It has come to my attention that a few individuals had concerns about the name of this blog (East Aurora District 131) possibly causing confusion as to who may be administering this blogspot.
Most of those who have visited have appeared to know it's purpose, as outlined on the sidelines.
For those who felt misled or confused, I have changed a few minor things on the wording in the Title and information. My intention has never been to make people believe this site was sponsored by or administered by the 131 school district.
It has been suggested that a request may be made to have me remove this blog.
I feel confident those who were confused by the prior name will find their way to the place they were looking for and have no further need to be lost in a place they didn't want to be.
If looking for the school district website, a link may be found on the lower left of this blogspot.
57 comments:
I have never confused this with the district website or that it has anything to do with it. I have always believed that it was a place to voice our concerns about how things where going in the district. I believe that people post things on here that they think are wrong and even though they try to talk to the school board and others they just don't listen. There are many things that are going on in this district that are good but there are some things that are bad and we need to address them. All districts have bad things in them. For those that have things posted about them maybe they should look at themselfs and see if maybe some of it isn't true and try to correct the problems they are causing the district. Maybe some of the school board and administrators should really start listening to the teachers that are telling them about problems that need to be addressed. Let's give the teachers that don't have tenure a voice about there concerns in what they see happening and maybe they might have some ideas that would help. If somthing is put on this blog about a school board member or administrator or teacher you might want to look at yourself and see if there might be some truth in it. Remember we are here to give students the BEST EDUCATION we can without trying to achive our own success.
What they don't realize if they get you to remove this another one will start. We will be heard and if some people don't like it that's too bad. If you don't like what people say about you then get out of public life.
Ok, I'm getting out of public life because I don't like it. Thanks for the suggestion.
6:09 p.m. I agree with your point, but you should know that it's not just the teachers who don't have tenure who need to be worried about retaliation from D131 administration. A teacher in this district can have outspoken support from parents, students, and taxpayers. They can even be nominated as "Educator of the Year" in Kane County (as Kevin Kaisershot was several years ago). But if certain behinds are not kissed, guess what? They're out of their job. Call it "reassignment" if you want, or use Marin Gonzalez' terminology (going on to their "next journey in life")--the bottom line is just plain old retribution.
And that's wrong.
You are right that there are others that work for the district that might get retailation. The only reason people do this is because they know they are not doing right and don't want anyone to know. A good leader would want input to help. Yes, there would be crazy stuff but some might have a good idea.
If the teachers stood together and did what they feel or know needs to be addressed and done, just remember that all could not be fired or "going on their next journey in life".
It is just impossible.
As I recall Marin Gonzales is part of the problem.
Know that you would have this community support and would help in any way I can.
Any one else out there ready and willing to stand behind these teachers and do the same even tho they fear retalization?
Menmber agian parents, community members and senior citizens, board, superindentant, asst.ones, administrators and board can't do it to us all!
Mutiny on these in D131 that are not doing right.
Lets get this vessel into ship shape.
This website was originally started by Rayanne that we all had place to gather information and support each other in our efforts to restore the East Aurora District to a district we can be proud of. It's for sharing both good and bad things abouth any topic that affects our children and our community.
WE NEED THIS SPACE.
You got to be kidding me that roberts makes 191,417. Mr. roberts you make a good salary for this district and if you really were concerned about these children you would give up your raise for next year.
You can find his salary at:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/content/education/chi-071213salaries,0,4720045.formprofile
RANK DISTRICT COUNTY NAME SALARY
69 SD U-46 KANE Neale, Connie L $220,000
71 ST CHARLES CUSD 303 KANE Erwin, Barbara F $219,371
104 CUSD 300 KANE Arndt, Kenneth M $205,677
110 AURORA WEST USD 129 KANE Rydland, James $202,472
117 BATAVIA USD 101 KANE Barshinger, Jack K $201,152
134 KANELAND CUSD 302 KANE Mc Cormick, Charles H $194,790
135 GENEVA CUSD 304 KANE Mutchler, Kent D $194,631
144 AURORA EAST USD 131 KANE Roberts, Jerome $191,417
198 CENTRAL CUSD 301 KANE Hawk, Bradley J $171,910
It's interesting if you look at those positions just a couple of years ago, most were not much over $100,000. It makes a person wonder how many of those superintendents went before their boards with Dr. Radakovichs salary information to get their big raises.
Approximate overall income level in D131-$40,000.00.
$191,417.00-$40,000.00 = $151,417.00
And the man does not even live in this district.
At least Ryland moved to the West Side when he took the job as superintendant and came up with his stratejic plan right away as the one here did not and has not as of yet and he was supposed to right away.
Hey, Roberts can buy a heck of alot of White Castles for us with what he makes. think he'l let us have cheese on it.
