I have found that some things posted in the minutes are abbreviated. I would like to share my comments in their entirety.
Dee has forwarded hers, and they are posted, also.
Below is what appears posted on the 131 website under Board Bits.
Board of Education Meeting
Monday, July 16, 2007– 7:00 P.M.
School Service Center
417 Fifth Street
· Comments of Board Members
Mrs. Dee Weaver had concerns regarding information that appeared in the Beacon Newspaper.
Mrs. Rayanne Carlson read comments she felt regarding the board and how decisions are made and were made at the last board meeting.
Our statements verbatim can be read in the comment section of this post
65 comments:
It has been a very eventful 2 weeks since out last board meeting. District 131 has been in the Beacon at least 4 times. Once in a commentary by the staff of the Beacon, and 3 times with information regarding ongoing issues within the district. It is unfortunate that as a board member I was not made aware prior to the rest of the community. I learned thru the Beacon that we have more revenue than expected, but we don't know why. Then 2 days later I learn that their have been discussions with Bigelow Builders in regards to the land donation. " The school district decided not to take the additional land". This discussion must have been at a meeting I wasn't told about because I certainly didn't vote on this issue or any issue pertaining to this land donation. Truth be told, I am not in favor of accepting this donation or any donation without full disclosure of what it entails. {Dr. Roberts I do believe I emailed you in regards to how I feel when we discussed the 1000.00 donation to the "soccer club".} I did not read this because Dr. Roberts was not present at that meeting. Then this Saturday much to my surprise is an article that has to do with an issue that came before the very committee I sit on. The article is in regards to the summer tutoring program that at last mention Ms. Gonzalez was waiting for better terms in the contract before going forward. I not only wasn't informed that we were about to begin this program but I wasn't told we had come o an agreement. After reading over the contract included in this packet, I see it isn't what we discussed at our June 11 committee meeting. Perhaps we could have discussed this at the July 9th meeting except it was cancelled due to no action items.
There seems to be a continuing thee here and I think before this board goes forward with any other action, we need to discuss communication and policy. I think we should start off with this board's expectation of this superintendent and the direction we would like to be going in. If this information is available, I would appreciate having a copy emailed, faxed, or couriered. I am off on vacation this week give me a call and I'll stop by and pick it up.
This community has asked us for honesty, transparency, and communication and I think we need to start right here at this board table.
Dee
I appreciate the nice photos the Beacon ran of our summer band. As a long term band booster, I would like to say thanks to the district for loaning instruments, insurance and buses, without them we‘d be sunk. Boosters are not able to give a lot to the program as far as money. The Boosters do fund, organize and run the camp. For that reason, I would like to make a minor correction to the Beacon. It was not EA school district as stated in the paper, but rather EA Band Boosters 15th annual summer band camp that marched and played so well in the parade. I like to see credit given where it is due :o) (Actually credit goes to Amy Huggins, the summer band director) In fact the music, the band played was enjoyed so much, they were invited to play in Montgomery’s parade. But had to decline.
On another bright note, I want to say thank you to Jay for his contribution to my request for help in sending packages to John Turnage, an East Aurora alumni (2004) serving in Iraq. I sent 2 boxes jam packed with stuff. Thank you!
Since I missed last meeting, bear with me, I have twice as much to say this time.
In the short time I have been on this school board, a few major decisions have already had to be made. The first night I was sworn in, I had to decide who I would like to lead this team of school board members. I had no working knowledge of these people. Basically, my only contact with them was when I came to meetings as a community member. On those occasions the board was not “allowed” to respond to me. So things were pretty impersonal. On the night of the board meeting, one person was nominated, so it seemed my vote was cast.
Since that time, I have been given a wealth of information. A box full! I went to a 3 day workshop in Chicago and learned much more about law, than I hope will ever be necessary to use in our district. I am learning quickly, I have much more to learn about governance, as it relates to every thing we do. The 131 school board has yet to inform me of all local particulars, once they do, I am sure I will need more boxes :o) Thank you to the district for allowing me, the opportunity to attend.
Tonight being the night we wear red & black I would like to let you know, my children have lots of EA T-shirts and I have acquired a few, also. We have been active school participants in 131activities for many years. I ran for the school board to be an active district participant.
