May 12, 2015 To: President Annette Johnson & East Aurora Board of Ed From : Ralph Padron Subject: MOMENT OF TRUTH
This is parallel yet more serious than the recent discovery of Patrick Cantore’s hiring.
On May 6th 2014 Superintendent Michael Popp and I met to discuss several issues, one being the Hiring/Background check for Asst Director of Business, Melody Ellington.
I presented to Dr Popp the following documents:
5/15/09 Termination Notification Dist 67 from Superintendent Greg Buchanan Letter of resignation acknowledging her pending termination thus given the option to resign.
6/11-6/13 Signs 2 yr contract with Dist 159 Matteson 6-28-12 Resigns- acknowledges pending termination –given option to resign
6/13-6/14 Signs 1 yr contract EA
May 6 2014 met with Mike Popp presenting documents for the above
Response: he will forward it to his staff to investigate. Requested written response-none received NO ACTION TAKEN
THIS WAS A DEFINING MOMENT AS I KNEW EA WAS IN TROUBLE !
Ellington lied on her application at EA 131 Page 4-reason for leaving for both Matteson 159 & Morton Grove 67 Page 8-Gen Info *4
Matteson 159 Page 1 – Reason for leaving Page 6 -- Additional info question #4
Since no action was taken for a far more serious violation, Would this be the response to be expected for Patrick Cantore? No Termination allowed Ellington to qualify for Unemployment Benefits.
East Aurora You Have A Problem Time after Time there have been unqualified individuals receiving jobs despite they not be qualified or lying on their applications. This chaos is created before these individuals work 1day
Why has this happened ? Because Human Resources under Joan Glotzbach has failed East Aurora Note how Popp now gives her more authority in his re-organization of Admistrators. In his absence Mike Popp designates Mrs Glotzbach in charge. NEW LEADERSHIP IN THIS AREA IS A MUST !!!
How much more time, money, credibility, controversy, will HR cost D131?
To: Annette Johnson, Kirsten Strand & Richard Leonard
You were on the Previous Board when I discovered this and made you aware of this travesty of mishandling by Mike Popp & Joan Glotzbach. Did you have any input on this, probably not because the Superintendent played it down and wanted to establish himself as the person in control of EA.
HE WAS GIVEN HIS OPPORTUNITY RESULTING IN TOTAL CHAOS AND FEAR AMONGST THOSE WHO OPPOSE HIM.
Will you let the Superintendent and HR Director “Talk” their way out of this one?
The community and staff at EA is watching to see how you handle this situation, expecting something to be done. Things must change and now is the time to send a message to all, that this incompetence, fraudulent hiring, protection of those guilty in creating this mess must be held accountable.
The recommendations of the attorney’s in the past has been “Settle with them, let them finish out their contracts, It is cheaper than a lawsuit”
If that is the case, then it is time to change Law Firms. Give that some thought and an option.
This is a New Board with Fresh Enthusiasm & Objective in undoing the damage done the past year. You have the support of the community !!!!
Please don’t let the Community, Students, and Staff down Give them pride and confidence in this Board’s New Era.
As mentioned in the previous thread, the percentage of EAHS students in the band program was 4.73% in 2005, and (approximately) 4.8% in 2015. Seven hundredths of a percent is NOT significant growth in the program. It's basically a tie.
A new band director (and hopefully new band room) are needed because of the increased NUMBER of students in the band program. Mr. Liska is simply building upon the excellent foundation given by our middle and grade school band teachers. And in the case of the two most-advanced EAHS bands, over 50% of our finest high school instrumentalists attended Simmons Middle School. More Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony students attended Simmons than all other middle schools, home-school, parochial school, and transfer students COMBINED. That is a significant achievement by Mr. Kaisershot, who has continued to do an outstanding job of teaching our kids even after he was treated horribly by bully administrators.
It is in students' best interests to add a second band director at the high school, and to provide a larger (or additional) rehearsal space. It is NOT in students' best interests to claim that Mr. Liska (or for that matter Mr. Kaisershot) is "best". Both have worked hard for our kids. We owe it to our students to encourage teamwork, not comparison!
Perhaps the new band room could be in the basement of the high school where Feltes built that gigantic concrete palace to store the band uniforms (which occupy about 5%, if that, of the entire space). It would be nice to see that brand new room used for a good cause instead of the contractor kickbacks/ mismanagement of school funds as perpetrated by Feltes and fellow losers. That money was supposed to go for a new track and stands as that loser was directed to do. A positive out of a negative ($400k plus to be more specific) would be nice.
When Kaisershot ran the band there was no support from the board now that has become a propriety. In the last five years grade school band has grown and band instruction has been added. This has become a feeder program. They are now feeding into the HS.
I remember the days when the board was always trying to kill not only the band but all the extra curricular. When Radakovich and then Roberts were supt. they would threaten cutting the programs and the board president made a spiel about the kids could take band and sports through the park district so we didn't need them at the school. We have had the feeder for as long as I can recall. The past HS band director worked with those who taught elementary band to encourage the students and suggest a variety of instruments so by time they moved up there were well rounded programs. I think many of the feeder schools have excellent directors who work hard to encourage the students, even in the summer band for years before all the changes at the high school. Not to take away from the HS director, but the success of the student is the foundation laid by those who teach them to play and instill self discipline. Then by time they reach high school they are ready for that talent to be enriched with proper direction. It appeared in the beginning a few admin took the young fella under their wing and since that time there has been more support from the new board members since Dr.s R. & R. I am happy there is still a program, since it has been cut and threatened for many years.
If there are indeed 200 students in the band program today, then Mr. Mills' estimate last spring (when he was Band Boosters president) was incorrect. I don't believe there are 200 students currently in the EAHS band program, because there were only about 165 total listed on the program last spring when my oldest played in the spring concert with all the high school bands. Jazz band students should not be counted twice since most of them play in another band too.
Date: May 15th, 2015 To: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131 From: Ralph Padron Subject: Questions for Heater Exchangers
The Heat Exchanger Scandal evidence is now overwhelmingly pointing to very serious violations, cover-up and possible criminal acts by those involved. The REDACTED emails regarding “Heat Exchangers” will provide valuable information pointing to the misappropriate Taxpayer Dollars by those responsible. Let‘s start at the beginning to insure protocol was in place.
The following questions require documents proving this project was justified and in accordance with State Laws and School Policy. Before reading the questions I will alert you “These documents don’t exist”
Who identified the project Why was this classified as an Emergency during the Summer What schools did the Board approve for work to be performed? What was the cost per school Who authorized the pursuit of the project Was a grant available and if so who pursued it Was the “Northern Il Gas Residential Inspection Program” the basis for this action Were units tested prior to replacement Who tested them Where are the results Were competitive bids put out Where are the bid results How many schools and units were identified to be replaced Where is the list of locations and total for each school How many contractors were used for all schools Where are the removed defective units (Please provide They Are school property requiring Board Approval to dispose} How many defective units are stored at B & G Who authorized disposal of the Heat Exchangers Who disposed of the Heat Exchagers Where were the Items disposed Where are the Maintenance Records for the Preventive Maintenance Program What B&G Staff Member observed/documented all work in progress
Reference Purchase Order
150010 amount $ 45,462.00 How did Dave Rana get this amount Why did David Rana proceed WITHOUT Board Approval Why did Christi Tyler and Mike Popp approve without Board Approval
152284 amount $ 39,898.00 Why was PO submitted AFTER work was done Why did Tyler and Popp approve it
152285 amount $ 62,216.16 Why was PO submitted AFTER work was done Why did Tyler and Popp approve
The above questions need to be directed to those responsible for the misappropriated funds. The following employees have intimate knowledge of these activities and will be able to provide the answers.
Larry Wilson ( more on his role later) Dave Rana Marty Feltes Christi Tyler Michael Popp
Again, I say that the questions above need to be answered with document supporting the justification of this project.
They do not exist which will speak for itself in validating this as a full blown Scandal. . Respectfully
You are talking about last spring and then this school year.
You can't say there were only 165 last year (which is true) and then say that is the reason there aren't 200 this year.
Last year - 165 This year - 200 Next Year - PREDICTION/ESTIMATE 281
A prediction/estimate is a "GUESS" at what might happen in the future. You might be right, you might be wrong, but to judge this years numbers on a estimate made by a person last year is DUMB.
Not dumb, just believing the boosters president
said...
I do not believe that there are 35 more band students at EAHS than last year. Since my son graduated last spring I haven't seen any programs to count and compare. Maybe someone can post the specific numbers in each group. I admit that I may have trusted Mr. Mills' estimate more than I would any random parent, because he was the boosters president and I thought he was on top of band statistics.
Hundreds of students, parents, future teachers, alumni, and community members rallied around Mr. K. They wrote letters to the editor, marched to the service center, put signs in their yards that said "Keep Kaisershot", and succeeded in scaring away the initial replacement (he declined to sign the contract after seeing how strongly the community felt about Mr. K).
Ten years later, Mr. K continues his outstanding, inspiring career as a teacher, composer, and musician. You cannot dispute the FACT that significantly more than half the students who recently auditioned into the top bands at EAHS were Simmons students and had Mr. K for their band director.
Meanwhile Mr. K's friends and supporters are NOT insulting the current EAHS director or even saying Mr.K is "better". We are choosing to take the high road and support what's best for our STUDENTS. Too bad someone on the other "team" refuses to be reasonable and chooses to resort to lies and insults.
Let's talk about Popp's message of mediocrity. He wants to teach our children how to dream, yet he never misses an opportunity to say that we all know that not everyone will go to college and that they don't have to. I'm glad he never taught those 10 students who we recognized today! I get that he wants to be pragmatic, but progress never happened without hope and to be honest, that message is sucking the hope right out of the community. I personally know of a brilliant kid who wanted to be an architect and had the work ethic to make it happen. Now his big dream is to do HVAC. Really, Popp? Is that the legacy you want to leave? Inspiring LEArners...to lower their standards.
Mr, Kaisershot, I was lucky enough to have you when I was in band and was one of the students that thought the administrators were real jerks to you. However even I have to put my class pride away and agree that the band now is playing things we could have never done and I kinda wish I had a chance to have been part of the EAHS band now. I also had a cousin who had you last year in band and he really liked you so please keep up the great work.
That being said would all of you please get the heck over it. Liska has been a decent enough teacher and we should support the current program instead of dragging up things that happened a decade ago. If any of you really cared about the next generation of students you would be looking at the failures educating our kids and spend your time and energy trying to fix the problems of today not complain about the problems of a decade ago.
Only one "team" is comparing, criticizing, and starting the old debate
said...
No one on this thread has said anything negative about Mr. Liska. The comments praising & supporting Mr. Kaisershot have ONLY come after things were said like:
"No debate Liska is best"
"Kaisershot was not a inspiration"
The friends and supporters of Mr. K are taking the high road by defending him without trashing the current director. Too bad Mr. Liska's friends and supporters are choosing to ignite the decade-old debate with negative comparisons.
We're trying to move on and support our students. Also, we will continue to respond to criticism of a man whom we respect and whom we believe was treated very badly by our district's administration.
10:47 p.m., the list of students who auditioned into the top EAHS bands was on the previous thread but was removed (I'm assuming by the blog administrator, because of student privacy issues).
I don't have time now, but I will repost the list (first name & initial only to protect privacy). I will indicate with an asterisk which students attended Simmons (my parents & I have at least 6 years worth of concert and promotion programs from my own 2 kids and their cousins).
Thank you Padron. Please pursue your case against Patrick Cantore. Anyone who speaks with him can tell he has the education of a fifth grader.. He makes his predecessor Roger Carlson look like a PHD. With around 9 full time maintenance personnel and almost 30 buildings, there is little to no preventive maintenance. The high school has a position in the SEIC maintenance/custodial contract for a fireman position that has never been filled. Firemen positions at other buildings work on preventative maintenance. Over many years requesting additional "hands on" help for the high school and all buildings for that matter, they are supplied with an incompetent bumbling custodial supervisor who has 0% knowledge of any building maintenance. The lack of preventive maintenance and deteriorating buildings blame is put on these few maintenance personnel. This was Feltes way to discredit maintenance and hire his "buddy" contractors. There will be no easy solution to the crumbling buildings and staff but I appreciate someone for once taking action and holding accountable the people in power making these decisions that effect us all.
I attended Red & Black, and happy am to hear that now the big wigs found enough space for all kindergarden students to attend all day. It looks like the new board put their foot down and told Popp no administrative center. Already something positive at EA.
Who cares about the band, we have failing schools, crumbling buildings and corupt administration. that should be the focus, not a band that not one student will ever make a living at.
I believe that most people know that both Liska and Kaisershot are both qualified band directors. Both men are fully capable of running a quality band program. The issue with Kaisershot is not how he handles children but how he works with fellow staff members and administration.
Mr. Kaisershot rarely attends any fine arts department meetings, is very negative when he does attend and wants to dictate his will upon everyone. He respects no one and refuses to cooperate with anybody. Ten years ago he ticked off the wrong people including Dr. Radakovich, Jerome Roberts and Rick Johnson. Mr. Kaisershot was very lucky to be in education or he would have been in the unemployment lines.
I would be more impressed with half the students in the top bands coming from Simmons if it weren’t for two facts. One, the Magnet school has very few students compared to the other three middle schools and two, Waldo sends very few students to the high school band. Last year, only two Waldo eighth graders went on to join the high school band. It really is a sad situation. The students deserve better.
Hopefully with Mr. Kaisershot’s upcoming retirement, the community will finally be able to begin healing. We need the closure and I am confident that Mr. Liska will continue to do an excellent job with the East High Band.
"how he works with fellow staff members", "refuses to cooperate with anybody"...
Absolutely WRONG!
Ten years ago his fellow staff members at EAHS supported him so strongly that some of them marched along with the students to the service center. All of the fine arts teachers (except one) signed a letter to the editor supporting him that was published in the newspaper. And while he has been at Simmons he has constantly helped out his fellow teachers, especially the choir director (both the current director and the former, Ms. Gawlik, now at EAHS). At Simmons Mr. K. has contributed to school pride by writing the school song "Panther Pride" and dedicating & premiering several original band pieces. This is in addition to doing an outstanding job teaching his band students and preparing them for success in high school.
And as far as ticking off the wrong people, Mr. K. had the guts to stand up for the RIGHT people: the students and parents! He refused to kiss Rick Johnson's rear end and require students to perform at last-minute scheduled events, so Radakovich (who had bullied fine-arts teachers in at least two other districts), Gordon Postlewaite, Marin Gonzalez, and Larry Malaker (among others) conspired to deprive him of his high-school teaching position.
Far from wanting to "dictate his will upon everyone", Mr. K has always tried to do what is best for the students in this district. I do not know Mr. Liska, but I wouldn't want to see him (or any teacher) treated like Mr. K was. But it takes nothing away from Mr. Liska to acknowledge the excellent work Mr. K has done at Simmons, just as it takes nothing away from Mr. Kaisershot to acknowledge the success of the current EAHS band!
Why did Mr Padron mention Larry Wilson in his letter concerning the Heat Exchangers? I am sure he has his reasons and am looking forward to why. I will contact Mr Padron and ask him to please find out why Larry is allowed to ride around all day doing nothing.
"it takes nothing away from Mr. Liska to acknowledge the excellent work Mr. K has done at Simmons, just as it takes nothing away from Mr. Kaisershot to acknowledge the success of the current EAHS band"
HA! Larry Wilson thinks he is some kind of "spy" for Rana as well as Feltes. Riding around the district all day doing no work. Feltes still calls Rana all the time wasting time with his personal agendas. How 'bout checking Rana's phone records and seeing how many times Feltes calls him? How many times did Feltes call Dicky Leonard when he was off "sick"? And trying to seek long-term disability?? L-M-A-O. Dick is as involved with the purchase orders and heat exchangers as the rest are. Dick defended putting in the new heat exchangers at a board meeting, let's not forget! Feltes and Rana ordered them and Larry Wilson hauled the old ones away.
I have a child at Simmons and have been generally OK with Mr. Kaisershot. He defiantly knows music. He is very demanding, everything must be his way but he leads the bands to excellence. I was disappointed in him at the Fine Arts Festival. While he did an excellent job with the middle school numbers, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing from him at other times.
While the wind ensemble was playing he either stood there with a sour look on his face or stood there talking to Mr. Cook. Even kids were looking back at them like, what are you doing. When everyone in the gym was applauding the wind ensemble’s performance, Mr. Kaisershot stood there stoic, refusing to applaud. It was really classless. I also asked why he didn’t conduct the last piece (the piece with all the bands playing together) and my kid said that during rehearsal Mr. Kaisershot said I will not conduct this piece, one of you other directors will have to do it. I can only guess as to why he did not want to conduct but I bet it had something to do with not wanting to conduct with Mr. Liska.
I understand why Mr. Kaisershot would be bitter with the former district administration but his actions at the Fine Arts Festival were below basic decency. Not applauding the wind ensemble was classless, especially considering that many of the students playing were his former students. There’s more to teaching than playing an instrument. He is supposed to be a role model for the kids. He failed in that miserably at the Fine Arts Festival.
Mr. Holhut conducted the final piece at the Fine Arts Festival (and it was the only piece he conducted). Mr. Kaisershot conducted the other pieces the middle schools played (and had composed the music, also). Mr. Koch narrated. All of the middle school directors participated (except Mr. Garcia, who did the lion's share last year). I'm sure the Cowherd students and parents appreciated having their band director conduct a piece, too. Also, it is in students' best interests to play under different conductors.
As far as not applauding, I didn't see Mr. Liska applauding Mr. Kaisershot's pieces either.
Hull made a complete and total a** out of himself last night during public comments and the BOE meeting. He should be ashamed. He went right through the 3 minute time limit, disrespecting the entire board. Who does he think he is?? We voted you O-U-T. Same with Peryea. Coming and waggling her finger at the new board members. YOU came in second to LAST in the elections. Goodbye already! I was very impressed by Kimberly Hatchett! She asked a lot of very pertinent questions! The new board is getting up to speed fast! Very hopeful!
Date: May 18, 2015 Subject: Bldg & Grnds Heat Exchanger Scandal PO’s with Youngrens
June 26 2014 Purchase Order issued for $ 45,462.00 without Board Approval Sept 24 Two PO’s issued for $ 39,898.00 and $ 62,216.16 These were issued ”AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE” All 3 PO’s had no Board Approval, Nor Public Bidding How did this happen Who was responsible in preventing this
I just discovered an additional PO today for $ 48,000.00 from Artlip & Sons. Again work was completed and the Proposal was submitted 3 days before the PO was approved. It was requested by David Rana.
It is ironic that David Rana and Marty Feltes are at the center of this. Incidentally David Rana is one of the individuals involved in the Purchasing Scandal exposed this past fall.
It is no coincidence that those “Redacted E-Mail’s” currently under review by the Attorney General’s Office subject is “HEAT EXCHANGERS.” I believe if these are released, there will be more evidence proving this scandal is worse than originally expected.
This is the “Tip of the Iceberg” as more documents are being audited, proving the illegal awarding of contracts & PO’s. I am personally auditing these.
I am requesting the Board of Education mandate the Superintendent provide evidence that these Purchase Orders have not violated any State Laws nor Board Policies: Therefore I hereby promise to never speak again at these Board Meetings HOWEVER if he cannot provide evidence, then I Request the Board of Education (whom is his boss) that “Superintendent Michael Popp be Terminated or demand his Immediate Resignation.”
Board of Education, this is your moment to prove to the Community (who elected you) to get to the bottom of these scandals requiring you to make tough decisions and changes to insure this never happen again. Your legacy begins today. The Public is counting on you, Please don’t disappoint them and rubber stamp all the Superintendents decisions.
Again I am requesting a written response from the superintendent. All previous requests have been ignored.
The new BOE approved full day Kindergarten for all kids without administration building a new building. It shows there is a new sheriff in town. They all asked great questions expect for Strand who was trying to hang on to the past.
As a meeting observer, I saw many questions by the new kids on the block. They did ask good questions. They deferred to the other board members on a few occasions for clarification of business that was in progress. I thought Strand was quiet, as she was familiar with what was being questioned and left it to finance and the outside experts to answer. Johnson spewed a lots of rhetoric just for the sake of talking. Leonard was the one who was hanging on to trying to get some jobs done and repeated more than a couple of times what he thought should be done, rather than what was suggested by the experts. I see Johnson and Leonard, now that they have recruited a few newbies to the dark side, to already slowly start trying to micromanage. Time will tell.
