What a chaotic few first days with busing! I hope it gets better or we the parents will be out speaking on the issue!!! Whose idea was it to turn schools into STEAM schools? Our families are now being pushed out of our community school. Now we have students in some overcrowded classrooms? You want to provide support and help our students close the gap but yet the things some people do doesn't really help the students. I would like to have board members or upper administrators come sit in a full classroom with no air conditioning and fans blowing all day and try to teach or learn in this environment! That is the scenario of the classroom of my son. Get it together people! You have money for a new Administrator building but no money for at least window units!
I have been silent long enough and have good news summary Kudo's to Superintendent Jennifer Norrell for terminating/resignation of the following
1 Bldg Grnds Asst Director Jorge Villagomez Freire resigned for multiple violations. An unexpected source contacted me about a serious issue involving another employee. Mr Villagomez took a 35K pay cut and is now working at Oswego D 308.
2 Athletic Director Benjamin Williams resigned for Purchasing Violations resulting in 1 specific company being awarded Purchase Orders.
3 Finance/Business Director Elizabeth Shields FIRED for serious multiple violations. Can't comment any further on this.
4 I have provided D131 numerous FOIA Documents exposing these 3 individuals proving they were guilty of many a crime.
Last night's Board of Education Meeting revealed the following 1 Board Member John Laesch motioned to pull Elizabeth Shields and Benjamin Williams from the Personnel Report which would have allowed Shields and Williams to remain as District employees resulting in both getting rehired and paid. Fortunately no Board member seconded John Laesch's motion.
2 Laesch mentioned Williams and Shields by name thus has no problem defending those who betray the taxpayers resulting in loss of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars
3 Mr Laesch continues to protect employees who have exploited East Aurora School District.
4 Teachers: Please ask John Laesch the following "Why do you continue to defend bad financial practices in the PAST that have affected your wages and benefits for years.
What’s up with the middle school football? Simmons and Cowherd did not hire 6/7th grade football coaches. No recruiting was done. There are no teams. Is this just another example of administration destroying programs from the bottom up?
The band numbers are definitely down. Liska isn’t bragging about 350 kids signed up this year. When asked his numbers, he just gets pissed off and walks away. How low are the numbers after just one year of “administrative improvements”?
Ralph You certainly have shown your allegiance to Annette and Annette alone. Annette doesn’t like Laesch and you, her lap dog, piss on everyone she wants to go after.
You mentioned Williams but didn’t mention who Annette wants to replace him with. Annette wants another of her lackeys, Fil Torres to be the new AD. Fil doesn’t have the qualifications for the position. He didn’t have the qualifications a year ago when Hoyda and McDonald stood up to Annette and said no about Fil’s application. Apparently the new superintendent doesn’t have the same spine to stand up to Annette.
How does Fil Get considered for an administrative position when he does NOT have an administrators certification? How can evaluate personnel? How can he supervise evening sports events without this certification.
Only in District 131 is being Annette’s Lackey an acceptable qualification.
Why are certified staff, secretaries and support staff ALL ON THE SAME CONTRACT???? It makes NO SENSE! As university educated individuals it stands to reason that our salaries will be substantially higher. To request that we strike so secretaries and support staff can make substantially more money as compared to District 129 is moronic! Please DO NOT give the EXCUSE that they should make more because they work harder than the staff of D129. They are being paid equal or higher. All you have to do is look up the salary on line. The truth is that due to special privilege afforded to some, there are secretaries and support staff that were hired in at a substantially higher rate than they ever should have been. This has resulted in a gross disparity within these two groups. PLEASE SEPARATE CERTIFIED STAFF from the SECRETARIES and Support STAFF.
Let's ask Gerry and company why we are not able to vote? He has told us to vote NO but will not call the vote. The District presented some very compelling facts regarding the contract. I HAVE WAITED MANY YEARS TO GET PAID WHAT WAS COMING TO TEACHERS. PLEASE ALLOW US DUE PROCESS.
New Supervisor at BG has a criminal history of arrests. He recently brought twin boys to sleep/babysit to work at the "Hill office" early morning. Convicted Felon and he gets to drive around at night for 131 doing nothing. Sooner or later this con man will screw up and is a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Supervisor (what a joke) has access to all Buildings during and after school hours. Teachers and staff beware of this guy as he has an Order of Protection against him from his wife. Union needs to step in and demand that this guy not be allowed in any of the schools.
New low, teachers and support staff are held to higher standards and this while administration gets a free pass. Administration eventually does something really moronic and gets caught. The history of 131 is that teachers have to pay the price for overpaid administration our administration has costed teachers their fair wages for years. Many of us respect Dr Norrell's fresh approach and her comments at Red and Black about administration. She is showing daily that there is a new day in EA.
Mr Laesch is a pawn and lackey for bad administration. His latest display with Williams shows. Laesch claims he is union man but has never shown the effort to defend one teacher.
DR Norrell should know that those words did not go unnocticed and is creating a atmosphere of new hope.
I thought I heard Dr. Norrell mention at R&B Day about having worked for the firm that has recently been brought into 131 for needs assessents and strategic planning. I thought my ears must have deceived me, as she wouldn’t admit to a large group about this favoritism-would she? Well, the Beacon News story confirmed it. I’ve now already lost much respect for a superintendent that has been on the job for what-2 months? Yes, the firm may be qualified, but you have had to realize how the optics of that would appear. I thought you would be different :(
Antonio Jamison of B&G is the criminal that was hired. I guess the safety of the kids and staff is not that important to fire this guy. Why did BG Director Alberto approve hiring this guy. Maybe he did not want to get on Beatrice's wrong side.
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2018 12:52 PM Subject: FOIA REQUEST
Date: August 23 2018 Subject: Antonio Jamison Timeline: as specified
1 Application 2 Contract 3 Resume 4 Emails from Date of Hiring to current day 5 Telephone log from date of hiring to current day 6 Alberto Tijerina elog June 1 - current date
Here's the agenda for the special School Board meeting Tuesday:
Special Tuesday, August 28, 2018 6:00 PM School Service Center - 417 Fifth Street, Aurora, IL I. Roll Call II. Motion to Approve the Emergency Purchase of Air Conditioning Units III. Public Comments/Questions IV. Adjournment
I am shocked they are purchasing Air Conditioning units. I guess it's a start, and I wonder if it's our contract or the new Sup that actually visits building. I will say this was her second trip to our building, and it is more than I have seen the SSC Assistant Sups and Directors visit all year.
I would like to hear why after twenty years they are now buying AC. Maybe It is a new day.
I wondered how long it would be before someone go after the new superintendent . She will ultimately be blamed for a contract that can never satisfy the teachers. Although the board and the interims could have gotten it done they continue to use the lame excuse of not wanting to strap the newbie with a contract in which she had no input. Ms Norvell would be commiting professional suicide to “ standup to the board” . The interims had nothing to lose. They were double dipping. A pension and check making over 200k. Popp was handed a contract in his 1st year as well and we all know the result of that. The president always have the 4 votes to make a superintendent disappear if one gets too big for his or her britches.When that superintendent looks for future work not only the board members be contacted the union will get a final stab at her too. Roberts was no fool and he’s collecting a nice pension. That’s why he let her have her way. It’s hypocritical to say she should stand up when you’re blogging anonymously .
Wow what a surprise, it’s contract time and the board is “predicting” a budget deficit. Every time the contract comes up, Annette cries broke and then the day after the teachers get screwed, money magically appears. Here’s a solution. Cut the plan to build a $6 million Administration Palace. Use the money for what’s its intended, educating students.
Questions/Comments 1 Dist 131 has their own painting crew, Why was this outsourced 2 Brady & Rollins both took 53 hrs ea to complete. Is this correct and a coincidence 3 What did the sign in/out log sheets at the schools record 4 Did CertaPro Painter SUBCONTRACT this project out If so did their Insurance cover those whom were subcontracted 5 Why is Christina Didech involved with CertaPro & the point person in this project
6 Theory is crew that did actual work were NOT paid Prevailing Wage and the actual painting performed was more than the hours recorded on Prevailing Wage. NON UNION workers is a very distinct possibility. 7 Email dtd Monday July 16 2018 from Jorge Villagomez Freire to CertaPro President Jesse Rodriguez requested quotes. 8 Villagomez had resigned prior to July 16th his last work day was July 20 2018. 9 Why did Alberto Tijerina allow Jorge to continue with this project. Jorge contacted CertaPro initally. His pattern was to choose/bring in companies he favored.
Again Alberto Tijerina managing skills prove incompetence
I will FOIA the sign in/out log sheets and do not expect any record of sign in and out. My guess is they do not exist Contacts from EA spoke with on sight painters regarding this scam
EAST HIGH IS A JOKE! As a teacher, I am in the halls during passing periods and our students just do as they please & do not go to class. We encourage them, the PPAs do a great job encouraging them & maintaining order, but our student's know they do not have to listen to us because the administration will do NOTHING to them for any and all behaviors that are inappropriate, including taking 15 minutes during passing period (if they even go to class at all). It is so frustrating to be in a building where the directive has been handed down for no documented discipline, as to show the board & district office pretty numbers. THE NUMBERS ARE FALSE. THE BUILDING IS A JOKE WITH NO DISCIPLINE WHATSOEVER!! We see schools in surrounding communities functioning appropriately, and students that come here from those other schools are in disbelief how they can do whatever they want here. You need to call a spade, a spade. This current regime has been so busy trying to keep their jobs, that they aren't doing their jobs! Every year we try to bring in some new plan on how to coddle these "poor babies" in a new way. That is elementary/middle school stuff. This is a high school, and it needs some rules, some discipline, and some follow-through. We, the teachers and staff, can't do anything about it if we have ZERO back-up, and no consequences when we tell our students what to do. They can curse us out, threaten us, not go to class, etc.--- But as long as the numbers look good, the admin can tell everyone another story. Meanwhile, your staff is disenfranchised and lost all authority because there is no follow through on the back end. It would not take much discipline to bring this school back to order. But that has to start, NOW! These students will meet the expectations we put on them as educators, only with some back up from the admin...and right now they have no rules or expectations for our students, and that's what our students know, and why they will continue to do as they please. Put some expectations on our administrators to have a functioning building, and hold THEM accountable to hold our students accountable for their behavior. We can talk until we are blue in the face...if a kid knows nothing is going to happen to them, the kids will do what they want...they are kids. And that's the climate this admin has continued to foster.
That is true. And another thing, if you didn't look it up on the website, you'd never even know who was the principal of the school. The students don't...that I can asure you.
These comments reflect information from negotiation meetings. It'd be a shame if this was a violation, and whoever wrote this was brought to light by subpeona. So Id be very careful. Most of the support staff has a college education. The only group that is out of wack is the amount of TA's, classroom assistants, and Special Ed assistants. That is the majority of the drain on the support staff system. And while there are a few necessary and good people in that group, a lot of fat could be trimmed. The majority just walk around the building gossiping.
That's because the Plainfield connection team of principal & assistant principal are busy in their offices on the "security cameras" watching the staff all day from their thrones, instead of helping the staff by putting some rules into place that will make the school resemble a normal public high school. Those cameras that were SO VERY expensive & supposed to be used for our student's safety & security are simply used for those 2 and that new mr. cool guy fancy suit "district saftey man" who sits looking on building cameras from the service center, to watch us teachers & staff struggle all day to enforce rules that the students know they don't have to follow because the admin won't take the time to do the proper documentation to enforce discipline, and instead hides behind sb 100...how convenient. It's not rocket science. The gig is up.
As I went to visit East High today, I noticed they have contracted with Green Machine Towing of Plainfield to tow cars. Is this a district or building level contract, and when was it put out to bid? This contract is potentially worth 10s of thousands of dollars either way, but with the addition of East High, that makes it MUCH more lucrative, and even if it had been contracted with the district prior, it would need to be re-bid with the addition of these new profits at stake. I know some local companies in Aurora that would have loved to bid on a tow contract for East High. Where and whom made this seemingly unilateral decision to go with that company and circumvent the bid process.
I could believe the behavior at the high school, because that’s how it is in the middle schools. The students there also know the staff can’t do anything in the way of discipline. Students take their time in passing periods and will refuse to give their name when asked (shouldn’t they be wearing their IDs? The district spends $$$ on them). A half hour detention means nothing to them-if they show up for it-so then they rack up 100+ tardies with no serious consequences.
Absolutely, at West High, students are required to wear visible IDs at all times. I think that is a great way to go about things, especially with all the craziness in this day and age. Safety is very serious
The new security guy is a joke rumor is he is a frat brother of Stovalls husband. A MS administrator told us that Stovall is not in charge of the MS any longer and is suppose to focus on HS only. Was she not behind the Magnet screw up and what's with the new Director from Bloom when we have so many SSC administrators?
All questions that need to be answered and yet no contract. Eliminate the majority of the SSC and nobody would even know they are missing.
Im going to hope that the new lawyer for 131 and the union lawyer hash this out. I think there are wack jobs on BOTH sides negotiating. Go work in a factory for 30 years or be a roofer. Teaching is not the hardest job in the world and the four years we spent getting a degree doesnt make us gods. Reality is reality. This aint a bad offer. Just get the re-opener clause out and lets go already. Its fair enough. And support TA's that think they are going to do this job alone and live a middle class life, not happening. Lets get it done wackos!
I don’t think any of the teachers are complaining about the new salaries. But office staff and paras do seem to be getting hosed. Class sizes are a definite concern, especially if you want to see better performance from students, but unless the district is willing to install trailers or build additions, there just simply isn’t any room for more classes.
The para pros and office staff are not getting hosed. They received a .50 cent raise per year for three years I read the contract. My husband is a CNC operator in the union and that is his increase as well. That is the high end going rate in Illinois. I am not sure why the district does not put out a press release and that is why I voted against the contract because of the confusion. What I will be angry about is if the district caves and takes money away from teachers to give it para pros
The problem with the contract is it in not equal to surrounding districts especially when you factor in TRS. Many quality teachers leave 131 because of better pay/ benefits at nearby districts. This contract needs to address that gap. If this gets gone, future negotiations should be easy because it will be a simple cost of living increase. We are NOT going to lose out by waiting for a better deal as previously stated. Why would district fire there lawyer if union was not making progress? Stay together everyone!