One of the board members pointed out to me they had to take “vacation days” from their job to attend a board event. I get time off from my job for school board stuff and it is called “civic leave” which means since I hold an elected position I am given approved time off work (not partial days, full days only). I do not get paid for these days they are just excused absences when attending workshops and other such stuff that occurs during my normal working hours. I actually lose money when I take civic leave. I lost 2 days pay for the workshop, plus traveling expenses to attend. I lose even more if my employer decides to switch me to 2nd shift and I must take off work to attend all board meetings. I am sure other members have similar situations. We knew that when we ran for this position. I made the conscience choice when I petitioned to be on the ballot to sacrifice time from my family and money from my budget. These were choices I made to make a contribution to my school district and community.
I was quite disappointed to find out from a friend who attended the last meeting, and then I read in the paper, there was a vote taken at the last meeting. I would have liked to have been an active participant or contributed with remote input or made a proxy vote, if possible, since I could not be here.
I left town in the wee hours-Sunday morning and though there were items listed on the agenda, I received on Friday, there had not been specific information distributed to the board members, prior to my leaving town.
All that I have learned in this short time led me to believe there was protocol to follow prior to motions and voting. My assumption was- though the items were on the agenda, the processes were not complete, therefore no action would be taken, and I would be back by the next meeting.
Silly me, I forgot one of many rules I learned over 40 yrs ago, never assume.
Those of us who have chosen to contribute our time, were not given an opportunity to be “in on” the decisions. A decision was made without giving all the members of this board the privilege of making an informed choice. I am not saying we would not have still voted in favor of the teachers contract, but I believe we should have been informed of changes made and the impact, or lack there of, on our community and district. So when that community asks me for clarification, after reading the story of the boards decision in the local paper, I would have been able to honestly respond that I listened and made MY choices based on what I believe my community, would expect of me, being their trustee.
After all we are a team! Aren’t we? I had not received information. So, why would I assume one representative of our board would decide for all 7 of us elected members what we think is right for 131. Another poor assumption on my part.
Over the last year or so, I have attended forums and community gatherings concerning our district. I have been open and honest in all I have been a part of concerning the health of our district. I have only one agenda and that being a part of improving that health.
I think our biggest ill is communication at all levels and until we put more focus on making sure our students, their parents, our taxpayers and the coworkers of this district are communicating clearly, we are not going to gain trust or support.
I felt I had good reason for becoming a part of this board -for the fact that I want to be a link with the community. Then I read in the Assoc. for School Board literature, That is exactly what I am suppose to be!
The IL Assoc. for School boards says I am…..The trustee,.. Connecting.. and engaging.., in touch with the community. I am to take full responsibility, collectively and individually for Board activity and behavior and for the work it chooses to do and how to do it. It says I am obligated to express my opinion and respect others, and do all this and come together with one voice.
I am duty-bound to give my opinion, it says. Yet, collectively, I have not discussed many items coming before this board and therefore will not take responsibility for what is said, it is not said on my behalf, but rather commanded by quotes in the newspaper.
My first vote as a board member was not an educated choice I made but was decided by default, when one person was nominated for board president. Too many decisions are being made as if there is no other choice to make. As 1/7 of this board we all have equal voice and vote and should be given that opportunity by our peers, and our local media before making statements regarding the “board” and it’s business plans.
And that is this one woman’s opinion. Thank you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I SO appreciate your making this information available to us, the taxpaying public!
Kudos to you for doing this. A question, is the board concerned at all that the kids will be starting school in two weeks and there are over 47 open positions in the district, including a assistant principal at a middle school? How will this affect our kids education coupled with no activities aside from sports at the middle schools? Is anyone trying to deal with this? I know some of you have/had kids in the district...how do feel about this?
My comments ( in general)at the August 6th meeting:
When sitting on the other side of this table or when I worked nights, I wanted more communication from my children’s schools and district.
I have attempted to gather as much info as time will allow for myself and from those with whom I must rely on to get the info & answers.
Being a newbie on the board makes me feel like Kermit the frog -it is not easy being green. So please bear with some issues that concern me that may seem unnecessary to others. I am slowly reading the two notebooks of board policy. I am, also, looking forward to the opportunity to start going through past closed meeting minutes to bring me up to date on past board dialog that has brought us to where we are today.
First, as for the physical aspect the policy….I believe there are many strides we could make to become a little more environmentally friendly and more communication friendly to folks in the community. My son is an environmental biologist. He would have a cow if he saw the amount of paper being used in these offices. I do not think we are ready to have paperless board packets yet, but I do believe much of our policies and files such as 2 huge policy notebooks and the cataloging of job descriptions and files such as these could be digitized and would be readily available to anyone needing a copy.