Really, Matt must be upset because Johnson and Leonard did not vote for his raise. I do find it funny that now they have space for full day but last year Popp/Hull wanted to build a new building. Johnson does hold administration accountable. It is clear this is no rubber stamp board. I found the meeting to have the perfect balance.
Up to speed- Ralph Padron was denied extra time to speak , Hull went over by a couple of seconds and the old guy talking on taxes was given 10 minutes . According to Johnson that was against board rules. Since Padron was denied was that okay.
How does having 2 members that know what is going on Johnson/Strand, 1 member who is hands down intellectual( Hatchet) and Leonard who does not have one intelligent thought of his own and manny mouse/mini me strike a balance
How is hatchett hands down intellectual. She sat with a confused look on her face with every answer she was given. Then said that if they give her details she will question details, if they only give her a little, she will only question a little. She did ask questions, but I don't think she understood the answers and to me her comment indicated she wanted less information so she could understand and NOT question things. Is that a good board member? Don't even get me started on Arroyo - with all his political aspirations he doesn't know during a roll call that he has to vote? (He said he would defer) You can't do that on a vote! i don't think he initiated one question, he simply piggy backed on issues others had raised. He appears to be a follower, not a leader!
Date: May 21, 2015 To: Board of Education From: Ralph Padron Subject: Joliet Boiler “Suspicious” Purchase Order 148459
Good Morning
Have been auditing Joliet Boiler Purchase Orders for 2014 and came across this one which drew my attention.. Several questions arise immediately as no invoices, work orders, scope of work, Public Bid results were not received via FOIA submitted.
$48,000.00 for Boiler Preventive Maintenance for 14 schools Name appearing on the PO is Dave Rana
PO date was 6/19/2014 Date required 6/18/2014 Was the PO requested after the work was done?
What was the Preventive Maintenance scope of work
Could the EA Maintenance Dept have performed this PM listed on the PO? Previously I questioned a similar issue & received an answer that Maintenance Personnel were very busy and shorthanded.
The Maintenance Dept has an Experienced Boiler employee who can give some insight into this. Please review some of his assignments Summer 2014 to insure his talent/experience was utilized efficiently.
Upon researching “List of Bills”, this PO was listed Sept 15 2014 $ 12,360.00 Dec 14 2014 $ 27,200.00
Where is the remaining invoice for $ 8,440.00
I could not locate any awarding of this Bid on any Board of Ed Documents. Was this ever put out to Public Bid, if so where are the results?
I am requesting the missing documents not included with the FOIA be sent to me immediately due to the severity of apparent violations.
Mr Pardon catches another big fish. WOW! Who is watching the store at EA. The public needs to call for resignation of Strand and Leonard. They voted yes to every corrupt bill.
I am no fan of Johnson's but I do recall her publically stating why she was voting no to all the bills. The BOE from hell never questioned anything. They spent the time taking pot shots at Johnson, not questioning anything. Darby, Hatchett and Laesch all asked good questions. It appears the ugly book was closed on the old board last month. Keep up the good work.
BOE Please watch and question everything Popp does! He is so used to getting away with anything he wants. He is not about the kids, he is about himself. Look at facts to make determinations not Popp and Leonard's Good 'Ol Boy system. Look where that has gotten us. Endless corruption. If applicants do not have the credentials to do the jobs (some at 6 figures) Do NOT hire them. If they are already employed and failing miserably, then ask for their resignations. The time to start digging EA131 out of this financial mess is NOW.
Can anybody tell me what Nestor Garcia does for his compensation of $125,000 per year? Seriously, what does he do? He was totally incompetent as B&G administrator. He lost that position and the district replaces incompetence with corruption. The inept leadership of both Garcia and Feltes has been incredibly costly to the district. How is it that Feltes gets canned but Garcia is rewarded with a cushy position that requires no accountability?
I know why I'm an educator. I think the administration needs to remember why they became educators. They all started as teachers and somewhere it became about the money and not the students.
Fellow Teachers, remember when it is time to vote for our contract, Matthew Hanley's $ 40,000.00 raise so Dr Popp can own him to insure and protect his image.
The administration salaries have nothing to do with the teachers salaries. 8-10 admin salaries versus 800 plus teachers is not comparable. Based on test scores I'm wondering what exactly is anyone doing. If you want to make more money, go to school and become an administrator or quit whining. The maintenance guys were happy with Nestor, Finley and others because they were not held accountable. Contract the maintenance out asap and you will never have to deal with the issues.
One can most likely guess who wrote as anonymous1, lol! How stooopid can you be!?? Yes, let's take the jobs of people who can do the job for LESS as well as taking jobs from D131 taxpayers who live here! Next dumb statement. Comparing 80-10 "admins" to 800 plus teachers. When the administration is corrupt and/or not doing their jobs OR never did have the qualifications to do their jobs like Feltes (got in because of his buddy Dick Leonard)is ludicrous! At least the teachers have the educational requirements for the job! Teachers working in this district have a hard go of it to say the least and still go on to provide a decent education as well as mentor these kids. Matt Hanley defending his INSANE 40K raise would be my guess.
He was to talented to work in EA and became the Superintendent in District 89. He was not given a interview in 131 and left. The BOE from Hell, hired Dr Popp who knew nothing about our community. It is sad that nobody listened. Hopefully the new BOE members will listen and hear.
Are you kidding me "Tell the truth" ? Nestor will most certainly leave a "legacy" and anyone that knows his background understands what the legacy will be. I guarantee he does not want the "truth" to be any part of that legacy!
THERE IS GOOD REASON TO BELIEVE THAT SECURITY & SAFETY WAS AND MAYBE STILL IS COMPROMISED AT SCHOOLS WHERE OUTSIDE VENDORS DO WORK !!
Date: May 23, 2015 To: Board of Education From: Ralph Padron Subject: Safety – Security Concerns
I have come across alarming facts upon auditing work order tickets for Artlip & Youngrens pertaining to the safety and security of the schools.
My concern with these vendors are :
Were these workers cleared with background checks to insure it was safe for them to be around students Did these workers sign in and sign out at the front desk of each school Were they issued a visitor badge? Were “Security Entry Cards” issued to them during this time and other times. What is the role of the supervisors to insure Safety and Security of the children.
100% of work tickets were NOT signed by B&G Supervisors concerning work performed during this time. (see sample attached)
Records needed to insure safety was not compromised back then and now for all buildings School Policy for outside workers at the schools Visitor Log sheet to insure this was complied with Security Entry Cards records Workers time in and out to match up with billing
Please investigate this ASAP to insure these outside companies are conforming to policy and the supervisors are monitoring everything to prevent any violations.
MR. Negron does not have doctorate, and perhaps that is why our district would not consider him as Superintendent. Having said that, I wish him nothing but the best; he seemed like one of the good guys...
I have been a teacher in EA for 7 years and have read this blog on and off for a few years. This is my first post. Reading these comments about Negron brings up something that has really bothered me with our district. There are so many quality in house candidates that can fill these jobs. Instead they go outside and hire guys like Negron and Flannigan who are here for a year or so and then leave. Why not give people who have been here and shown they are committed to EA a chance? I have worked with so many great people over the years and it really bothers me when they arent even given an interview for a job. There are so many great staff members in our district!!!
Negron will finish his Doctorate in June and let us not forget the BOE hired the man from Milwaukee that could not pass a basic skills test without a Doctorate.
Truth be told Negron would not make a deal with the certain BOE members to keep or hire certain employees.
Everyone in Central Office knows and that is why we have so little respect for Popp.
Listen Anonymous1 Teachers are the ones actually doing the work in this district.. As for low tests scores, for many of our students English is a second language. There are social issues that plague our community so they bleed into our schools as well. Teachers need to be parents, social workers, nurses , and teachers. Oh I forgot. PPA's as well. All you have to do is run around with a camera and send out an email blast Wow!@!! I'd say that's money well spent!! How many computers could we buy with your raise?
Teachers vote NO to the contract. They are getting it out late and expecting us to read it over the weekend and vote. We need to be very careful. They have NO respect for us. Let our voices be heard. if Handley is given that type of raise it shows the propriety of our district. Elementary needs to step up and not become a doormat.
David Negron took an opportunity to become principal at the school he went to as a child. Everyone leaves East for a better opportunity, besides this district is toxic. If I did not have so much invested I would leave also. There was a time when working here was really gratifying . As a wise person once said you are growing, dead , or dying. East Aurora is dying because internal and external candidates who actually want to try and make a difference are maligned in so many ways. David told me he was disappointed he was not interviewed for Superintendent but Carla was; Popp had nothing to do with that because he was a candidate as well. In the end he took a better opportunity and a different route to accomplish his goal.
East is toxic, I work at Waldo and we are trying to celebrate MS graduation, but our gym is to small. The district gives lip service to bring in parents but that is lip service. My colleagues at Simmons and Cowherd also have concerns that the crowds present a fire hazard because of room size. When EAHS was contacted they stated Popp, and Thruckenbrog want them to be small celebrations, and do not support this as a district activity. EAHS has now told staff at Waldo they must pay for all personnel assigned to cover this day time event. They are treating us like any other external group.
The new $120,000 Handley also will not arrange video taping of the event. He claims it is not in the budget. This is what we work with.
How can Joan Glotzbach evaluate Principals and teachers and she does not have the endorsement. BOE you are responsible for every career she has ruined.
How can Joan evaluate anyone when she is spending time in Spain "recruiting" bilingual teachers and who is paying for these vacations? I guess there is no one bilingual in Aurora or the USA for that matter.
Look at the new contract carefully. The little raise they are giving us is countered with hefty increases to insurance. It is going to amount to an overall pay cut. Don't be fooled.
There will be a memorial service for Mrs. Carol Farnum tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Farnum was a tireless volunteer in our community and for our district. I remember seeing her at countless events through the years, supporting our students. And after she and her husband moved to Florida she volunteered in Cape Coral as well. A classy lady...she was one of a kind, and will be greatly missed!
How can we only get a small raise and loss our lane increase, if I am hearing right. Hanleys raise alone could have paid for 65 teachers lane increases. We need to fire our union and go on strike. Several of the new BOE members claim to be pro teacher, Strand and Darby have a spouse and girlfriend working in the district, and Johnson seemed to find money for much higher increases. Why not the same as last time? I think we should hold them to their promises during election. Let's vote down the contract and let out voices be heard!
May 28, 2015 2015 Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer East Aurora School District 131 417 5th Street Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
Dear Mr. Hanley
Please provide the following documents:
Application, Job Description for Larry Wilson (Custodian) Application Job Description for Scott Osman
Ref: High School Band Uniform Storage Room Renovation.
@ Purchase Order @ Bid Results @ Scope of Work @ Approval of Purchase Order by Board of Ed
Upon gathering information, please notify me
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
The infamous "Concrete Palace" in the basement of the high school built by Marty Feltes! A.K.A. the band uniform storage room. Where was the Buildings and Grounds committee during this huge waste of money? Hull? Leonard? Turza? No one knew about this? Go downstairs and get a photo of this room. It will blow your mind... We could have used one of the vacant spaces in the basement and renovated it to store band uniforms. The uniforms take up about 5% of the gigantic brand-spanking-new concrete room...the rest is filled with junk! How much did that cost the district/taxpayers? Hundreds of thousands of dollars? Who benefited from this? More corruption is being exposed now that the old board members are not there cover up and deny the truth.
Don't get too excited about the new contract. I agree with the comments posted about a real threat of dramatically higher insurance premiums. The "proposed" contract foolishly provides that the teachers will end up paying every penny of an increase over 5% in insurance premiums. Such an outcome will easily result in a loss of dollars far more significant than any pay increase we will receive. However, kudos to the union for attempting to acquire additional lighting for the teacher snack area prior to faculty meetings at the high school. I think I'm voting NO.
It's out and I will vote NO. I am making $15,000 less than my counterparts and this contract will widen the gap. The insurance in a unknown and Sarah will not answer specifics .
I retired after 36 years in d131 and worked on many contracts was less than thrilled with some of the proposals, but we didn't believe there were the numbers to stand behind a strike......I hope you all will have the courage to vote down a truly lousy deal! In Unity
Reading the contract it looks like they can change anything they want on insurance. If the deductible goes up that takes away our entire raise.Past practices on insurance is that we always had our lane increase to balance insurance increases, now that is not the case. If you are Hanley with a $40,000 raise you can afford it. This contract appears to be a BIG step backward.
Good bye to Dave Rana. Another employee terminated today who was part of the purchasing scandals. First Marty Feltes, now Dave Rana. Who else was responsible for making decisions on those purchase orders? I think you know who you are. I would help to bring the other parties involved in these scandals to justice instead of slipping silently away. All will be found out sooner or later.
Reading the contract we will now loss about $900 in salary lane increases. Hettinger and Intherm claim we are making more. How can than be. Why is it the gave $1200 increases, plus lane, plus 1 1/2 percent before and they claim we are making more. Liars, Lairs Liars.
I read the contract and will take my chances and vote no. The offer can not go backwards, so my thoughts are let the new BOE members show if they will keep their promise.
This blog has been eerily silent since the contract was released. Community members, you need to concern yourselves with the inequitable pay our teachers endure. These schools will never be successful until we can get a handle on the annual turnover of teachers, many of whom are passionate about serving this community, but end up moving on due to financial concerns and other poor working conditions.
Date: May 31, 2015 To: Board of Education From: Ralph Padron Subject: Cleaning up the Purchasing Scandals
I applaud Monday’s Board meeting including a presentation on “Purchasing Procedures”. This is long overdue yet still filled with controversy. Let’s review the approval process:
Ref: PO 148459 dtd June 19 2014
1 Former B&G Supervisor requests Boiler Preventive Maintenance for 14 schools totaling $ 48,000.00
2 Former Director B&G approves the request
3 Asst Superintendent of Finance APPROVES the Purchase Order Request
IMMEDIATELY STATE LAW AND SCHOOL POLICIES ARE VIOLATED ON HER APPROVAL !
State Law requires purchases $25,000 and over be put out for Public Bid
PO signature shows Michael Popp
A Work was performed referencing this PO B No competitive Quotes were obtained C All Parties were aware of these policies & violations
The work performed on the PO, was completely out of approval sequence 1 Work ticket describes all activity 2 No signature ever appeared validating this ticket 3 Mulitpe Invoices from Joliet Boiler were dated month(s) after work performed 4 No one can validate actual hours worked and if the work was actually done.
WHY WERE INVOICES APPROVED FOR PAYMENT
I received FOIA’s hundreds of work tickets and invoices with these violations.
On Oct 2014 I began bringing this to the attention of Dr Popp and Board of Education
1 Evidence was ALWAYS presented and distributed outlining the violations 2 I requested written responses from the Superintendent who refused to respond 3 It took countless FOIA’s to expose the corruption and scandals which were still ongoing
Dr Popp’s inability to resolve these costly issues, exposed his inexperience and lack of leadership in this most critical area of the Stewardship of Taxpayer Dollars. It was apparent he ignored me to protect his image as the Superintendent.
EA 131 IS NOT HIS PRIVATE COMPANY.
QUESTIONS:
1 The Director and a Supervisor at Bldg & Grounds have been removed 2 Has the Asst Superintendent of Finance and Superintendent played a role in the Bid Rigging Scandal & Illegal awarding of Business to multiple companies?
3 Why did Superintendent Popp not act on the public presentations of the corruption
4 Why did the Asst Superintendent of Finance allow countless purchase orders to be generated AFTER work was performed and invoiced? It was out of control in 2014.
5 IS THE SUPERINTENDENT NOW GOING TO TAKE CREDIT FOR CLEANING UP THE PURCHASING SCANDALS BY FINALLY IMPLEMENTING PROCEDURES AND POLICIES.
The approval sequence Log was in place and High Ranking Administrative personnel blatantly failed to adhere to this policy.
WHY DID THEY INTENTIONALLY IGNORE THIS CRITICAL POLICY YOU COME TO YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS
Final thoughts
1 Does Superintendent Popp feel pressured to finally address these issues due to the Public Election of 4 New Board Members and a new Board President?
2 Would the corruption and scandals continued if I hadn’t brought them out?
More teachers will leave, please vote NO and let's take our chances. It was suggested to negotiate with the board since many are pro teacher, our union and administration shut it down. Let's give it try we know what we have 3%, and a unknown insurance cost. Let's get more details on insurance. My yearly salary jadjustment would pay insurance now it's gone. Let's wait. If we vote on this insurance could absorb our increase.
Many of are community members are experiencing the same things you are where they work. I haven't got a raise in years and every year our insurance premiums go and and we pay more for co payments. I work for an big company that has been in business many years and as insurance rates go up they pass that on to us.
When the teachers come they know this district doesn't pay that much and it is sad they only stay a while to get experience and move on to a better paying district and good for them. You who choose to stay that is because you have tenure and if you leave you would have to start your tenure over and you don't want to do that. I'm not saying you don't deserve a raise but so do the members of the community.
In light of the CEO for the Chicago Public school system (Barbara Byrd-Bennett)stepping down amid a Federal Investigation into a 20 million dollar NO BID contract that was awarded to her former employer, SUPES Academy in Wilmette, I would suggest that our superintendent do the same! You have failed this school district in this and so many other ways. Resign and let a competent person take over this important role.
Taxpayer12 what big company do you work for that you don't get a raise? Why do you stay at your job if you haven't gotten a raise? Love the if I don't get a raise then you shouldn't get a raise mentality.
I didn't say you shouldn't get a raise I meant with money tight it is hard to give big raises. This is a high poverty district with not a lot of high end homes that bring in the big money like some districts. I know someone who has children in the district and they comment that some teachers are really good but some not so much. They also said that most students in the Middle Schools don't even do their homework and that is the parents not paying attention to the students homework. It has to be hard to work in this district but when you choose to stay then you will have to go with what a district can pay.
As far as why I don't leave my job I'm about to retire and I do make a good wage and I like my job so why go somewhere else that doesn't pay as much.
Many choose to stay because they care for the kids. I work with many high quality teachers who work well beyond their contractual hours to educate students effectively. The fact remains that if the people in this community want the schools to improve, they will commit to supporting teachers. Until that happens, turnover will continue and the lack of consistency will not lead to the improvements needed.
The reality is that economic times have changed slightly, but health care costs continue to grow, while salaries do not ANYWHERE. If teachers feel like they are exempt, they should get slapped with a reality of a strike. Let them try to find a job in another district.
Not leave because of tenure? Listen, the good ones leave because they're good, so tenure doesn't matter to them. They know their skills, they know their ability, and while tenure is nice, being able to pay bills, support families, and PAY OFF STUDENT LOANS is why they leave. And honestly, LOTS of crap teachers, at least in my building have been remediated and/or let go, because the evidence is clear. Danielson will make it even MORE clear - both in highlighting good teachers AND those that need to go.
That's exactly what happens, dummy. Every year 30% of our teachers leave for other districts that support teachers better. If you continue to offer minimal pay and support to teachers, you will continue to get minimal results. The turnover alone is enough to disrupt any stability and progress we might make, not to mention all the other disruptive factors.
Amen!!!! However, it is a lot of work to let Danielson do its work. Some administration just pass the buck and let poor teachers stay....time will tell how effective administration becomes!
Tenure?? Listen it's really not good ones that leave, its those who want to work in a different demographic and make $20,000 more a year. The ones that stay are totally invested in their students and believe it or not money is secondary. That doesn't mean we want to totally be ripped off And go ahead and gloat about how Danielson will wipe us out, because pretty soon the school's reputation for being a dangerous place to work will keep everyone from wanting to teach here. And how fair is Danielson? Well in some departments, your best friend is your evaluator, or in English 2 newly tenured teachers got to write a self-evaluation which became the basis for their excellent ratings. Sounds fair to me. Also sounds fair and reasonable that none of your teaching history is taken into account and your rating is based on how you perform that day. In what other job area is that the case?
Danielson a "fair model?" Don't be fooled by that statement. The bottom line is that the Danielson model is still up to the whim of whatever administrator is the evaluator and that person can (and oft times does) destroy a good teacher and/or elevate a bad one depending on their respective "feelings" toward that person good or bad.
Trust administrators to fairly evaluate teachers? In this district, NOT a good idea (as past history has shown).