Fair Contract I have compared West Aurora contribution of TRS with East Aurora the money columns are the same they are paying TRS. East Aurora gives it to us in the form of compensation. My financial planner says it is better and we get more money. We should not use that they will say we don't understand basic math.
What we do need to point out is the 23 year freeze. West pays additional for that in the form of longevity stipends.
Let's stay the course for class size my classes are bigger than Gen Ed classes and that is true across the district.
Why is everybody fascinated on west aurora...who cares. They are 129, this is 131. Negotiate on us, not them. And support staff deserve same wage percentage increase as teaching staff, its the same union, same contract. Deal with it or go somewhere it isnt that way crybaby. Teachers, school personnel, and administrators are not going to get wealthy working for tax dollars...nobody is. Its a big world outside of your classroom and husband's CNC machine, sweetheart.
Then you are telling us support staff should get 20% raises? I have worked for low wages for many years and I have to ask WHY has support staff not rallied for MS teachers? Support is paid comparable to other districts including West Aurora. Support needs to find a full time job or here is an idea GET A DEGREE. I want my money NOW GERRY.
The donkey and BIG FAT LIAR IS GERRY. I attended tonight's meeting with our leadership and at NO time did they tell us about the revelations in the Beacon. We put our trust in a mad man who cares more about the attention he is receiving than being totally honest with the direction our leadership is going.
1 July 2nd 2018 personnel report showed a B&G supervisor hiring at 58K per year. 2 His application read annual income of 110K Business web sites list his income half of this 3 He was interviewed in June. Internal applicants were not contacted WHY was he selected and others not 4 This applicant has a criminal history of being arrested in 2016 2017 and June 2018 for driving on a revoked license. He did not have a driver’s license when he applied 5 He also was arrested for theft at Menards. 6 In addition there is an “Order of Protection” against him 7 His application showed his last day of employment was Dec 2017 Why did he not work in 2018 8 He was hired July 2nd yet did not start until mid August WHY
Red Flag #1 His interviewers were the BG Director and 2 supervisors, They approved his application and recommended him for employment
Red Flag #2 HR then took over and finalized his hiring despite his criminal history and They did not find reason to reject his employment and the contract given did not have any probationary period. How could HR not catch the above and reject his hiring?
There are those who insist this candidate deserves a 2nd chance. He does deserve a 2nd chance but not at a school district with children and staff. Unfortunately the contract is valid
Shame on HR and Alberto Tijerina and Beatrice Childress
Dr Jennifer Norrell and I have discussed this and many other issues since her arrival. 2 Individuals resigned and 1 was fired I ask her to look at the facts objectively and do what is in the best interest of East Aurora I trust she will make the tough decision in disciplining those responsible for this travesty. Let’s all give her the chance to make a positive difference at D131
Public Hearing and Special Board Meeting Monday, September 24, 2018 7:00 PM School Service Center - 417 Fifth Street, Aurora, IL I. Roll Call II. Discussion on 2018/2019 School District Budget III. Action Item: A. Motion to Approve the 2018/2019 School District Budget IV. Public Comments; if any V. Adjournment
Clarification on the letter from A. Johnson
said...
The letter states “please show your support of District 131 schools and students by continuing to call upon both the Board and the union to continue talking...”. The union has wanted to talk for weeks but the school board refused and walked away! That is why the strike notice had to be put into effect! The board could meet tomorrow if they really wanted to get this resolved, but they are taking their sweet time on it. Don’t make it seem like you’re trying your damned hardest to get this resolved when things have been messed up language-wise since the beginning (resulting in you needing to get a new attorney) and you’ve done almost nothing since the union’s last vote to fix the issues.
I called the District out on this and we should be careful not to point fingers that is when the lawyers can meet and our lawyer set the date. At our Community meeting Dr Norrell stated she would stay there all Saturday or as long as it took.
The district gave us a fair offer its time they settle.
To:Two Sides The district has never given the staff anything. The staff the last few years has finally begun to organize and demand what districts around us have had for decades. A fair salary and fair working conditions. It’s a shame it’s taken this long. How many great teachers have we lost because of poor contracts? Im glad the Union finally got themselves a decent lawyer. The district lawyer should have been investigated for ethics violations pretending to represent both sides for so many years. If anything, the district should be paying extra to compensate the dedicated teachers and staff who have dedicated their lives to the district and have been under compensated for so many years. Union Strong. Never give up. Stay United.
These upper admin are all only looking to save themselves and will throw anyone else to the wolves. How many more good building principals are we going to lose because they are offered no support by the people over them who have never even been building principals themselves for any length of time in a district with challenges like ours? When our admin can leave the job to go back to the classroom and make more money or close to it for working fewer hours, we have a serious problem. We NEED to retain good principals as well as good teachers and support staff in the buildings. I am exhausted from the constant neediness of upper admin who cannot do their jobs. Want to bet they are trying to clear house of the middle and high school admin? Then they come to the buildings every year asking what they can do to support us. Well, for starters you can actually do your jobs, respond to emails and other requests and support your building leaders without making them work a million extra hours and continuous have to prove to you have completed tasks. There is a concept called work/life balance and you are losing many good staff and building level admin because you don't recognize it. So many good teachers and aides have left the district because of the upper level incompetence. Central office needs to reflect on how many admin want to go back to the classroom and how many already have. That should tell them something. Also, maybe they should hire central admin who have been actual building principals for five years or more in a district like ours. Everyone wants to dog out Marina and the middle schools admin but how many of those people have actually walked the walk? Very few. Nobody's perfect but some support and understanding go a long way. I, for one, am terrified of all the changes and things I see happening to building level admin who are long time employees dedicated to the district as well as they way they are treated by central office. We will have no good admin left and will be starting over like Cowherd. We all see how well that is not working. This contract needs to be settled asap fairly and then the board needs to look at how they can better support and compensate the building leaders who get stuck in the middle of all this political garbage. Our students and the community deserve people in charge who are experienced at leading buildings and not just multiple service centers.
Get real folks the reason both contracts have caught teachers up is because of more money from the State of Illinois. It was not the Union or the lawyers. We work in a low income district that relays on the State of Illinois. Some of us have stayed because we love the kids. I do feel sorry for our Classified staff and always bring what I can from home to help them I am getting near retirement and need to be compensated fairly. It is time to settle and support Dr Norrell's plans. She seems genuine and I wish her and her sleeping bag well.
Mestak and crew need to stop listening to the CPS lawyer his track record is always strike. That would not be good for our families or the kids we teach. Google Mr Blouch not a good record.
Reaching out to any and all parents and guardians of EA students. Atencion Padres y tutores de estudiantes de EA. I spoke to Rafael, a reporter from the Beacon News today, we met two weeks ago at the School Board meeting. I have him my contact info that night as well as the school board. Guess which of the two contract me??? The reporter did we spoke on the phone for about 45 minutes about the possibility of a strike and how I feel about it. I spoke my peace and said what I had to say. Now he wants to hear from other parents no matter if you are supporting or against the possibility of the strike. He wants to hear from us the parents. This is our chance to be heard, because as of today I am still waiting to hear back from any one of the school board members. If one of you or some of you are willing to go on record and speak to him please contact him. I will be putting his contact information at the bottom of this post after the Spanish translation. Thank you! Hoy tuve el placer de hablar con un reportero del Beacon News. Lo conoci hace dos semanas cuando me presente alfrente de Los miembros del School Board. Esa noche les deje mi informacion a los miembros del school board y a Rafael (El reportero). El unico que tomo su tiempo para hablar me fue Rafael. Hoy estuvimos hablando por telefono por mas o menos 45 minutos. Le dige que yo estoy a favor de Los maestros, que Los maestros tienen mi apoyo completo. Pero ahora Rafael quiere hablar con mas Padres de familia que estan a favor o contra de la posibilidad de que Los maestros se vayan a strike El viernes. Radael habla Los dos idiomas, Ingles y Español. Si alguno de ustedes esta dispuesto a hablar con favor de comunicarse al Numero de telefono que voy a poner Al fin de este mensaje. Gracias **** *** ** * This is Rafael, the reporter. I can be reached here at 312-273-8291, it's my work cell. Like I said it would be great to hear from more parents, pass along the message. I can speak espanol as well if necessary.
Rafael here is a tip the other Beacon reporter ran a story on her using people she worked with in Chicago to do a survey that they paid over $300,000 for? Ask her why the guy from her old district is doing finance for them when they just hired a business MANAGER? Please ask why the lawyers she worked with replaced the old law firm got the job. It seems these attorney's would have had to read the contract and supporting documents. FOIA that bill. They critized Popp but she is hiring her friends. It looks like this is coming at a big price. Add it all toge ther ot is the money they could pay us.
Ask Norrell why she said she would be at the table and was not?
Go to the SEC now and support the staff who is out in the cold waiting for the decision. Bring your blanket and noise makers and glow sticks were waiting on you. It's 8:30 pm come on
I have to say, Annette did it. She accomplished what no one has been able to do in the history of the oldest school district in the State of Illinois. She united the Union members of District 131. Annette has been openly hostile to the staff for so long and has done so many crooked deals in back rooms that the union members united as never before. She has been the quintessential “Bull in a China Shop” bullying everybody to the point where the entire community has come together to fight a common enemy.
The Union voted out their previous corrupt leaders and then voted to raise their own dues to afford a top tier attorney from Chicago, arguably the best labor law firm in the Midwest. All three sections of the bargaining unit voted overwhelmingly to strike. 97%. Now, for the first time in the history of the district, the teachers in District 131 will be earning a comparable salary to our surrounding districts. If it weren’t for Annette being a complete ________ (rhymes with witch) I’m sure the board could have kept the teachers underpaid forever.
This is a historic moment. The staff of District 131 have come together and discovered that they always had the power. Now that they’ve learned what is possible, they will never be walked over again. I have to give credit where credit is due. It’s been frustrating dealing with Annette Johnson’s BS in recent years but she is the driving force that unified the 1500 teachers and staff of District 131.
Annette Johnson does deserve credit she has worked for years to move teachers to a competitive pay and yes ended corruption so we could get paid. She deserved the credit because we got the same money the BOE originally offered us. NO MORE NO LESS so what did we get that we could have not received 3 months ago. Haters will always hate but yes THREE CHEERS FOR ANNETTE.
Contract done, now how about some discipline
said...
Contract done, great. Now how about the district starts holding folks accountable for some discipline in the high school & middle schools. The new Super seems to be into test scores and curriculum...great. BUT WE STILL HAVE A DISFUNCTIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WITH KIDS THAT HAVE NO CONSEQUENCES FOR MISBEHAVING. Everybody wants to hide behind state laws and say their hands are tied...meanwhile it gets worse & worse EVERY year. The rules get more & more "lenient", and the students do whatever they want. Students are 10-15 late to every class, come in and out of the building all day, curse out and threaten the teachers & staff with little to no consequence, and the list goes on. If this district wants to get serious about education, and give all our students the best... then get serious about discipline and get an enivornment that even somewhat resembles a normal functional school. It's not that hard to do, and our students deserve a proper school atmosphere. Or you can keep making false #'s to show off while the buildings are an absolute unorganized wreck. You made the process of documenting discipline so crazy with so many hoops to jump through, that even when teachers think they are documenting things, they are not actually being "documented". Or in some cases when documented correctly, its just cleared out of the records altogether. School board members...go look at East High (or even a middle school) 3-5 minutes AFTER the tardy bell has rung. Students are still in the halls as if its a passing period, and they dont listen to us teachers, the administrators or the deans assistants. And its because they know the dont have to, nothing will happen. Everybody just claims their "hands are tied". Kids will do what they can get away with, they are kids. And right now, if you try to bring about some discipline, or bring about some change, YOU will be the one that is targeted & told to back off, all for just trying to help our good students succeed in a proper atmosphere. Most of our students will go through our school district never knowing how a normal school with structure, rules that are enforced with consequences, and what normal student behavior looks like.
I guess that big time degree wasn't in grammar. The word is "lose", not "loss". So did you LOSE sweetheart??? Seems like that solidarity worked out pretty well, despite a few outlandish teachers who over-value their own worth. But it's settled, and now you can go back to making that CNC operator miserable. Haha
Agreed, Thank you Annette! Annette has worked on the teachers schedule starting with the last contract when she promised us we would get paid like other teachers from around the area.
I too drank the kool-aid but it is time to stop hating this women. If you really talk with her she cares for all of us. Yes, she cares for the blue hairs, but children come first. We need to open our eyes and look as to what was going on in 131 twelve years ago and Annette has been at the center of the change. We have had some destructive forces on the Board that for whatever reason attempted to stop progress but Annette has outlasted them.
REALITY CHECK■The proposed salary schedules had nothing to do with the bargaining unit and in fact they had been proposed by District 131. We have to assume Annette kept her promise because as Board President they could have proposed something way less. REALITY CHECK■ Our bargaining unit would have had a hard time negotiating a $20,000 raise. They don't happen!
The Board members today (with the exception of the one who never shows) are the best we have had for decade's. I also have to thank them for picking a good Superintendent Norrell is outgoing and curriculum focused and has the potential to change our District academically. She is visable and that is a FIRST.
So let's stop the bashing and work together as ONE TEAM!
Does anybody know who the principal is at East High? A student in one of my classes asked me today. I said I've met her, but never seen her outside of her office. Most of my students know who their dean is, but that's where it ends. I didnt think anything of it when he asked me, but the more I got to thinking, the fact that the principal and most of the upper admin are complete office hermits, is not really such a good thing. With so much tardiness, it would probably be a good thing for her and that upper admin to be out laying down the law...after all, its their law, or lack of one, that has led to this building being a complete clusterf#@%.
Some truth, but curriculum not the problem.
said...
Might be some truth there, and I like you calling them blue hairs too...lol. But the problem in our district is not curriculum based, it is behavioral. Students who want to learn, and have the capacity to learn well, will find their educational needs met. This Super does seem curriculum focused, and so be it. But the problem, especially at the secondary level is 99.9% behavior related. We have to clean up our schools. That starts with attendence, student discipline, holding students accountable for their behavior, and most of all, addressing TARDINESS! Once the behavior aspect is addressed with consequences that have an actual chance of changing behaviors, students can have a functional building. The educational part will take care of itself. Those who want to learn, will learn. Until then, nothing will really change...except that they will CONTINUE to lower the bar and fudge the numbers at the building level, just like they've been doing, so they can run over to the service center with pretty numbers to show off, but those numbers have NOTHING to do with the truth, and only to do with job preservation. The data is a lie!
