I have received some information and wanted to share it. I believe the source of this info to be honest and reliable.
It has been relayed to me that the district had all of the offices at the service center repainted by outside contractors. Each individual had the opportunity to pick any color they would like for their office.
The maintenance people were told the job needed to be completed during the break. Since the district maintenance people would be too busy, outsiders would be hired to do the job.
Was it necessary to get the job done immediately?
Was it more cost effective to have it done during the holidays by an outside company, rather than by maintenance people already on the payroll during spring or summer break?
Wouldn't it be much more cost effective for everything to be the same neutral color?
I know this may seem nit picky, but when our district is under the microscope to be penny-wise, I would like to think visual appeal and personal preference should not be considered. Necessity and value of services, should be priority.
Is this something for which we should ask the district to be accountable ?
Bloggers let me hear from you.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
New Websites-2
I have recently found 2 new website I'd like to share.
The first is the Hinckley Big Rock -Concerned Cititzens blog. I wanted to share this so you can see we have problems in common with our neighboring communities and actually throughout IL. By making ourselves aware, we can possibly read and share information and strategies for getting results within our home districts.
Secondly......
CITIZENS FOR REASONABLE AND FAIR TAXES -see the links on the right side of this blog page.
I have not been able to check out everything they have on their site, I did appreciate an explanation on the tax cap. Many times Dr. Jerome Roberts and others have used the tax cap as a reason for not receiving enough money to support our schools.
I feel better informed after reading this and hope you will, too. Just for reference, it discusses Consumer Price Index. I was not sure what it meant or how it affected our taxes, so I have included a link to better explain.
What is CPI ?
I would like to add, though I recommend this site to become a better informed voter, I do not agree with some of the things I have read about teachers unions. I will admit, I am a UAW member, so I am more appreciative of unions and their function in our community.
All in all, I felt this site worth a visit.
The first is the Hinckley Big Rock -Concerned Cititzens blog. I wanted to share this so you can see we have problems in common with our neighboring communities and actually throughout IL. By making ourselves aware, we can possibly read and share information and strategies for getting results within our home districts.
Secondly......
CITIZENS FOR REASONABLE AND FAIR TAXES -see the links on the right side of this blog page.
I have not been able to check out everything they have on their site, I did appreciate an explanation on the tax cap. Many times Dr. Jerome Roberts and others have used the tax cap as a reason for not receiving enough money to support our schools.
I feel better informed after reading this and hope you will, too. Just for reference, it discusses Consumer Price Index. I was not sure what it meant or how it affected our taxes, so I have included a link to better explain.
What is CPI ?
I would like to add, though I recommend this site to become a better informed voter, I do not agree with some of the things I have read about teachers unions. I will admit, I am a UAW member, so I am more appreciative of unions and their function in our community.
All in all, I felt this site worth a visit.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Perception vs Reality
Perception vs Reality. The pro ref catch phrase.
Dr. Roberts made reference at the meeting and makes reference to it, yet again in the article in the Beacon, Christmas day.
”…..There’s often a disconnect between the workings of a school district internally and the perceptions of that working from the community. I don’t know how to make that right.“
It is this authors belief that the policy /budget makers do not understand, that the voters DO understand and say NO to a tax increase to those “workings of (131) school district.”
One thing that keeps being brought up and is a misconception:
This is not all about the band director. We should give credit to the administration that made that decision. Had it not been for that ridiculous move, many of us would have stayed on the sidelines allowing the school board and admin to continue to make decisions without voice or educated vote of the community. They encouraged us to become involved by challenging our intelligence. We have become informed and we keep trying to be heard, but they don’t seem to listen.
First, I would like to say good job, Dr. Roberts, on getting that just-for-the-kids, sympathy propaganda on the front page. I appears as if the Beacon might be one of the “business partners” the district must be referring to when they speak about the partnerships they have formed, in favor of a referendum. A gift, rather than a “contribution ” is what the Beacon has given to the district many times, in it’s coverage of the community vs. the administration of District 131.
Jerome Roberts open door policy, sounds nice in theory (or we could say in perception). In reality, if within that open door there are not open minds, then the door may as well be closed.
Roberts makes reference to the ”workings of a school district”.
Reality…..we work and live in this district. We are the families of the 13,000 children this guy is trying to help. (As stated in the Beacon today-”just a guy trying to help 13,000 kids.”)
He works here and draws a nice salary from our district. Does he, the board and his co-workers live here, have children going to District 131 public schools? Do they truly have a grasp of what the majority of this community feels is important to us and the education of our children?
Roberts may open the door, but the fact that few walk in, says something about how the community perceives the value placed upon their input. I have seen how the numbers have dropped in parental involvement at the secondary schools. The school admin. tries to figure out where the problem lies. They can try and blame language barriers and working parents, or parents lack of concern. I would guess, it is because the door has been left closed far too long. Now, they swing it open give us a smile and stick out their hand and ask us to trust they know what is best for our schools.