We need to get Sarah off any future negotiates and give her a no confidence vote. She sold us down the river. The current contract will have us paying the district to work for them. This contract is a slap in the face.
I cannot begin to understand how anyone could face us and present this contract. It is a slap in the face, especially to dedicated staff in 131 who have been accepting low pay and poor treatment for years and years. I wish more members came to the Q&A but honestly, the members were heard! Hopefully Sarah's tears meant that she understands we will NOT tolerate an unfair contract that doesn't compensate us appropriately! DON'T COME BACK TO US WITHOUT A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN PAY (without stripping us of benefits)! It is time for the Board and Popp to keep their promises and begin to close the salary disparity between us and local districts.
After today's Q&A on the contract, the vote has been delayed! Our concerns were out there, and while it took a few knocks on that Carla woman's head to get into her thick skull, the team is going BACK to negotiate. I just wish more people had shown up to the meeting to share concerns!
Remember that all the upper level administrators are compensated at the same rate as their out-of-district peers. However, certified staff are compensated between 10% and 20% below our out-of-district peers. Do we do 20% less work? Are we 20% less the educators? I understand we won't earn a raise to make as much as some districts but we deserve to be compensated much better than what was written in that contract!
Has anyone figured out how much it costs the district for such a large staff turnover every year? The high school has had approximately 50-55 new certified staff each year for the past five/six years. What does that tell you? How are our students ever supposed to perform well with a revolving door of teachers and administrators? The learning curve for new educators is so great, if you aren't a teacher you have no idea the daunting obligations that go into teaching. It is more than creating a lesson plan and instructing students. Each time we have new staff, the veteran staff are spread thin to spend their energy training and mentoring new staff. The new staff are so overwhelmed they scrape by and leave for greener pastures in a year or two. We need to retain great staff and you do that through COMPENSATION and APPRECIATION.
They should have let us vote. After talking to people from almost every building, it was going to be a resounding NO. Guess no one wanted to show administration just how disgusted we are with that contract!
People are ready to vote for a strike at the first opportunity we get. Thanks for getting the staff all riled up for the fight with that disrespectful contract offer.
We won't be fooled again. The East Aurora Staff is starting to understand that the union is not supporting us and the district is offering us nothing at all. Here is three percent but we will be jacking up your insurance. Stipends are frozen and the district won't give us a salary schedule. And, you better have a lot of sick days stored up before you try to have a child or you will be paying all the medical bills yourself.
Two contracts ago, Mary Dudzinski told us to take the contract, that it was the best they could get us. We found out afterward that the district was paying her $145,000 a year, by far the highest paid teacher the district ever had. Last time, we had Adam Harding tell us it was a grEAt contract when the board was offering us nothing. After the contract was signed, he showed his betrayal by switching to the administrative side with a huge raise.
It was obvious at the meeting today that the teachers no longer trust our union. Many comments were made about transparency, especially regarding votes. We don't believe the vote totals that the union reports to us. Todays vote was public and unanimous, not one NO vote. We stood in unity together. Everyone at the meeting demanded that the union go back to the bargaining table and begin to represent us instead of the district. We need to continue to stand together until the teachers and staff in this district can make a living wage that keeps the best teachers here serving the children of the East Aurora community.
Sara please resign and do us a favor and get someone who will speak up. Carla H retire you are long overdue. Carla you are the reason this district is behind ALL other districts in wages. VOTE STRIKE!
Board of Ed speech June 1 2015 CPS CEO Barbara Byrd Bennet resigned due to Federal Investigation of NO BID Contract. Tonight I AM HERE TO PRESENT THE NO BID CONTRACTS AT EAST AURORA.
Here are NO BID Contracts totaling $276,000.00 at East Aurora and growing
State Law REQUIRES purchases $25,000 and over be put out for Public Bid Example:
Former B&G Supervisor David Rana requests Boiler Preventive Maintenance for 14 schools totaling $ 48,000.00 Former Director B&G Marty Feltes approves the request Christi Tyler Asst Superintendent of Finance approves the Purchase Order Request
IMMEDIATELY STATE LAW & SCHOOL POLICY IS VIOLATED ON CHRISTI’S APPROVAL
PO signature shows Michael Popp authorizing this contract
A Work ticket summarizes all activity Signature is required to insure work was performed and hours worked are confirmed by an EA employee-NONE APPEARED Invoices were received THEN Purchase Orders were generated . No one can validate actual hours worked and if work was properly completed. WHY WERE INVOICES APPROVED FOR PAYMENT by Christi Tyler
On Oct 2014 I began bringing this to the attention of Dr Popp and Board of Education Evidence was ALWAYS presented via FOIA’s The Superintendent refused to respond to my presentations to protect his image.
Dr Popp’s inability to resolve these costly issues, exposed his inexperience and lack of leadership in this most critical area of Stewardship of Taxpayer Dollars. EA 131 IS NOT HIS PRIVATE COMPANY !!
QUESTIONS:
Marty Feltes and David Rana were fired Wasn’t it the responsibility of Christi Tyler and Mike Popp to prevent Bid Rigging & Illegal Purchase Orders?
Why did Christi Tyler allow countless purchase orders to be generated AFTER work was performed and invoiced in 2014 and beyond
The approval sequence Log was in place to insure all procedures were properly done. Why was this critical policy allowed to be compromised? You come to your own conclusions on this.
Does Superintendent Popp feel pressured to finally address these issues due to the Public Election of 4 New Board Members and a new Board President?
Would the corruption and scandals continue if I hadn’t brought them out?
I heard someone addressed the board about a PTO group of one of the schools went around asking for money for Cultural Events during the year and when someone asked about the money the teachers said they didn't know where it was but someone saw there was a new refrigerator in the school. Why couldn't anyone say where the money was it should be in some kind of account where a parent and a teacher should have to sign off to get the money. I did hear the district doesn't oversee the PTO's but it is a group and probably falls under some kind of financial watch group.
The no bid scandal is really getting out of hand and hopefully ISBE will finally take a look at this or The States Attorney.
I spoke with Ralph Padron about many issues and he pointed out to me that Elise Clever was hired at $ 52,000.00 as Purchasing Agent with no experience. She worked with Christi Tyler at West Aurora. How many of our teachers are making that? He also reminded me of Matt Hanley's $ 40,000.00 which Popp put in BEFORE the New Board took office.
Hold the line and reject this contract and also get rid of Sarah as part of negotiations.
I'm am a non-tenured educator, and I am here at EA because I want to help improve the students and district. My family has a history with EA schools, and I don't like the image that EA receives from those around us. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised that a 3% raise was offered for next year, but to have the salary schedule up in the air within a couple of years and unsure of what is going on with healthcare benefits, the proposed contract makes me wary. With a growing family, I will definitely be pressured to have to look at jobs in any of the surrounding districts that pay more. I know that Illinois is in a sorry state as is, but if educators in this district are not given comparable pay and benefits, they will continue to find it (more) difficult to hire and retain staff. It's unfortunate, but anytime that I hear of a person looking for employment and EA is mentioned, their two concerns are typically classroom violence/behavior (rumors and stories spread quickly) and salary. I hope the union can work out a plan that is fair to everyone and helps to improve EA.
The latest is our Union is calling it for a vote. The word is they violated something. It shows they don't know the law or how to protect us from the district. Our union also uses the districts law company to advise them. This is a conflict what are they doing what our dues. Wee have lost all trust in the process.
Teachers keep saying how other districts get more money but look at the surrounding ones. District 203 and 204 has higher property taxes then us but even now they are feeling the crunch. You can't get more than the district brings in. As far as healthcare benefits I believe everyone that pays for insurances is having to pay more in fact today on the news I believe it was Blue\Cross Blue Shield said they are raising their premiums so that means others will. For those that look into working for D131 the salary can only go as far again as the property taxes and the State and Feds give them. If you see a district has as high a poverty rate as ours does what makes them think they can get as much as the other districts that bring in more? It seems all State, Local Government, and School districts think they are above all the other workers in the State that are feeling the crunch of the economy.
Listen up, it's time to stand STRONG and VOTE NO. Send a message that we are better than that offer and we know it. Everyone posting here about voting NO needs to do so, and also speak up and share those views with the other teachers in your building. Let them know the reasons this is a bad contract, let them know that they need to stand strong, let them know that the vote is anonymous, let them know not to bend over and take it, but instead to stand up and give it! The time is now, EA. We have the power to let our voice be heard and to finally make a change and fight against the corruption in that terrible central office and union.
So many of us are disappointed in Sara. She didn't even stand to lead the meeting last night, and regardless of that type of physical limitation, when you are the president of a large organization you need to stand when you lead. The contract that she and the negotiating team presented was a slap in the face, indicative of the way she feels about us and our value as educators. Get rid of this contract get rid of her - VOTE NO.
The property taxes in 131 are higher and the values of homes are lower so we are getting it twice. Look at the waste in 131. when teachers see My Hanley getting $40,000 more should they not ask for more. The residents deserve better and the teachers are victims of a corrupt and not so fair administration. It is a a bad situation for all.
To Taxpayer8. I am a community member who has watched the mismanagement of district funds for nearly a decade in 131. So this isn't about how much money the district gets from State, Federal, or local property taxes. It is how the money is managed. 131 has NOT been good stewards of our children's educational funds for a very long while. Each new admin or Board president comes in claiming to be the answer to our problems. We still do not pay our teachers a decent wage and the programs and procedures admin and the board put into place are still not educating our children to the level they deserve. We have had admin who were in the top ten percent of highest paid in the state. Our teachers are not asking for exceptional increases, just acceptable. They have been asked to take on extra duties, create their own curriculum, all during the course of their "normal" work day. If this explanation does not make it more understandable to you why the teachers are asking for a little more security in their contract language and benefits, let me know. I can break it down a bit more. If you tell me what you do for a living, I would be happy to give a comparable example. Our children need people at the top to make better choices that directly affect their education. These things do not include fancy landscaping or high cost community relations and unnecessary building changes that have no immediate impact on improving the educational atmosphere in our schools. I have lived and worked in Aurora my entire life and I am proud of my hometown but very disappointed in those who have been making decisions in the name of "education."
Just a reminder that anonymous comments go directly into the spam folder instead of being considered for publication. So if your comment does not appear, it may be that you submitted it anonymously.
You don't need to identify yourself by name, but you do need to click "Name/URL" and type something there. Not only will your comment not be sent to the spam file...but others can refer to your comment and respond.
As a EA Teachcat, I just want the district to spend money wisely and support all staff, teachers, aides, secretaries, etc. I do feel we are underappreciated for all the work we do. The contract offered is not bad, but also not what I feel we deserve. The real issue I have is the insurance increase without any specifics, if the insurance costs are more than the raise we have been offered, why would we vote for this contract?
Just want to remind the teachers of all the tricks Popp has done and wasted $$$$ 1 Matt Hanley's $ 40,000.00 raise (the ultimate slap in the face) 2 Elise Clever hiring at 52K (friend of Christi Tyler) zero experience in purchasing agent 3 Michael Golonka BG Supervisor hiring from 30K to 60K I have his application and wondered why he was hired for the High School yet is at BG Who interviewed him and were his references checked out. Joan Glotzbach: Can you honestly say this guy was qualified, just another bully at EA Another botched background check
Add up the above and you are looking at approximately 100,000.00 wasted
Lets not forget that Popp wanted to build this NEW ADMIN CENTER (with air conditioning) at a cost of millions.
Teachers consider all of the above and more when you vote for your contract.
Last but not Least "The Golden Egg" which is the NO BID CONTRACTS totaling 275K + and growing. More money wasted
Send Popp a message when you vote. Is he really concerned about you or more about himself.
AND THEY CAN'T GIVE THE TEACHERS A DECENT CONTRACT
The Union and Administration are in Bed Together
said...
This contract needs to be rejected on so many levels. When teachers are paid up to $40,000 less than the surrounding districts, a 3% cost of living increase is pathetic. If you can do basic math, you begin to realize that a 3% increase here is much less than in a district that is paying you $40,000 more. Their 3% increase is thousands more than ours. Some salaries are still being adjusted and we are just supposed to accept that the district and union will work it out after the contract is signed. The last two years of salary are not set and we will have to take anything they give us at that point since we would not have the leverage of striking in the middle of a contract.
Instead of correcting all the step inconsistencies, they are eliminating the steps so that the staff can no longer see them.
Stipends are frozen, no increases. Some stipends have been reduced to AA level. They will have to do the same amount of work for half the pay.
Insurance payments will be going up and the staff will be paying for it (There goes your entire raise) , however nobody will put it in writing. We are just supposed to trust that the district and union will handle it later. 103% is covered not 105%. In my paycheck, that would come to about $1600 less money each year.
How evaluations will be handled is not included in the contract, again we are supposed to trust that the district and union will take care of us later.
Classroom sizes are increasing, no protections.
Maternity leave will cost you big time if you don’t have enough sick days accumulated.
There are dozens of pages of changes to the contract and nearly every one of change is for the districts protection, not ours.
Three years of paying union dues and this is the contract the union brings before us? Nothing for us but a cost of living increase (which is gone with insurance premiums going up) so it’s really a net loss. If this union can’t deliver, it may be time for decertification.
I will be voting NO on every single offer until the promise of compensating the middle-of-the-road'ers is fixed. When you compare different steps and lanes from the current contract with surrounding areas, the people who have proven to be loyal to the district are the least compensated compared to others on the same pay scale. Additionally, I will be voting NO until a salary schedule is reintroduced. This is just another shady way for people to slip things past us because you have no schedule to reference! NO NO NO!
When Hanley gets a $40,000 plus raise plus TRS and we are handed scraps let's Strike. The new board can remind his raise but has not and then they allow a contract like that to get put out. Yeah you can bet new BOE member Hachett will make sure Blue Cross raises our rates real good. darby, Arroyo and Laesch claim they are pro union but passed this contract. Already they are breaking promises. As for Johnson she is only cared about building cash reserve balances. Since she is back in charge the district starting showing profits again which means our raises and other programs and positions will get eliminated. Leonard is a crook and should resign. Let's not even start on Strand she sold the teachers out long ago and only cares about using the school for personnel gain.
When the contract is rejected let's call for a strike vote in fall and the administration a example.
Matt Hanley if you had any ethics you would see your raise is causing divide and should be given back.
Dear employees of District 131. I know many are concerned about the contract, but please know, this current BOE was not involved in negotiations nor have we seen a copy of the contract.
I have voted NO, this contract is a sham and now we learn the BOED did not even read the contract. It shows Popp is in bed with union leaders. I have told others vote NO and take our chances with the new BOED. My question the contract should be signed by Johnson. We can not believe knowing her she did not know.
This 2 yr salary contract is a joke. Admin knows that Illinois is most likely not going to be much better off financially, and it is highly unlikely that EA would get a windfall of cash. This is a ploy to get us to agree on a poor salary so they can use the Illinois economic excuse in another year or two when salaries are again brought to the table and give us nothing (except higher out of pocket expenses for benefits). I've come to accept that by the time I retire (which may be 70-75, God willing), there will be nothing for me in Social Security or TRS. I'm having to put more and more money away now in my own personal retirement account (which is barely anything after I pay for mortgage, food, gas, and utilities). Sorry to sound selfish, but the union and admin need to step up.
Prepare for a strike. The staff can't count on Sarah to fight for us so we will just have to vote no repeatedly and strike to be heard. We are united and ready!
I have heard that multiple people listed as being on the negotiation team were not actually present during most of negotiations. It is obvious Sarah needs all the help she can get. They need to add competent people to the negotiation table.
Please let the taxpayers know what will be fair since 99% of you don't have to pay for it, we simply want to please you.. What do you need 3%, 4%,5%. We will pick up any increases on the insurance premiums. How much would you like for TRS? How many more sick days would you like? Would 400 days be sufficient or is the 300 plus you get now sufficient?. how much more maternity leave would be fair? How about more education reimbursement . We pay for the additional education and then you charge us. 7 or 8 holidays, floating holidays, spring break, Christmas break, summer break, thanksgiving break. That is one rich economic package but all we hear about is the percentage and insurance. Salaries and benefits make up over 80% of the budget and everyone wants more. Take the money this year and next year many of you will be joining the ranks of unemployed. The governor wants to cut more education funding, and freeze property taxes. The tax levy was decreased by the board of ed. BTW how much was the last contract increase in the middle of the recession? It just came to me , we will go out back and shake the money tree . Go ahead , vote no and don't worry we don't expect anything in return; it's all about you.
Mr. Arroyo you represent the students and taxpayers of this district not the teachers union or any other union. The more you speak it is evident that you have know idea what you are doing. You have said more in this blog than you have at your first 2 meetings of the board and your words are empty in both venues. You have 2 ears and one mouth so you can listen more and talk less. Counselors solve issues by listening to the issues , be advised.
An educated teacher who lives in East Aurora School District
said...
To Fed Up:
1. You should checks your facts about benefits because you are making statements unsupported by truth. 2. No one has suggested an increase in taxes, nor has anyone suggested that a referendum be brought to the voters to increase taxes. 3. Instead of blaming the teachers/staff for the problems at the schools, focus on the districts poor decision making and unwise spending practices in the last several years. 4. Since your taxes aren't being increased, mind your own business. 5. You apparently don't care about the quality of education and about the massive turnover that occurs every year at East Aurora. The fact is our pay is well below other nearby districts, including West Aurora and other similarly situated districts.
To "Excuse me said", The school board isn't representing the union based on his clarifying comment. The school board has a duty to uphold the students best interests and that would be supporting teachers and decreasing the enormous turnover rate.
And because he represents the students and taxpayers, he understands that paying teachers fairly ultimately benefits both of the groups he represents. Teachers aren't asking for taxes to be raised, but whIle administration is paid comparably to surrounding districts, staff is not. If each admin were paid just $5k less, 200 teachers could get a $2k raise.
Look, we know that many of the vocal taxpayers in this district care little for the children and for those of us who serve them, but until your taxes go up, stop verbally abusing people who serve your community--it's tacky.
To an educated teacher I will say that ignorance is bliss. You should stick to what you know and how EAV and ad valorem taxes work. My taxes have gone up regardless of the decrease of the levy for the coming year and so have many other seniors. I never mentioned a referendum but here it is , never again. You should address the revenue issues. If your thinking is that Mismanagement in other areas means you compound it by increases payroll and benefits without clear means to be able to sustain throughout the life of the agreement you really scare me. Take away Hanleys raise and it will not sustain a teachers contract. How much increase did your principal get. It's part of the deal at East; unfortunately you are not going to make the same as everyone else, it was that way when you were hired. Which benefits that I mentioned are inaccurate . All Teachers are under paid , I concede that however this is my business. I keep my property up. I pay high taxes and Youre offended because while you personally may or may not be underpaid benefits are part of the economics of the agreement. This district is majority low income and live in properties that don't generate much revenue. Mr.nArroyos taxes are cheap on his run down home. Yet and still he has decided to stick his nose into this issue so what makes you think I have no say. Several board members taxes are thousands less than mine, it's my business. The majority of the residents that foot the bill would love to have your insurance and half your salary. I say , be grateful, try and understand the real revenue issues and take the emotions out of the debate. I'm empathetic but I'm not fooled or sorry for anyone with a great job doing what they love. If you do not love what you do then quit because no amount of money will change your heart and the students pay for it.
The vote was 155 yes and 1025 no. We have sent you a message board of education. Start be firing Hanley, Reyes Childress, Glozbach and Popp. Since the reign of terror took over one year ago the lack of respect and corruption has shown. Popp had one agenda promote his public image that is why Hanley was promoted and given a increase that equaled the entire salary of a first year teacher. It is time some issues get addressed please listen and learn.
If others' taxes are "thousands less" than yours, then it must be because you decided to have a large home and/or lot. It is the teacher's choice to work for 101? Well it is also your choice to live here.
Dear Union Member: Don't speak on behalf of all of us. I voted no and it has nothing to do with wanting Popp, Glotzbach or Hanley fired. I simply want to be compensated for my hard work and dedication to 131 as they are- and as they deserve.
To Fed up...to use your logic (and many of your words) from your 12:32am comment.....My taxes have gone down, regardless of the increase of yours, my total tax bill remains lower than your increase, and so have many other seniors and families. You should address the expenditure issues. If your thinking is that Mismanagement in other areas means you compound it by sacrificing payroll and benefits without clear means to be able to sustain the business of education, you really scare me! You stated salaries and benefits make up 80% of the budget. Since you mentioned ignorance and bliss, I concede and ask you - is that 80% made up of current teachers only? Also, what would be a fair percentage of the budget to be paid to educators in a place whose business is education?
