by documented paperwork that Feltes did the same. Documents have been shared with Popp, the board and local media yet nothing happens. SAD, that we do not live in Chicago were a news is reported.
CPS inspector general: Employee orchestrated $870K billing fraud
A former Chicago Public Schools employee, with help from colleagues and vendors, orchestrated the theft of more than $870,000 by fraudulently billing the district for goods and services, according to the annual report from the district's inspector general.
CPS has a inspector general that investigates we have only Ralph Padron. We all have a great deal of respect for him and he should be rewarded. The reality is 131 is a corrupt place because the parents and community do not care.
The current Board voted 7-0 to promote Feltes and everyone involved should resign. They will not because everyone lacks the ethics to do so. The news did report procedures were not followed. The Beacon did report only 2 people got interviewd and the job description got changed for the benefit of Feltes. Leonard was allowed by his fellow board members to vote even after he announces Feltes is a friend. Roberts was forced to hire Feltes everyone was told that by Roberts.
Move on to Popp
He inherited a board that was Corrupt and again instead of doing right by the district he has a agenda and allows Feltes full reign. He hires Freinds of his and pays them more money than current higher educated employees in the same position. The board does not ask questions and approves them. Popps background is also questionable at best. More coming on that.
On Hull
He made plenty of promises and got input from many employees about Feltes. instead of doing right by the district he sells out the district for ego and power. Many employees names have been given to Popp and harassed.
The real story is we are screwed. Don't fool yourselves nothing will change.
http://beaconnews.chicagotribune.com/2015/01/05/aurora-schools-keeping-close-eye-winter-weather/
Immediately after entering the high school today, several of us noticed we began coughing and found it hard to breathe. It is hard to teach when you struggle for breath, are coughing and have a sore throat or all of a sudden can barely speak. Of course, we are white teachers so we don't care about our black and Hispanic students and are only there for a pay check. HOW DARE YOU RAY HULL--If a white Board of Ed President had said that black and Hispanic teachers hated/didn't care about white students he would be relieved of his duties immediately-- I get you would like more teachers of color- doesn't mean you have to slam the staff you have who have been in the trenches with these kids for years. Let me give you a little economic/social lesson Ray- What happens to the lower class during an economic decline? They roll into a further decline. So what is the solution? Well, since it would be too hard/take to much energy to try to address some of the community's problems, the easiest way is to look as though you are trying to change things to criticize/blame the teachers-- fire a few or more. Then you go and talk Charter schools-- a losing proposition wherever they have been implemented and they suck money and resources off the remaining schools in the district. They don't work. Here's an idea-- show some inner growth-- don't just look at color. Don't like racism? Don't be a racist. Be the change that you want to implement and right now you have a big job to do and are blowing it.
The DCS are worthless and we should threaten to speak at the next BOE meeting. Last weeks meeting regarding discipline with Byrd may produce some results. It was not until teachers threaten to call the district out in public that Byrd would listen. Our Union is worthless and if Thruckenbrod and company get wind we will embrass them in public they will cave. SPEAKING OUT WORKS!!!
Mr Padron thank you again for all your work! More corruption was exposed last night. Mr Padron handed the BOE members documents showing the facts. Again the BOE sat with blank looks doing nothing.
Issues ranged from millions of no bid contracts, to breach of contracts with the district paying more for janitorial supplies to PCS industries, to Rana paid a mid year raise to do Feltes job , to cronism with the hire of Tyler's friend from West Aurora, to vendor cronism for district building repairs.
Dr Popp, why are you not addressing this? You have lost the respect hard working teachers and the community. Board Members why do you do nothing? Reality is the BOE and Superintent are so arrogant they are telling the public SCREW YOU.
If that was not enough budgets were presented . Ms Childress had all her facts. Feltes followed next. He was unable to speak. Tyler had to do all the talking. She had no clue and could provide no answers. All she can state was "I inherited a mess". Her excuses are getting old. Please have ethics and admit you allowed Feltes to spend like a drunk.
Please elect a new board that will fire Popp, Tyler and Feltes. Stop allowing them to waste millions that could have been directed at the education of children.
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January 5, 2015 Board Meeting Speech
ISSUE #1
This is the 4th purchasing scandal surfacing at B&G and again several illegal activities are uncovered.
1 Breach of a 3 year contract
2 Switch vendors to pay $ 2.00 more per case
3 BG Director approves all these transaction & Business Office does not question this.
Fact: Again PCS Industries was the recipient of this fraudulent purchasing tactic
Why would someone intentionally do this and yet still, the PCS Salesman continues to visit an East Aurora BG Supervisor? Come to your own conclusions.