From the posting below incase no one saw this. Ir does look like Waldo is having problems what are you doing about this?
You want examples, I got examples. I work in a middle school. I don't know much about how East High is on safety. Waldo has no metal detectors, and little supervision. Two teachers have been attacked this year by students, but nothing like what happened at Elgin or anything. They were both pushed by students and the students were charged, one was expelled, I think.
These two incidents of actual assaults against teachers, but students are disrespectful all the time, telling teachers to F*** off and so on. Many teachers don't go out in the hall during passing period because we feel powerless and outnumbered.
Worse than the two incidents with teachers, we have fights all the time between students. There was a time in the Fall where we had multiple fights per day. I mean, these were violent fights, not just middle school stuff. Kids came out bloody and hurt. Its gotten a bit better, but theres still several fights per week. Students just can't be controlled. There's no support from the administration. Students aren't suspended for telling teachers off or other offenses that anywhere else, might get a student 5 days or expelled!
This next one is a duzy! We had a kid caught with weed by the cops in school. Not just a bag with enough for himself, but a whole freaking bunch of weed bagged up to sell. Did he get expelled? Nope, he got a 10 day suspension. He was selling DRUGS in school and got to come back! Tell me thats safe. What's next? A week off for carrying a gun? I'm scared, really....
This is Waldo. I don't know about East, but these kids from Waldo will be there soon! If East is OK now, its about to get interesting!
Oh cmon, you mean PBIS is not working at Waldo!? The admin is just getting you prepared for next year when AMSA is not an option. It will just get worse when they cut the alternative school programs.
Your union has to be aware of this, and why are they not doing anything about it, or are they being ignored to? Why doesn't Dick Manley(is the right person)who was so willing to file charges against Rayanne do something about this? Has anyone brought this to the attention of the Beacon? Where charges filed against the student with the weed? Do you know the name of the officer(s) that was there? Now, I know that the administration has to be aware of this and this disturbs me greatly. Now, I know that this is easy for me to suggest, but if all the teachers were to get together, go to the Beacon, or better yet, The Daily Hearld, just remember that they cannot move all of you around or let you go. It is just impossibel, and you would have more help and win more respect than you know. I am not suggesting doing anything illegal or going against an union contract either!
Something has to start somewhere, and since I or others were not there for these instances we cannot do it, but we certainly can come forward to support and help you. Enough is enough!
to anonymous 2-22 @ 5:55.
thanks for sharing the info on Waldo. I have certainly heard there are discipline problems there this year but had no idea. A mother got up at the School Board meeting a earlier this month and was in tears talking about the lack of discipline. I suggest that a bunch of you go to the next meeting and put your name on the board to speak. That's also a good way for the Beacon to get ahold of the story because they always have a reporter their more than willing to report problems because it sells papers.
The open line in the Beacon is also a way to get attention.
Again, thanks for sharing. I don't have a child there anymore so its easy to loose touch.
MAybe this is why my kid's math teacher never comes to work. How are they supposed to learn if the teacher's don't come to work and they always have subs.
Only on the East Side. Nice article in the Beacon yesterday on the basketball player Will Brown.
This is a kid who has been an academic and discipline problem throughout his time in the district. Failed repeatedly. He is almost constantly suspended, is at an alternative school and was earlier this year suspended indefinately from the team by his own coach who also happens to be his guardian.
This is the type of person we put in the paper as someone you should know. It's no wonder kids of excellence run like hell from this district. I can only guess this is the work of our PR person Clayton. As we know all to well, he relates well with criminals, especially if they have dark skin.
I agree, why is this kid in the paper. He has made the wrong decisions in every choice he has had his whole life. He's eligible for this week in basketball and we run a story about him? I don't get it, how if you are bad enough to be placed at an alternative school are you good enough to play on the basketball team.
I have coached teams before and the students always know that they represent the school if they are on the team, that they must earn the position on the team and not just by putting the ball in the basket, but by their actions both on and off the court. It would be a slap in the face to every player I ever had if I put this kid on a team.
I can't believe that we can't find a student of excellence to run a story on in the local newspaper. Someone who has made the correct choices in their life and has a great future to look forward to. Someone who will be a leader of the community. Someone who despite the problems of their enviroment, is succeeding.
I for one would much rather read a story like that.
Why is it that when you call Waldo and ask for an administrator, they won't come to the phone? I can never get an administrator on the phone and when I come to the school I have to wait for a long time to see one. The office has all these kids in it who should be in class.
Roberts is the least qualified of all and many on the list have been at the job longer. East also has the lowest test scores.
it's sad a parent can't talk to admin when they want to, and then schools complain that parents don't get involved...i would suggest to the parent that says admin at waldo isn't there when you need that you take it to the district office...they seem to think waldo is perfect!