It's part of the deal at East; unfortunately you are not going to pay the same(taxes) as everyone else, it was that way when you moved here......I keep my property up, I pay LOW taxes, and you're offended because while you personally may or may not be paying too much in property taxes, they are part of the economics of the agreement of being a homeowner.
You are correct, this district is majority low income and live in properties that don't generate much revenue as I noted above about the lower tax bills. I see no reason to make rude remarks about Mr. Arroyos home. You have a right to your opinion and you had an option to vote for Board members. If you voted for only people with tax bills as high as yours, I am guessing the majority of lower tax bill recipients must have voted for those with tax bills "thousands less than yours." You are correct, these are the majority of the residents that foot the bill, and you don't see them complaining. They would love to have your home and half your pension. I say, be grateful, try and understand the real issues and take the emotions out of the debate. I'm empathetic but I'm not fooled or sorry for anyone with a great piece property and living a good life they love. If you do not love everything about where you live then move, because no amount of reduced taxes will change your heart and the students pay for it......when we have bad managers of our educational resources and all the community member sees and complains about is their property tax bill. We need a more understanding community.
put the money where the work is being done
said...
While our students are being taught with incomplete curriculum and teachers are expected to create curriculum along with teach it, what exactly are our curriculum people at the admin level doing? And who is assessing and evaluating them? Come on Popp and Board! As the teacher said In the Beacon.-A year is a lot in the life of a student. One semester is too much to be wasted while listening to excuses from those who get paid to supply our teachers with the tools for teaching. If the teachers are doing your job, they should be asking for much more in their contract and the Board should shift the funds from those not doing their job! Seems like a simple assessment and fix to me.
Popp was hired because of his Curriculum expertise from 204 and he has been on the job for a year. Nothing has happened we have wasted another year, now teachers showed their anger. What is the board going to do.
To "put the money where the work is being done said", who are you referring to when you mention curriculum people at the admin level? There is 1 and only 1: the director of curriculum and instruction. The rest of the people, who are housed at the admin service center but are NOT administrators, are facilitators -- teachers, that is, like you. Instead, how about focusing on our district administration, who refuse to add additional resources to this initiative for creating curriculum. It takes manpower, experts, and time to create quality instruction, all of which cost $$.
Anyone in the district considered an administrator have their TRS paid for them. This means that in addition to their salaries, they earn an additional 9.4%. Administrators salaries within the district are well above the averages of other nearby districts, while teachers salaries within the district are well below nearby districts. The additional 9.4% TRS that the district pays for administrators in not included in the average salaries compared, so they are actually making much more than the numbers show.
I've been at many recent meetings with teachers about the latest contract offer. Never has the lack of curriculum ever been mentioned as a reason for rejecting the contract. This is obviously Matt Hanley trying to put spin on another embarrassing moment for the district. I guess his connections with the Beacon are paying off for the administration.
The worst part of the article was the No Comment from Sara Imthurn. The woman is supposed to be the union leader and she doesn't have a clue. She needs to step aside and give control to somebody who will lead the teachers and this district to a more secure future. The entire negotiating team sounded like a bunch of pacifists at the Q and A session. They showed that they have done nothing for the teachers in the past three years (since the last contract) and are simply marching to the administrations orders. One of them actually mentioned salaries going down when somebody asked about salary lanes.
Somebody should also look into Bardwell. It was obvious from the election results that the teachers didn't read the contract and their union leaders are giving them false information. Let's go Bardwell, step up to the plate.
Proud of the staff for now, keep up the good fight.
The administrators of District 131 are amongst the top 8% for salary in the state. The teachers are amongst the lowest in the state and are the lowest in the six county area. It is way past time for the teachers to stand together and demand a living wage. When the teachers of 131 are being paid up to $40,000 less than other teachers in this same town, it's time to make a change. Eliminating the salary schedule is the worst thing the district can do. Teachers will flee in record numbers.
Let us not forget the $40,000 salary increase to Hanley. What does he do other than spinning the stories for Popp. Arroyo told us this was not the Boards contract. So now what are they going to do? They should start with Hanley and show teachers that they are serious about taking care of teachers. If Hanley had ethics he would step aside.
The new Board ran on change, so far they have changed nothing. Many of us are watching and for Mr Laesch and Mr Arroyo who clearly have other political motives we are watching.
The purchasing scandal and Mat Handley are your first test.
Public relations are a necessary evil. We can debate at what cost however just like teachers unless you have walked their shoes collectively we have no clue what it takes to be profIcient. Those of us who have been around understand that not only does the PR person work and spin for the district and superintendent they do likewise for the board president. Adams, Mohammed, and Hanley were at Annette Johnsons beck and call. They wrote articles for the Enlightner, the Beacon and speeches for Red And Black day. I don't have a problem with it because her image was not good. The district image is not good overall. This blog is detrimental , any negative news is not good, Padron is not good , stating that the schools aren't safe ; not good, strikes help no one, schools ranked below 5 ; not good. 2 board members perpetuated the fear rhetoric during their campaigns . Who will speak, promote, and write about the positives? Do not forget that Mr Feltes was given a $40,000 increase as well and no one spoke up but then again it was not contract time and the president promoted it. Matts raise was approved by the old board and old president .
Date: June 8, 2015 To: John Laesch Subject: Inquiry on Hiring of Michael Golonka Bldg & Grnds Supervisor
The December 1st 2014 Personnel Report Stated Hiring of: Michael Golonka B&G-Supervisor $60,500.00 pro-rated
Questions arise immediately upon reviewing his application
Previous employer “Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church” in Cary IL Employed a staff of 3 custodians & 1 Facilities Manager Has 1 Building Job Description at EA would not qualify him for the position @ Salary was $ 34,000.00 EA Salary is $ 60,500.00 Mr Golonka was hired for more money than the majority of licensed teachers.
1 Mr Golonka was hired for Supervisor at the High School yet never worked there, WHY? 2 Did his qualifications match up with the position he was hired for. Obviously NOT 3 Were other applicants more qualified, if not why was this position not reposted 4 WHO screened the applicants 5 WHO conducted the interviews 6 WHO recommended him for the position 7 WHO researched his references & are there notes on this.
Upon comparing his application and Job Description at EA, it appears Mr Golonka is underqualified for this position. A lesser position appears more appropriate for his experience.
Bigger questions are: DUD HR EXCLUSIVELY CONDUCT THIS HIRING INCLUDING BACKGROUND AND REFERENCE CHECK? Why did Golonka not report to the High School for the position he was hired for? What were/are his current responsibilities since his hiring?
His salary is far above the majority of Licensed Educators within EA yet his qualifications are average at best. I do understand that “Personnel Confidentiality” cannot be compromised. However I am requesting that this inquiry be investigated for the above concerns.
Respectfully
Ralph Padron Attachments:
@Application @High School Supervisor Job Description
Let's ask the question, Is the district better off than 5 years ago. I say yes. They have built new building, hired 300 plus teachers and interventionist and still maintain good cash reserves. We need to look at the positives. teachers have not been rifted or had pay freezes. They also have great benefits and raise increases topped 12 % over the last contract. Tell that to the residents who struggle to keep food on the table. Have we seen student growth at 12%?
I have to make a correction on my statement about the teachers contract, the BOE did get copies of the the agreement e-mailed to us on June 2nd, but my copy was in my spam folder. My apologies for any confusion.
Why are you posting on this blog!!! You are on the board of education! Your communication with the community should be during board meetings! Not on an unsanctioned blog! You don't deserve to represent this district!
Alex, please stop posting on this blog. The staff of the district who care and understand the needs of the students and the community really need an ally. I am confident that you are. You are messing up your credibility by posting on here. Read away, but you need to stay above the fray.
Sounds like someone is upset. Did you retire and can't afford to be. Have you ever been a boss. Have you ever interviewed anyone. Have you ever hired and or fired anyone before. What are your qualifications. Obviously it's all about negotiations. Stop crying.
Who is in charge of the Union right now? I was told ALL would have a chance to voice concerns and provide input by my building Rep now he does not know. Some leadership, they need to be voted out of office and a no confidence vote taken. They are in bed with the administration but 1025 strong voices need to be heard.
I also do not want a hall monitor as my voice! Support BE HEARD
I drove past Mr Golonka's last place of employment. He was in charge of 5 buildings not 1 like you posted. When he was hired at ea 131 he was in charge of 6 buildings. How can you say he is not qualified. I think he met part of the qualifications with that alone. Maybe you should go back to math class again, get your eyes checked. Bty stop being an investigator cause it's not working.
Geez, people. This is an open forum (somewhat), so let Mr. Arroyo comment here if he wishes. He was just trying to clear up a previous post of his. If you think it damages his reputation by commenting here, then that is his issue to deal with. Soooo...what's the stipend we'll be getting from the union when we go on strike? Guess I'd better start having garage sales this summer so that I can feed my family and pay to keep a roof over our heads come Fall ;)
Mr Padron go away your harassment of d131 staff and BOE members are getting old. If 131 was so poorly managed why is it they have more cash reserves than the district you live in and built a school a year while hiring about 300 new teachers.
The teachers and administration need time to fix problems and get a new contract that benefits all. Leave us alone. BTW someone should talk about your wife, she was not that qualified, and who employed you maybe we need to investigate that|
CPS is striking to get the level of raise that you are whining about. There are across the board cuts in salaries in many districts due to the prediction of districts needing to cover state costs for TRS. You strike, and you will look ridiculous.
No one looks ridiculous for standing up for what they believe in. I am not a teacher and don't know what each of them has to deal with ON the job from supervisors/ admin or what type of benefits and compensation they receive for doing their job. I do know many teachers in EA, which I have had the pleasure of meeting through my children, they work very hard. They have many tasks above "standardized" teaching. As an outsider, I would encourage the teachers to ask for what they believe they deserve. Nothing less.
Many posters are unhappy with the union leadership and you may have a legitimate gripe however you should step or shut up. Union reps do the job you're too lazy ,afraid or too inept to do. The main agitators will never step up, they are all talk and no substance. If you decertify the Union as someone suggested no AFLCIO Union can pick you up for three years. If you strike you will return to work for the same offer or less. If by chance you receive more it will result in job lose. You're unhappy but as grand parent I am too. If you strike it won't the students anymore than your attitude has already hurt them. My grandson is in middle school and while he can read he does not comprehend what he reads. He also does not know the difference between a continent and country. He has no idea what the names of the capital cities are. His mom and dad just found out when they questioned his social study grade. They never heard from his teacher because he is very quiet and stays out of trouble. My daughter states that the teachers don't keep the grades and homework updated on the student information system. Go ahead....
When presenting a contract or purchase for Board approval, THE SUPERINTENDENT or DESIGNEE SHALL INSURE IT COMPLIES WITH APPLICABEL WITH STATE LAW including but not limited to, those specified below:
1. Supplies, materials, or work involving an expenditure in excess of $25,000 must comply with the State law bidding procedure, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21, unless specifically exempted. 2. Construction, lease, or purchase of school buildings must comply with State law and Board policy 4:150, Facility Management and Building Programs.
I still have 10 months of purchases to audit which will reveal more no contract bids More unlawful purchases will be forthcoming involving multiple issues
Funny Matt that you send out an email about "fixing the formula" right before contract negotiations. (Crying poor) With all those cash reserves that you brag about, teachers are right to ask for a WELL- DESERVED remuneration. They do not look ridiculous, but look like they have had enough and are finally standing up to a bully administration. Hope you are enjoying your $40,000 raise, by the way. Remember? The one you got for sending out press releases, cover-ups and photo ops? And you didn't have to even lift a finger, march, or demonstrate. All handed to you on a silver platter. Must be some serious skeletons in the closet.
The 3% offer was more than generous inflation growth was less than 1%. If you strike parents will not care. SO GO STRIKE. The above is correct you elected your leadership so deal with it.
TEACHERS Mike Popp authored this contract and the teachers OVERWHELMINGLY voted No. Popp gave Matt Hanley a $40,000.00 raise for no good reason. Insist that Popp find a way to correct this mistake and revert Hanley back to his original pay. Make this MANDATORYas part of your negotiations. Make Popp prove he will be negotiating in good faith by doing this.
If not HOLD THE LINE!
Do not let Popp have his way and talk his way out of this one. DO NOT COMPROMISE !!!!
National cost of living increase was determined to be almost 2% last year. Will be examined again this Fall. If you look at what others have stated numerous times, it is about what is comparable pay to surrounding districts, as well as what is fair given the pay increases (warranted or not) for some members of administration. And I'm sure that plenty will be said by parents if the teachers strike. Maybe you wouldn't care, but don't go speaking for other wonderful parents of 131.
Yep, shoulder to shoulder, parents who care and are involved with their children would stand with the teachers decision, if they chose to strike. The only reason they will object, is many of them depend on their children being in school while they go to work. So it would not be lack of support but rather a need for childcare.
The reality is you ARE NOT comparable to other area districts. Your tax base is different! The demographics of your students are completely different! You have significant costs in your district related to working with students of poverty and English learners. You cant possibly think that these students are supported for free.
Be happy with your 3% raise! Many districts are fighting for that!
Percentages mean nothing if salaries are not comparable to start with. Why would anybody in their right mind do the same job they would elsewhere for $25,000-$40,000 less money? Here is a list of salaries by district at the 23 year mark with a doctorate degree. It becomes abundantly clear why teachers leave District 131 in droves. 3% is a slap in the face to every hard working teacher in East Aurora. If the teachers in District 131 are not offered a competitive salary, the students of District 131 will always receive a substandard education.
East Aurora $74,248 West Aurora $106,287 Indian Prairie $106.966 Batavia $114,102 Geneva $100,069 Oswego $104,056 Naperville 203 $113,566
Most people would actually argue that the demographics you ("who are you kidding") listed as reasons that 131 teachers should be paid more and in-line with others in the area. The job is more challenging, involves more planning, and bilingual teachers are a great asset (although not paid any more). Please explain further how the EA tax base and demographics justify a lower salary.
Padron is going after Popp because he accused Padron and his wife of receiving insurance for less. They paid the premium that was in effect. Popp has never publicly apologized so he wants him fired.
It doesn't justify a lower salary. It speaks to the difficulty of budgeting for the significant needs of our students. It is more than just English language learners, it is about meeting the needs of students of poverty. There are significant costs associated with both of those issues. It doesn't mean that you should be paid last, but there's only so much money to go around.
Please explain to the thousands of students that would be out of school because of the strike why we should listen to an old man who doesn't live in our district! Matt Hanley has no bearing on the contract negotiations. This is about the teachers'. Not your stupid vendetta. Go away!
If Padrone is the big investigator he claims to be then here is my question, why did he not question the lower premium? Less than $100 a month is low and everyone knows that. This bully has cost well over $100,000 in labor hours of staff that has pulled endless papers for him. All of the saving he claims was discovered by BOE members or administration.
His comments towards Popp are unfair. Popp was not with the district Roberts was. Why did he not go after Roberts.
Who did Pardone work for and why did he not have insurance from his former employer. Its time to look at who he is.
Take the time now to look at the revenue that the other districts bring in from taxes and other sources and that should show you why some districts pay more since they have more money to work with.
Padron is attacking Popp because he wanted a job. They caved to him and he did nothing for the money. He claimed he saved money but what did he save nothing for his $7,500. The bills he provided did not have documentation and should have not been paid.
He gets pleasure out of distroying reputations . He is sick!
Didn't miss your point, just different POV
said...
If there are "significant costs" associated with ELL and poverty students. Shouldn't one of those costs be paying the teachers a decent wage so the turnover rate reduces and in turn gives the students/ families a learning environment that feels safe, comfortable and consistent by seeing the same teachers in their home school each year. If getting the proper equipment to do a job effectively and efficiently means paying a little more for the tools or the laborer using those tools, wouldn't it be cost effective?
211 comments:
1 – 200 of 211 Newer› Newest»May 12, 2015
To: President Annette Johnson & East Aurora Board of Ed
From : Ralph Padron
Subject: MOMENT OF TRUTH
This is parallel yet more serious than the recent discovery of Patrick Cantore’s hiring.
On May 6th 2014 Superintendent Michael Popp and I met to discuss several issues, one being the Hiring/Background check for Asst Director of Business, Melody Ellington.
I presented to Dr Popp the following documents:
5/15/09 Termination Notification Dist 67 from Superintendent Greg Buchanan
Letter of resignation acknowledging her pending termination thus given the option to resign.
6/11-6/13 Signs 2 yr contract with Dist 159 Matteson
6-28-12 Resigns- acknowledges pending termination –given option to resign
6/13-6/14 Signs 1 yr contract EA
May 6 2014 met with Mike Popp presenting documents for the above
Response: he will forward it to his staff to investigate.
Requested written response-none received NO ACTION TAKEN
THIS WAS A DEFINING MOMENT AS I KNEW EA WAS IN TROUBLE !
Ellington lied on her application at
EA 131 Page 4-reason for leaving for both Matteson 159 & Morton Grove 67
Page 8-Gen Info *4
Matteson 159
Page 1 – Reason for leaving
Page 6 -- Additional info question #4
Since no action was taken for a far more serious violation,
Would this be the response to be expected for Patrick Cantore?
No Termination allowed Ellington to qualify for Unemployment Benefits.
East Aurora You Have A Problem
Time after Time there have been unqualified individuals receiving jobs despite they not be qualified or lying on their applications.
This chaos is created before these individuals work 1day
Why has this happened ?
Because Human Resources under Joan Glotzbach has failed East Aurora
Note how Popp now gives her more authority in his re-organization of Admistrators.
In his absence Mike Popp designates Mrs Glotzbach in charge.
NEW LEADERSHIP IN THIS AREA IS A MUST !!!
How much more time, money, credibility, controversy, will HR cost D131?
To: Annette Johnson, Kirsten Strand & Richard Leonard
You were on the Previous Board when I discovered this and made you aware of this travesty of mishandling by Mike Popp & Joan Glotzbach.
Did you have any input on this, probably not because the Superintendent played it down and wanted to establish himself as the person in control of EA.
HE WAS GIVEN HIS OPPORTUNITY RESULTING IN TOTAL CHAOS AND FEAR AMONGST THOSE WHO OPPOSE HIM.
Will you let the Superintendent and HR Director “Talk” their way out of this one?
The community and staff at EA is watching to see how you handle this situation, expecting something to be done. Things must change and now is the time to send a message to all, that this incompetence, fraudulent hiring, protection of those guilty in creating this mess must be held accountable.
The recommendations of the attorney’s in the past has been
“Settle with them, let them finish out their contracts, It is cheaper than a lawsuit”
If that is the case, then it is time to change Law Firms. Give that some thought and an option.
This is a New Board with Fresh Enthusiasm & Objective in undoing the damage done the past year. You have the support of the community !!!!
Please don’t let the Community, Students, and Staff down
Give them pride and confidence in this Board’s New Era.
Will History repeat itself?
YOUR MOMENT IS NOW !!!!!
See you at the next several Board Meetings
Respectfully
Ralph
New Band Director is coming o EA. It shows the great accomplishments of Liska and how he has grown the program.
Thanks to Ken Darby, let's hope we can now get a new band room.
As mentioned in the previous thread, the percentage of EAHS students in the band program was 4.73% in 2005, and (approximately) 4.8% in 2015. Seven hundredths of a percent is NOT significant growth in the program. It's basically a tie.
A new band director (and hopefully new band room) are needed because of the increased NUMBER of students in the band program. Mr. Liska is simply building upon the excellent foundation given by our middle and grade school band teachers. And in the case of the two most-advanced EAHS bands, over 50% of our finest high school instrumentalists attended Simmons Middle School. More Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony students attended Simmons than all other middle schools, home-school, parochial school, and transfer students COMBINED. That is a significant achievement by Mr. Kaisershot, who has continued to do an outstanding job of teaching our kids even after he was treated horribly by bully administrators.