It is my understanding that a previous admin, required fax machines to be in all board members homes. I have spoke with people who do work with the informational servicing of global companies. They could not fathom the purpose of a fax machine in this day and age when we have email, cell phones, text messaging and sharing of files easily accessed via the internet. The only purpose would be for an individual not having access to any of the previously mentioned means of communication.
I am not sure why we have not implemented these cost saving work procedures, but hope to see them in the near future.
It would be nice if we could offer Street Film Productions from the high school a stipend. Who in turn could start video taping our board meetings for community members to watch at their leisure from their homes on YouTube, or our local cable channel, as other school boards are already doing. This would be at little cost and major benefit to the district.
It would not only allow the community to view at their convenience but also, encourage the community to post input via blogging on the YouTube site, that the board could use for community engagement. For those unsure of blogging, the presidential candidates are now appealing to bloggers.
Our district website is antiquated. West High offers up to date current info for parents and students. News of athletics and PR stuff that has gone on during the summer. We could get info to our community and school board members as quickly or quicker than the Beacon, should we update our website.
On 131 website if you click on links you get a restricted area message.
We have no recent news on the Home page. No easy links from the homepage pertinent to parents, students or community. Other than a very basic school calendar.
It has been campaigned that people look at the schools when deciding to buy a home. In 2007 do you think people actually go and visit the schools when they can go the world wide web to by a car, find a job and check out the neighborhood they are considering moving to? Our website is many times the first view of our schools that new residents, and prospective businesses & employees see of 131. We should be selling ourselves much better with an improved website.
This is something we can do without spending a lot of money on a professional webmaster at this point. We would need someone to create and update daily, at the minimum weekly. I have checked how this might happen with minimal cost to the district. It was suggested by a computer tech at my job that many times young people, such as a college student/grad looking for experience, would do it as a paid intern, willing to set up a website for far less than the cost of a professional, yet would still get us connected to the 131 community.
Money should not be an issue when it comes to the district communication with our community members & students families. We have laid the guilt trip on our tax payers for not handing over more money. We have put the students clubs, fine arts and athletics on the chopping block as a penalty for not getting the much need dollars to balance the budget. What have we as a school board done to help alleviate this burden?
There is a National School Board Annual Conference in Orlando next year. They are offering programs on Accountability, Community engagement, Continuous improvement, many very useful learning experiences for our board. I have a brother who lives in Orlando who I would love to go see !
Yet, I feel we the board, too must sacrifice and forego this event this next year and put that money where our mouths are and use alternative methods to acquire the knowledge we need to make improvements in our district. In fact, I would like to review policy that sets the criteria for deciding what events should be supported and how much funding should be allocated to these type of events. We have a conference in Chicago coming up in November.
I spoke with someone at the Illinois Association of School Boards in Springfield, this afternoon. They assured me events do not start before 8am and there are no IASB sponsored events after 5pm, so I see no need for us to stay (over nght) in Chicago at added expense to the district when we can commute as Dee and I did at our expense, when we attended the new board member workshops.
When it comes to the districts improvement & strategic plans or the boards policies and agendas, and cutting of the budget, there has been much rhetoric about how more people and meetings and plans and programs will help us.
We need to take what we have and make the most of it. We have highly educated administrators that should be able to formulize plans. We shouldn’t pay outsiders to tell us how to best educate our students and align our teachers programs.
Communication between our teachers and admin. Between our staff and the community is where we need to look for answers.
If we want to pay for outside help, let us have a company come and allow the staff to evaluate their jobs, admin, students and workplace, anonymously without fear of repercussions.
Let’s survey the community and find out what the families feel they are missing in our schools.
I’d like to see us start asking our staff and 131 community for constructive feedback to help us get through these rough times.
Excellent job Dee and Rayanne. Really, top notch!
Eastsider.
Could you get those guys to update that website. There is no excuse for it having the change of date for the June Board Meeting. You need to fire who ever is suppose to be taking care of it. You partner with the West side on things maybe they could have whoever does there give us some tips or help us start a decent website. If not get rid of it.
I have made requests and suggestions about changing/ updating the 131 website.
It keeps being all about money. Though I have not been made quite clear who's is getting paid to take care of the site.
I am working on this. I feel it is very important as a communications tool with the community and within our schools/ staff community.
Though we have some very technologically educated individuals within our district, we, too, have some people resistant to change.
Please stay tuned.
Do you think if someone donated a website program to the district that they would have someone to run it and maybe that would help.
They have announced donations form other sources for library books and building materials.
You could make the offer and specify you would like to see it used to improve the district website.
They can accept, if compatible to their system. Or they can graciously decline. Either way, it would be kind and generous offer.