ISSUE #2
East Aurora solution to the purchasing problem: Hire a purchasing Agent at $ 53K per year
Good idea except the person
1 has no purchasing experience
2 former assistant to the Business/Finance Mgr
3 get to be trained by the EA Attorney
ISSUE #3
The BG Director was on medical leave and received full pay until the end of the year.
In his absence an interim director was named and received a STIPEND of $413.46 ea week thru 2014..
Why was an experienced supervisor not chosen to be the Interim Director?
Who appointed the interim director and approved this person?
It is no coincidence that this person is 1 of the individuals at the center of the Purchasing Scandal.
Please audit the amounts paid to insure entitlement was no more nor less.
ISSUE #4
Was the Trash/Recycle Service reduced at all buildings this past 2 week Christmas break. I suspect not, thus 2014 was fully serviced and fully billed regardless of service needed or not . I was assured in the Spring by the Superintendent it was going to be researched. Never heard a word.
Concluding Comments
I have repeatedly requested a written response from the Superintendent to many an issue I have addressed. His policy is no written response. If the district is to be one of TRUE TRANSPARENCY, don’t you think you would want all to know and see your positions, policies and responses. I know I would.
I hope the speaker who talked about preferred vendors will report many could not attend the meeting because of the strom
Feltes sat next to Tyler like a big stuffed suit. He maybe said 20 words if that. WHAT ARE WE PAYING HIM 130K for again??
When I drove in today and yesterday none of the walks were cleared or salted- it looked like since the snow began. My kids had a hard time walking. BOE gave Feltes a BIG congrats at the meeting last night on how he told them he was prepping for the snow. WHAT A JOKE!
Check up on what this liar tells you! Check his past work and see all the lies he has been telling you. If you even care.... FIRE HIM! He will never resign with that big head you've given him! You have created a monster- spending out of control. Funds that could be spent on the students! HELLO!?
The Superintendent is supposed to be monitoring him and taking action if he does not perform to his job description. More and more people are getting wind of this and will act. Your lack of action is taking it's toll on our community. You should be ashamed.
Feltes is paid $130,000 per year and could not answer one question about his budget. Tyler is even more incompetent. She knows Feltes is stealing and has covered up all year for him. It is no wonder her last school district is broke. After last night I will work my fingers to a bone against anyone who is currently on the board. It is up to them to demand answers. MS PERYEA EVERYTHING IS NOT FINE. Please resign I supported and trusted you shame on the fact you can allow such thief as a Christian.
Thank you to Johnson and Strand for at least acknowledging there is a problem. Ms Strand stop fighting Annette and join with her and do the right thing and help our district that was a embrassment.
Joan Glotzbach approves sick leave in reviewing Feltes he was not granted sick leave after taking off months he was paid at full rate. Teachers and other employees get sick pay deducted why not Feltes. Is sick days not 12 per year for administration? Why is his leave not made public like all the teachers. Why is Feltes always treated special. Oh, maybe that is because he has a special friend on the board.
Both of our unions should file a class action.
Feltes was swearing up a strom today in his office. Seems he was not very happy after last nights meeting. It is time he and Leonard resign. To this day he is unable to send a email much less manage a budget. It is time the BOE stop playing politics and force Popp to terminate him.
Speak up, Speak more, Speak often.
It is time to point out the waste of money with the DCs and ask what do they do all day long. Talk about a waste of money.
Speaking out will get our rights restored. It you listen to Ray Racist Hull we have no rights. By the way Ray your black teachers did not show today, must have been to cold.
Feltes was at the BOE and never spoke with regards to his budget, or sscandels.Tyler spoke and claimed I am to new and don't know about the budget. Members of the audience can see Dr Popp as a person who stonewalls and coverups. He will not answer Mr Padron in public, nor will he provide a written response. What is wrong with this, is that he is telling you as a community you are not entitled to the information. What else is Dr Popp up too this is only one example. He is allowing millions to be stolen from the children. It is up to the BOE to now demand answers. They will not because they are to arrogant to admit Dr Popp, Tyler and Feltes are stealing. They constantly Say everything is fine. Is it fine to steal millions
ThE public must demand answers and not return any of the current BOE members back to the BOE.
Why would the BOE ask Dr Popp to clean up the distrct Ray Hull has promoted or found positions for many family and friends in his short time as BOE President. He is now off working on a Charter School with Clayton Muhammed. Their claim is Afro American children are underserved. Let's translate " white folks can't teach Afro American kids" We have no place in our school distrct for this type of racism. The Charter school will take millions for our schools. Frank Hill may have his name on the forms but Hull has sold out the teachers of this district because of his racism.
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