It is in students' best interests to add a second band director at the high school, and to provide a larger (or additional) rehearsal space. It is NOT in students' best interests to claim that Mr. Liska (or for that matter Mr. Kaisershot) is "best". Both have worked hard for our kids. We owe it to our students to encourage teamwork, not comparison!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/community/chi-ugc-article-free-drama-and-drum-summer-camp-for-aurora-st-2015-05-13-story.html
Perhaps the new band room could be in the basement of the high school where Feltes built that gigantic concrete palace to store the band uniforms (which occupy about 5%, if that, of the entire space). It would be nice to see that brand new room used for a good cause instead of the contractor kickbacks/ mismanagement of school funds as perpetrated by Feltes and fellow losers. That money was supposed to go for a new track and stands as that loser was directed to do. A positive out of a negative ($400k plus to be more specific) would be nice.
When Kaisershot ran the band there was no support from the board now that has become a propriety. In the last five years grade school band has grown and band instruction has been added. This has become a feeder program. They are now feeding into the HS.
I remember the days when the board was always trying to kill not only the band but all the extra curricular. When Radakovich and then Roberts were supt. they would threaten cutting the programs and the board president made a spiel about the kids could take band and sports through the park district so we didn't need them at the school.
We have had the feeder for as long as I can recall. The past HS band director worked with those who taught elementary band to encourage the students and suggest a variety of instruments so by time they moved up there were well rounded programs. I think many of the feeder schools have excellent directors who work hard to encourage the students, even in the summer band for years before all the changes at the high school. Not to take away from the HS director, but the success of the student is the foundation laid by those who teach them to play and instill self discipline. Then by time they reach high school they are ready for that talent to be enriched with proper direction. It appeared in the beginning a few admin took the young fella under their wing and since that time there has been more support from the new board members since Dr.s R. & R. I am happy there is still a program, since it has been cut and threatened for many years.
There are 200 in the band program this year.
"Numbers Don't Lie" you need the right numbers, otherwise, you are lying.
If there are indeed 200 students in the band program today, then Mr. Mills' estimate last spring (when he was Band Boosters president) was incorrect. I don't believe there are 200 students currently in the EAHS band program, because there were only about 165 total listed on the program last spring when my oldest played in the spring concert with all the high school bands. Jazz band students should not be counted twice since most of them play in another band too.
Not officially affiliated with D131, but this program is definitely improving the lives of families in our district:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-aurora-literacy-center-st-0515-20150515-story.html
Date: May 15th, 2015
To: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131
From: Ralph Padron
Subject: Questions for Heater Exchangers
The Heat Exchanger Scandal evidence is now overwhelmingly pointing to very serious violations, cover-up and possible criminal acts by those involved.
The REDACTED emails regarding “Heat Exchangers” will provide valuable information pointing to the misappropriate Taxpayer Dollars by those responsible. Let‘s start at the beginning to insure protocol was in place.
The following questions require documents proving this project was justified and in accordance with State Laws and School Policy.
Before reading the questions I will alert you “These documents don’t exist”
Who identified the project
Why was this classified as an Emergency during the Summer
What schools did the Board approve for work to be performed?
What was the cost per school
Who authorized the pursuit of the project
Was a grant available and if so who pursued it
Was the “Northern Il Gas Residential Inspection Program” the basis for this action
Were units tested prior to replacement
Who tested them
Where are the results
Were competitive bids put out
Where are the bid results
How many schools and units were identified to be replaced
Where is the list of locations and total for each school
How many contractors were used for all schools
Where are the removed defective units (Please provide They Are school property requiring Board Approval to dispose}
How many defective units are stored at B & G
Who authorized disposal of the Heat Exchangers
Who disposed of the Heat Exchagers
Where were the Items disposed
Where are the Maintenance Records for the Preventive Maintenance Program
What B&G Staff Member observed/documented all work in progress
Reference Purchase Order
150010 amount $ 45,462.00
How did Dave Rana get this amount
Why did David Rana proceed WITHOUT Board Approval
Why did Christi Tyler and Mike Popp approve without Board Approval
152284 amount $ 39,898.00
Why was PO submitted AFTER work was done
Why did Tyler and Popp approve it
152285 amount $ 62,216.16
Why was PO submitted AFTER work was done
Why did Tyler and Popp approve
The above questions need to be directed to those responsible for the misappropriated funds.
The following employees have intimate knowledge of these activities and will be able to provide the answers.
Larry Wilson ( more on his role later)
Dave Rana
Marty Feltes
Christi Tyler
Michael Popp
Again, I say that the questions above need to be answered with document supporting the justification of this project.
They do not exist which will speak for itself in validating this as a full blown Scandal.
.
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
Are you talking about
LAST YEAR - 2013-14 School year or
THIS YEAR - 2014-15 school year
It doesn't matter what you believe, it matters what is true.
Are you DUMB - "Count again or prove it"
You are talking about last spring and then this school year.
You can't say there were only 165 last year (which is true) and then say that is the reason there aren't 200 this year.
Last year - 165
This year - 200
Next Year - PREDICTION/ESTIMATE 281
A prediction/estimate is a "GUESS" at what might happen in the future. You might be right, you might be wrong, but to judge this years numbers on a estimate made by a person last year is DUMB.
I do not believe that there are 35 more band students at EAHS than last year. Since my son graduated last spring I haven't seen any programs to count and compare. Maybe someone can post the specific numbers in each group. I admit that I may have trusted Mr. Mills' estimate more than I would any random parent, because he was the boosters president and I thought he was on top of band statistics.
Never seen the band so good, they play music and dance. Kaisershot was not a inspiration much improved! Thank Mr Liska
...Then also thank the middle-school directors, and the grade school directors, and the parents, and the hard-working students themselves.
God knows they were all blamed when something was wrong. Now it's time to share the credit like you shared the blame.
"Kaisershot was not an inspiration"
WRONG.
Hundreds of students, parents, future teachers, alumni, and community members rallied around Mr. K. They wrote letters to the editor, marched to the service center, put signs in their yards that said "Keep Kaisershot", and succeeded in scaring away the initial replacement (he declined to sign the contract after seeing how strongly the community felt about Mr. K).
Ten years later, Mr. K continues his outstanding, inspiring career as a teacher, composer, and musician. You cannot dispute the FACT that significantly more than half the students who recently auditioned into the top bands at EAHS were Simmons students and had Mr. K for their band director.
Meanwhile Mr. K's friends and supporters are NOT insulting the current EAHS director or even saying Mr.K is "better". We are choosing to take the high road and support what's best for our STUDENTS. Too bad someone on the other "team" refuses to be reasonable and chooses to resort to lies and insults.
Let's talk about Popp's message of mediocrity. He wants to teach our children how to dream, yet he never misses an opportunity to say that we all know that not everyone will go to college and that they don't have to. I'm glad he never taught those 10 students who we recognized today! I get that he wants to be pragmatic, but progress never happened without hope and to be honest, that message is sucking the hope right out of the community. I personally know of a brilliant kid who wanted to be an architect and had the work ethic to make it happen. Now his big dream is to do HVAC. Really, Popp? Is that the legacy you want to leave? Inspiring LEArners...to lower their standards.
I can dispute thay. You want proof that the band is 200. I want proof that over half the kids are from Simmons.
Prove that without telling me to look it up myself.
Mr, Kaisershot,
I was lucky enough to have you when I was in band and was one of the students that thought the administrators were real jerks to you. However even I have to put my class pride away and agree that the band now is playing things we could have never done and I kinda wish I had a chance to have been part of the EAHS band now.
I also had a cousin who had you last year in band and he really liked you so please keep up the great work.
That being said would all of you please get the heck over it. Liska has been a decent enough teacher and we should support the current program instead of dragging up things that happened a decade ago.
If any of you really cared about the next generation of students you would be looking at the failures educating our kids and spend your time and energy trying to fix the problems of today not complain about the problems of a decade ago.
No one on this thread has said anything negative about Mr. Liska. The comments praising & supporting Mr. Kaisershot have ONLY come after things were said like:
"No debate Liska is best"
"Kaisershot was not a inspiration"
The friends and supporters of Mr. K are taking the high road by defending him without trashing the current director. Too bad Mr. Liska's friends and supporters are choosing to ignite the decade-old debate with negative comparisons.
We're trying to move on and support our students. Also, we will continue to respond to criticism of a man whom we respect and whom we believe was treated very badly by our district's administration.
10:47 p.m., the list of students who auditioned into the top EAHS bands was on the previous thread but was removed (I'm assuming by the blog administrator, because of student privacy issues).
I don't have time now, but I will repost the list (first name & initial only to protect privacy). I will indicate with an asterisk which students attended Simmons (my parents & I have at least 6 years worth of concert and promotion programs from my own 2 kids and their cousins).
Thank you Padron. Please pursue your case against Patrick Cantore. Anyone who speaks with him can tell he has the education of a fifth grader.. He makes his predecessor Roger Carlson look like a PHD.
With around 9 full time maintenance personnel and almost 30 buildings, there is little to no preventive maintenance. The high school has a position in the SEIC maintenance/custodial contract for a fireman position that has never been filled. Firemen positions at other buildings work on preventative maintenance. Over many years requesting additional "hands on" help for the high school and all buildings for that matter, they are supplied with an incompetent bumbling custodial supervisor who has 0% knowledge of any building maintenance.
The lack of preventive maintenance and deteriorating buildings blame is put on these few maintenance personnel. This was Feltes way to discredit maintenance and hire his "buddy" contractors.
There will be no easy solution to the crumbling buildings and staff but I appreciate someone for once taking action and holding accountable the people in power making these decisions that effect us all.
I attended Red & Black, and happy am to hear that now the big wigs found enough space for all kindergarden students to attend all day. It looks like the new board put their foot down and told Popp no administrative center. Already something positive at EA.
WIND SYMPHONY
Flute:
Diego A.
Maria A.
Yeihry A.
*Giselle C.
*Samira G.
*Alejandra Maria J.
*Brittany M.
Oboe:
*Juana H.
*Lillian Rose Z.
Clarinet:
*Laura Cecilia G.
*Lino H.
Laura A.
*Celeste C.
Jennifer C.
*Maria M.
Carla O.
*Arturo R.
Yanelli R.
*Mariela V.
Bass Clarinet:
*Jack M.
Alto Sax:
Isidro Alejandro G.
*Antonio E.
*Gerardo F.
Aimee H.
Andres M.
*Agustin S.
Diego T.
Tenor Sax:
*Edgar C.
Evereth H.
Bari Sax:
Samantha Z.
Trumpet:
Edwin G.
Allaneddy B.
Tyler James M.
Andres M.
*Nicolas M.
Lizette P.
*Edgar P.
Ruben V.
Trombone:
Jesus S.
Lorena V.
Vanesa V.
Baritone:
Emilio R.
*Ethan R.
Tuba:
*Faustino P.
Percussion:
*Jerrell Robert B.
*Jahmeer Jashua D.
*Heriberto G.
*Myles M.
25 out of 48 attended Simmons: 52%
WIND ENSEMBLE
Flute:
*Venus A.
Ariel H.
Melissa M.
*Shelby C.
*Melissa L.
Vanessa B.
Clarinet:
Diamand B.
Jose C.
*Karina C.
Jacqueline S.
Jessica S.
*Taiz G.
*Jeanette M.
*Anubis R.
*Mayra R.
Bass Clarinet:
Rafael M.
*Alvaro P.
Bassoon:
*Jennifer A.
Alto Sax:
*Miguel A.
Cristian A.
Rosendo A.
Brenda H.
Israel I.
Tenor Sax:
*Areli M.
Jorge H.
Bari Sax:
*Jose M.
Trumpet:
*Cesar M.
Erik S.
*Allison M.
Tony N.
*Cynthia R.
Ivan R.
French Horn:
Juan S.
Trombone:
*Jasmin A.
*Arsinoe D.
Marlena C.
*Eddy R.
Baritone:
*Jocelyn U.
Tuba:
*Edgar H.
Percussion:
Jerri D.
*Jose M.
*Jacob Z.
*Jazmin C.
Omar D.
*Rolando S.
25 out of 45 attended Simmons: 55%
Who cares about the band, we have failing schools, crumbling buildings and corupt administration. that should be the focus, not a band that not one student will ever make a living at.
I believe that most people know that both Liska and Kaisershot are both qualified band directors. Both men are fully capable of running a quality band program. The issue with Kaisershot is not how he handles children but how he works with fellow staff members and administration.
Mr. Kaisershot rarely attends any fine arts department meetings, is very negative when he does attend and wants to dictate his will upon everyone. He respects no one and refuses to cooperate with anybody. Ten years ago he ticked off the wrong people including Dr. Radakovich, Jerome Roberts and Rick Johnson. Mr. Kaisershot was very lucky to be in education or he would have been in the unemployment lines.
I would be more impressed with half the students in the top bands coming from Simmons if it weren’t for two facts. One, the Magnet school has very few students compared to the other three middle schools and two, Waldo sends very few students to the high school band. Last year, only two Waldo eighth graders went on to join the high school band. It really is a sad situation. The students deserve better.
Hopefully with Mr. Kaisershot’s upcoming retirement, the community will finally be able to begin healing. We need the closure and I am confident that Mr. Liska will continue to do an excellent job with the East High Band.
"how he works with fellow staff members", "refuses to cooperate with anybody"...
Absolutely WRONG!
Ten years ago his fellow staff members at EAHS supported him so strongly that some of them marched along with the students to the service center. All of the fine arts teachers (except one) signed a letter to the editor supporting him that was published in the newspaper. And while he has been at Simmons he has constantly helped out his fellow teachers, especially the choir director (both the current director and the former, Ms. Gawlik, now at EAHS). At Simmons Mr. K. has contributed to school pride by writing the school song "Panther Pride" and dedicating & premiering several original band pieces. This is in addition to doing an outstanding job teaching his band students and preparing them for success in high school.
And as far as ticking off the wrong people, Mr. K. had the guts to stand up for the RIGHT people: the students and parents! He refused to kiss Rick Johnson's rear end and require students to perform at last-minute scheduled events, so Radakovich (who had bullied fine-arts teachers in at least two other districts), Gordon Postlewaite, Marin Gonzalez, and Larry Malaker (among others) conspired to deprive him of his high-school teaching position.
Far from wanting to "dictate his will upon everyone", Mr. K has always tried to do what is best for the students in this district. I do not know Mr. Liska, but I wouldn't want to see him (or any teacher) treated like Mr. K was. But it takes nothing away from Mr. Liska to acknowledge the excellent work Mr. K has done at Simmons, just as it takes nothing away from Mr. Kaisershot to acknowledge the success of the current EAHS band!
Why did Mr Padron mention Larry Wilson in his letter concerning the Heat Exchangers? I am sure he has his reasons and am looking forward to why.
I will contact Mr Padron and ask him to please find out why Larry is allowed to ride around all day doing nothing.
6:56 a.m., you hit the nail on the head:
"it takes nothing away from Mr. Liska to acknowledge the excellent work Mr. K has done at Simmons, just as it takes nothing away from Mr. Kaisershot to acknowledge the success of the current EAHS band"
TRUTH.
HA! Larry Wilson thinks he is some kind of "spy" for Rana as well as Feltes. Riding around the district all day doing no work.
Feltes still calls Rana all the time wasting time with his personal agendas. How 'bout checking Rana's phone records and seeing how many times Feltes calls him? How many times did Feltes call Dicky Leonard when he was off "sick"? And trying to seek long-term disability?? L-M-A-O. Dick is as involved with the purchase orders and heat exchangers as the rest are. Dick defended putting in the new heat exchangers at a board meeting, let's not forget! Feltes and Rana ordered them and Larry Wilson hauled the old ones away.
I have a child at Simmons and have been generally OK with Mr. Kaisershot. He defiantly knows music. He is very demanding, everything must be his way but he leads the bands to excellence. I was disappointed in him at the Fine Arts Festival. While he did an excellent job with the middle school numbers, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing from him at other times.
While the wind ensemble was playing he either stood there with a sour look on his face or stood there talking to Mr. Cook. Even kids were looking back at them like, what are you doing. When everyone in the gym was applauding the wind ensemble’s performance, Mr. Kaisershot stood there stoic, refusing to applaud. It was really classless. I also asked why he didn’t conduct the last piece (the piece with all the bands playing together) and my kid said that during rehearsal Mr. Kaisershot said I will not conduct this piece, one of you other directors will have to do it. I can only guess as to why he did not want to conduct but I bet it had something to do with not wanting to conduct with Mr. Liska.
I understand why Mr. Kaisershot would be bitter with the former district administration but his actions at the Fine Arts Festival were below basic decency. Not applauding the wind ensemble was classless, especially considering that many of the students playing were his former students. There’s more to teaching than playing an instrument. He is supposed to be a role model for the kids. He failed in that miserably at the Fine Arts Festival.
Mr. Holhut conducted the final piece at the Fine Arts Festival (and it was the only piece he conducted). Mr. Kaisershot conducted the other pieces the middle schools played (and had composed the music, also). Mr. Koch narrated. All of the middle school directors participated (except Mr. Garcia, who did the lion's share last year). I'm sure the Cowherd students and parents appreciated having their band director conduct a piece, too. Also, it is in students' best interests to play under different conductors.
As far as not applauding, I didn't see Mr. Liska applauding Mr. Kaisershot's pieces either.
Please keep this EA grads family in prayer.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-illinois-marine-death-nepal-20150517-story.html
More scandels will be relieved with Popps involvement in millions of dollars of no bid contracts wait and see.
Let's see if the new Board fires him.
Hull made a complete and total a** out of himself last night during public comments and the BOE meeting. He should be ashamed. He went right through the 3 minute time limit, disrespecting the entire board. Who does he think he is?? We voted you O-U-T. Same with Peryea. Coming and waggling her finger at the new board members. YOU came in second to LAST in the elections. Goodbye already! I was very impressed by Kimberly Hatchett! She asked a lot of very pertinent questions! The new board is getting up to speed fast! Very hopeful!
Date: May 18, 2015
Subject: Bldg & Grnds Heat Exchanger Scandal PO’s with Youngrens
June 26 2014 Purchase Order issued for $ 45,462.00 without Board Approval
Sept 24 Two PO’s issued for $ 39,898.00 and $ 62,216.16
These were issued ”AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE”
All 3 PO’s had no Board Approval, Nor Public Bidding
How did this happen
Who was responsible in preventing this
I just discovered an additional PO today for $ 48,000.00 from Artlip & Sons. Again work was completed and the Proposal was submitted 3 days before the PO was approved. It was requested by David Rana.
It is ironic that David Rana and Marty Feltes are at the center of this. Incidentally David Rana is one of the individuals involved in the Purchasing Scandal exposed this past fall.
It is no coincidence that those “Redacted E-Mail’s” currently under review by the Attorney General’s Office subject is “HEAT EXCHANGERS.” I believe if these are released, there will be more evidence proving this scandal is worse than originally expected.
This is the “Tip of the Iceberg” as more documents are being audited, proving the illegal awarding of contracts & PO’s. I am personally auditing these.
I am requesting the Board of Education mandate the Superintendent provide evidence that these Purchase Orders have not violated any State Laws nor Board Policies: Therefore
I hereby promise to never speak again at these Board Meetings
HOWEVER
if he cannot provide evidence, then I Request the Board of Education (whom is his boss) that
“Superintendent Michael Popp be Terminated or demand his Immediate Resignation.”
Board of Education, this is your moment to prove to the Community (who elected you) to get to the bottom of these scandals requiring you to make tough decisions and changes to insure this never happen again. Your legacy begins today. The Public is counting on you, Please don’t disappoint them and rubber stamp all the Superintendents decisions.
Again I am requesting a written response from the superintendent. All previous requests have been ignored.
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
The new BOE approved full day Kindergarten for all kids without administration building a new building. It shows there is a new sheriff in town. They all asked great questions expect for Strand who was trying to hang on to the past.
Many accomplishments last night.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-kindergarten-st-0520-20150519-story.html
As a meeting observer, I saw many questions by the new kids on the block. They did ask good questions. They deferred to the other board members on a few occasions for clarification of business that was in progress. I thought Strand was quiet, as she was familiar with what was being questioned and left it to finance and the outside experts to answer. Johnson spewed a lots of rhetoric just for the sake of talking. Leonard was the one who was hanging on to trying to get some jobs done and repeated more than a couple of times what he thought should be done, rather than what was suggested by the experts. I see Johnson and Leonard, now that they have recruited a few newbies to the dark side, to already slowly start trying to micromanage.
Time will tell.