Come on. All of the "top" people know that the district as a whole truly sucks when it comes to the "stats". All people over the age of 10 know that the education level of most of the high school kids in the district is that of a 3rd grader. We don't have teachers in this district, we have union workers. - Only concern is how much can they get away with. I am surprised that one of the negation points wasn't "we need people to actually teach for us as we couldn't possible work more than 5 hours in the classroom with 3 assistants". Life is just so hard.- small violin here. Part of being a teacher is that of a disciplinarian. It is always "someone else's problem isn't it. Never yours. Nothing is ever enough is it. You don't have the respect of the kids and that is because you don't earn it. They know you are union workers just trying to skate thru a day doing as little as possible. Kids know you don't give two shits about education or a disciplined environment. Try focusing on what you can do. Geeze. Do you need someone to wipe your butt, also?? Don't do drugs or alcohol when you are supposed to be teaching,no naps in front of the class and maybe be present in the classroom and not leave the "assistants" in charge. Start being the adult. you are not the teenager anymore, even though you are in a school building. Understand??? Numbers are not being fudged. We all know how badly educated the kids are. Very sad that you have to go back almost 40 years to talk with alumni who will say that the education was great in 131. could it be that teachers over the years are getting worse??? Remember- Higher education does not necessarily mean better educated...….Don't get stuck on stupid, people. Be part of the solution instead of crying "It is someone else's job."
Teachers finally read the contract and decided it was a good contract. While they are yelling Gerry, Gerry,Gerry they should have learned how to read. We could have cashed our checks months ago. Class size did not change and our Union claimed that was what the wait is about. That's what always happens they decide the class needs to be adjusted and in most cases it gets adjusted. NOW we have to wait until October and NOW the Super will claim we don't have any money.
We voted to raise our dues? I sure don’t remember such a vote, as I sure wouldn’t agree to that. The union already takes plenty of our money to pay the employees of 604 who accomplish jack squat and donate $ to crooked politicians.
Our students deal with radon, mold, asbestos, lead, CO2, etc. in our buildings, on top of all the social emotion, poverty, truancy, homelessness, language barriers, gang and cultural issues. But of course it’s all the teachers fault if the students don’t pass some BS mandated testing they and the community don’t give a damn about. When is the administration going to learn what is important and start supporting our real priorities.
Well, some of your stuff is just crazy...with teachers drinking booze in class, etc. But you are missing the point anyway. If you saw a pipe leaking at your house, and there were a bunch of plumbers standing around with the wrench to fix it. Yet, NOBODY would fix it because they were all to busy typing up a report on how the roof looked great. Meanwhile the water is getting deeper, your carpet and furniture is getting ruined, and the you are saying, "Just give me the wrench, Ill fix it". But they won't give up the tools, because the report says they have a GREAT roof. That is the lunacy we have at East High, and the district as a whole, when it comes to behavior/discipline. Its the ostrich with its head in the sand. It would be SO EASY to fix! Just set the expectations, enforce the expectations, and have a consequence that ACTUALLY has a chance of changing the behaviors. Then watch how fast the staff that has become so very disenfranchised becomes 100% invested. When you don't listen to your employees, don't help them enforce policy, or back them up when they try to enforce policy...that's when you lose them and they become "union mrmbers". Make us feel a part of the solution, and have our back, then you'll see the teachers/staff get invested!
Then why don't you serve on the many joint committees like displine? It seems you are just willing to keep writing on a worthless blog. What does that accomplish?
A "committee"?? Hah...you must like politicians. We've had committees, groups, hired a "district safety man", and on & on. The problem isn't the ideas, the ideas are there, and they will work. The problem is the people with the authority to do something & implement these ideas refuse to do so, because it means the FAKE numbers won't look so pretty. But what they don't realize is that if you change the culture and put forth the measures & policies needed, our #s will increase exponentially over a VERY short period of time, and then they will only continue to rise. As a teacher, that gives me hope that those on the board & at the admin level that do read this, will act on it. Believe me, other avenues have been tried. Everybody is too busy trying to keep the next person above them happy, that they won't stick their neck out and do what needs to be done FOR OUR STUDENTS, OUR DISTRICT'S SCHOOLS, AND THIS WHOLE COMMUNITY.
Yesterday Oct 19 there was an altercation in the hallway during passing period and our principal was knocked to the ground, one of our Asst Superintendents who was in the building ran to help, in fact several asst. supers have been observing the last week or so, after fireworks were let off in the hallway by the cafeteria. Maybe now the administrators will get serious about disciplining kids.
Not sure it's the administration, I think it's more about the new Super. She is very visible and we heard she actually had a meeting with the Knuckleheads. The PPA's said a fight actually broke out in the room and she broke it up. Let's hope that first hand view will help.
Also heard the kids with the firecrackers will get expelled. That is a start. Several years of ZERO SUPPORT have created this. Let's hope the days of upper administration keeping their heads in the sand will stop.
1 Benjamin Hettel Construction Mgr submitted reimbursement for 424.8 miles travel within 131 for July and August 2018. Total amount $227.27 (PO 191052) 2 Alberto Tijerina BG Director approved his request 3 FOIA response for Hettel log in/out summary showed ZERO VISITS for July/August 4 Mileage form showed no travel during this time
Questions: 5 Why was Hettel NOT using a Dist vehicle 6 Why would his supervisor Alberto Tijerina approve it and not insist he keep accurate records and use a district vehicle
Bottom line 7 Ben Hettel can not be trusted 8 Alberto Tijerina again is proven incompetent and given another free pass
Hey union....where is the contract for us to view that was promised to us two days ago? No wonder district admin doesn’t take union leadership serious.
There is a process that was put in place which included the district lawyers writing up terms that were agreed to during the negotiations process, these changes reviewed by administration and these changes then sent to the union lawyers for review before it can be sent out for review and a vote.
The reality is that the district was late by three days sending the draft to the union lawyers. If anyone is to blame for the delay, it’s the district side. So really according to your misguided logic, it’s District 131 leadership that shouldn’t be taken seriously.
Fortunately, most people don’t think like you and are thankful the two sides have come to an agreement. Two days ago or tomorrow is insignificant and only a petty mind would think that way to begin with.
Why are you only up the behind of buildings and grounds padron? Not that what you're doing is bad, its fine. But there are many avenues of spending that could be investigated. If you are truly interested in district spending, look at ALL the invoices & spending decisions. Otherwise you are coming off as just having an axe to grind w B & G. I even saw on this very thread someone mentioned a tow contract or something, but you just continue to go after B & G. If your cause be just, be true to it, good sir.
Thought the union was going to be more transparent? A little heads up would have been helpful considering we were told we would get it last Friday in time to vote for his Friday. You know....holding them accountable. Imagine some of our colleagues if their students turned an assignemrnt in late?!?
Ms. Kosak most certainly got knocked down!! I was right there and witnessed this. Was she involved in breaking up the fight, no she was moving toward the incident and got knocked down.
It is too bad the Board or administration does not look at the bills. Hettel the Hitler of B&G has told many of us we are all incompetent and should get outsourced. Ben thinks we are lazy and don't work. Anyone who has ever visited our buildings knows you can not spend 424 miles driving around in a month. That is stealing and Hitler Hettel should get fired.
From: R Padron Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 9:38 AM To: jnorrell@d131.org; Mark McDonald; Beatrice Reyes Childress; Steve Megazzini Cc: Alex Arroyo; Kimberly Hatchett; Annette Johnson; dbarreiro@d131.org; bschubert@d131.org; Lisa Morales; Beatrice Reyes Childress; gmestek@d131.org Subject: Facts Speak for themself
Why were these issues never answered regarding Ray Adkins
FOIA Response indicates NO RESPONSIVE DOCUMENTS 10-15 goals or objectives NONE
10-3 FOIA Response indicates NO RESPONSIVE DOCUMENTS 1 NO School/building Safety/Security Assesment Reports 2 No A.L.I.C.E Training Schedule Summary of those who have been trained and those scheduled to be trained to include dates and site held
A Mark: you indicated to me that you were surprised there were no documents especially since this is why Adkins was hired. B Plain and simple he has an $80 K job with no accountability C Lots of questions on his application from EA 131 and Indian Prairie 204 D Why is Ray Adkins given a Free Pass in not doing his job? E Very disappointed in the leadership at EA for protecting another overpaid administrator who does nothing
We are talking about safety and security here and Adkins has done ZERO
I want to bring to your attention the current happenings at EAHS. At this point in time, our superintendent is looking to push (take away) all of the school's electives starting next fall, and with the Fine Arts Dept. With this will result in losing foreign language and their clubs, art and photography, culinary, child development and parenting, band, choir and drama, autos class, woods class (I may be missing more, I apologise). This will greatly impact students valuable life skills they take from these classes as well missing these great attributes on college applications. We urge you let your voices be heard to save our elective courses your children love!
Date: Oct 25 2018 Subject: 2018 College Board Forum Dallas TX Site: Sheraton Dallas Hotel
1 List of those attending 2 All expenditures (Receipts,Invoices) registration, hotel, travel, meals, transportation, etc to all those whom attended 3 Itemize per attendee the above 4 Communication between Dr Norrell & Conference Coordinators . Emails and documents 5 Previous years 2015 2016 2017 expenses and attendees of this conference
You are correct. And look at the data. The shop classes that teach skilled labor and alike are the MOST in demand jobs right now. ESPECIALLY for many of our students! Let's call a spade, a spade. We have a student body that NEEDS to learn skills. Common core is SO over-rated. Skills and fine arts...that teach life skills, job skills, creative thinking are without a doubt THE MOST IMPORTANT classes a student can take. And the classes that ABSOLUTELY 100% prepare our students for LIFE AND CAREERS.
The HS teachers need to stop spreading false stories and become informed. The schedules still shows electives with a reading block added. Repeat classes will not be offered during the school day. Summer school and after school will become venues for that. It was explained at several meetings. Sorry folks if you can't read you can not get a auto repair certificate. She is using a school turnaround model which has been long over due in East Aurora. Go visit her today very informative instead of spreading lies.
I don’t understand. The reports state that a teacher has been charged and on administrative leave due to not reporting abuse. It further quotes Dr Norrell that the teacher could be dismissed. It doesn’t specify if she’s charged with not reporting to DCFS or not reporting to administration. Did she report it to her principal but not DCFS? Did she assume her administrator would report appropriately?
Here’s the real question. The news reports stated The principal, Twila Garza was informed of the abuse on multiple occasions but never reported the abuse to police of DCFS. Why has the teacher been charged but NOT the principal? Why is the teacher facing termination but there is no mention of the principal facing the same consequences? Am I missing something here?
Thats what I was thinking. The only answer I can come up with is that she has "connections" that white male over at O'Donnell does not. Rigged game, and district office LOVES to back their building administrators to a fault. After all, admitting that their administrators were the real screw ups would lead to people asking who hired them, and why.
Since this district will never go to block scheduling...which it should, then what needs to be done is go back to the old schedule with 10 periods. 4,5,6,7, & 8 are half periods for lunch with ability to take classes 4/5, 5/6, 6/7, and/or 7/8 with study halls then only if a student chooses to take 6 classes, but is allowed to take 7 w no study hall. It was done that way for YEARS until we became too big to accomodate lunch size. Now with new cafe, and another cafe not even being used, it needs to go back to the old way and eliminate the study hall/lunch combo which is a complete s#!t show anyway. Study halls can be ANY period if you go back to the old way (the sensible way), and more electives can be taken if a student chooses to do so.
Mandatory Reporting: I am also a mandatory reporter. The state law says we must report to DCFS. If our administration says we should report to our supervisor, that is IN ADDITION to DCFS because if the administrator doesn't report, WE'RE still on the hook.
From: R Padron Sent: Thursday, November 1, 2018 8:29 AM To: Mark McDonald Cc: Steve Megazzini; Amanda L Sanderson; Annette Johnson; Alex Arroyo; bschubert@d131.org; Ken Darby; Kimberly Hatchett; John Laesch; dbarreiro@d131.org; jnorrell@d131.org; Beatrice Reyes Childress; Lisa Morales Subject: 34% Increase
Hi Mark
Please look into the attached recent FOIA response 1 Attorney Fees are now $255.00 per hour with new Law Firm 2 Previous Fees were $190.00 with the Aurora Law Firm 3 Why would the district pay $65.00 (34%) more per hour 4 Please explain the justification in switching Law Firms
Attendees Jennifer Norrell Beatrice Reyes Childress Lori Campbell Yolanda Stovall Heather Kincaid Jennifer Dalrymple Sheri Costello
FOIA summary of expenses received $9,010.32 TOTAL
$ 3,255.00 Registration 2,985.22 Hotel 2,591.10 Airfare
140.00 Oct 22 / $ 20.00 per 7 persons 39.00 Oct 23 Transportation Norrell 1 Missing meals, Transportation and other misc expenses 2 This is the first Conference EA 131 has attended 3 Was this Dr Norrell's idea 4 What was the purpose of this conference 5 Was it necessary to attend and with 7 Staff members 6 When all is totaled for this conference it should be approx 10 k 7 In addition to the new Law Firm 34% increase equating to 7 k for the 1st few months 8 Could this $17,000.00 been spent in a more productive way? 9 Answer is obviously yes?