While registering my student the other day, a young man with a camera was taking pictures. I overheard him say he was there for Clayton. Hopefully, this is not a paid employee. If there were budget cuts, why does he get an assistant? A better use of this young man would be to help out so the line goes faster...especially since there was not a single Waldo administrator helping when I was there....of course they are short one since both assistants quit.
I do think you have some good ideas. Especially about the website. You can't get any info from there.
I congratulate Dee and Rayanne for the effort they are putting in on behalf of D131. Also, in this I include Russell and Juanita. Good work folks. I also want to thank these people for the time they are spending on our behalf. One has a child still in school, all have jobs, have a family to take care of, household duties and all the things the rest of us have to do, plus the committees they are on for the school board, then there is the research on things, and for the new ones, all the things they still have to learn. Now, I have to go to the Beacon blog and see if they know about this site so they can come and read what their reporter did not put in the paper and then if they do read this, see what they will have to say about this.
I was at East High to register my daughter and I wanted to say it was a pleasant experience. I had been at registration in years past with my older children and waited in line for almost 2 hours. This time I was greeted at the door as I came in, directed to the line where I needed to be, and greeted again in the field house by an administrator. I was in and out in 15 minutes with everything I needed and then wished a good evening by yet another worker. If you had anything to do with this, thank you! As the child of a freshman, a good first impression. And on Friday, they held an orientation program for freshman. My daughter loved it, and loved that group leaders were east high students. Helps take some of those jitters away for her. Bravo! Just wanted to send along a good note for you. Thanks for all you do.
Really happy to hear good feedback.
There are lots of good staff and great student helpers at EAHS.
I personally did not have a hand in the above mentioned. I know it is on ongoing effort by many to keep all aspects of the high school experience running smoothly.
It is nice to hear when the efforts pay off.
My twins graduated in 2005. I can sincerely say, it was a wonderful time for all 3 of us.
Please do not let registration and parent conferences be the only time you go to the high school.
I did not attend many events when my oldest child went to East. I was able to go to many more activities with my twins, and we all had a great 4 years.
Thanks for your positive comments. Please check in and let us hear how things are going throughout the year.
East regristration process was the brain child of Joe Harmon, Assist Princ. He organized the plan and the secretaries did the labor of assembling all the packets so the process ran as smoothly as possible. Freshman orientation was under the direction of Dr. Wilson with the assistance of many teachers gave up their time to assist.
Just discovered this blog'
Thank you Dee and Raeanne for your honest and candid answered. As you are well aware niether the district potentates or the older board members think they should answer questions from the little people. You'll find that you won't get many comments from District Employees they have been punished in the past for talking too board members. This inspite of the fact that they are residents and tax payers of the district. I know of at least one employee that has been chastised for complaining to a board member since you folks have been elected! As you point out you can't be a communication link if people are not allowed to report to you what is going on! A recent Beacon editorial said "the board should listen to the experts you'ev hired". Please keep in mind these are the same experts that got us where we aretoday! They continue to waste money that the distict,according to them does,nt have they have money to spend on retreats, for unearned pay raise's additional vacation days and who knows how hidden stipends and retirement golden parachutes that I dont know about eg why do only high level administators have fully paid medical benifits ? By Dr Roberts admission these things are hidden from the public. Ref Delphi.com! I volunteer to be your watchdog , great to have someone like ya'all on the board keep it up our students need all the help you can give!
Thank you 3:05 for helping the credit get where the credit is due.
School started today, with the much-touted "Red & Black Pride" assembly taking place this morning at EHS. But when I look at the EHS website the first thing I read is Ms. Conrad's comment that "it's hard to believe the school year is almost over"!
Teachers have been busily setting up their classrooms and planning lessons for several weeks now, but none of the several (overpaid) principals at the high school can be bothered to update the remarks that "greet" anyone who visits the East High website.
Oh, whoops, I forgot--our standards are supposed to be lower now. Anyone who dares to mention that certain programs at the high school are not "better" as promised are just imagining things. After all, our all-powerful administrators say that their motivation is always to "take the program to the next level" (although up or down, they don't specify!).
Rayanne is correct when she says that the district website is the "first view of the schools" that potential homeowners see when considering moving into this district. I'm wondering whether certain administrators are purposely discouraging people from moving into the district--it sure looks that way to me!
It was brought up at the school board meeting again last night. Hopefully, if many folks keep making the point, the admin will get it.
We need improved up to date information on all our websites!