Really, Matt must be upset because Johnson and Leonard did not vote for his raise. I do find it funny that now they have space for full day but last year Popp/Hull wanted to build a new building. Johnson does hold administration accountable. It is clear this is no rubber stamp board. I found the meeting to have the perfect balance.
Up to speed- Ralph Padron was denied extra time to speak , Hull went over by a couple of seconds and the old guy talking on taxes was given 10 minutes . According to Johnson that was against board rules. Since Padron was denied was that okay.
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/619602/illinois-house-passes-opt-out-bill-aimed-at-parcc-testing
http://www.d131.org/newsDetail.asp?id=3400&guid=
How does having 2 members that know what is going on Johnson/Strand, 1 member who is hands down intellectual( Hatchet) and Leonard who does not have one intelligent thought of his own and manny mouse/mini me strike a balance
How is hatchett hands down intellectual. She sat with a confused look on her face with every answer she was given. Then said that if they give her details she will question details, if they only give her a little, she will only question a little. She did ask questions, but I don't think she understood the answers and to me her comment indicated she wanted less information so she could understand and NOT question things. Is that a good board member? Don't even get me started on Arroyo - with all his political aspirations he doesn't know during a roll call that he has to vote? (He said he would defer) You can't do that on a vote! i don't think he initiated one question, he simply piggy backed on issues others had raised. He appears to be a follower, not a leader!
Date: May 21, 2015
To: Board of Education
From: Ralph Padron
Subject: Joliet Boiler “Suspicious” Purchase Order 148459
Good Morning
Have been auditing Joliet Boiler Purchase Orders for 2014 and came across this one which drew my attention.. Several questions arise immediately as no invoices, work orders, scope of work, Public Bid results were not received via FOIA submitted.
$48,000.00 for Boiler Preventive Maintenance for 14 schools
Name appearing on the PO is Dave Rana
PO date was 6/19/2014
Date required 6/18/2014
Was the PO requested after the work was done?
What was the Preventive Maintenance scope of work
Could the EA Maintenance Dept have performed this PM listed on the PO?
Previously I questioned a similar issue & received an answer that Maintenance Personnel were very busy and shorthanded.
The Maintenance Dept has an Experienced Boiler employee who can give some insight into this. Please review some of his assignments Summer 2014 to insure his talent/experience was utilized efficiently.
Upon researching “List of Bills”, this PO was listed
Sept 15 2014 $ 12,360.00
Dec 14 2014 $ 27,200.00
Where is the remaining invoice for $ 8,440.00
I could not locate any awarding of this Bid on any Board of Ed Documents.
Was this ever put out to Public Bid, if so where are the results?
I am requesting the missing documents not included with the FOIA be sent to me immediately due to the severity of apparent violations.
.
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
Mr Pardon catches another big fish. WOW! Who is watching the store at EA. The public needs to call for resignation of Strand and Leonard. They voted yes to every corrupt bill.
I am no fan of Johnson's but I do recall her publically stating why she was voting no to all the bills. The BOE from hell never questioned anything. They spent the time taking pot shots at Johnson, not questioning anything. Darby, Hatchett and Laesch all asked good questions. It appears the ugly book was closed on the old board last month. Keep up the good work.
http://ea131.blogspot.com/2010/05/farewell-mrs-nadel-thanks-for-memories.html
BOE Please watch and question everything Popp does! He is so used to getting away with anything he wants. He is not about the kids, he is about himself. Look at facts to make determinations not Popp and Leonard's Good 'Ol Boy system. Look where that has gotten us. Endless corruption. If applicants do not have the credentials to do the jobs (some at 6 figures) Do NOT hire them. If they are already employed and failing miserably, then ask for their resignations. The time to start digging EA131 out of this financial mess is NOW.
Good luck to all the graduating seniors. I hope everyone experiences a successful future!
Can anybody tell me what Nestor Garcia does for his compensation of $125,000 per year? Seriously, what does he do? He was totally incompetent as B&G administrator. He lost that position and the district replaces incompetence with corruption. The inept leadership of both Garcia and Feltes has been incredibly costly to the district. How is it that Feltes gets canned but Garcia is rewarded with a cushy position that requires no accountability?
I know why I'm an educator. I think the administration needs to remember why they became educators. They all started as teachers and somewhere it became about the money and not the students.
Fellow Teachers, remember when it is time to vote for our contract, Matthew Hanley's $ 40,000.00 raise so Dr Popp can own him to insure and protect his image.
Garcia only earns $100,000 and has worked very hard to provide opportunities for our students, unlike Feltes who wasted millions.
Nestor will leave a legacy, Feltes left a legacy of corruption.
The administration salaries have nothing to do with the teachers salaries. 8-10 admin salaries versus 800 plus teachers is not comparable. Based on test scores I'm wondering what exactly is anyone doing. If you want to make more money, go to school and become an administrator or quit whining. The maintenance guys were happy with Nestor, Finley and others because they were not held accountable. Contract the maintenance out asap and you will never have to deal with the issues.
One can most likely guess who wrote as anonymous1, lol! How stooopid can you be!?? Yes, let's take the jobs of people who can do the job for LESS as well as taking jobs from D131 taxpayers who live here!
Next dumb statement. Comparing 80-10 "admins" to 800 plus teachers.
When the administration is corrupt and/or not doing their jobs OR never did have the qualifications to do their jobs like Feltes (got in because of his buddy Dick Leonard)is ludicrous!
At least the teachers have the educational requirements for the job! Teachers working in this district have a hard go of it to say the least and still go on to provide a decent education as well as mentor these kids.
Matt Hanley defending his INSANE 40K raise would be my guess.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-high-school-grads-st-0524-20150523-story.html#page=1
Congradulations Dr Negron
He was to talented to work in EA and became the Superintendent in District 89. He was not given a interview in 131 and left. The BOE from Hell, hired Dr Popp who knew nothing about our community. It is sad that nobody listened. Hopefully the new BOE members will listen and hear.
Are you kidding me "Tell the truth" ? Nestor will most certainly leave a "legacy" and anyone that knows his background understands what the legacy will be. I guarantee he does not want the "truth" to be any part of that legacy!
THERE IS GOOD REASON TO BELIEVE THAT SECURITY & SAFETY WAS AND MAYBE STILL IS COMPROMISED AT SCHOOLS WHERE OUTSIDE VENDORS DO WORK !!
Date: May 23, 2015
To: Board of Education
From: Ralph Padron
Subject: Safety – Security Concerns
I have come across alarming facts upon auditing work order tickets for Artlip & Youngrens pertaining to the safety and security of the schools.
My concern with these vendors are :
Were these workers cleared with background checks to insure it was safe for them to be around students
Did these workers sign in and sign out at the front desk of each school
Were they issued a visitor badge?
Were “Security Entry Cards” issued to them during this time and other times.
What is the role of the supervisors to insure Safety and Security of the children.
100% of work tickets were NOT signed by B&G Supervisors concerning work performed during this time. (see sample attached)
Records needed to insure safety was not compromised back then and now for all buildings
School Policy for outside workers at the schools
Visitor Log sheet to insure this was complied with
Security Entry Cards records
Workers time in and out to match up with billing
Please investigate this ASAP to insure these outside companies are conforming to policy and the supervisors are monitoring everything to prevent any violations.
MR. Negron does not have doctorate, and perhaps that is why our district would not consider him as Superintendent. Having said that, I wish him nothing but the best; he seemed like one of the good guys...
I have been a teacher in EA for 7 years and have read this blog on and off for a few years. This is my first post. Reading these comments about Negron brings up something that has really bothered me with our district. There are so many quality in house candidates that can fill these jobs. Instead they go outside and hire guys like Negron and Flannigan who are here for a year or so and then leave. Why not give people who have been here and shown they are committed to EA a chance? I have worked with so many great people over the years and it really bothers me when they arent even given an interview for a job. There are so many great staff members in our district!!!
Negron will finish his Doctorate in June and let us not forget the BOE hired the man from Milwaukee that could not pass a basic skills test without a Doctorate.
Truth be told Negron would not make a deal with the certain BOE members to keep or hire certain employees.
Everyone in Central Office knows and that is why we have so little respect for Popp.
Mr Negron left because of Popp as well as Flanigan. Everyone knows if you are smarter than Popp or disagree with Glotzbach your days are numbered.
Listen Anonymous1 Teachers are the ones actually doing the work in this district.. As for low tests scores, for many of our students English is a second language. There are social issues that plague our community so they bleed into our schools as well. Teachers need to be parents, social workers, nurses , and teachers. Oh I forgot. PPA's as well. All you have to do is run around with a camera and send out an email blast Wow!@!! I'd say that's money well spent!! How many computers could we buy with your raise?
Teachers vote NO to the contract. They are getting it out late and expecting us to read it over the weekend and vote. We need to be very careful. They have NO respect for us. Let our voices be heard. if Handley is given that type of raise it shows the propriety of our district. Elementary needs to step up and not become a doormat.
David Negron took an opportunity to become principal at the school he went to as a child. Everyone leaves East for a better opportunity, besides this district is toxic. If I did not have so much invested I would leave also. There was a time when working here was really gratifying . As a wise person once said you are growing, dead , or dying. East Aurora is dying because internal and external candidates who actually want to try and make a difference are maligned in so many ways. David told me he was disappointed he was not interviewed for Superintendent but Carla was; Popp had nothing to do with that because he was a candidate as well. In the end he took a better opportunity and a different route to accomplish his goal.
East is toxic, I work at Waldo and we are trying to celebrate MS graduation, but our gym is to small. The district gives lip service to bring in parents but that is lip service. My colleagues at Simmons and Cowherd also have concerns that the crowds present a fire hazard because of room size. When EAHS was contacted they stated Popp, and Thruckenbrog want them to be small celebrations, and do not support this as a district activity. EAHS has now told staff at Waldo they must pay for all personnel assigned to cover this day time event. They are treating us like any other external group.
The new $120,000 Handley also will not arrange video taping of the event. He claims it is not in the budget. This is what we work with.
How can Joan Glotzbach evaluate Principals and teachers and she does not have the endorsement. BOE you are responsible for every career she has ruined.
How can Joan evaluate anyone when she is spending time in Spain "recruiting" bilingual teachers and who is paying for these vacations? I guess there is no one bilingual in Aurora or the USA for that matter.
Look at the new contract carefully. The little raise they are giving us is countered with hefty increases to insurance. It is going to amount to an overall pay cut. Don't be fooled.
http://www.d131.org/newsDetail.asp?id=3412&guid=
Here's a link to 18 pages of recent articles about our district:
https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=37065878
There will be a memorial service for Mrs. Carol Farnum tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Farnum was a tireless volunteer in our community and for our district. I remember seeing her at countless events through the years, supporting our students. And after she and her husband moved to Florida she volunteered in Cape Coral as well. A classy lady...she was one of a kind, and will be greatly missed!
How can we only get a small raise and loss our lane increase, if I am hearing right. Hanleys raise alone could have paid for 65 teachers lane increases. We need to fire our union and go on strike. Several of the new BOE members claim to be pro teacher, Strand and Darby have a spouse and girlfriend working in the district, and Johnson seemed to find money for much higher increases. Why not the same as last time? I think we should hold them to their promises during election. Let's vote down the contract and let out voices be heard!
May 28, 2015 2015
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
Dear Mr. Hanley
Please provide the following documents:
Application, Job Description for Larry Wilson (Custodian)
Application Job Description for Scott Osman
Ref: High School Band Uniform Storage Room Renovation.
@ Purchase Order
@ Bid Results
@ Scope of Work
@ Approval of Purchase Order by Board of Ed
Upon gathering information, please notify me
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
The infamous "Concrete Palace" in the basement of the high school built by Marty Feltes! A.K.A. the band uniform storage room.
Where was the Buildings and Grounds committee during this huge waste of money? Hull? Leonard? Turza? No one knew about this? Go downstairs and get a photo of this room. It will blow your mind... We could have used one of the vacant spaces in the basement and renovated it to store band uniforms. The uniforms take up about 5% of the gigantic brand-spanking-new concrete room...the rest is filled with junk! How much did that cost the district/taxpayers? Hundreds of thousands of dollars? Who benefited from this? More corruption is being exposed now that the old board members are not there cover up and deny the truth.
Don't get too excited about the new contract. I agree with the comments posted about a real threat of dramatically higher insurance premiums. The "proposed" contract foolishly provides that the teachers will end up paying every penny of an increase over 5% in insurance premiums. Such an outcome will easily result in a loss of dollars far more significant than any pay increase we will receive. However, kudos to the union for attempting to acquire additional lighting for the teacher snack area prior to faculty meetings at the high school. I think I'm voting NO.
Has the contract been released yet? If so, where can one view it? If not, cut the hullabaloo until it's OUT.
....25 minutes after my initial comment, the email arrived with the contract information. How's that for timing? Carry on.
It's out and I will vote NO. I am making $15,000 less than my counterparts and this contract will widen the gap. The insurance in a unknown and Sarah will not answer specifics .
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-high-makes-childrens-books-st-0529-20150529-story.html
I retired after 36 years in d131 and worked on many contracts was less than thrilled with some of the proposals, but we didn't believe there were the numbers to stand behind a strike......I hope you all will have the courage to vote down a truly lousy deal!
In Unity
I see the district is ending the year with a 6 million dollar surplus. They screwed us that is our raise. STRIKE
Reading the contract it looks like they can change anything they want on insurance. If the deductible goes up that takes away our entire raise.Past practices on insurance is that we always had our lane increase to balance insurance increases, now that is not the case. If you are Hanley with a $40,000 raise you can afford it. This contract appears to be a BIG step backward.
Good bye to Dave Rana. Another employee terminated today who was part of the purchasing scandals. First Marty Feltes, now Dave Rana. Who else was responsible for making decisions on those purchase orders? I think you know who you are. I would help to bring the other parties involved in these scandals to justice instead of slipping silently away. All will be found out sooner or later.
Reading the contract we will now loss about $900 in salary lane increases. Hettinger and Intherm claim we are making more. How can than be. Why is it the gave $1200 increases, plus lane, plus 1 1/2 percent before and they claim we are making more. Liars, Lairs Liars.
VOTE NO! VOTE STRIKE
I read the contract and will take my chances and vote no. The offer can not go backwards, so my thoughts are let the new BOE members show if they will keep their promise.
They can not go lower, this is a bad contract.
This blog has been eerily silent since the contract was released. Community members, you need to concern yourselves with the inequitable pay our teachers endure. These schools will never be successful until we can get a handle on the annual turnover of teachers, many of whom are passionate about serving this community, but end up moving on due to financial concerns and other poor working conditions.
Date: May 31, 2015
To: Board of Education
From: Ralph Padron
Subject: Cleaning up the Purchasing Scandals
I applaud Monday’s Board meeting including a presentation on “Purchasing Procedures”. This is long overdue yet still filled with controversy. Let’s review the approval process:
Ref: PO 148459 dtd June 19 2014
1 Former B&G Supervisor requests Boiler Preventive Maintenance for 14 schools totaling $ 48,000.00
2 Former Director B&G approves the request
3 Asst Superintendent of Finance APPROVES the Purchase Order Request
IMMEDIATELY STATE LAW AND SCHOOL POLICIES ARE VIOLATED ON HER APPROVAL !
State Law requires purchases $25,000 and over be put out for Public Bid
PO signature shows Michael Popp
A Work was performed referencing this PO
B No competitive Quotes were obtained
C All Parties were aware of these policies & violations
The work performed on the PO, was completely out of approval sequence
1 Work ticket describes all activity
2 No signature ever appeared validating this ticket
3 Mulitpe Invoices from Joliet Boiler were dated month(s) after work performed
4 No one can validate actual hours worked and if the work was actually done.
WHY WERE INVOICES APPROVED FOR PAYMENT
I received FOIA’s hundreds of work tickets and invoices with these violations.
On Oct 2014 I began bringing this to the attention of Dr Popp and Board of Education
1 Evidence was ALWAYS presented and distributed outlining the violations
2 I requested written responses from the Superintendent who refused to respond
3 It took countless FOIA’s to expose the corruption and scandals which were still ongoing
Dr Popp’s inability to resolve these costly issues, exposed his inexperience and lack of leadership in this most critical area of the Stewardship of Taxpayer Dollars. It was apparent he ignored me to protect his image as the Superintendent.
EA 131 IS NOT HIS PRIVATE COMPANY.
QUESTIONS:
1 The Director and a Supervisor at Bldg & Grounds have been removed
2 Has the Asst Superintendent of Finance and Superintendent played a role in the
Bid Rigging Scandal & Illegal awarding of Business to multiple companies?
3 Why did Superintendent Popp not act on the public presentations of the corruption
4 Why did the Asst Superintendent of Finance allow countless purchase orders to be generated AFTER work was performed and invoiced? It was out of control in 2014.
5 IS THE SUPERINTENDENT NOW GOING TO TAKE CREDIT FOR CLEANING UP THE PURCHASING SCANDALS BY FINALLY IMPLEMENTING PROCEDURES AND POLICIES.
The approval sequence Log was in place and High Ranking Administrative personnel blatantly failed to adhere to this policy.
WHY DID THEY INTENTIONALLY IGNORE THIS CRITICAL POLICY
YOU COME TO YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS
Final thoughts
1 Does Superintendent Popp feel pressured to finally address these issues due to the Public Election of 4 New Board Members and a new Board President?
2 Would the corruption and scandals continued if I hadn’t brought them out?
It appears the answer is yes
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
More teachers will leave, please vote NO and let's take our chances. It was suggested to negotiate with the board since many are pro teacher, our union and administration shut it down. Let's give it try we know what we have 3%, and a unknown insurance cost. Let's get more details on insurance. My yearly salary jadjustment would pay insurance now it's gone. Let's wait. If we vote on this insurance could absorb our increase.
Many of are community members are experiencing the same things you are where they work. I haven't got a raise in years and every year our insurance premiums go and and we pay more for co payments. I work for an big company that has been in business many years and as insurance rates go up they pass that on to us.
When the teachers come they know this district doesn't pay that much and it is sad they only stay a while to get experience and move on to a better paying district and good for them. You who choose to stay that is because you have tenure and if you leave you would have to start your tenure over and you don't want to do that. I'm not saying you don't deserve a raise but so do the members of the community.
In light of the CEO for the Chicago Public school system (Barbara Byrd-Bennett)stepping down amid a Federal Investigation into a 20 million dollar NO BID contract that was awarded to her former employer, SUPES Academy in Wilmette, I would suggest that our superintendent do the same! You have failed this school district in this and so many other ways. Resign and let a competent person take over this important role.
Taxpayer12 what big company do you work for that you don't get a raise? Why do you stay at your job if you haven't gotten a raise? Love the if I don't get a raise then you shouldn't get a raise mentality.
I didn't say you shouldn't get a raise I meant with money tight it is hard to give big raises. This is a high poverty district with not a lot of high end homes that bring in the big money like some districts. I know someone who has children in the district and they comment that some teachers are really good but some not so much. They also said that most students in the Middle Schools don't even do their homework and that is the parents not paying attention to the students homework. It has to be hard to work in this district but when you choose to stay then you will have to go with what a district can pay.
As far as why I don't leave my job I'm about to retire and I do make a good wage and I like my job so why go somewhere else that doesn't pay as much.
Many choose to stay because they care for the kids. I work with many high quality teachers who work well beyond their contractual hours to educate students effectively. The fact remains that if the people in this community want the schools to improve, they will commit to supporting teachers. Until that happens, turnover will continue and the lack of consistency will not lead to the improvements needed.
The reality is that economic times have changed slightly, but health care costs continue to grow, while salaries do not ANYWHERE. If teachers feel like they are exempt, they should get slapped with a reality of a strike. Let them try to find a job in another district.
Not leave because of tenure? Listen, the good ones leave because they're good, so tenure doesn't matter to them. They know their skills, they know their ability, and while tenure is nice, being able to pay bills, support families, and PAY OFF STUDENT LOANS is why they leave. And honestly, LOTS of crap teachers, at least in my building have been remediated and/or let go, because the evidence is clear. Danielson will make it even MORE clear - both in highlighting good teachers AND those that need to go.
That's exactly what happens, dummy. Every year 30% of our teachers leave for other districts that support teachers better. If you continue to offer minimal pay and support to teachers, you will continue to get minimal results. The turnover alone is enough to disrupt any stability and progress we might make, not to mention all the other disruptive factors.
Amen!!!! However, it is a lot of work to let Danielson do its work. Some administration just pass the buck and let poor teachers stay....time will tell how effective administration becomes!