10 A pattern is being established in the Wasteful Spending of Taxpayer Dollars 11 Appears EA is going backwards on this Superintendents Watch
From: R Padron Sent: Wednesday, November 7, 2018 8:12 PM To: Mark McDonald; jnorrell@d131.org Cc: Steve Megazzini; Amanda L Sanderson; Annette Johnson; Kimberly Hatchett; dbarreiro@d131.org; bschubert@d131.org; Ken Darby; Alex Arroyo; Beatrice Reyes Childress Subject: Overtime Summary 2018 2019 Pt 1
Hi Mark FOIA received Nov 7 2018 reveals the following facts
July 2017 - June 2018 $ 505.516.75 July-Oct 2018 $ 201,440.32 = 6,316.25 OT hrs
SY 2018 Jeff Strah $ 29,104.38 Stewart Tesnow 27,248.89 James Heredia 15,187.32 Merle Herren 14,615.12 Timothy Krings 12,629.25 1 Are these totals excessive & necessary 2 Whom is managing the OT 3 2018 1/2 million in OT dollars 4 2019 4 months on track to exceed 2018 total 5 Many questions arise when studying these reports
So the asst superintendent beatrice reyes childress proudly displays on her personal facebook page a mexican flag on her profile picture with the saying "latina power". Ok, so that's the leadership we got in 131? A racist?? If you say, "well whats wrong with that?" Number 1- we live in America, and pledge allegiance to OUR flag, not mexico's. And on top of that, is saying "latina power" ok from a person who is supposed to work to empower ALL our students and staff equally?? So nobody will have a problem if we wear "white power" or "black power" shirts to work? When do the double standards end...no wonder this district is f#@%ed! A racist, plain and simple! Open racism is grounds for termination. Our district leaders must be fair & unbiased. Does a mexican flag with "latina power" on it sound like a fair and unbiased person to you? I demand the resignstion or firing of a racist district administrator, who, by the way, keeps having family and friends "coincidentally" get district jobs while not even close to being the most qualified candidates. This stinks, and if Dr Norell & the board don't fix it, the media pressure coming soon will.
I want to see Dr Norell show up with a "black power" poster, and Mr. Megazzini show up with a "white power" poster. Let's see how those 2 things go over?? Shouldn't be a problem for beatrice or the board...they are just doing what she's already done. Clean out the trash already so we can get down to business!
Pride and racism are two different things. Since 131 is primarily Latino/Latina, I would hope the students can see a district role model with pride in herself, her heritage and her accomplishments. Should the schools not celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month or Black History Month anymore either? And what is the term for expecting people to deny their personal heritage and only identify with what YOU value as important?
Pride is reserved for something you accomplish, like a 4.0 GPA. Take pride in that. Pride is not something that comes by happenstance of birth, like race or ethnicity. But nobody mentioned pride anyway, dummy. The FACTS are that a top level admin in 131, who is an American citizen, wants (or promotes) "POWER" of a certain race/ethnicity. Why should we wish "power" to a certain group?? Would it be ok for our white and black employees to promote "white power", or "black power", on their personal social media? Would that be ok with everyone if Mr. Megazzini had a German flag with "Caucasian power" on his personal social media?? Because it is the EXACT SAME THING! And when you are supposed to be an unbiased government employee with the jobs of others, and responsibilities of treating ALL students equally and fairly, to promote a flag of another nation and encourage "power" of others belonging to her same race, my friends...that is RACISM. Those are facts, not opinions. This individual also has ties to SEVERAL individuals with PERSONAL ties to her, or her husband who have been hired by district 131 over other more qualified candidates. And if it weren't found out that she was a racist, that part may have never been cared about. If the board doesnt want to handle it, maybe the Beacon/Sun-Times media group would help them out with that. You cannot go around promoting racism, another county's flag, and promoting "power" of a chosen group when you are drawing a tax-payer funded paycheck. That tax money comes from all races/ethnicities!
Central Office news flash not about race about qualifications
said...
Reyes Childress is the last standing of many past failed administrations. She has often played the race card when others more qualified have critiqued her style of throw it against the wall. Let's view her success on accomplishments and not race.
Early Learning is a prime example. She picked the programs and only 6% of our students are ready for 1st Grade. Students in her program have already attended 3 years of classes. FAILURE
The curriculum debacle of 2014 to 2017 saw the district throw away millions on wasted materials and time. How about the wasted instruction? FAILURE
Hopefully we will see the end to that era shortly. She has made it clear to whoever will listen that the School Board discriminated against her when she was not hired. She has told many of us Norrell who Afro American can not represent our kids.
The staff who hears Norrell talk about learning or displine or school leadership knows better. Btw Beatrice even white administration and teachers care about our kids.
There is new hope in EA in that the Board looked for new energy and did not stick us with the failures of the past. With our new contract it also shows we are valued.
I don’t know who you’re calling “dummy”. I can have an intelligent conversation without name calling.
I do understand the point you are trying to make about a double standard with white power, black power, etc. However, just because she wants to empower Hispanics doesn’t mean it’s because she thinks Hispanics are ‘better than’. It’s like the “Black Lives Matter” movement. It didn’t mean other lives did not matter; it meant black lives matter just as much! If she wants to show pride in her heritage and work to empower young Latino students, that is a good thing. Should all district administrators not have anything on their PERSONAL social media about their faith? Their culture? Their political view? (I’m not saying I would but it should be their right unless it breaks something written in their contract.) Should they have no personal opinions or values at all? I just think that level of censorship is a slippery slope.
Im calling you a dummy. Yep, that's typical behavior. When confronted with FACTS, you try to change the topic and justify things by comparative analysis. Stay on topic and stick to FACTS. WHEN YOU SAY "POWER", THAT IS NOT ADVOCATING ANYTHING OTHER THAN RACISM AND PROMOTING 1 GROUP OVER ALL OTHERS BASED ON RACE/ETHNICITY. It means you want the "power" to that group. The "power" over others of different race/ethnicity. Just like i said, you let Megazzini or Stovall have a white power or black power sign up, with the flag of ANOTHER NATION, and see how that goes over. Its the same thing! End of story. So keep justifying it by any means necessary, it still wont change the FACTS. And why haven't you defended all those district hires of less qualified people with "connections". I guess that part is just too much for even you to attempt to justify. Like the last post said, the numbers speak for themselves on her performance, and its 1 of the last of the old, crooked regime. The board will have to act, racism & failure wont be able to go unchecked under new leadership.
I didn’t respond to the ‘connections’ piece because I don’t have enough factual information to agree or disagree. I’m not on here with any agenda for a specific person - just sharing opinions and other perspectives.
It appears this isn’t a healthy place to have respectful discussions so I will move away from this site.
Is it not "respectful" to give facts? If everybody doesn't share your OPINION, and can state FACTS as to why they are not correct, then sorry you never learned conversation/debate skills. You get an opinion, as do I...but then comes the intellectual discussion to see who has the correct view point. But who's kidding who...you're not going anywhere. You just know you lost the argument because you don't have FACTS to support your opinions, so you say some BS about "respectful conversation" so you can bow out. Biggest snowflake so far today...typical.
First of all u don’t have to ever say white power just keep supporting Trump. No one actually have to tell white men it’s okay to kill unarmed black men because they understand that white privilege and power allows them to. There is nothing wrong with her post. A racist can usually impact the livelihood of individuals of another ethnicity by their actions, this is not the case. Bottom line is this the only color that has power is green.No one should pledge allegiance to any damn flag , that’s idolatry
East Aurora School District 131 Special Monday, November 26, 2018 6:00 PM School Service Center - 417 Fifth Street, Aurora, IL I. Roll Call II. Discussion on Strategic Planning III. Adjournment
1 Upon reading the agenda for the BG Committee Mtg Dec 3, I ask the following question: 2 Why is Overtime not on the agenda to be discussed? 3 More than likely it has intentionally been omitted despite exposure of the excessive amount of Taxpayer dollars spent 4 The most recent FOIA response again exposes the lack of transparency and incompetence in this Dept
Subject: Saturday/Sunday only Overtime Summary Timeline: July 1 2018 - Nov 15 2018
Please sort the following 2 groups
1 custodians 2 maintenance 3 hours/pay 4 monthly summary 5 buildings OT performed Regarding item #s 1-5 there are no documents responsive to your request.
WHY ARE THERE NO DOCUMENTS SUPPORTING THIS TIME PERIOD Could I be incorrect that ZERO OT was not issued?
I don't expect any response from either Ken Darby nor Bruce Schubert as again they will avoid the embarassment and shame in allowing this Dept to be mismanaged and have more excuses in defending the Director and his Asst.
Two special School Board meetings next week
said...
Special Monday, December 10, 2018 6:00 PM School Service Center - 417 Fifth Street, Aurora, IL I. Roll Call II. Discussion on Strategic Planning III. Adjournment
Special Tuesday, December 11, 2018 6:00 PM School Service Center - 417 Fifth Street, Aurora, IL I. Roll Call II. Discussion on Strategic Planning III. Adjournment
Ralph, keep checking on Merle and don't let up. Everyone knows Merle is worthless and spends almost his whole day talking about fake accusations and things he's made up in his head about the staff and board members instead of working and actually doing his job. He claims the maintenance department is understaffed but spends so little time actually working and everyone in the district knows it and talks about it...Also look into how he became the chief union steward. I've been a fireperson in the district for many years and Merle has harassed me and many others. He's known to belittle and harass everyone from administration on down. I know that myself and the other members would not have voted him into that position HAD WE EVEN BEEN GIVEN A VOTE!!! I was even told by a maintenance mechanic that Merle told a group of mechanics that we'd be lucky not to take a pay cut on the next contract because the union is weak and won't back us up. What kind of chief union steward says that???
4 students jumped 1 student at EAHS last week. It gets better. 1 of the 4 that jumped the female was a MALE striking a female. It gets better. I teach 1 of the students and they were back in my class TODAY. Since when is mob action, including a male beating a female in the school during school hours, such a small issue that the felony mob action, etc. is not acted upon correctly by the school/district and the students are all back in school less than a week later. Not to mention the normal, every day chaos that is the zero discipline factory where we teach called EAHS. There is a reason there are fights, kids 10 minutes late to my class every period, and we have a new "situation" every day. We are all trying. I have a hall duty & I see the PPAs trying their best along with most us teaching staff trying to get the kids to move to class, but they dont listen, because they dont have to- and they know it. So now, the 200-300 that didnt care, have shown most of the rest that you really dont need to be in class on time, so they dont bother to either. The staff is powerless until some rules are made and enforced! The AP for discipline is a nice guy, and tries, and does what he can to enforce the rules, but who knows how much his hands are tied. Isn't the definition of lunacy doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results? Well last year was chaos, and we come back this year, and the principal has changed NOT 1 RULE regarding discipline nor tardiness. And now its almost a semester in, and its up for grabs. So of course its going to be chaos all over. The referral process is made so complicated (puposely) that most teachers dont bother to write them (we'd be writing 50 a day at this point if we went by the book), and a few of my collegues don't even mark their attendence accoringly, because they feel like, what's the point. Something has to give, or we can just teach in a building that is chaos. Its not up to us.
Ref: FOIA Responsed Dtd Dec 14 2018 list of work orders assigned to Merle Herren
FOIA REQUEST Date: Dec 14 2018 Subject: Merle Herren Timeline: per attached document
1 Hours submitted for time spent on each Work Order 2 Swipe In/out records for facility work was performed 3 Internet Log for days corresponding with Work Order
Summary I am looking specifically for Merle Herren's time that it is accounted for those days and not excessive.
Upon reviewing the recent FOIA response concerning Merle Herren Work Tickets the following questions/comments arise 1 What is the actual time spent on each project and is it documented on swipe card tme in/out 2 What did Herren do on the days that are not accounted for? 3 Does he work on these tickets every day & keep a log of his whereabouts and activity 4 Does his supervisor Ben Hettell review these tickets 5 What parts were purchased for any of the projects 6 Cost per work ticket would include labor and parts and / or outside service 7 Could any of the firemen been able to do some of these tickets 8 I would think Alberto and Hettell would be costing this in order to account for taxpayer spent dollars. 9 These 3 individuals are getting compensated generously yet there background does not provide any answers to many an issue other than excuses.
One last issue How did Merle Herren become Head of the Union without a vote from 131 union members
I am an educator in District 206, wher Norrell used to work. She has been falsifying data to make our district look better for years. Trust her about as far as you can throw her. Don't believe a word that comes out of that woman's mouth.
135 comments:
What a chaotic few first days with busing! I hope it gets better or we the parents will be out speaking on the issue!!! Whose idea was it to turn schools into STEAM schools? Our families are now being pushed out of our community school. Now we have students in some overcrowded classrooms? You want to provide support and help our students close the gap but yet the things some people do doesn't really help the students. I would like to have board members or upper administrators come sit in a full classroom with no air conditioning and fans blowing all day and try to teach or learn in this environment! That is the scenario of the classroom of my son. Get it together people! You have money for a new Administrator building but no money for at least window units!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-aurora-kindergarten-readiness-reactions-st-0820-story.html
I have been silent long enough and have good news summary
Kudo's to Superintendent Jennifer Norrell for terminating/resignation of the following
1 Bldg Grnds Asst Director Jorge Villagomez Freire resigned for multiple violations. An unexpected source contacted me about a serious issue involving another employee. Mr Villagomez took a 35K pay cut and is now working at Oswego D 308.
2 Athletic Director Benjamin Williams resigned for Purchasing Violations resulting in 1 specific company being awarded Purchase Orders.
3 Finance/Business Director Elizabeth Shields FIRED for serious multiple violations. Can't comment any further on this.
4 I have provided D131 numerous FOIA Documents exposing these 3 individuals proving they were guilty of many a crime.
Last night's Board of Education Meeting revealed the following
1 Board Member John Laesch motioned to pull Elizabeth Shields and Benjamin Williams from the Personnel Report which would have allowed Shields and Williams to remain as District employees resulting in both getting rehired and paid. Fortunately no Board member seconded John Laesch's motion.
2 Laesch mentioned Williams and Shields by name thus has no problem defending those who betray the taxpayers resulting in loss of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars
3 Mr Laesch continues to protect employees who have exploited East Aurora School District.
4 Teachers: Please ask John Laesch the following "Why do you continue to defend bad financial practices in the PAST that have affected your wages and benefits for years.
More Corruption to be exposed soon
What’s up with the middle school football? Simmons and Cowherd did not hire 6/7th grade football coaches. No recruiting was done. There are no teams. Is this just another example of administration destroying programs from the bottom up?
The band numbers are definitely down. Liska isn’t bragging about 350 kids signed up this year. When asked his numbers, he just gets pissed off and walks away. How low are the numbers after just one year of “administrative improvements”?
Ralph
You certainly have shown your allegiance to Annette and Annette alone. Annette doesn’t like Laesch and you, her lap dog, piss on everyone she wants to go after.