Ok, I can give them some slack on the website not being updated but I really don't buy there excuses I can believe that they would turn on the marque at east high and still have the information about the football camp in June. Don't they ever look at anything?
Jim Vaughn is still listed under the curriculum committee ?!?
I believe that about the marquee at the high school is not working because of the construction on the new addition. Sometimes asking a simple question will reveal an explanation instead of complaining and pointing blame.
What has the marquee have to do with the new construction? Is it programmed from there? Why is there new messages on it if what is stated true? Thought the new construction was done, as the students start school this week?
Are the clubs being brought back or not? The Beacon reported they were but then differing parties say that the high school clubs are reinstated but not the middle school clubs. Any truth to these rumors?
The marque is up and running as of yesturday the constrution has been finished.
Thank you for your answer on the marquee.
Went by there this morning and it has been turned off again.
The proposal about bonds to help to help with sounds almost to be true. Can we get more info on this ?
Marque back up and running this evening with the Summer Football camp on it.
East High website still outdated & obsolete.
Website has East West Football Game on it and the calendar of events from this current week. Just checked it.
The principal's comments (the first thing I read, at the top of the page) are still from May--"it's hard to believe the end of the year is approaching".
Then click on "Administration", and the most recent newsletter available is from April.
And the individual department pages are even worse: for example, under "Performing Arts" there's a group picture of teachers from 2 years ago, along with a schedule of last fall's events.
I repeat--
The East High website is outdated & obsolete.
But hey, what can we expect? Our standards are supposed to be lower now, right??
:(
If East can partner with the West side on some things why cann't dr. roberts ask them for help with the website. If they have a full time person working on it maybe they would be willing to help and we could pay them a fee. With what all these Administrators make you would think they would have some experience or maybe they would be willing to give up some of the extra money they get to help with the website. This is just a ploy to make people think they don't have money for it. There has to be someone in this district that has knowledge of websites.
8/23/07 @ 8:01pm
I just looked at the website and the scrolling bar still had Have a Great Summer! Is there another one out there we don't know about?
I think 8/23 at 8:01 p.m. was referring to the East High website, not the District 131 site.
But both are in desperate need of updating.
And I don't accept the excuse that it's all about money. How come almost all the grade school & middle school websites are current, but not the high school? Do those schools have more money to work with? Aren't any of the principals at East High willing to spend an hour (on the clock, of course) typing up some up-to-date information to display to taxpayers and folks who might want to consider moving into the district?
Again, shame on me for my high expectations. I keep forgetting that we're just supposed to accept without complaining whatever the EHS administration decides we deserve!
What about Clayton? Isn't he suppose to be the public relation person? Looks like he does things on school time tha is not related to school, so he would not have to be paid extra. How about making it an assignment for computer students, or giving them extra credit for updating it? Is there a parent out there that could do it? I'd try but I mess up my own computer, but if someone wias willing to show me I'd do it.
I just took a look at openlineblog.com under a blog about East Aurora and there is a statement about Bud in it where they state that he has moved over to Montgomery but within the district do you know anything about this? There is also a statement he might live in Boulder Hill but no proof to that. If he has moved within the district why doesn't he just say so. They are public officials and people have a right to know before rumors get flying. It makes you wonder what else the board is hiding and here they go again talking about a referendum and they wonder why people don't trust them.
I am not sure where Bud lives, but the best way to find out is to ask Bud.
I will try and remember to do that at the next board meeting and will get back to you.
Name/AKAs Age City, State Address Birthday Phone
1. HERBIG, DONALD L 78 AURORA, IL
MONTGOMERY, IL
Available Available Available
Found this on openlineblog:
ann ricora
I would think that the old school board members would be the ones to know about Bud Herbig's new address,if there is one. He had his heart attack before they came on board, so how would the new ones know if not told? I really don't think this would be something that just would come up and be talked about by the school board.
8/25/07 5:00 PM
I believe the old board members keep alot from the new ones. They don't like change and just want to say yes to about everything these committees bring to the board. I see now that the new members ask questions about what comes up from the committees. If you look at some of the websites about schools you will see that sometimes they are not always right. I bet some of the older ones don't really know what shape this school district is in and proably don't care cause to look at them it seems like they are just board members to say they belong to a board for somthing to do and doesn't care what goes on.
Winston Churchill wrote of the problem of consensus at the British Admiralty office in 1912:
"There is one epicycle of action which is important to avoid, viz ...
recognition of an evil;
resolve to deal with it;
appointment of a committee to examine it and discover the remedy;
formulation of the remedy;
decision to adopt the remedy;
consultation with various persons who raise objections;
decision to defer to their objections; decision to delay application of the remedy;
decision to forget all about the remedy and put up with the evil."