Tenure?? Listen it's really not good ones that leave, its those who want to work in a different demographic and make $20,000 more a year. The ones that stay are totally invested in their students and believe it or not money is secondary. That doesn't mean we want to totally be ripped off And go ahead and gloat about how Danielson will wipe us out, because pretty soon the school's reputation for being a dangerous place to work will keep everyone from wanting to teach here. And how fair is Danielson? Well in some departments, your best friend is your evaluator, or in English 2 newly tenured teachers got to write a self-evaluation which became the basis for their excellent ratings. Sounds fair to me. Also sounds fair and reasonable that none of your teaching history is taken into account and your rating is based on how you perform that day. In what other job area is that the case?
Danielson a "fair model?" Don't be fooled by that statement. The bottom line is that the Danielson model is still up to the whim of whatever administrator is the evaluator and that person can (and oft times does) destroy a good teacher and/or elevate a bad one depending on their respective "feelings" toward that person good or bad.
Trust administrators to fairly evaluate teachers? In this district, NOT a good idea (as past history has shown).
We need to get Sarah off any future negotiates and give her a no confidence vote. She sold us down the river. The current contract will have us paying the district to work for them. This contract is a slap in the face.
I disagree...it's a competitive market out there! Good teachers can find jobs in other schools. Poor teachers cannot. And they stay.
I cannot begin to understand how anyone could face us and present this contract. It is a slap in the face, especially to dedicated staff in 131 who have been accepting low pay and poor treatment for years and years. I wish more members came to the Q&A but honestly, the members were heard! Hopefully Sarah's tears meant that she understands we will NOT tolerate an unfair contract that doesn't compensate us appropriately! DON'T COME BACK TO US WITHOUT A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN PAY (without stripping us of benefits)! It is time for the Board and Popp to keep their promises and begin to close the salary disparity between us and local districts.
After today's Q&A on the contract, the vote has been delayed! Our concerns were out there, and while it took a few knocks on that Carla woman's head to get into her thick skull, the team is going BACK to negotiate. I just wish more people had shown up to the meeting to share concerns!
Remember Matt Hanley's $40,000 raise before you accept the contract.
Remember that all the upper level administrators are compensated at the same rate as their out-of-district peers. However, certified staff are compensated between 10% and 20% below our out-of-district peers. Do we do 20% less work? Are we 20% less the educators? I understand we won't earn a raise to make as much as some districts but we deserve to be compensated much better than what was written in that contract!
Has anyone figured out how much it costs the district for such a large staff turnover every year? The high school has had approximately 50-55 new certified staff each year for the past five/six years. What does that tell you? How are our students ever supposed to perform well with a revolving door of teachers and administrators? The learning curve for new educators is so great, if you aren't a teacher you have no idea the daunting obligations that go into teaching. It is more than creating a lesson plan and instructing students. Each time we have new staff, the veteran staff are spread thin to spend their energy training and mentoring new staff. The new staff are so overwhelmed they scrape by and leave for greener pastures in a year or two. We need to retain great staff and you do that through COMPENSATION and APPRECIATION.
They should have let us vote. After talking to people from almost every building, it was going to be a resounding NO. Guess no one wanted to show administration just how disgusted we are with that contract!
People are ready to vote for a strike at the first opportunity we get. Thanks for getting the staff all riled up for the fight with that disrespectful contract offer.
There is absolutely no way the at administration is paid anywhere near the level that their cohorts are in other districts!
Mr Padron pointed out wild spending on the part of Popp that could have been used for wage increases. Yet the BOE did nothing.
Hanley was given a $40,000 raise and the BOE voted for it.
Additional Central office administration was hired and the BOE voted for it.
The BOE has 90 million in reserves and it is time to give it to teachers.
We won't be fooled again. The East Aurora Staff is starting to understand that the union is not supporting us and the district is offering us nothing at all. Here is three percent but we will be jacking up your insurance. Stipends are frozen and the district won't give us a salary schedule. And, you better have a lot of sick days stored up before you try to have a child or you will be paying all the medical bills yourself.
Two contracts ago, Mary Dudzinski told us to take the contract, that it was the best they could get us. We found out afterward that the district was paying her $145,000 a year, by far the highest paid teacher the district ever had. Last time, we had Adam Harding tell us it was a grEAt contract when the board was offering us nothing. After the contract was signed, he showed his betrayal by switching to the administrative side with a huge raise.
It was obvious at the meeting today that the teachers no longer trust our union. Many comments were made about transparency, especially regarding votes. We don't believe the vote totals that the union reports to us. Todays vote was public and unanimous, not one NO vote. We stood in unity together. Everyone at the meeting demanded that the union go back to the bargaining table and begin to represent us instead of the district. We need to continue to stand together until the teachers and staff in this district can make a living wage that keeps the best teachers here serving the children of the East Aurora community.
Sara please resign and do us a favor and get someone who will speak up. Carla H retire you are long overdue. Carla you are the reason this district is behind ALL other districts in wages. VOTE STRIKE!
Board of Ed speech June 1 2015
CPS CEO Barbara Byrd Bennet resigned due to Federal Investigation of NO BID Contract.
Tonight I AM HERE TO PRESENT THE NO BID CONTRACTS AT EAST AURORA.
Here are NO BID Contracts totaling $276,000.00 at East Aurora and growing
State Law REQUIRES purchases $25,000 and over be put out for Public Bid
Example:
Former B&G Supervisor David Rana requests Boiler Preventive Maintenance for 14 schools totaling $ 48,000.00
Former Director B&G Marty Feltes approves the request
Christi Tyler Asst Superintendent of Finance approves the Purchase Order Request
IMMEDIATELY STATE LAW & SCHOOL POLICY IS VIOLATED ON CHRISTI’S APPROVAL
PO signature shows Michael Popp authorizing this contract
A Work ticket summarizes all activity
Signature is required to insure work was performed and hours worked are confirmed by an EA employee-NONE APPEARED
Invoices were received THEN Purchase Orders were generated .
No one can validate actual hours worked and if work was properly completed.
WHY WERE INVOICES APPROVED FOR PAYMENT by Christi Tyler
On Oct 2014 I began bringing this to the attention of Dr Popp and Board of Education
Evidence was ALWAYS presented via FOIA’s
The Superintendent refused to respond to my presentations to protect his image.
Dr Popp’s inability to resolve these costly issues, exposed his inexperience and lack of leadership in this most critical area of Stewardship of Taxpayer Dollars.
EA 131 IS NOT HIS PRIVATE COMPANY !!
QUESTIONS:
Marty Feltes and David Rana were fired
Wasn’t it the responsibility of Christi Tyler and Mike Popp to prevent Bid Rigging & Illegal Purchase Orders?
Why did Christi Tyler allow countless purchase orders to be generated AFTER work was performed and invoiced in 2014 and beyond
The approval sequence Log was in place to insure all procedures were properly done.
Why was this critical policy allowed to be compromised?
You come to your own conclusions on this.
Does Superintendent Popp feel pressured to finally address these issues due to the Public Election of 4 New Board Members and a new Board President?
Would the corruption and scandals continue if I hadn’t brought them out?
It appears the answer is yes
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
I heard someone addressed the board about a PTO group of one of the schools went around asking for money for Cultural Events during the year and when someone asked about the money the teachers said they didn't know where it was but someone saw there was a new refrigerator in the school. Why couldn't anyone say where the money was it should be in some kind of account where a parent and a teacher should have to sign off to get the money. I did hear the district doesn't oversee the PTO's but it is a group and probably falls under some kind of financial watch group.
The no bid scandal is really getting out of hand and hopefully ISBE will finally take a look at this or The States Attorney.
http://www.d131.org/newsDetail.asp?id=3419&guid=
I spoke with Ralph Padron about many issues and he pointed out to me that Elise Clever was hired at $ 52,000.00 as Purchasing Agent with no experience. She worked with Christi Tyler at West Aurora. How many of our teachers are making that? He also reminded me of Matt Hanley's $ 40,000.00 which Popp put in BEFORE the New Board took office.
Hold the line and reject this contract and also get rid of Sarah as part of negotiations.
FED UP WITH 131 AND SARAH
I'm am a non-tenured educator, and I am here at EA because I want to help improve the students and district. My family has a history with EA schools, and I don't like the image that EA receives from those around us.
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised that a 3% raise was offered for next year, but to have the salary schedule up in the air within a couple of years and unsure of what is going on with healthcare benefits, the proposed contract makes me wary. With a growing family, I will definitely be pressured to have to look at jobs in any of the surrounding districts that pay more.
I know that Illinois is in a sorry state as is, but if educators in this district are not given comparable pay and benefits, they will continue to find it (more) difficult to hire and retain staff.
It's unfortunate, but anytime that I hear of a person looking for employment and EA is mentioned, their two concerns are typically classroom violence/behavior (rumors and stories spread quickly) and salary.
I hope the union can work out a plan that is fair to everyone and helps to improve EA.
The latest is our Union is calling it for a vote. The word is they violated something. It shows they don't know the law or how to protect us from the district. Our union also uses the districts law company to advise them. This is a conflict what are they doing what our dues. Wee have lost all trust in the process.
Teachers keep saying how other districts get more money but look at the surrounding ones. District 203 and 204 has higher property taxes then us but even now they are feeling the crunch. You can't get more than the district brings in. As far as healthcare benefits I believe everyone that pays for insurances is having to pay more in fact today on the news I believe it was Blue\Cross Blue Shield said they are raising their premiums so that means others will. For those that look into working for D131 the salary can only go as far again as the property taxes and the State and Feds give them. If you see a district has as high a poverty rate as ours does what makes them think they can get as much as the other districts that bring in more? It seems all State, Local Government, and School districts think they are above all the other workers in the State that are feeling the crunch of the economy.
Listen up, it's time to stand STRONG and VOTE NO. Send a message that we are better than that offer and we know it. Everyone posting here about voting NO needs to do so, and also speak up and share those views with the other teachers in your building. Let them know the reasons this is a bad contract, let them know that they need to stand strong, let them know that the vote is anonymous, let them know not to bend over and take it, but instead to stand up and give it! The time is now, EA. We have the power to let our voice be heard and to finally make a change and fight against the corruption in that terrible central office and union.
So many of us are disappointed in Sara. She didn't even stand to lead the meeting last night, and regardless of that type of physical limitation, when you are the president of a large organization you need to stand when you lead. The contract that she and the negotiating team presented was a slap in the face, indicative of the way she feels about us and our value as educators. Get rid of this contract get rid of her - VOTE NO.
Taxpayer 8
The property taxes in 131 are higher and the values of homes are lower so we are getting it twice. Look at the waste in 131. when teachers see My Hanley getting $40,000 more should they not ask for more. The residents deserve better and the teachers are victims of a corrupt and not so fair administration. It is a a bad situation for all.
TaxPayer8.....
So, are you saying we should lay down and take this, because Hanley got the $40,000 bump, so oh well?
Yeah, no.
To Taxpayer8. I am a community member who has watched the mismanagement of district funds for nearly a decade in 131. So this isn't about how much money the district gets from State, Federal, or local property taxes. It is how the money is managed. 131 has NOT been good stewards of our children's educational funds for a very long while. Each new admin or Board president comes in claiming to be the answer to our problems. We still do not pay our teachers a decent wage and the programs and procedures admin and the board put into place are still not educating our children to the level they deserve.
We have had admin who were in the top ten percent of highest paid in the state. Our teachers are not asking for exceptional increases, just acceptable. They have been asked to take on extra duties, create their own curriculum, all during the course of their "normal" work day.
If this explanation does not make it more understandable to you why the teachers are asking for a little more security in their contract language and benefits, let me know. I can break it down a bit more. If you tell me what you do for a living, I would be happy to give a comparable example.
Our children need people at the top to make better choices that directly affect their education. These things do not include fancy landscaping or high cost community relations and unnecessary building changes that have no immediate impact on improving the educational atmosphere in our schools.
I have lived and worked in Aurora my entire life and I am proud of my hometown but very disappointed in those who have been making decisions in the name of "education."
Just a reminder that anonymous comments go directly into the spam folder instead of being considered for publication. So if your comment does not appear, it may be that you submitted it anonymously.
You don't need to identify yourself by name, but you do need to click "Name/URL" and type something there. Not only will your comment not be sent to the spam file...but others can refer to your comment and respond.
Thanks, and keep blogging!
As a EA Teachcat, I just want the district to spend money wisely and support all staff, teachers, aides, secretaries, etc. I do feel we are underappreciated for all the work we do. The contract offered is not bad, but also not what I feel we deserve. The real issue I have is the insurance increase without any specifics, if the insurance costs are more than the raise we have been offered, why would we vote for this contract?
Just want to remind the teachers of all the tricks Popp has done and wasted $$$$
1 Matt Hanley's $ 40,000.00 raise (the ultimate slap in the face)
2 Elise Clever hiring at 52K (friend of Christi Tyler) zero experience in purchasing agent
3 Michael Golonka BG Supervisor hiring from 30K to 60K
I have his application and wondered why he was hired for the High School yet is at BG
Who interviewed him and were his references checked out.
Joan Glotzbach: Can you honestly say this guy was qualified, just another bully at EA
Another botched background check
Add up the above and you are looking at approximately 100,000.00 wasted
Lets not forget that Popp wanted to build this NEW ADMIN CENTER (with air conditioning) at a cost of millions.
Teachers consider all of the above and more when you vote for your contract.
Last but not Least "The Golden Egg" which is the NO BID CONTRACTS totaling 275K + and growing. More money wasted
Send Popp a message when you vote. Is he really concerned about you or more about himself.
AND THEY CAN'T GIVE THE TEACHERS A DECENT CONTRACT
This contract needs to be rejected on so many levels. When teachers are paid up to $40,000 less than the surrounding districts, a 3% cost of living increase is pathetic. If you can do basic math, you begin to realize that a 3% increase here is much less than in a district that is paying you $40,000 more. Their 3% increase is thousands more than ours. Some salaries are still being adjusted and we are just supposed to accept that the district and union will work it out after the contract is signed. The last two years of salary are not set and we will have to take anything they give us at that point since we would not have the leverage of striking in the middle of a contract.
Instead of correcting all the step inconsistencies, they are eliminating the steps so that the staff can no longer see them.
Stipends are frozen, no increases. Some stipends have been reduced to AA level. They will have to do the same amount of work for half the pay.
Insurance payments will be going up and the staff will be paying for it (There goes your entire raise) , however nobody will put it in writing. We are just supposed to trust that the district and union will handle it later. 103% is covered not 105%. In my paycheck, that would come to about $1600 less money each year.
How evaluations will be handled is not included in the contract, again we are supposed to trust that the district and union will take care of us later.
Classroom sizes are increasing, no protections.
Maternity leave will cost you big time if you don’t have enough sick days accumulated.
There are dozens of pages of changes to the contract and nearly every one of change is for the districts protection, not ours.
Three years of paying union dues and this is the contract the union brings before us? Nothing for us but a cost of living increase (which is gone with insurance premiums going up) so it’s really a net loss. If this union can’t deliver, it may be time for decertification.
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
I will be voting NO on every single offer until the promise of compensating the middle-of-the-road'ers is fixed. When you compare different steps and lanes from the current contract with surrounding areas, the people who have proven to be loyal to the district are the least compensated compared to others on the same pay scale. Additionally, I will be voting NO until a salary schedule is reintroduced. This is just another shady way for people to slip things past us because you have no schedule to reference! NO NO NO!
When Hanley gets a $40,000 plus raise plus TRS and we are handed scraps let's Strike. The new board can remind his raise but has not and then they allow a contract like that to get put out. Yeah you can bet new BOE member Hachett will make sure Blue Cross raises our rates real good. darby, Arroyo and Laesch claim they are pro union but passed this contract. Already they are breaking promises. As for Johnson she is only cared about building cash reserve balances. Since she is back in charge the district starting showing profits again which means our raises and other programs and positions will get eliminated. Leonard is a crook and should resign. Let's not even start on Strand she sold the teachers out long ago and only cares about using the school for personnel gain.
When the contract is rejected let's call for a strike vote in fall and the administration a example.
Matt Hanley if you had any ethics you would see your raise is causing divide and should be given back.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-fitness-class-st-0603-20150604-story.html
Dear employees of District 131. I know many are concerned about the contract, but please know, this current BOE was not involved in negotiations nor have we seen a copy of the contract.
I have voted NO, this contract is a sham and now we learn the BOED did not even read the contract. It shows Popp is in bed with union leaders. I have told others vote NO and take our chances with the new BOED. My question the contract should be signed by Johnson. We can not believe knowing her she did not know.
This 2 yr salary contract is a joke. Admin knows that Illinois is most likely not going to be much better off financially, and it is highly unlikely that EA would get a windfall of cash. This is a ploy to get us to agree on a poor salary so they can use the Illinois economic excuse in another year or two when salaries are again brought to the table and give us nothing (except higher out of pocket expenses for benefits). I've come to accept that by the time I retire (which may be 70-75, God willing), there will be nothing for me in Social Security or TRS. I'm having to put more and more money away now in my own personal retirement account (which is barely anything after I pay for mortgage, food, gas, and utilities). Sorry to sound selfish, but the union and admin need to step up.
Tentative Agreement Vote Tally Totals June 4, 2015
Thank you East Aurora Council members for voting today.
Staff present when totals received and recorded are:
Sara Imthurn
Jennifer Gentile
Julie DeNood
Brian Winders
Charles Rohlfs
Kim Kerelvik
Building(s)
Yes No Abstained
Allen 7 58
Bardwell 36 18
Beaupre 4 21
BKC 8 26
Brady 9 29 1
Dieterich 3 33
Gates 0 47
Hermes 3 56
Johnson 2 30
Krug 6 25
Oak Park 1 35
O’Donnell 6 34
Rollins 6 28
FR Magnet A 1 30
Cowherd 0 97
Simmons 12 66
Waldo 17 68
East High 21 217
EAEC 4 12
School Service Center 1 8
CSC 2 24
ECC all buildings 5 50
ASC/B&G/WC 1 13
Totals 155 1025
And it will continue to be a NO NO NO unless there are drastic improvements!
Thank you for the comment Mr. Arroyo. Will a board member be joining the negotiation team since the district has done such a poor job?
Prepare for a strike. The staff can't count on Sarah to fight for us so we will just have to vote no repeatedly and strike to be heard. We are united and ready!
I have heard that multiple people listed as being on the negotiation team were not actually present during most of negotiations. It is obvious Sarah needs all the help she can get. They need to add competent people to the negotiation table.
Please let the taxpayers know what will be fair since 99% of you don't have to pay for it, we simply want to please you.. What do you need 3%, 4%,5%. We will pick up any increases on the insurance premiums. How much would you like for TRS? How many more sick days would you like? Would 400 days be sufficient or is the 300 plus you get now sufficient?. how much more maternity leave would be fair? How about more education reimbursement . We pay for the additional education and then you charge us. 7 or 8 holidays, floating holidays, spring break, Christmas break, summer break, thanksgiving break. That is one rich economic package but all we hear about is the percentage and insurance.
Salaries and benefits make up over 80% of the budget and everyone wants more. Take the money this year and next year many of you will be joining the ranks of unemployed. The governor wants to cut more education funding, and freeze property taxes. The tax levy was decreased by the board of ed. BTW how much was the last contract increase in the middle of the recession? It just came to me , we will go out back and shake the money tree . Go ahead , vote no and don't worry we don't expect anything in return; it's all about you.
Maybe it's time we visit the issue of a different union representing us. The NEA perhaps?
Mr. Arroyo you represent the students and taxpayers of this district not the teachers union or any other union. The more you speak it is evident that you have know idea what you are doing. You have said more in this blog than you have at your first 2 meetings of the board and your words are empty in both venues. You have 2 ears and one mouth so you can listen more and talk less. Counselors solve issues by listening to the issues , be advised.
To Fed Up:
1. You should checks your facts about benefits because you are making statements unsupported by truth.
2. No one has suggested an increase in taxes, nor has anyone suggested that a referendum be brought to the voters to increase taxes.
3. Instead of blaming the teachers/staff for the problems at the schools, focus on the districts poor decision making and unwise spending practices in the last several years.
4. Since your taxes aren't being increased, mind your own business.
5. You apparently don't care about the quality of education and about the massive turnover that occurs every year at East Aurora. The fact is our pay is well below other nearby districts, including West Aurora and other similarly situated districts.