We are on a watch list, our budget has been, in the red for years, major blunders have been made public, and the 131 officials basically say “trust in me.”
The LAW has required the district to balance the budget. They want us to be sympathetic. They want to convince us they are just trying to be “fiscally prudent.” Why did it take a law for them to feel they should be frugal with our schools resources?
When the schools were not performing as they were required, we were told we should fear the possibility of the state taking over our schools. The result- we would lose all the arts, and extra curricular activities and athletics.
If the district is planning on doing that anyway, why are we worrying about being within budget?
Why not let the state take over?
Our kids do not have comfortable consistency within their schools. We lose teachers, and it is not all due to teachers wanting more money. We are threatened with programs being cut. It seems to be a trial and error sort of policy. Too many dollars have been spent experimenting with educational programs, and failing our children and their teachers.
I shall step off my soap box. I’d like to hear others point of view.
Dr. Roberts made reference at the meeting and makes reference to it, yet again in the article in the Beacon, Christmas day.
”…..There’s often a disconnect between the workings of a school district internally and the perceptions of that working from the community. I don’t know how to make that right.“
It is this authors belief that the policy /budget makers do not understand, that the voters DO understand and say NO to a tax increase to those “workings of (131) school district.”
One thing that keeps being brought up and is a misconception:
This is not all about the band director. We should give credit to the administration that made that decision. Had it not been for that ridiculous move, many of us would have stayed on the sidelines allowing the school board and admin to continue to make decisions without voice or educated vote of the community. They encouraged us to become involved by challenging our intelligence. We have become informed and we keep trying to be heard, but they don’t seem to listen.
First, I would like to say good job, Dr. Roberts, on getting that just-for-the-kids, sympathy propaganda on the front page. I appears as if the Beacon might be one of the “business partners” the district must be referring to when they speak about the partnerships they have formed, in favor of a referendum. A gift, rather than a “contribution ” is what the Beacon has given to the district many times, in it’s coverage of the community vs. the administration of District 131.
Jerome Roberts open door policy, sounds nice in theory (or we could say in perception). In reality, if within that open door there are not open minds, then the door may as well be closed.
Roberts makes reference to the ”workings of a school district”.
Reality…..we work and live in this district. We are the families of the 13,000 children this guy is trying to help. (As stated in the Beacon today-”just a guy trying to help 13,000 kids.”)
He works here and draws a nice salary from our district. Does he, the board and his co-workers live here, have children going to District 131 public schools? Do they truly have a grasp of what the majority of this community feels is important to us and the education of our children?
Roberts may open the door, but the fact that few walk in, says something about how the community perceives the value placed upon their input. I have seen how the numbers have dropped in parental involvement at the secondary schools. The school admin. tries to figure out where the problem lies. They can try and blame language barriers and working parents, or parents lack of concern. I would guess, it is because the door has been left closed far too long. Now, they swing it open give us a smile and stick out their hand and ask us to trust they know what is best for our schools.
We are on a watch list, our budget has been, in the red for years, major blunders have been made public, and the 131 officials basically say “trust in me.”
The LAW has required the district to balance the budget. They want us to be sympathetic. They want to convince us they are just trying to be “fiscally prudent.” Why did it take a law for them to feel they should be frugal with our schools resources?
When the schools were not performing as they were required, we were told we should fear the possibility of the state taking over our schools. The result- we would lose all the arts, and extra curricular activities and athletics.
If the district is planning on doing that anyway, why are we worrying about being within budget?
Why not let the state take over?
Our kids do not have comfortable consistency within their schools. We lose teachers, and it is not all due to teachers wanting more money. We are threatened with programs being cut. It seems to be a trial and error sort of policy. Too many dollars have been spent experimenting with educational programs, and failing our children and their teachers.
I shall step off my soap box. I’d like to hear others point of view.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
"Tuesday Talk" tonight
Dr. Jerome Roberts will host a community forum. He hopes to encourage parent and resident comments. Topic will be about the possibility of a referendum, again on the April ballot and budget reduction plans for 2007-2008 school year.
This is open to the public at the School Service Center, 417 Fifth Street @ 7 PM.
Hope to see many bodies in attendance. Even if you do not wish to comment, come and support those who do. If you cannot be there in person, please give thoughts for those who represent you.
This is open to the public at the School Service Center, 417 Fifth Street @ 7 PM.
Hope to see many bodies in attendance. Even if you do not wish to comment, come and support those who do. If you cannot be there in person, please give thoughts for those who represent you.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Community Forum starts Tuesday
Dr. Jerome Roberts will host a community forum to create open dialog with parents and residents about possibly putting a referendum on the ballot in April. Budget cuts will be discussed, also.
The meeting starts at 7pm @ the School Service Center.
If you are reading this blog, you must care. Please try to attend!
The meeting starts at 7pm @ the School Service Center.
If you are reading this blog, you must care. Please try to attend!
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