One of his successors as Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher had much to say about "consensus":
To me consensus seems to be: the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies in search of something in which no one believes, but to which no one objects; the process of avoiding the very issues that have to be solved, merely because you cannot get agreement on the way ahead. What great cause would have been fought and won under the banner "I stand for consensus"?
The Purpose of Committees
The key to such committees using these techniques is that the desired outcome is planned in advance. The purpose of the committee is not to design or plan or come up with a new course of action. Rather, the purpose is to "achieve consensus" on a desired course of action that is already known (by the organizers).
The findings have remained consistent: average pay increases and estimated pensions for those in the education field are far above those of private sector workers.
“These pay increases have nothing to do with performance,” Biver said. These extremely high pay increases are the result of the teacher unions’ monopoly power and the right to strike. Taxpayers are bearing the burden of this excess because basic economic principles are ignored and market forces are kept out.”
While school districts continue to push for ever more funding through General Assembly action and property tax referendums, The Champion maintains that better options are available, including:
Increasing incentives to efficiency by empowering parents through school choice and increasing the number of charter schools.
Full disclosure of all public school expenditures through online searchable databases and all employee contracts so there can be citizen oversight.
The creation of a rational pay structure for Illinois public school employees based on state and federal civil service pay structures.
“The state constitution calls for both high quality and efficiency in the public schools, and the citizens of Illinois are being short-changed on both accounts,” Biver said. “The Champion Foundation continues to call for specific reforms that will help accomplish that constitutional mandate. Choice and competition are what our public schools need; not more money that will be spent on excessive pay increases rather than on educating children.”
State funding for education in Illinois has doubled in the past 12 years, and Biver believes it is time for innovation rather than increased spending.
“These incredibly high salary increases are not justified and taxpayers cannot afford to continue to reward a system that is failing Illinois’ school children.”
The Champion School Accountability Project uses only Illinois State Board of Education public school teacher and administrator pay data.
On the subject of committees:
"A camel is a horse designed by a committee".
Good one about the camel.
Excessive pay increases for teachers and administrators do not improve student academic achievement
By Mike Davitt
As a former school board member in Naperville CUSD 203, I have long been an admirer of The Champion Foundation and its use of clear facts to enlighten Illinoisans about their education system. The Champion’s recent August 24 article, “Over 200 Illinois public school systems post above average pay increases,” is a timely and important piece.
The reason for this alarming statistic is quite simple: not enough people vote during school board elections which results in union-endorsed school board members getting elected who are going to cater to, or cower to, the teachers’ union that helped them get elected.
Back during our 2005 negotiations with the District 203 NUEA, our board was comprised of five fiscal liberals and two fiscal conservatives. After months of negotiating, our fiscally-liberal board majority had bid against themselves to the point where they were offering the union an unbelievable three-year 15% offer.
But the NUEA president said the offer “was not showing the teachers enough respect,” so the 203 teachers voted to strike if the offer wasn’t increased. Despite the fact that District 203 revenue is limited by a voter-enacted property tax cap, and the fact that taxpayers are not realizing these kinds of raises, this offer was already exceedingly excessive. And the community knew it.
Never had the school board received as many emails from the community—the overwhelming majority of which were imploring the board to hold firm and not go beyond the already excessive offer. What did the board do? On the eve before school was to start, and with several board members crying, they voted 5-2 to enhance the offer to 15.6%. Keep in mind this is just the base plus step increase. It leaves out the other additional income benefits included by the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS).
Do not fall for the union’s mantra that “teachers are underpaid.” Teachers today are paid very well. According to TRS data, teachers and administrators employed in District 203 between 2000 and 2006 have received total compensation increases averaging 7.2%. Clearly, ours is one of the 200 school systems posting above average pay increases.
But the very real and worrisome reality of these excessive pay increases is the fact they do absolutely nothing to improve academic achievement. Since its inception 30-plus years ago, the socioeconomics in this fine community has enabled District 203 to produce high-caliber students for decades—academics have never been a function of spending.
Or look at it from another way. It took this district approximately 22 years to reach $100 million in spending during a time of significant enrollment growth. In the next 11 years, spending increased to $196 million (96%) at a time when student enrollment increased by 3%. And no new buildings were built during this time. This is what happens when fiscally irresponsible board members are put in charge of 73% of the property taxes, and when they treat taxpayer like ATMs. And it’s also why the majority of school districts in Illinois are running deficits.