You mentioned Williams but didn’t mention who Annette wants to replace him with. Annette wants another of her lackeys, Fil Torres to be the new AD. Fil doesn’t have the qualifications for the position. He didn’t have the qualifications a year ago when Hoyda and McDonald stood up to Annette and said no about Fil’s application. Apparently the new superintendent doesn’t have the same spine to stand up to Annette.
How does Fil Get considered for an administrative position when he does NOT have an administrators certification? How can evaluate personnel? How can he supervise evening sports events without this certification.
Only in District 131 is being Annette’s Lackey an acceptable qualification.
Why are certified staff, secretaries and support staff ALL ON THE SAME CONTRACT???? It makes NO SENSE! As university educated individuals it stands to reason that our salaries will be substantially higher. To request that we strike so secretaries and support staff can make substantially more money as compared to District 129 is moronic! Please DO NOT give the EXCUSE that they should make more because they work harder than the staff of D129. They are being paid equal or higher. All you have to do is look up the salary on line. The truth is that due to special privilege afforded to some, there are secretaries and support staff that were hired in at a substantially higher rate than they ever should have been. This has resulted in a gross disparity within these two groups. PLEASE SEPARATE CERTIFIED STAFF from the SECRETARIES and Support STAFF.
Let's ask Gerry and company why we are not able to vote? He has told us to vote NO but will not call the vote. The District presented some very compelling facts regarding the contract. I HAVE WAITED MANY YEARS TO GET PAID WHAT WAS COMING TO TEACHERS. PLEASE ALLOW US DUE PROCESS.
New Supervisor at BG has a criminal history of arrests. He recently brought twin boys to sleep/babysit to work at the "Hill office" early morning. Convicted Felon and he gets to drive around at night for 131 doing nothing.
Sooner or later this con man will screw up and is a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Supervisor (what a joke) has access to all Buildings during and after school hours. Teachers and staff beware of this guy as he has an Order of Protection against him from his wife. Union needs to step in and demand that this guy not be allowed in any of the schools.
To: Vote Yes
Thank you Annette for your opinion. Now quit pretending to be a union member.
New low, teachers and support staff are held to higher standards and this while administration gets a free pass. Administration eventually does something really moronic and gets caught. The history of 131 is that teachers have to pay the price for overpaid administration our administration has costed teachers their fair wages for years. Many of us respect Dr Norrell's fresh approach and her comments at Red and Black about administration. She is showing daily that there is a new day in EA.
Mr Laesch is a pawn and lackey for bad administration. His latest display with Williams shows. Laesch claims he is union man but has never shown the effort to defend one teacher.
DR Norrell should know that those words did not go unnocticed and is creating a atmosphere of new hope.
Vote no
Not Annette just somebody who has waited years for my fair share. Judy Durham please go out and get a degree with student loans like us.
I thought I heard Dr. Norrell mention at R&B Day about having worked for the firm that has recently been brought into 131 for needs assessents and strategic planning. I thought my ears must have deceived me, as she wouldn’t admit to a large group about this favoritism-would she? Well, the Beacon News story confirmed it. I’ve now already lost much respect for a superintendent that has been on the job for what-2 months? Yes, the firm may be qualified, but you have had to realize how the optics of that would appear. I thought you would be different :(
You are 100% correct!!! We should all be able to vote. Separate certified staff contract from the secretary and support staff contract. NOW!!!!!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-norrell-air-st-0823-story.html
Antonio Jamison of B&G is the criminal that was hired. I guess the safety of the kids and staff is not that important to fire this guy. Why did BG Director Alberto approve hiring this guy. Maybe he did not want to get on Beatrice's wrong side.
Of interest to many in our community:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-aurora-immigration-college-st-0826-story.html
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2018 12:52 PM
Subject: FOIA REQUEST
Date: August 23 2018
Subject: Antonio Jamison
Timeline: as specified
1 Application
2 Contract
3 Resume
4 Emails from Date of Hiring to current day
5 Telephone log from date of hiring to current day
6 Alberto Tijerina elog June 1 - current date
thank you
Here's the agenda for the special School Board meeting Tuesday:
Special
Tuesday, August 28, 2018 6:00 PM
School Service Center - 417 Fifth Street, Aurora, IL
I. Roll Call
II. Motion to Approve the Emergency Purchase of Air Conditioning Units
III. Public Comments/Questions
IV. Adjournment
I am shocked they are purchasing Air Conditioning units. I guess it's a start, and I wonder if it's our contract or the new Sup that actually visits building. I will say this was her second trip to our building, and it is more than I have seen the SSC Assistant Sups and Directors visit all year.
I would like to hear why after twenty years they are now buying AC. Maybe It is a new day.
I wondered how long it would be before someone go after the new superintendent . She will ultimately be blamed for a contract that can never satisfy the teachers. Although the board and the interims could have gotten it done they continue to use the lame excuse of not wanting to strap the newbie with a contract in which she had no input. Ms Norvell would be commiting professional suicide to “ standup to the board” . The interims had nothing to lose. They were double dipping. A pension and check making over 200k. Popp was handed a contract in his 1st year as well and we all know the result of that. The president always have the 4 votes to make a superintendent disappear if one gets too big for his or her britches.When that superintendent looks for future work not only the board members be contacted the union will get a final stab at her too. Roberts was no fool and he’s collecting a nice pension. That’s why he let her have her way. It’s hypocritical to say she should stand up when you’re blogging anonymously .
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/sports/ct-abn-spt-rick-armstrong-column-st-0829-story.html
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-school-year-budget-tentative-st-0830-story.html
Wow what a surprise, it’s contract time and the board is “predicting” a budget deficit. Every time the contract comes up, Annette cries broke and then the day after the teachers get screwed, money magically appears. Here’s a solution. Cut the plan to build a $6 million Administration Palace. Use the money for what’s its intended, educating students.
Bruce Schubert:
I believe this is your department which you are chairman of.
CertaProPainters
Brady School 53 hours $ 2,378.64 paint? $2,000.00
Rollins School 53 hours $ 2,378.64 paint? $1,000.00
Labor $ 4,757.28
Materials $ 3,000.00 pproximate/guess
Total $ 7,757.28
Invoice $ 16,586.00
Difference $ 8,828.72
Questions/Comments
1 Dist 131 has their own painting crew, Why was this outsourced
2 Brady & Rollins both took 53 hrs ea to complete. Is this correct and a coincidence
3 What did the sign in/out log sheets at the schools record
4 Did CertaPro Painter SUBCONTRACT this project out
If so did their Insurance cover those whom were subcontracted
5 Why is Christina Didech involved with CertaPro & the point person in this project
6 Theory is crew that did actual work were NOT paid Prevailing Wage and the
actual painting performed was more than the hours recorded on Prevailing Wage.
NON UNION workers is a very distinct possibility.
7 Email dtd Monday July 16 2018 from Jorge Villagomez Freire to CertaPro President Jesse Rodriguez requested quotes.
8 Villagomez had resigned prior to July 16th his last work day was July 20 2018.
9 Why did Alberto Tijerina allow Jorge to continue with this project. Jorge contacted CertaPro initally. His pattern was to choose/bring in companies he favored.
Again Alberto Tijerina managing skills prove incompetence
I will FOIA the sign in/out log sheets and do not expect any record of sign in and out.
My guess is they do not exist
Contacts from EA spoke with on sight painters regarding this scam
Padron,
You are so funny.. with your " I am guessing".. You should FOIA CertaPro. Your title of District defender is just a joke.
You should also FOIA sign in/out log sheets for all the contractors CCA had over the summer. " I guess they do not exist ".
Finally, leave freaking Alberto along, he is the best director we have had in the past 10 years.
Let us do our job in peace.
EAST HIGH IS A JOKE! As a teacher, I am in the halls during passing periods and our students just do as they please & do not go to class. We encourage them, the PPAs do a great job encouraging them & maintaining order, but our student's know they do not have to listen to us because the administration will do NOTHING to them for any and all behaviors that are inappropriate, including taking 15 minutes during passing period (if they even go to class at all). It is so frustrating to be in a building where the directive has been handed down for no documented discipline, as to show the board & district office pretty numbers. THE NUMBERS ARE FALSE. THE BUILDING IS A JOKE WITH NO DISCIPLINE WHATSOEVER!! We see schools in surrounding communities functioning appropriately, and students that come here from those other schools are in disbelief how they can do whatever they want here. You need to call a spade, a spade. This current regime has been so busy trying to keep their jobs, that they aren't doing their jobs! Every year we try to bring in some new plan on how to coddle these "poor babies" in a new way. That is elementary/middle school stuff. This is a high school, and it needs some rules, some discipline, and some follow-through. We, the teachers and staff, can't do anything about it if we have ZERO back-up, and no consequences when we tell our students what to do. They can curse us out, threaten us, not go to class, etc.--- But as long as the numbers look good, the admin can tell everyone another story. Meanwhile, your staff is disenfranchised and lost all authority because there is no follow through on the back end. It would not take much discipline to bring this school back to order. But that has to start, NOW! These students will meet the expectations we put on them as educators, only with some back up from the admin...and right now they have no rules or expectations for our students, and that's what our students know, and why they will continue to do as they please. Put some expectations on our administrators to have a functioning building, and hold THEM accountable to hold our students accountable for their behavior. We can talk until we are blue in the face...if a kid knows nothing is going to happen to them, the kids will do what they want...they are kids. And that's the climate this admin has continued to foster.
There have been more than a few hires from her husband's people...but im sure that's just a coincidence
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-teachers-staff-contract-rejected-st-0907-story.html
That is true. And another thing, if you didn't look it up on the website, you'd never even know who was the principal of the school. The students don't...that I can asure you.
These comments reflect information from negotiation meetings. It'd be a shame if this was a violation, and whoever wrote this was brought to light by subpeona. So Id be very careful. Most of the support staff has a college education. The only group that is out of wack is the amount of TA's, classroom assistants, and Special Ed assistants. That is the majority of the drain on the support staff system. And while there are a few necessary and good people in that group, a lot of fat could be trimmed. The majority just walk around the building gossiping.
That's because the Plainfield connection team of principal & assistant principal are busy in their offices on the "security cameras" watching the staff all day from their thrones, instead of helping the staff by putting some rules into place that will make the school resemble a normal public high school. Those cameras that were SO VERY expensive & supposed to be used for our student's safety & security are simply used for those 2 and that new mr. cool guy fancy suit "district saftey man" who sits looking on building cameras from the service center, to watch us teachers & staff struggle all day to enforce rules that the students know they don't have to follow because the admin won't take the time to do the proper documentation to enforce discipline, and instead hides behind sb 100...how convenient. It's not rocket science. The gig is up.
As I went to visit East High today, I noticed they have contracted with Green Machine Towing of Plainfield to tow cars. Is this a district or building level contract, and when was it put out to bid? This contract is potentially worth 10s of thousands of dollars either way, but with the addition of East High, that makes it MUCH more lucrative, and even if it had been contracted with the district prior, it would need to be re-bid with the addition of these new profits at stake. I know some local companies in Aurora that would have loved to bid on a tow contract for East High. Where and whom made this seemingly unilateral decision to go with that company and circumvent the bid process.
I could believe the behavior at the high school, because that’s how it is in the middle schools. The students there also know the staff can’t do anything in the way of discipline. Students take their time in passing periods and will refuse to give their name when asked (shouldn’t they be wearing their IDs? The district spends $$$ on them). A half hour detention means nothing to them-if they show up for it-so then they rack up 100+ tardies with no serious consequences.
Absolutely, at West High, students are required to wear visible IDs at all times. I think that is a great way to go about things, especially with all the craziness in this day and age. Safety is very serious
The new security guy is a joke rumor is he is a frat brother of Stovalls husband. A MS administrator told us that Stovall is not in charge of the MS any longer and is suppose to focus on HS only. Was she not behind the Magnet screw up and what's with the new Director from Bloom when we have so many SSC administrators?
All questions that need to be answered and yet no contract. Eliminate the majority of the SSC and nobody would even know they are missing.
Im going to hope that the new lawyer for 131 and the union lawyer hash this out. I think there are wack jobs on BOTH sides negotiating. Go work in a factory for 30 years or be a roofer. Teaching is not the hardest job in the world and the four years we spent getting a degree doesnt make us gods. Reality is reality. This aint a bad offer. Just get the re-opener clause out and lets go already. Its fair enough. And support TA's that think they are going to do this job alone and live a middle class life, not happening. Lets get it done wackos!
I don’t think any of the teachers are complaining about the new salaries. But office staff and paras do seem to be getting hosed. Class sizes are a definite concern, especially if you want to see better performance from students, but unless the district is willing to install trailers or build additions, there just simply isn’t any room for more classes.
The para pros and office staff are not getting hosed. They received a .50 cent raise per year for three years I read the contract. My husband is a CNC operator in the union and that is his increase as well. That is the high end going rate in Illinois. I am not sure why the district does not put out a press release and that is why I voted against the contract because of the confusion. What I will be angry about is if the district caves and takes money away from teachers to give it para pros
It is time to settle this before we loss out.
The problem with the contract is it in not equal to surrounding districts especially when you factor in TRS. Many quality teachers leave 131 because of better pay/ benefits at nearby districts. This contract needs to address that gap. If this gets gone, future negotiations should be easy because it will be a simple cost of living increase. We are NOT going to lose out by waiting for a better deal as previously stated. Why would district fire there lawyer if union was not making progress? Stay together everyone!
Fair Contract I have compared West Aurora contribution of TRS with East Aurora the money columns are the same they are paying TRS. East Aurora gives it to us in the form of compensation. My financial planner says it is better and we get more money. We should not use that they will say we don't understand basic math.
What we do need to point out is the 23 year freeze. West pays additional for that in the form of longevity stipends.
Let's stay the course for class size my classes are bigger than Gen Ed classes and that is true across the district.
Why is everybody fascinated on west aurora...who cares. They are 129, this is 131. Negotiate on us, not them. And support staff deserve same wage percentage increase as teaching staff, its the same union, same contract. Deal with it or go somewhere it isnt that way crybaby. Teachers, school personnel, and administrators are not going to get wealthy working for tax dollars...nobody is. Its a big world outside of your classroom and husband's CNC machine, sweetheart.