To "Excuse me said",
The school board isn't representing the union based on his clarifying comment. The school board has a duty to uphold the students best interests and that would be supporting teachers and decreasing the enormous turnover rate.
And because he represents the students and taxpayers, he understands that paying teachers fairly ultimately benefits both of the groups he represents. Teachers aren't asking for taxes to be raised, but whIle administration is paid comparably to surrounding districts, staff is not. If each admin were paid just $5k less, 200 teachers could get a $2k raise.
Look, we know that many of the vocal taxpayers in this district care little for the children and for those of us who serve them, but until your taxes go up, stop verbally abusing people who serve your community--it's tacky.
To an educated teacher I will say that ignorance is bliss. You should stick to what you know and how EAV and ad valorem taxes work. My taxes have gone up regardless of the decrease of the levy for the coming year and so have many other seniors. I never mentioned a referendum but here it is , never again. You should address the revenue issues. If your thinking is that Mismanagement in other areas means you compound it by increases payroll and benefits without clear means to be able to sustain throughout the life of the agreement you really scare me. Take away Hanleys raise and it will not sustain a teachers contract. How much increase did your principal get. It's part of the deal at East; unfortunately you are not going to make the same as everyone else, it was that way when you were hired. Which benefits that I mentioned are inaccurate . All Teachers are under paid , I concede that however this is my business. I keep my property up. I pay high taxes and Youre offended because while you personally may or may not be underpaid benefits are part of the economics of the agreement.
This district is majority low income and live in properties that don't generate much revenue. Mr.nArroyos taxes are cheap on his run down home. Yet and still he has decided to stick his nose into this issue so what makes you think I have no say. Several board members taxes are thousands less than mine, it's my business.
The majority of the residents that foot the bill would love to have your insurance and half your salary. I say , be grateful, try and understand the real revenue issues and take the emotions out of the debate. I'm empathetic but I'm not fooled or sorry for anyone with a great job doing what they love. If you do not love what you do then quit because no amount of money will change your heart and the students pay for it.
The vote was 155 yes and 1025 no. We have sent you a message board of education. Start be firing Hanley, Reyes Childress, Glozbach and Popp. Since the reign of terror took over one year ago the lack of respect and corruption has shown. Popp had one agenda promote his public image that is why Hanley was promoted and given a increase that equaled the entire salary of a first year teacher. It is time some issues get addressed please listen and learn.
If others' taxes are "thousands less" than yours, then it must be because you decided to have a large home and/or lot.
It is the teacher's choice to work for 101? Well it is also your choice to live here.
Dear Union Member:
Don't speak on behalf of all of us. I voted no and it has nothing to do with wanting Popp, Glotzbach or Hanley fired. I simply want to be compensated for my hard work and dedication to 131 as they are- and as they deserve.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/opinion/ct-abn-crosby-pasta-war-st-0608-20150608-story.html
To Fed up...to use your logic (and many of your words) from your 12:32am comment.....My taxes have gone down, regardless of the increase of yours, my total tax bill remains lower than your increase, and so have many other seniors and families. You should address the expenditure issues. If your thinking is that Mismanagement in other areas means you compound it by sacrificing payroll and benefits without clear means to be able to sustain the business of education, you really scare me! You stated salaries and benefits make up 80% of the budget. Since you mentioned ignorance and bliss, I concede and ask you - is that 80% made up of current teachers only?
Also, what would be a fair percentage of the budget to be paid to educators in a place whose business is education?
It's part of the deal at East; unfortunately you are not going to pay the same(taxes) as everyone else, it was that way when you moved here......I keep my property up, I pay LOW taxes, and you're offended because while you personally may or may not be paying too much in property taxes, they are part of the economics of the agreement of being a homeowner.
You are correct, this district is majority low income and live in properties that don't generate much revenue as I noted above about the lower tax bills. I see no reason to make rude remarks about Mr. Arroyos home. You have a right to your opinion and you had an option to vote for Board members. If you voted for only people with tax bills as high as yours, I am guessing the majority of lower tax bill recipients must have voted for those with tax bills "thousands less than yours."
You are correct, these are the majority of the residents that foot the bill, and you don't see them complaining. They would love to have your home and half your pension. I say, be grateful, try and understand the real issues and take the emotions out of the debate.
I'm empathetic but I'm not fooled or sorry for anyone with a great piece property and living a good life they love. If you do not love everything about where you live then move, because no amount of reduced taxes will change your heart and the students pay for it......when we have bad managers of our educational resources and all the community member sees and complains about is their property tax bill. We need a more understanding community.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-curriculum-st-0607-20150606-story.html#page=1
While our students are being taught with incomplete curriculum and teachers are expected to create curriculum along with teach it, what exactly are our curriculum people at the admin level doing? And who is assessing and evaluating them? Come on Popp and Board! As the teacher said In the Beacon.-A year is a lot in the life of a student. One semester is too much to be wasted while listening to excuses from those who get paid to supply our teachers with the tools for teaching. If the teachers are doing your job, they should be asking for much more in their contract and the Board should shift the funds from those not doing their job! Seems like a simple assessment and fix to me.
Popp was hired because of his Curriculum expertise from 204 and he has been on the job for a year. Nothing has happened we have wasted another year, now teachers showed their anger. What is the board going to do.
To "put the money where the work is being done said", who are you referring to when you mention curriculum people at the admin level? There is 1 and only 1: the director of curriculum and instruction. The rest of the people, who are housed at the admin service center but are NOT administrators, are facilitators -- teachers, that is, like you. Instead, how about focusing on our district administration, who refuse to add additional resources to this initiative for creating curriculum. It takes manpower, experts, and time to create quality instruction, all of which cost $$.
Anyone in the district considered an administrator have their TRS paid for them. This means that in addition to their salaries, they earn an additional 9.4%. Administrators salaries within the district are well above the averages of other nearby districts, while teachers salaries within the district are well below nearby districts. The additional 9.4% TRS that the district pays for administrators in not included in the average salaries compared, so they are actually making much more than the numbers show.
I've been at many recent meetings with teachers about the latest contract offer. Never has the lack of curriculum ever been mentioned as a reason for rejecting the contract. This is obviously Matt Hanley trying to put spin on another embarrassing moment for the district. I guess his connections with the Beacon are paying off for the administration.
The worst part of the article was the No Comment from Sara Imthurn. The woman is supposed to be the union leader and she doesn't have a clue. She needs to step aside and give control to somebody who will lead the teachers and this district to a more secure future. The entire negotiating team sounded like a bunch of pacifists at the Q and A session. They showed that they have done nothing for the teachers in the past three years (since the last contract) and are simply marching to the administrations orders. One of them actually mentioned salaries going down when somebody asked about salary lanes.
Somebody should also look into Bardwell. It was obvious from the election results that the teachers didn't read the contract and their union leaders are giving them false information. Let's go Bardwell, step up to the plate.
Proud of the staff for now, keep up the good fight.
The administrators of District 131 are amongst the top 8% for salary in the state. The teachers are amongst the lowest in the state and are the lowest in the six county area. It is way past time for the teachers to stand together and demand a living wage. When the teachers of 131 are being paid up to $40,000 less than other teachers in this same town, it's time to make a change. Eliminating the salary schedule is the worst thing the district can do. Teachers will flee in record numbers.
Let us not forget the $40,000 salary increase to Hanley. What does he do other than spinning the stories for Popp. Arroyo told us this was not the Boards contract. So now what are they going to do? They should start with Hanley and show teachers that they are serious about taking care of teachers. If Hanley had ethics he would step aside.
The new Board ran on change, so far they have changed nothing. Many of us are watching and for Mr Laesch and Mr Arroyo who clearly have other political motives we are watching.
The purchasing scandal and Mat Handley are your first test.
Public relations are a necessary evil. We can debate at what cost however just like teachers unless you have walked their shoes collectively we have no clue what it takes to be profIcient. Those of us who have been around understand that not only does the PR person work and spin for the district and superintendent they do likewise for the board president. Adams, Mohammed, and Hanley were at Annette Johnsons beck and call. They wrote articles for the Enlightner, the Beacon and speeches for Red And Black day. I don't have a problem with it because her image was not good. The district image is not good overall. This blog is detrimental , any negative news is not good, Padron is not good , stating that the schools aren't safe ; not good, strikes help no one, schools ranked below 5 ; not good. 2 board members perpetuated the fear rhetoric during their campaigns . Who will speak, promote, and write about the positives? Do not forget that Mr Feltes was given a $40,000 increase as well and no one spoke up but then again it was not contract time and the president promoted it. Matts raise was approved by the old board and old president .
Date: June 8, 2015
To: John Laesch
Subject: Inquiry on Hiring of Michael Golonka Bldg & Grnds Supervisor
The December 1st 2014 Personnel Report Stated Hiring of:
Michael Golonka B&G-Supervisor $60,500.00 pro-rated
Questions arise immediately upon reviewing his application
Previous employer “Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church” in Cary IL
Employed a staff of 3 custodians & 1 Facilities Manager
Has 1 Building
Job Description at EA would not qualify him for the position
@ Salary was $ 34,000.00 EA Salary is $ 60,500.00
Mr Golonka was hired for more money than the majority of licensed teachers.
1 Mr Golonka was hired for Supervisor at the High School yet never worked there, WHY?
2 Did his qualifications match up with the position he was hired for. Obviously NOT
3 Were other applicants more qualified, if not why was this position not reposted
4 WHO screened the applicants
5 WHO conducted the interviews
6 WHO recommended him for the position
7 WHO researched his references & are there notes on this.
Upon comparing his application and Job Description at EA, it appears Mr Golonka is underqualified for this position. A lesser position appears more appropriate for his experience.
Bigger questions are:
DUD HR EXCLUSIVELY CONDUCT THIS HIRING INCLUDING BACKGROUND AND REFERENCE CHECK?
Why did Golonka not report to the High School for the position he was hired for?
What were/are his current responsibilities since his hiring?
His salary is far above the majority of Licensed Educators within EA yet his qualifications are average at best.
I do understand that “Personnel Confidentiality” cannot be compromised.
However I am requesting that this inquiry be investigated for the above concerns.
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
Attachments:
@Application @High School Supervisor Job Description
Let's ask the question, Is the district better off than 5 years ago. I say yes. They have built new building, hired 300 plus teachers and interventionist and still maintain good cash reserves. We need to look at the positives. teachers have not been rifted or had pay freezes. They also have great benefits and raise increases topped 12 % over the last contract. Tell that to the residents who struggle to keep food on the table. Have we seen student growth at 12%?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-building-grounds-hire-st-0609-20150608-story.html
I have to make a correction on my statement about the teachers contract, the BOE did get copies of the the agreement e-mailed to us on June 2nd, but my copy was in my spam folder. My apologies for any confusion.
Why are you posting on this blog!!! You are on the board of education! Your communication with the community should be during board meetings! Not on an unsanctioned blog! You don't deserve to represent this district!
Alex, please stop posting on this blog. The staff of the district who care and understand the needs of the students and the community really need an ally. I am confident that you are. You are messing up your credibility by posting on here. Read away, but you need to stay above the fray.
Sounds like someone is upset. Did you retire and can't afford to be.
Have you ever been a boss.
Have you ever interviewed anyone.
Have you ever hired and or fired anyone before.
What are your qualifications.
Obviously it's all about negotiations.
Stop crying.
Who is in charge of the Union right now? I was told ALL would have a chance to voice concerns and provide input by my building Rep now he does not know. Some leadership, they need to be voted out of office and a no confidence vote taken. They are in bed with the administration but 1025 strong voices need to be heard.
I also do not want a hall monitor as my voice! Support BE HEARD
I drove past Mr Golonka's last place of employment. He was in charge of 5 buildings not 1 like you posted. When he was hired at ea 131 he was in charge of 6 buildings. How can you say he is not qualified. I think he met part of the qualifications with that alone. Maybe you should go back to math class again, get your eyes checked. Bty stop being an investigator cause it's not working.
Geez, people. This is an open forum (somewhat), so let Mr. Arroyo comment here if he wishes. He was just trying to clear up a previous post of his. If you think it damages his reputation by commenting here, then that is his issue to deal with.
Soooo...what's the stipend we'll be getting from the union when we go on strike? Guess I'd better start having garage sales this summer so that I can feed my family and pay to keep a roof over our heads come Fall ;)
Check your emails, I filled out a survey
Mr Padron go away your harassment of d131 staff and BOE members are getting old. If 131 was so poorly managed why is it they have more cash reserves than the district you live in and built a school a year while hiring about 300 new teachers.
The teachers and administration need time to fix problems and get a new contract that
benefits all. Leave us alone. BTW someone should talk about your wife, she was not that qualified, and who employed you maybe we need to investigate that|
CPS is striking to get the level of raise that you are whining about. There are across the board cuts in salaries in many districts due to the prediction of districts needing to cover state costs for TRS. You strike, and you will look ridiculous.
No one looks ridiculous for standing up for what they believe in. I am not a teacher and don't know what each of them has to deal with ON the job from supervisors/ admin or what type of benefits and compensation they receive for doing their job. I do know many teachers in EA, which I have had the pleasure of meeting through my children, they work very hard. They have many tasks above "standardized" teaching. As an outsider, I would encourage the teachers to ask for what they believe they deserve. Nothing less.
http://www.d131.org/fixtheformula/#/
Many posters are unhappy with the union leadership and you may have a legitimate gripe however you should step or shut up. Union reps do the job you're too lazy ,afraid or too inept to do. The main agitators will never step up, they are all talk and no substance. If you decertify the Union as someone suggested no AFLCIO Union can pick you up for three years. If you strike you will return to work for the same offer or less. If by chance you receive more it will result in job lose.
You're unhappy but as grand parent I am too. If you strike it won't the students anymore than your attitude has already hurt them. My grandson is in middle school and while he can read he does not comprehend what he reads. He also does not know the difference between a continent and country. He has no idea what the names of the capital cities are. His mom and dad just found out when they questioned his social study grade. They never heard from his teacher because he is very quiet and stays out of trouble. My daughter states that the teachers don't keep the grades and homework updated on the student information system. Go ahead....
To: Board of Education
Date: June 4, 2015
Subject: No bid Contracts Issued by East Aurora Dist 131
Please review the attached Contracts/Purchase Orders
All of the contracts DID NOT GO OUT FOR PUBLIC BID
These No Bid Contracts TOTALED
$ 295,877.04
The NO BID CONTRACTS WERE APPROVED BY
Christi Tyler (Assistant Superintendent of Finance) and
Michael Popp Superintendent of East Aurora Dist 131
East Aurora Board Policy policy link
http://www.d131.org/boardpolicies/database/automergedBoardDocs/Section%204%20-%20Operational%20Services.pdf
Reference 4:60 (page 14) Purchases and Contracts
When presenting a contract or purchase for Board approval,
THE SUPERINTENDENT or DESIGNEE SHALL INSURE IT COMPLIES WITH APPLICABEL WITH STATE LAW including but not limited to, those specified below:
1. Supplies, materials, or work involving an expenditure in excess of $25,000 must comply with the State law bidding procedure, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.21, unless specifically exempted.
2. Construction, lease, or purchase of school buildings must comply with State law and Board policy 4:150, Facility Management and Building Programs.
I still have 10 months of purchases to audit which will reveal more no contract bids
More unlawful purchases will be forthcoming involving multiple issues
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
Funny Matt that you send out an email about "fixing the formula" right before contract negotiations. (Crying poor) With all those cash reserves that you brag about, teachers are right to ask for a WELL- DESERVED remuneration. They do not look ridiculous, but look like they have had enough and are finally standing up to a bully administration. Hope you are enjoying your $40,000 raise, by the way. Remember? The one you got for sending out press releases, cover-ups and photo ops? And you didn't have to even lift a finger, march, or demonstrate. All handed to you on a silver platter. Must be some serious skeletons in the closet.
The 3% offer was more than generous inflation growth was less than 1%. If you strike parents will not care. SO GO STRIKE. The above is correct you elected your leadership so deal with it.
TEACHERS Mike Popp authored this contract and the teachers OVERWHELMINGLY voted No.
Popp gave Matt Hanley a $40,000.00 raise for no good reason.
Insist that Popp find a way to correct this mistake and revert Hanley back to his original pay. Make this MANDATORYas part of your negotiations.
Make Popp prove he will be negotiating in good faith by doing this.
If not HOLD THE LINE!
Do not let Popp have his way and talk his way out of this one.
DO NOT COMPROMISE !!!!
National cost of living increase was determined to be almost 2% last year. Will be examined again this Fall.
If you look at what others have stated numerous times, it is about what is comparable pay to surrounding districts, as well as what is fair given the pay increases (warranted or not) for some members of administration.
And I'm sure that plenty will be said by parents if the teachers strike. Maybe you wouldn't care, but don't go speaking for other wonderful parents of 131.
Yep, shoulder to shoulder, parents who care and are involved with their children would stand with the teachers decision, if they chose to strike. The only reason they will object, is many of them depend on their children being in school while they go to work. So it would not be lack of support but rather a need for childcare.
The reality is you ARE NOT comparable to other area districts. Your tax base is different! The demographics of your students are completely different! You have significant costs in your district related to working with students of poverty and English learners. You cant possibly think that these students are supported for free.
Be happy with your 3% raise! Many districts are fighting for that!
Percentages mean nothing if salaries are not comparable to start with. Why would anybody in their right mind do the same job they would elsewhere for $25,000-$40,000 less money? Here is a list of salaries by district at the 23 year mark with a doctorate degree. It becomes abundantly clear why teachers leave District 131 in droves. 3% is a slap in the face to every hard working teacher in East Aurora. If the teachers in District 131 are not offered a competitive salary, the students of District 131 will always receive a substandard education.
East Aurora $74,248
West Aurora $106,287
Indian Prairie $106.966
Batavia $114,102
Geneva $100,069
Oswego $104,056
Naperville 203 $113,566
I'd like to meet a 23 year teacher with a doctorate degree at EA!
Most people would actually argue that the demographics you ("who are you kidding") listed as reasons that 131 teachers should be paid more and in-line with others in the area. The job is more challenging, involves more planning, and bilingual teachers are a great asset (although not paid any more).
Please explain further how the EA tax base and demographics justify a lower salary.
Ouch! I guess I had better start shopping other districts! I wasn't aware that it was that discrepant.
Padron is going after Popp because he accused Padron and his wife of receiving insurance for less. They paid the premium that was in effect. Popp has never publicly apologized so he wants him fired.
It doesn't justify a lower salary. It speaks to the difficulty of budgeting for the significant needs of our students. It is more than just English language learners, it is about meeting the needs of students of poverty. There are significant costs associated with both of those issues. It doesn't mean that you should be paid last, but there's only so much money to go around.
Please explain to the thousands of students that would be out of school because of the strike why we should listen to an old man who doesn't live in our district! Matt Hanley has no bearing on the contract negotiations. This is about the teachers'. Not your stupid vendetta. Go away!
Big words cont. took the words out of my mouth.
I am looking forward to the explanation, also.
If Padrone is the big investigator he claims to be then here is my question, why did he not question the lower premium? Less than $100 a month is low and everyone knows that. This bully has cost well over $100,000 in labor hours of staff that has pulled endless papers for him. All of the saving he claims was discovered by BOE members or administration.
His comments towards Popp are unfair. Popp was not with the district Roberts was. Why did he not go after Roberts.
Who did Pardone work for and why did he not have insurance from his former employer. Its time to look at who he is.
I know of a couple non-administrative staff members with doctoral degrees alone at my daughter's school (Simmons)
Take the time now to look at the revenue that the other districts bring in from taxes and other sources and that should show you why some districts pay more since they have more money to work with.
Padron is attacking Popp because he wanted a job. They caved to him and he did nothing for the money. He claimed he saved money but what did he save nothing for his $7,500. The bills he provided did not have documentation and should have not been paid.
He gets pleasure out of distroying reputations . He is sick!
If there are "significant costs" associated with ELL and poverty students. Shouldn't one of those costs be paying the teachers a decent wage so the turnover rate reduces and in turn gives the students/ families a learning environment that feels safe, comfortable and consistent by seeing the same teachers in their home school each year.
If getting the proper equipment to do a job effectively and efficiently means paying a little more for the tools or the laborer using those tools, wouldn't it be cost effective?
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