District 203 is now busy planning for its second referendum in eight years. This time it’s not about bailing them out of a deficit; it’s about bricks and mortar. The theme for the campaign is: “Touch the Future.” It has a nice ring to it doesn’t it. But where have all the tens of millions gone? Why is there even a need for a facilities referendum?
We’re now back full circle to the topic at hand: above average pay increases. There comes a time when voters have to wake up and stop rewarding such fiscally irresponsible behavior in their school districts. After all, you don’t reward bad behavior from your children do you? A more appropriate theme for taxpayers would be: “Heed the Past.” It’s not about a couple of hundred dollar increase on your property tax bill; it’s a matter of principle.
Plato said, “We assume people who know how to get votes know how to administer a city or a state.” Don’t make this assumption because when it comes to school board candidates, it’s definitely not true. Study your school board candidates very carefully. Find out who the teachers’ union is endorsing. And most importantly, get off your butts and vote! Your taxes and your children’s education can again be in your control.
Thanks Mike for the info on 203 your comments illuminate our problems! But we should also demand full disclosure of all the monies and benefits that are meted out to teachers and administrators its time to open the books too everyone we have the right toknow where and how our money is being spent! Your right on people must get off thier butts and VOTE!
Administrative pay increases have far beat out the teacher pay increases for this district. Why does the board continually increase admin salaries even though they are the bottom line buck stops here responsible party for our ISAT scores? They make the curriculum calls, they choose, evaluate, and retain the teachers. They choose the programs (like bilingual and special education funding). This board needs to look where the problems lie: administration.
On DEc 6th 2007 district 131 administrators had a xmas party at the Aurora Coutry Club. The word is out that the bill was paid by companies that do business with the district. Were board members aware of taht the venders were asked to contribute $700.00 each ? Did any board members attend? If any lawyers read this please let us Know is this is legal?bow
I was not aware who paid for this dinner. I am presently in "communication" with admin & other board members about the "perks" of a board member & Adminstrator.
i.e. Perks vs "part of doing business"
Please encourage community members to attend board meetings and ask these questions. We need different faces asking the questions so 131 knows the more of community cares and is paying attention.
FYI-I did NOT attend the "holiday gathering."
It is now the 18th do you have any info on this yet? I was surprised at your answer about attending board meetings' as you know from personal experiance the board does not answer questions at meetings nor do they follow up as claimed. Unless you have lot of time to waste to watch amin types slap each other on the back. While trying to dazzle the board with thier dog and pony show.you might as well stay home. Nothing has changed on this board money is still wasted promised cuts have not been made and the board is not transparent. I do thank You for looking into this party I knw for a fact that monies were raised as I have described.
I am sorry that you have been anxiously awaiting an answer and I have been negligent in getting one.
It is no easier getting answers from the board side of the table than it is from the front/ community side.
I am working hard to get a few things changed and keep up to date on things that are in the works within 131. I did not priortize a question about a dinner that has already taken place as opposed to keeping abreast of things that may happen that could cost our district money. I have not forgotten you.
Hope to report back soon.
We have just had a board member pass away last night, so other business may take priority.
BUD WILL BE MISSED i MAY DISAGREE WITH A LOT OF WHAT HE SAID, BUT HIS MOTIVES WERE SINCERE. HE REALLY CARED ABOUT THE KIDS. I AM SURE THAT JESUS WILL HAVE PLACE FOR BUD ON HIS BOARD. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY.
I would really like an answer as to who paid for this party and how much. If any of this is true it will cost hte district money quid quo pro. Or you do for me and we'll do for you. This kind of conduct cannot be tolerated by any tax funded organization. Please check this out. This should be high priority.
It would appear that your not going to answer my questions about the dinner .As you say its hard to get answers even when your 0n the board. But I'll ask an easy one why are we going tospend over $2,000 for no smoking signs in buildings that have not permitted smoking in over ten years. It is no longer legal in the state of Il to smoke anywhere in public. Please don,t say that it,s only $2000 and you are using grant funds Money is Money no matter the source or how much it is . Dee these are the things you promised to stop. I guess we'll have to wait for the next election to try again to get board members who will do what they promise. I had high hopes when I supported you.
To disappointed.
I have been away from this blog for a long time and as I read all the postings I am happy to see others have not.
Rayanne let me know I was mentioned in a comment so I felt it was important that I address your concerns.
I apologize but I don't know anything about signs being purchased or put up. I assume this is happening because it is mandated by law but will pass the question on to Nestor and/or Bob to see if that is correct.