Then you are telling us support staff should get 20% raises? I have worked for low wages for many years and I have to ask WHY has support staff not rallied for MS teachers? Support is paid comparable to other districts including West Aurora. Support needs to find a full time job or here is an idea GET A DEGREE. I want my money NOW GERRY.
Many support staff have degrees, donkey. It doesnt make me any more special than anybody else, not sure why you think that makes you so entitled
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-teachers-support-staff-union-picket-st-0919-story.html
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-educators-saturday-rally-st-0921-story.html
The donkey and BIG FAT LIAR IS GERRY. I attended tonight's meeting with our leadership and at NO time did they tell us about the revelations in the Beacon. We put our trust in a mad man who cares more about the attention he is receiving than being totally honest with the direction our leadership is going.
1 July 2nd 2018 personnel report showed a B&G supervisor hiring at 58K per year.
2 His application read annual income of 110K
Business web sites list his income half of this
3 He was interviewed in June. Internal applicants were not contacted WHY was he selected and others not
4 This applicant has a criminal history of being arrested in 2016 2017 and June 2018 for driving on a revoked license. He did not have a driver’s license when he applied
5 He also was arrested for theft at Menards.
6 In addition there is an “Order of Protection” against him
7 His application showed his last day of employment was Dec 2017
Why did he not work in 2018
8 He was hired July 2nd yet did not start until mid August WHY
Red Flag #1 His interviewers were the BG Director and 2 supervisors, They approved his application and recommended him for employment
Red Flag #2 HR then took over and finalized his hiring despite his criminal history and
They did not find reason to reject his employment and the contract given did not have any probationary period. How could HR not catch the above and reject his hiring?
There are those who insist this candidate deserves a 2nd chance. He does deserve a 2nd chance but not at a school district with children and staff.
Unfortunately the contract is valid
Shame on HR and Alberto Tijerina and Beatrice Childress
Dr Jennifer Norrell and I have discussed this and many other issues since her arrival.
2 Individuals resigned and 1 was fired
I ask her to look at the facts objectively and do what is in the best interest of East Aurora
I trust she will make the tough decision in disciplining those responsible for this travesty.
Let’s all give her the chance to make a positive difference at D131
Public Hearing and Special Board Meeting
Monday, September 24, 2018 7:00 PM
School Service Center - 417 Fifth Street, Aurora, IL
I. Roll Call
II. Discussion on 2018/2019 School District Budget
III. Action Item:
A. Motion to Approve the 2018/2019 School District Budget
IV. Public Comments; if any
V. Adjournment
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-rally-st-0923-story.html
The letter states “please show your support of District 131 schools and students by continuing to call upon both the Board and the union to continue talking...”. The union has wanted to talk for weeks but the school board refused and walked away! That is why the strike notice had to be put into effect! The board could meet tomorrow if they really wanted to get this resolved, but they are taking their sweet time on it. Don’t make it seem like you’re trying your damned hardest to get this resolved when things have been messed up language-wise since the beginning (resulting in you needing to get a new attorney) and you’ve done almost nothing since the union’s last vote to fix the issues.
I called the District out on this and we should be careful not to point fingers that is when the lawyers can meet and our lawyer set the date. At our Community meeting Dr Norrell stated she would stay there all Saturday or as long as it took.
The district gave us a fair offer its time they settle.
To:Two Sides
The district has never given the staff anything. The staff the last few years has finally begun to organize and demand what districts around us have had for decades. A fair salary and fair working conditions. It’s a shame it’s taken this long. How many great teachers have we lost because of poor contracts? Im glad the Union finally got themselves a decent lawyer. The district lawyer should have been investigated for ethics violations pretending to represent both sides for so many years. If anything, the district should be paying extra to compensate the dedicated teachers and staff who have dedicated their lives to the district and have been under compensated for so many years. Union Strong. Never give up. Stay United.
Upper admin:
These upper admin are all only looking to save themselves and will throw anyone else to the wolves. How many more good building principals are we going to lose because they are offered no support by the people over them who have never even been building principals themselves for any length of time in a district with challenges like ours? When our admin can leave the job to go back to the classroom and make more money or close to it for working fewer hours, we have a serious problem. We NEED to retain good principals as well as good teachers and support staff in the buildings. I am exhausted from the constant neediness of upper admin who cannot do their jobs. Want to bet they are trying to clear house of the middle and high school admin? Then they come to the buildings every year asking what they can do to support us. Well, for starters you can actually do your jobs, respond to emails and other requests and support your building leaders without making them work a million extra hours and continuous have to prove to you have completed tasks. There is a concept called work/life balance and you are losing many good staff and building level admin because you don't recognize it. So many good teachers and aides have left the district because of the upper level incompetence. Central office needs to reflect on how many admin want to go back to the classroom and how many already have. That should tell them something. Also, maybe they should hire central admin who have been actual building principals for five years or more in a district like ours. Everyone wants to dog out Marina and the middle schools admin but how many of those people have actually walked the walk? Very few. Nobody's perfect but some support and understanding go a long way. I, for one, am terrified of all the changes and things I see happening to building level admin who are long time employees dedicated to the district as well as they way they are treated by central office. We will have no good admin left and will be starting over like Cowherd. We all see how well that is not working. This contract needs to be settled asap fairly and then the board needs to look at how they can better support and compensate the building leaders who get stuck in the middle of all this political garbage. Our students and the community deserve people in charge who are experienced at leading buildings and not just multiple service centers.
Get real folks the reason both contracts have caught teachers up is because of more money from the State of Illinois. It was not the Union or the lawyers. We work in a low income district that relays on the State of Illinois. Some of us have stayed because we love the kids. I do feel sorry for our Classified staff and always bring what I can from home to help them I am getting near retirement and need to be compensated fairly. It is time to settle and support Dr Norrell's plans. She seems genuine and I wish her and her sleeping bag well.
Mestak and crew need to stop listening to the CPS lawyer his track record is always strike. That would not be good for our families or the kids we teach. Google Mr Blouch not a good record.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-union-strike-st-1003-story.html
Reaching out to any and all parents and guardians of EA students.
Atencion Padres y tutores de estudiantes de EA.
I spoke to Rafael, a reporter from the Beacon News today, we met two weeks ago at the School Board meeting. I have him my contact info that night as well as the school board. Guess which of the two contract me??? The reporter did we spoke on the phone for about 45 minutes about the possibility of a strike and how I feel about it. I spoke my peace and said what I had to say. Now he wants to hear from other parents no matter if you are supporting or against the possibility of the strike. He wants to hear from us the parents. This is our chance to be heard, because as of today I am still waiting to hear back from any one of the school board members. If one of you or some of you are willing to go on record and speak to him please contact him. I will be putting his contact information at the bottom of this post after the Spanish translation.
Thank you!
Hoy tuve el placer de hablar con un reportero del Beacon News. Lo conoci hace dos semanas cuando me presente alfrente de Los miembros del School Board. Esa noche les deje mi informacion a los miembros del school board y a Rafael (El reportero). El unico que tomo su tiempo para hablar me fue Rafael. Hoy estuvimos hablando por telefono por mas o menos 45 minutos. Le dige que yo estoy a favor de Los maestros, que Los maestros tienen mi apoyo completo. Pero ahora Rafael quiere hablar con mas Padres de familia que estan a favor o contra de la posibilidad de que Los maestros se vayan a strike El viernes.
Radael habla Los dos idiomas, Ingles y Español.
Si alguno de ustedes esta dispuesto a hablar con favor de comunicarse al Numero de telefono que voy a poner Al fin de este mensaje.
Gracias
****
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*
This is Rafael, the reporter. I can be reached here at 312-273-8291, it's my work cell. Like I said it would be great to hear from more parents, pass along the message. I can speak espanol as well if necessary.
Rafael here is a tip the other Beacon reporter ran a story on her using people she worked with in Chicago to do a survey that they paid over $300,000 for? Ask her why the guy from her old district is doing finance for them when they just hired a business MANAGER? Please ask why the lawyers she worked with replaced the old law firm got the job. It seems these attorney's would have had to read the contract and supporting documents. FOIA that bill. They critized Popp but she is hiring her friends. It looks like this is coming at a big price. Add it all toge ther ot is the money they could pay us.
Ask Norrell why she said she would be at the table and was not?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-negotiations-update-st-1005-story.html
Go to the SEC now and support the staff who is out in the cold waiting for the decision. Bring your blanket and noise makers and glow sticks were waiting on you. It's 8:30 pm come on
I have to say, Annette did it. She accomplished what no one has been able to do in the history of the oldest school district in the State of Illinois. She united the Union members of District 131. Annette has been openly hostile to the staff for so long and has done so many crooked deals in back rooms that the union members united as never before. She has been the quintessential “Bull in a China Shop” bullying everybody to the point where the entire community has come together to fight a common enemy.
The Union voted out their previous corrupt leaders and then voted to raise their own dues to afford a top tier attorney from Chicago, arguably the best labor law firm in the Midwest. All three sections of the bargaining unit voted overwhelmingly to strike. 97%. Now, for the first time in the history of the district, the teachers in District 131 will be earning a comparable salary to our surrounding districts. If it weren’t for Annette being a complete ________ (rhymes with witch) I’m sure the board could have kept the teachers underpaid forever.
This is a historic moment. The staff of District 131 have come together and discovered that they always had the power. Now that they’ve learned what is possible, they will never be walked over again. I have to give credit where credit is due. It’s been frustrating dealing with Annette Johnson’s BS in recent years but she is the driving force that unified the 1500 teachers and staff of District 131.
Three Cheers for Annette Johnson
Annette Johnson does deserve credit she has worked for years to move teachers to a competitive pay and yes ended corruption so we could get paid. She deserved the credit because we got the same money the BOE originally offered us. NO MORE NO LESS so what did we get that we could have not received 3 months ago. Haters will always hate but yes THREE CHEERS FOR ANNETTE.
Contract done, great. Now how about the district starts holding folks accountable for some discipline in the high school & middle schools. The new Super seems to be into test scores and curriculum...great. BUT WE STILL HAVE A DISFUNCTIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WITH KIDS THAT HAVE NO CONSEQUENCES FOR MISBEHAVING. Everybody wants to hide behind state laws and say their hands are tied...meanwhile it gets worse & worse EVERY year. The rules get more & more "lenient", and the students do whatever they want. Students are 10-15 late to every class, come in and out of the building all day, curse out and threaten the teachers & staff with little to no consequence, and the list goes on. If this district wants to get serious about education, and give all our students the best... then get serious about discipline and get an enivornment that even somewhat resembles a normal functional school. It's not that hard to do, and our students deserve a proper school atmosphere. Or you can keep making false #'s to show off while the buildings are an absolute unorganized wreck. You made the process of documenting discipline so crazy with so many hoops to jump through, that even when teachers think they are documenting things, they are not actually being "documented". Or in some cases when documented correctly, its just cleared out of the records altogether. School board members...go look at East High (or even a middle school) 3-5 minutes AFTER the tardy bell has rung. Students are still in the halls as if its a passing period, and they dont listen to us teachers, the administrators or the deans assistants. And its because they know the dont have to, nothing will happen. Everybody just claims their "hands are tied". Kids will do what they can get away with, they are kids. And right now, if you try to bring about some discipline, or bring about some change, YOU will be the one that is targeted & told to back off, all for just trying to help our good students succeed in a proper atmosphere. Most of our students will go through our school district never knowing how a normal school with structure, rules that are enforced with consequences, and what normal student behavior looks like.
I guess that big time degree wasn't in grammar. The word is "lose", not "loss". So did you LOSE sweetheart??? Seems like that solidarity worked out pretty well, despite a few outlandish teachers who over-value their own worth. But it's settled, and now you can go back to making that CNC operator miserable. Haha
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-strike-parents-st-1005-story.html
Agreed, Thank you Annette! Annette has worked on the teachers schedule starting with the last contract when she promised us we would get paid like other teachers from around the area.
I too drank the kool-aid but it is time to stop hating this women. If you really talk with her she cares for all of us. Yes, she cares for the blue hairs, but children come first. We need to open our eyes and look as to what was going on in 131 twelve years ago and Annette has been at the center of the change. We have had some destructive forces on the Board that for whatever reason attempted to stop progress but Annette has outlasted them.
REALITY CHECK■The proposed salary schedules had nothing to do with the bargaining unit and in fact they had been proposed by District 131. We have to assume Annette kept her promise because as Board President they could have proposed something way less. REALITY CHECK■ Our bargaining unit would have had a hard time negotiating a $20,000 raise. They don't happen!
The Board members today (with the exception of the one who never shows) are the best we have had for decade's. I also have to thank them for picking a good Superintendent Norrell is outgoing and curriculum focused and has the potential to change our District academically. She is visable and that is a FIRST.
So let's stop the bashing and work together as ONE TEAM!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-contract-update-st-1007-story.html
Does anybody know who the principal is at East High? A student in one of my classes asked me today. I said I've met her, but never seen her outside of her office. Most of my students know who their dean is, but that's where it ends. I didnt think anything of it when he asked me, but the more I got to thinking, the fact that the principal and most of the upper admin are complete office hermits, is not really such a good thing. With so much tardiness, it would probably be a good thing for her and that upper admin to be out laying down the law...after all, its their law, or lack of one, that has led to this building being a complete clusterf#@%.
Might be some truth there, and I like you calling them blue hairs too...lol. But the problem in our district is not curriculum based, it is behavioral. Students who want to learn, and have the capacity to learn well, will find their educational needs met. This Super does seem curriculum focused, and so be it. But the problem, especially at the secondary level is 99.9% behavior related. We have to clean up our schools. That starts with attendence, student discipline, holding students accountable for their behavior, and most of all, addressing TARDINESS! Once the behavior aspect is addressed with consequences that have an actual chance of changing behaviors, students can have a functional building. The educational part will take care of itself. Those who want to learn, will learn. Until then, nothing will really change...except that they will CONTINUE to lower the bar and fudge the numbers at the building level, just like they've been doing, so they can run over to the service center with pretty numbers to show off, but those numbers have NOTHING to do with the truth, and only to do with job preservation. The data is a lie!