Is there any administrators at Waldo? I know that principals have not answered phone calls. Would one not go to administrators when the principal and teachers do not take phone calls, return them or answere emails? This is how it was done in the past and believe me the principal and teacher were not happy about it, but had to call the administrator directly. Believe it or not, there were some administrators who cared. Hope anyone doing anything like this is keeeping track of it or it is their word against yours.
Look, you won't be able to speak to any administrators at Waldo because no one wants to accept responsibility. To answer some questions...yes, the union knows of what has been going on there...yes, Roberts and Marin know everything too. There have been meetings with Roberts and Marin present at Waldo to discuss what has been going on there since last school year. They deny ever being there. What do you expect teachers to do? They are defeated. They have no one to help them. Nothing is changing. Once you think things can't get any worse, they do. Teachers can't contact the Beacon because the Beacon won't accept anonymous info. Teachers don't want to have their names released because of the inevitable back lash that will come. Its a lose-lose situation. I don't think anyone can stop the deterioration of East Aurora. I hope that Waldo finds a superhero soon for the sake of the kids.
If Roberts won't say he was there than it's time to find a new superintendent. If he won't speak about it then it must be he has no clue how to fix it.
Hopefully nothing bad happens at Waldo. It is a shame that the teachers have no one to turn too.
This is a reflection on the school board too.
Why are the teachers defeated? If they stand together, Roberts or certain ones on the board would find it hard to do something to them all. Does no one keep records of anything? Has anyone thought of taping when they talk to whomever? Sounds like everyone is giving into defeat before the real battle has started. No war will ever be won if defeat is admitted before the war begins. They just can't get rid of or transfer everyone at the same time!!!
Where are all the people who were so quick to judge the students of this community as not valuing education because they did not attend school when there was a threat made agaist East High School? Shouldn't they be making the same comments about the students in Geneva? All those good college bound kids in Geneva must not value education either. There was a threat agaist their Geneva High School and 70% of the students did not go to school.
I am concerned about D131 and what happens here. I did notice in the article in the paper that they(Geneva) did refer to what happened here. Looks like we were used as an example, such as that may be. Let the other communities take care of themselves. We need to take care of ours.
4:49-what do you mean
"they(Geneva) did refer to what happened here"
I do not get the paper. What happened here?
About the incident here at East High and the message on MySpace(threat). It was on the news.
An incident also happened in Berwyn and East High was referenced in that article too. This was in the Chicago Tribune.
A incident like the writing on the bathroom walls happened at the first of the school year at a middle school on the west side and the paper wrote about it but I guess Geneva didn't know or just used the East side because it happend lately. It is a shame because things like this seem to be happening in alot of schools. At least we don't have to put camera's on our buses to see how are kids are acting on them. Yes, I know we don't have buses.
I see the cuts are already starting to happen. Lots of non-tenured teachers are being notified that they will not be rehired next year. Many of these are good teachers that we will never be able to reaquire once they are gone.
The Beacon also reported that the alternative school programs are being cut.
The only real question is, is the district going to keep these students who are a threat to those around them in the schools with our children or are they just dumping them on the community? Either way, this is a poor choice from the communities perspective.
They claim there will be a higher expulsion rate which will be a community problem. If they don't expel them, they will cause more problems in the schools which will endanger the other students and the staff. It is a lose lose situation. Of course, this is a decision made by people who don't interact with these students.
Bet they still sneak that magnet school in. You, kmow the one that won't cost the district any money. HA! Letting the non-tenure go? Last rumor I heard was that they were looking for more teachers and wondering where to go get them. Does anyone know if the early retirement thing passed for the administrators?
Yes, the early retirement thing passed-2 members voted against it.
This does not surprise me that it passed. Does anyone know if it went over the 6% for the 3 years?
Gee, it is amazing that they do this for the admins and above, but already getting rid of teachers. Really know now where their priorities lay. Forget that referendum vote from me for sure now. After all, it is for the children, right? Wrong! Getting rid of teachers and giving this to the ones who do not teach the children. THey are just making a mess of the kids's education and being rewarded for it. Look for Christy Airds, or whatever her name is to be one of the first ones for early retirement Anybody out there going to the referendum committee meeting that will be at the Fourth St. Church on Thursday? It was in the paper yesterday. Said public welcome.
Bet I know who the 2 were that voted against it. Weaver and Carlson. Right? To whoever did vote against it, thank you.
What I'm wondering is if they have really looked into the support staff of the district and see if there could be cuts there? It seems like they go after the teachers right away and you never hear if any support staff has been let go. How many do they have working at the service center and have they looked into cuts there. Didn't the district do the same thing at the last referendum. As a taxpayer I would like to see them cut all across the district instead of just the teachers. Haven't they learned that we have smartened up and know part of this is a scare tactic and we aren't buying it. Why don't they start not paying these administration jobs and superintendent these big salaries since the district is not getting any better.