I was also not aware of the cost but it appears you might have more information than I do. Please let me know any other specific dollar amounts you might be concerned with and I will see what I can find out. All departments have funds they are budgeted to cover costs just like this so the purchase would never even come to the board table. That said, some of that spending is not always necessary and since you seem to have access to that information I would love hearing more about it.
I have been addressing these concerns and many others at our board meetings and workshops. In fact we will be having a board workshop this Thursday January 10 starting at 6pm at the service center. We will discussing the possibility of a referendum on the November ballot and information and questions regarding spending would be beneficial. It would also be beneficial to have that type of imput from the community. Many times other board members dismiss our concerns stating that is our opinion, not the opinion of the community.
If I may, I will address a few other questions that have been posted here.
I did not attend the Christmas Party at the country club. I have no idea how that was paid for but I have looked over the monthly bills and cannot see anything made out to the country club. It could very well have been paid for by our vendors. It surprises me a little, but after attending the IASB workshops in November it appears that this type of behavior is common place. That dosen't mean I agree with it, just that it did not raise an eyebrow by any of the 100's of districts attending this years or previous years workshops.
We have alot of issues ahead of us this year. We will be interviewing for a new board member. Deadline for submissions is Monday January 14 at 4:45. Sorry for the short notice, I just learned about this last night at the board meeting. I had been asking since New Years Day but.............. Even if you just want to learn more about the process turn in a letter of intent and ask your questions during your interview. The more the merrier.
I am sorry that you feel disappointed in what I have done so far on this board. If I could wave a wand and change things I would but it just isn't that easy. My values and ideals still remain the same. I keep pushing for a strategic plan. I have asked that we review our goals and expectations for our superintendent. This is something we have not done at all since we have joined the board. We could use your help. Let the rest of the board know how you feel. Let them know you want a 5 year plan. That you want to know that your school board has clear direction and goals for their superintendent. Let us know what is important to you. I promise you I will continue to be your advocate with this board. Remember though, I am only 1 vote and the majority rules.
Hope to see you soon at a meeting or workshop.
Dee
Thanks for your reply , If other boards have not questioned this. type of coruption then shame on them. I have done some checking with friends that work for other government organizations and they all tell me its illegal. Perhaps regional or state boards could clarify the question. Except for you or RayAnne I don't know if any of the other board members have blogs.
P.S. If these signs are required by they are available free on the internet. The word is that Dr Roberts does not like scocth tape.
You people want perfect everything. If the school district taped up signs then you would complain about how tacky and crappy that looks. You would say that the West Side was able to afford nice signs. Why can't we. I am so sick of you ignorant people wanting the best schools for ZERO dollars.
I do not advocate spending zero dollars on education I do think that we should spend every dollar wisely. Money spent on these signs have nothing to do with educating our children. The only time I compare our district to others is in the area of quality education where it counts face the facts this district is a total failure. I think your line of thinking is part of the problem. Spend the few dollars we have on those things that are important education. Dee the state does have a gift band act that requires the district to ethicts standards no less restrictive then the states. Do we have such standards? I know I'ev become a pest on this. But please let me know.
I can'T BELIEVE that Dr Roberts never heard any member of the public ask that the district be more transparent. I know that every member of the board has used the word at board meetings and other meetings as well. Dr Roberts you used the word repeatedly in your canned referendum speech You were even quoted in the Beacon. If cell phones only cost pennies I think we pay all you bureaucrats enough pennies to pay your own ph0one bills. This kind of B.S. is why asking us to vote for a referendum is a waste of time and money. When a district is poor like we are you don't Waste pennies you save them: I'd also like to remind Roberts that he works for the board and the public if the board says no cell phones then there will be no cell phones. And by the way when is he going to move into the District. Oh I forgot East High isn't good enough for his children they deserve a quality education.
Tell me it isn't so , You guys didn't put fernando back on the board. I think this choice makes it clear that this board does not care what the people want, he wasn' reelected because he was a yes man to his wifes boss Crissy airhead. I also discover that
Maurice is aformer district employee and cronie of our crooked mayor. It is not the job of the board to get along,its make sure that our kids get the best education possable. Dee Rayanne,
keep up the good fight; watch your back thier stacking the board with yes men again. Could you please let us know how much it will cost to put the referendum on the ballot. Don't give up the fight you have more support then they do,if they try to pass the referendum again they will regret it.
Dee,Rayanne whats this I hear about you guys giving a reward to a person who cost us $900,000? It must be true Clayton put it in the be confused.
Please explain early Reirement What When Who Why and of course wheres the money??????
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