Come on. All of the "top" people know that the district as a whole truly sucks when it comes to the "stats". All people over the age of 10 know that the education level of most of the high school kids in the district is that of a 3rd grader. We don't have teachers in this district, we have union workers. - Only concern is how much can they get away with. I am surprised that one of the negation points wasn't "we need people to actually teach for us as we couldn't possible work more than 5 hours in the classroom with 3 assistants". Life is just so hard.- small violin here. Part of being a teacher is that of a disciplinarian. It is always "someone else's problem isn't it. Never yours. Nothing is ever enough is it. You don't have the respect of the kids and that is because you don't earn it. They know you are union workers just trying to skate thru a day doing as little as possible. Kids know you don't give two shits about education or a disciplined environment. Try focusing on what you can do. Geeze. Do you need someone to wipe your butt, also?? Don't do drugs or alcohol when you are supposed to be teaching,no naps in front of the class and maybe be present in the classroom and not leave the "assistants" in charge. Start being the adult. you are not the teenager anymore, even though you are in a school building. Understand???
Numbers are not being fudged. We all know how badly educated the kids are. Very sad that you have to go back almost 40 years to talk with alumni who will say that the education was great in 131. could it be that teachers over the years are getting worse??? Remember- Higher education does not necessarily mean better educated...….Don't get stuck on stupid, people. Be part of the solution instead of crying "It is someone else's job."
Teachers finally read the contract and decided it was a good contract. While they are yelling Gerry, Gerry,Gerry they should have learned how to read. We could have cashed our checks months ago. Class size did not change and our Union claimed that was what the wait is about. That's what always happens they decide the class needs to be adjusted and in most cases it gets adjusted. NOW we have to wait until October and NOW the Super will claim we don't have any money.
SO WHY THE WAIT GERRY?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-old-timers-dinner-st-1011-story.html
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-lawsuit-sex-abuse-st-1011-story.html
We voted to raise our dues? I sure don’t remember such a vote, as I sure wouldn’t agree to that. The union already takes plenty of our money to pay the employees of 604 who accomplish jack squat and donate $ to crooked politicians.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-radon-testing-st-1015-story.html
Our students deal with radon, mold, asbestos, lead, CO2, etc. in our buildings, on top of all the social emotion, poverty, truancy, homelessness, language barriers, gang and cultural issues. But of course it’s all the teachers fault if the students don’t pass some BS mandated testing they and the community don’t give a damn about. When is the administration going to learn what is important and start supporting our real priorities.
Well, some of your stuff is just crazy...with teachers drinking booze in class, etc. But you are missing the point anyway. If you saw a pipe leaking at your house, and there were a bunch of plumbers standing around with the wrench to fix it. Yet, NOBODY would fix it because they were all to busy typing up a report on how the roof looked great. Meanwhile the water is getting deeper, your carpet and furniture is getting ruined, and the you are saying, "Just give me the wrench, Ill fix it". But they won't give up the tools, because the report says they have a GREAT roof. That is the lunacy we have at East High, and the district as a whole, when it comes to behavior/discipline. Its the ostrich with its head in the sand. It would be SO EASY to fix! Just set the expectations, enforce the expectations, and have a consequence that ACTUALLY has a chance of changing the behaviors. Then watch how fast the staff that has become so very disenfranchised becomes 100% invested. When you don't listen to your employees, don't help them enforce policy, or back them up when they try to enforce policy...that's when you lose them and they become "union mrmbers". Make us feel a part of the solution, and have our back, then you'll see the teachers/staff get invested!
Then why don't you serve on the many joint committees like displine? It seems you are just willing to keep writing on a worthless blog. What does that accomplish?
A "committee"?? Hah...you must like politicians. We've had committees, groups, hired a "district safety man", and on & on. The problem isn't the ideas, the ideas are there, and they will work. The problem is the people with the authority to do something & implement these ideas refuse to do so, because it means the FAKE numbers won't look so pretty. But what they don't realize is that if you change the culture and put forth the measures & policies needed, our #s will increase exponentially over a VERY short period of time, and then they will only continue to rise. As a teacher, that gives me hope that those on the board & at the admin level that do read this, will act on it. Believe me, other avenues have been tried. Everybody is too busy trying to keep the next person above them happy, that they won't stick their neck out and do what needs to be done FOR OUR STUDENTS, OUR DISTRICT'S SCHOOLS, AND THIS WHOLE COMMUNITY.
Yesterday Oct 19 there was an altercation in the hallway during passing period and our principal was knocked to the ground, one of our Asst Superintendents who was in the building ran to help, in fact several asst. supers have been observing the last week or so, after fireworks were let off in the hallway by the cafeteria. Maybe now the administrators will get serious about disciplining kids.
Not sure it's the administration, I think it's more about the new Super. She is very visible and we heard she actually had a meeting with the Knuckleheads. The PPA's said a fight actually broke out in the room and she broke it up. Let's hope that first hand view will help.
Also heard the kids with the firecrackers will get expelled. That is a start. Several years of ZERO SUPPORT have created this. Let's hope the days of upper administration keeping their heads in the sand will stop.
FOIA responses provide the following FACTS
1 Benjamin Hettel Construction Mgr submitted reimbursement for 424.8 miles travel within
131 for July and August 2018. Total amount $227.27 (PO 191052)
2 Alberto Tijerina BG Director approved his request
3 FOIA response for Hettel log in/out summary showed ZERO VISITS for July/August
4 Mileage form showed no travel during this time
Questions:
5 Why was Hettel NOT using a Dist vehicle
6 Why would his supervisor Alberto Tijerina approve it and not insist he keep accurate records and use a district vehicle
Bottom line
7 Ben Hettel can not be trusted
8 Alberto Tijerina again is proven incompetent and given another free pass
More to follow on other issues
Hey union....where is the contract for us to view that was promised to us two days ago? No wonder district admin doesn’t take union leadership serious.
The principal was not knocked to the ground, or nearby.
To: More of the same
There is a process that was put in place which included the district lawyers writing up terms that were agreed to during the negotiations process, these changes reviewed by administration and these changes then sent to the union lawyers for review before it can be sent out for review and a vote.
The reality is that the district was late by three days sending the draft to the union lawyers. If anyone is to blame for the delay, it’s the district side. So really according to your misguided logic, it’s District 131 leadership that shouldn’t be taken seriously.
Fortunately, most people don’t think like you and are thankful the two sides have come to an agreement. Two days ago or tomorrow is insignificant and only a petty mind would think that way to begin with.
Date: Oct 22 2018
subject: Various
Timeline: As Noted
Overtime summary per employee Aug 1 2018 - Oct 20 2018 to include time and total in dollars
Invoices from new Law Firm July 1 2018 - Oct 20 2018
List of all consultants with pay outs and pay scale July 1 2018 - Oct 20 2018
Why are you only up the behind of buildings and grounds padron? Not that what you're doing is bad, its fine. But there are many avenues of spending that could be investigated. If you are truly interested in district spending, look at ALL the invoices & spending decisions. Otherwise you are coming off as just having an axe to grind w B & G. I even saw on this very thread someone mentioned a tow contract or something, but you just continue to go after B & G. If your cause be just, be true to it, good sir.
Thought the union was going to be more transparent? A little heads up would have been helpful considering we were told we would get it last Friday in time to vote for his Friday. You know....holding them accountable. Imagine some of our colleagues if their students turned an assignemrnt in late?!?
Ms. Kosak most certainly got knocked down!! I was right there and witnessed this. Was she involved in breaking up the fight, no she was moving toward the incident and got knocked down.
It is too bad the Board or administration does not look at the bills. Hettel the Hitler of B&G has told many of us we are all incompetent and should get outsourced. Ben thinks we are lazy and don't work. Anyone who has ever visited our buildings knows you can not spend 424 miles driving around in a month. That is stealing and Hitler Hettel should get fired.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-teacher-charged-with-failing-to-report-st-1024-story.html
From: R Padron
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 9:38 AM
To: jnorrell@d131.org; Mark McDonald; Beatrice Reyes Childress; Steve Megazzini
Cc: Alex Arroyo; Kimberly Hatchett; Annette Johnson; dbarreiro@d131.org; bschubert@d131.org; Lisa Morales; Beatrice Reyes Childress; gmestek@d131.org
Subject: Facts Speak for themself
Why were these issues never answered regarding Ray Adkins
FOIA Response indicates NO RESPONSIVE DOCUMENTS
10-15 goals or objectives NONE
10-3 FOIA Response indicates NO RESPONSIVE DOCUMENTS
1 NO School/building Safety/Security Assesment Reports
2 No A.L.I.C.E Training Schedule Summary of those who have been trained and those scheduled to be trained to include dates and site held
A Mark: you indicated to me that you were surprised there were no documents especially since this is why Adkins was hired.
B Plain and simple he has an $80 K job with no accountability
C Lots of questions on his application from EA 131 and Indian Prairie 204
D Why is Ray Adkins given a Free Pass in not doing his job?
E Very disappointed in the leadership at EA for protecting another overpaid administrator who does nothing
We are talking about safety and security here and Adkins has done ZERO
I want to bring to your attention the current happenings at EAHS. At this point in time, our superintendent is looking to push (take away) all of the school's electives starting next fall, and with the Fine Arts Dept. With this will result in losing foreign language and their clubs, art and photography, culinary, child development and parenting, band, choir and drama, autos class, woods class (I may be missing more, I apologise). This will greatly impact students valuable life skills they take from these classes as well missing these great attributes on college applications. We urge you let your voices be heard to save our elective courses your children love!
FOIA REQUEST
Date: Oct 25 2018
Subject: 2018 College Board Forum Dallas TX
Site: Sheraton Dallas Hotel
1 List of those attending
2 All expenditures (Receipts,Invoices) registration, hotel, travel, meals, transportation, etc to all those whom attended
3 Itemize per attendee the above
4 Communication between Dr Norrell & Conference Coordinators . Emails and documents
5 Previous years 2015 2016 2017 expenses and attendees of this conference
You are correct. And look at the data. The shop classes that teach skilled labor and alike are the MOST in demand jobs right now. ESPECIALLY for many of our students! Let's call a spade, a spade. We have a student body that NEEDS to learn skills. Common core is SO over-rated. Skills and fine arts...that teach life skills, job skills, creative thinking are without a doubt THE MOST IMPORTANT classes a student can take. And the classes that ABSOLUTELY 100% prepare our students for LIFE AND CAREERS.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-teacher-on-leave-st-1026-story.html
The HS teachers need to stop spreading false stories and become informed. The schedules still shows electives with a reading block added. Repeat classes will not be offered during the school day. Summer school and after school will become venues for that. It was explained at several meetings. Sorry folks if you can't read you can not get a auto repair certificate. She is using a school turnaround model which has been long over due in East Aurora. Go visit her today very informative instead of spreading lies.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-principal-charged-mandated-reporting-tl-1029-story.html
I don’t understand. The reports state that a teacher has been charged and on administrative leave due to not reporting abuse. It further quotes Dr Norrell that the teacher could be dismissed. It doesn’t specify if she’s charged with not reporting to DCFS or not reporting to administration. Did she report it to her principal but not DCFS? Did she assume her administrator would report appropriately?
Here’s the real question. The news reports stated The principal, Twila Garza was informed of the abuse on multiple occasions but never reported the abuse to police of DCFS. Why has the teacher been charged but NOT the principal? Why is the teacher facing termination but there is no mention of the principal facing the same consequences? Am I missing something here?
Thats what I was thinking. The only answer I can come up with is that she has "connections" that white male over at O'Donnell does not. Rigged game, and district office LOVES to back their building administrators to a fault. After all, admitting that their administrators were the real screw ups would lead to people asking who hired them, and why.
Since this district will never go to block scheduling...which it should, then what needs to be done is go back to the old schedule with 10 periods. 4,5,6,7, & 8 are half periods for lunch with ability to take classes 4/5, 5/6, 6/7, and/or 7/8 with study halls then only if a student chooses to take 6 classes, but is allowed to take 7 w no study hall. It was done that way for YEARS until we became too big to accomodate lunch size. Now with new cafe, and another cafe not even being used, it needs to go back to the old way and eliminate the study hall/lunch combo which is a complete s#!t show anyway. Study halls can be ANY period if you go back to the old way (the sensible way), and more electives can be taken if a student chooses to do so.
From: R Padron
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 1:03 PM
To: Steve Megazzini; Amanda L Sanderson
Subject: FOIA REQUEST
Date: Oct 30 2018
Subject: Cameras at East High
Timeline: Oct 6,13,20,27 2018 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
1 East High Stadium / Garage area
2 Parking Lot Soutwest around Stadium
3 Specifically looking for PERSONNEL movement in these areas
Why hasn’t Ms. Garza been charged? She was the one reported to have poo-pooed the allegations of the offending teacher to the victim’s parent.
Mandatory Reporting: I am also a mandatory reporter. The state law says we must report to DCFS. If our administration says we should report to our supervisor, that is IN ADDITION to DCFS because if the administrator doesn't report, WE'RE still on the hook.
Joan Glotzbach was involved in many coverups regarding staff why was she not charged. She was HR director at the time?
The technology department reported destruction of property when the Pied Piper left. Why was that not reported?
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-aurora-area-schools-report-cards-st-1101-story.html
From: R Padron
Sent: Thursday, November 1, 2018 8:29 AM
To: Mark McDonald
Cc: Steve Megazzini; Amanda L Sanderson; Annette Johnson; Alex Arroyo; bschubert@d131.org; Ken Darby; Kimberly Hatchett; John Laesch; dbarreiro@d131.org; jnorrell@d131.org; Beatrice Reyes Childress; Lisa Morales
Subject: 34% Increase
Hi Mark
Please look into the attached recent FOIA response
1 Attorney Fees are now $255.00 per hour with new Law Firm
2 Previous Fees were $190.00 with the Aurora Law Firm
3 Why would the district pay $65.00 (34%) more per hour
4 Please explain the justification in switching Law Firms
Please Advise
2018 College Board Forum Dallas Texas
Attendees
Jennifer Norrell
Beatrice Reyes Childress
Lori Campbell
Yolanda Stovall
Heather Kincaid
Jennifer Dalrymple
Sheri Costello
FOIA summary of expenses received
$9,010.32 TOTAL
$ 3,255.00 Registration
2,985.22 Hotel
2,591.10 Airfare
140.00 Oct 22 / $ 20.00 per 7 persons
39.00 Oct 23 Transportation Norrell
1 Missing meals, Transportation and other misc expenses
2 This is the first Conference EA 131 has attended
3 Was this Dr Norrell's idea
4 What was the purpose of this conference
5 Was it necessary to attend and with 7 Staff members
6 When all is totaled for this conference it should be approx 10 k
7 In addition to the new Law Firm 34% increase equating to 7 k for the 1st few months
8 Could this $17,000.00 been spent in a more productive way?
9 Answer is obviously yes?
10 A pattern is being established in the Wasteful Spending of Taxpayer Dollars
11 Appears EA is going backwards on this Superintendents Watch
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-west-suspension-rates-st-1105-story.html
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/opinion/ct-abn-crosby-mandated-reporters-st-1104-story.html
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-contract-approved-st-1107-story.html
From: R Padron
Sent: Wednesday, November 7, 2018 8:12 PM
To: Mark McDonald; jnorrell@d131.org
Cc: Steve Megazzini; Amanda L Sanderson; Annette Johnson; Kimberly Hatchett; dbarreiro@d131.org; bschubert@d131.org; Ken Darby; Alex Arroyo; Beatrice Reyes Childress
Subject: Overtime Summary 2018 2019 Pt 1
Hi Mark
FOIA received Nov 7 2018 reveals the following facts
July 2017 - June 2018 $ 505.516.75
July-Oct 2018 $ 201,440.32 = 6,316.25 OT hrs
SY 2018
Jeff Strah $ 29,104.38
Stewart Tesnow 27,248.89
James Heredia 15,187.32
Merle Herren 14,615.12
Timothy Krings 12,629.25
1 Are these totals excessive & necessary
2 Whom is managing the OT
3 2018 1/2 million in OT dollars
4 2019 4 months on track to exceed 2018 total
5 Many questions arise when studying these reports
Please review and advise
So the asst superintendent beatrice reyes childress proudly displays on her personal facebook page a mexican flag on her profile picture with the saying "latina power". Ok, so that's the leadership we got in 131? A racist?? If you say, "well whats wrong with that?" Number 1- we live in America, and pledge allegiance to OUR flag, not mexico's. And on top of that, is saying "latina power" ok from a person who is supposed to work to empower ALL our students and staff equally?? So nobody will have a problem if we wear "white power" or "black power" shirts to work? When do the double standards end...no wonder this district is f#@%ed! A racist, plain and simple! Open racism is grounds for termination. Our district leaders must be fair & unbiased. Does a mexican flag with "latina power" on it sound like a fair and unbiased person to you? I demand the resignstion or firing of a racist district administrator, who, by the way, keeps having family and friends "coincidentally" get district jobs while not even close to being the most qualified candidates. This stinks, and if Dr Norell & the board don't fix it, the media pressure coming soon will.
I want to see Dr Norell show up with a "black power" poster, and Mr. Megazzini show up with a "white power" poster. Let's see how those 2 things go over?? Shouldn't be a problem for beatrice or the board...they are just doing what she's already done. Clean out the trash already so we can get down to business!
Pride and racism are two different things. Since 131 is primarily Latino/Latina, I would hope the students can see a district role model with pride in herself, her heritage and her accomplishments. Should the schools not celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month or Black History Month anymore either? And what is the term for expecting people to deny their personal heritage and only identify with what YOU value as important?
Pride is reserved for something you accomplish, like a 4.0 GPA. Take pride in that. Pride is not something that comes by happenstance of birth, like race or ethnicity. But nobody mentioned pride anyway, dummy. The FACTS are that a top level admin in 131, who is an American citizen, wants (or promotes) "POWER" of a certain race/ethnicity. Why should we wish "power" to a certain group?? Would it be ok for our white and black employees to promote "white power", or "black power", on their personal social media? Would that be ok with everyone if Mr. Megazzini had a German flag with "Caucasian power" on his personal social media?? Because it is the EXACT SAME THING! And when you are supposed to be an unbiased government employee with the jobs of others, and responsibilities of treating ALL students equally and fairly, to promote a flag of another nation and encourage "power" of others belonging to her same race, my friends...that is RACISM. Those are facts, not opinions. This individual also has ties to SEVERAL individuals with PERSONAL ties to her, or her husband who have been hired by district 131 over other more qualified candidates. And if it weren't found out that she was a racist, that part may have never been cared about. If the board doesnt want to handle it, maybe the Beacon/Sun-Times media group would help them out with that. You cannot go around promoting racism, another county's flag, and promoting "power" of a chosen group when you are drawing a tax-payer funded paycheck. That tax money comes from all races/ethnicities!
Reyes Childress is the last standing of many past failed administrations. She has often played the race card when others more qualified have critiqued her style of throw it against the wall. Let's view her success on accomplishments and not race.
Early Learning is a prime example. She picked the programs and only 6% of our students are ready for 1st Grade. Students in her program have already attended 3 years of classes. FAILURE
The curriculum debacle of 2014 to 2017 saw the district throw away millions on wasted materials and time. How about the wasted instruction? FAILURE
Hopefully we will see the end to that era shortly. She has made it clear to whoever will listen that the School Board discriminated against her when she was not hired. She has told many of us Norrell who Afro American can not represent our kids.
The staff who hears Norrell talk about learning or displine or school leadership knows better. Btw Beatrice even white administration and teachers care about our kids.
There is new hope in EA in that the Board looked for new energy and did not stick us with the failures of the past. With our new contract it also shows we are valued.
I don’t know who you’re calling “dummy”. I can have an intelligent conversation without name calling.
I do understand the point you are trying to make about a double standard with white power, black power, etc. However, just because she wants to empower Hispanics doesn’t mean it’s because she thinks Hispanics are ‘better than’. It’s like the “Black Lives Matter” movement. It didn’t mean other lives did not matter; it meant black lives matter just as much! If she wants to show pride in her heritage and work to empower young Latino students, that is a good thing. Should all district administrators not have anything on their PERSONAL social media about their faith? Their culture? Their political view? (I’m not saying I would but it should be their right unless it breaks something written in their contract.) Should they have no personal opinions or values at all? I just think that level of censorship is a slippery slope.
Im calling you a dummy. Yep, that's typical behavior. When confronted with FACTS, you try to change the topic and justify things by comparative analysis. Stay on topic and stick to FACTS. WHEN YOU SAY "POWER", THAT IS NOT ADVOCATING ANYTHING OTHER THAN RACISM AND PROMOTING 1 GROUP OVER ALL OTHERS BASED ON RACE/ETHNICITY. It means you want the "power" to that group. The "power" over others of different race/ethnicity. Just like i said, you let Megazzini or Stovall have a white power or black power sign up, with the flag of ANOTHER NATION, and see how that goes over. Its the same thing! End of story. So keep justifying it by any means necessary, it still wont change the FACTS. And why haven't you defended all those district hires of less qualified people with "connections". I guess that part is just too much for even you to attempt to justify. Like the last post said, the numbers speak for themselves on her performance, and its 1 of the last of the old, crooked regime. The board will have to act, racism & failure wont be able to go unchecked under new leadership.
I didn’t respond to the ‘connections’ piece because I don’t have enough factual information to agree or disagree. I’m not on here with any agenda for a specific person - just sharing opinions and other perspectives.
It appears this isn’t a healthy place to have respectful discussions so I will move away from this site.
Peace
Is it not "respectful" to give facts? If everybody doesn't share your OPINION, and can state FACTS as to why they are not correct, then sorry you never learned conversation/debate skills. You get an opinion, as do I...but then comes the intellectual discussion to see who has the correct view point. But who's kidding who...you're not going anywhere. You just know you lost the argument because you don't have FACTS to support your opinions, so you say some BS about "respectful conversation" so you can bow out. Biggest snowflake so far today...typical.
First of all u don’t have to ever say white power just keep supporting Trump. No one actually have to tell white men it’s okay to kill unarmed black men because they understand that white privilege and power allows them to. There is nothing wrong with her post. A racist can usually impact the livelihood of individuals of another ethnicity by their actions, this is not the case. Bottom line is this the only color that has power is green.No one should pledge allegiance to any damn flag , that’s idolatry
FOIA REQUEST
Date: Nov 15 2018
Subject: Saturday/Sunday only Overtime Summary
Timeline: July 1 2018 - Nov 15 2018
Please sort the following 2 groups
1 custodians
2 maintenance
3 hours/pay
4 monthly summary
5 buildings OT performed
6 copy of work tickets/documents of Merle Herren
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-waldo-thanksgiving-meals-st-1122-story.html
From the district website:
East Aurora School District 131
Special
Monday, November 26, 2018 6:00 PM
School Service Center - 417 Fifth Street, Aurora, IL
I. Roll Call
II. Discussion on Strategic Planning
III. Adjournment
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-high-distinguished-alumni-st-1130-story.html
To: Ken Darby and Bruce Schubert (Co-Chair's)
1 Upon reading the agenda for the BG Committee Mtg Dec 3, I ask the following question:
2 Why is Overtime not on the agenda to be discussed?
3 More than likely it has intentionally been omitted despite exposure of the excessive amount of Taxpayer dollars spent
4 The most recent FOIA response again exposes the lack of transparency and incompetence in this Dept
Subject: Saturday/Sunday only Overtime Summary
Timeline: July 1 2018 - Nov 15 2018
Please sort the following 2 groups
1 custodians
2 maintenance
3 hours/pay
4 monthly summary
5 buildings OT performed
Regarding item #s 1-5 there are no documents responsive to your request.
WHY ARE THERE NO DOCUMENTS SUPPORTING THIS TIME PERIOD
Could I be incorrect that ZERO OT was not issued?
I don't expect any response from either Ken Darby nor Bruce Schubert as again they will avoid the embarassment and shame in allowing this Dept to be mismanaged and have
more excuses in defending the Director and his Asst.
Please advise
Special
Monday, December 10, 2018 6:00 PM
School Service Center - 417 Fifth Street, Aurora, IL
I. Roll Call
II. Discussion on Strategic Planning
III. Adjournment
Special
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 6:00 PM
School Service Center - 417 Fifth Street, Aurora, IL
I. Roll Call
II. Discussion on Strategic Planning
III. Adjournment
FOIA REQUEST
Date: Dec 7 2018
Subject: Merle Herren
Timeline: Oct 1 2018 - Dec 7 2018
ELOG
Work Tickets issued and status
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/opinion/ct-abn-crosby-east-reading-st-1209-story.html
Ralph, keep checking on Merle and don't let up. Everyone knows Merle is worthless and spends almost his whole day talking about fake accusations and things he's made up in his head about the staff and board members instead of working and actually doing his job. He claims the maintenance department is understaffed but spends so little time actually working and everyone in the district knows it and talks about it...Also look into how he became the chief union steward. I've been a fireperson in the district for many years and Merle has harassed me and many others. He's known to belittle and harass everyone from administration on down. I know that myself and the other members would not have voted him into that position HAD WE EVEN BEEN GIVEN A VOTE!!! I was even told by a maintenance mechanic that Merle told a group of mechanics that we'd be lucky not to take a pay cut on the next contract because the union is weak and won't back us up. What kind of chief union steward says that???
Well said. She is a racist, ill-tempered, unfit for leadership, and a classless human being. She's set us back, not moved us forward.
4 students jumped 1 student at EAHS last week. It gets better. 1 of the 4 that jumped the female was a MALE striking a female. It gets better. I teach 1 of the students and they were back in my class TODAY. Since when is mob action, including a male beating a female in the school during school hours, such a small issue that the felony mob action, etc. is not acted upon correctly by the school/district and the students are all back in school less than a week later. Not to mention the normal, every day chaos that is the zero discipline factory where we teach called EAHS. There is a reason there are fights, kids 10 minutes late to my class every period, and we have a new "situation" every day. We are all trying. I have a hall duty & I see the PPAs trying their best along with most us teaching staff trying to get the kids to move to class, but they dont listen, because they dont have to- and they know it. So now, the 200-300 that didnt care, have shown most of the rest that you really dont need to be in class on time, so they dont bother to either. The staff is powerless until some rules are made and enforced! The AP for discipline is a nice guy, and tries, and does what he can to enforce the rules, but who knows how much his hands are tied. Isn't the definition of lunacy doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results? Well last year was chaos, and we come back this year, and the principal has changed NOT 1 RULE regarding discipline nor tardiness. And now its almost a semester in, and its up for grabs. So of course its going to be chaos all over. The referral process is made so complicated (puposely) that most teachers dont bother to write them (we'd be writing 50 a day at this point if we went by the book), and a few of my collegues don't even mark their attendence accoringly, because they feel like, what's the point. Something has to give, or we can just teach in a building that is chaos. Its not up to us.
Ref: FOIA Responsed Dtd Dec 14 2018 list of work orders assigned to Merle Herren
FOIA REQUEST
Date: Dec 14 2018
Subject: Merle Herren
Timeline: per attached document
1 Hours submitted for time spent on each Work Order
2 Swipe In/out records for facility work was performed
3 Internet Log for days corresponding with Work Order
Summary
I am looking specifically for Merle Herren's time that it is accounted for those days and not excessive.
Good Afternoon CoChairmen of Bldg & Grounds
Upon reviewing the recent FOIA response concerning Merle Herren Work Tickets the following questions/comments arise
1 What is the actual time spent on each project and is it documented on swipe card tme in/out
2 What did Herren do on the days that are not accounted for?
3 Does he work on these tickets every day & keep a log of his whereabouts and activity
4 Does his supervisor Ben Hettell review these tickets
5 What parts were purchased for any of the projects
6 Cost per work ticket would include labor and parts and / or outside service
7 Could any of the firemen been able to do some of these tickets
8 I would think Alberto and Hettell would be costing this in order to account for taxpayer spent dollars.
9 These 3 individuals are getting compensated generously yet there background does not
provide any answers to many an issue other than excuses.
One last issue
How did Merle Herren become Head of the Union without a vote from 131 union members
He’s not.
I am an educator in District 206, wher Norrell used to work. She has been falsifying data to make our district look better for years. Trust her about as far as you can throw her. Don't believe a word that comes out of that woman's mouth.
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