Yes, they did do the same thing the last time. Here is one for you. Why do the administrators, asst. superintendants and superintendants all need laptop computers? What a waste of money. And no one needs a blackberry either. The was I am understaning about these things, that when the retire or leave the district they get to take them with them. Roberts has yet to earn what he is making, and M.G. should have been let go along time ago. Neither on of these are doing anything about what is going on at Waldo, and yes, they are more than aware of it. Know that the magnet school will be snuck in and it will cost us money. Where are the books coming from for this? Look how long it took to get the books for regular classrooms. How can they let teachers go when they will need them for this project. We, the community let them get away with things before, but now am paying attention and it has to stop! The secretaires and maintenance contract is up soon. Fernando's wife is a secretary, and Lisa Morales takes notes in the closed session when they are talking about negotations. This is a conflict of interest. Wells is now secretary and should be taking the notes, if not, then Roberts, as he has in the past and Fernando should not be in these closed sessions either when there is negotations on this particulare contract.
There is no need for this district to provide administrators with laptops or blackberries. If they think they need one they should pay for them theirselfs and take it off there income taxes. If they really cared about this district that's what they should do with the money they make and if it is true the district paid for them shame on them. If I vote for a referendum it won't be to let them waste money on this crap. Lets make this for the children and not for them. The district still has a long way to go before I will vote for a referendum.
Lets start a drive to get the school population down. Lets promote the idea that if parents truly love their children, they should move out of the district. In time, the administrators wouldn't have enough work to keep them employed. They could be terminated when things hit rock bottom. We wouldn't need as many teachers. There wouldn't be any reason to keep the present school board. They could be let go. Then perhaps we could all start from scratch again with all new people in all positions.
Instead of starting a drive to get the population down, the drive should be for this community to really becaome involved. That is what is wrong in all of this. The few that are involved can't do it for all of us.
Why force education on people who just don't care anymore? The ones who do care should move.
I cannot run away from my home. What example am I showing the children? How do I know it will be anywhere better elsewhere. Sure, it may not be the same problems, but there could be. There are many children that have done well in this district and still are. They are just being short changed by what all is going on. With the way the economy is, how many can just get up and go?
spndorw
I would find it amusing if it wasn't so tragic. The administration is providing themselves with laptops and blackberries and at the same time they are cutting the last of the computer courses for the middle school students.
The administration has been cutting computer courses at the middle schools for the past several years and this year they are looking to cut the last one, the Technology-Labs. Starting next year, middle school students will receive absolutely no organized computer instruction. This means thousands of students every year will be going to the high school without even basic keyboarding skills let alone basic office skills like MS Office or Excell, etc.
I guess the administration has not been informed but this has become a technological world. Our children need computer skills if they are going to have any chance at succeeding in this world. The decisions that this administration is making are putting our children at a significant disadvantage with those they will have to compete with when they join the workforce.
Thechampion.org finally has the 2007 salaries posted. By the way the site name has changed, if your browser doesn't automatically forward you the new address is http://www.championnews.net/
I think that cutting the alternative program was a good more in light of the fact that it costs alot of money and benefits only a few students. Most of them can go to another district or get a job or be home schooled, etc. When they finally decide that education is important East has a very good evening program that you can enroll in until you are 21 and you come out with a full diploma not a GED. It seems to me that there are some tough decisions ahead and at least this one is not going to affect the main majority of the kids that are really there to learn.
ACCORDING TO THE BEACON. "The East Aurora Referendum Committee will meet at 7:00PM Thursday (3-6) at the Fourth Street Methodist Church.
Public Invited to attend and give input.
LET GO....
Not that again. They are wasting their time and the businesses who are on the take with D131' s money. Another way for Clayton and the good Rev to steal more money
Different church, different pastor.
Fourth Street has been good to the children & families in 131. They have opened their doors many times for the use of their facilities to be used for scout meetings and an alumni community jazz band to rehearse.
to anon 3/4 7:46, Yes unfortunately the NEW administrative supplemental early retirment program 500.112 did pass.
Here is why I voted against it, I hope you will let me know what you think:
First, we never received any data or information of any kind supporting this policy. I asked for the board to discuss this policy and besides a couple emails from Juanita, nothing was discussed. Never discussed publicly.
Secondly this policy is offering 6%retirement inentive for up to 4 years. This means that an administrator that makes 100,000.00 that submits a request 4 years prior to retirement date would receive 6000.00 increase year 1, 6360.00 year 2, 6741.00 year 3, and 7146.00 year 4. This totals 26247.00 or a 26.2% increase in pay in 4 years.
No more that 2 administrative employees may participate in this program during any given school term. If less than 2 apply the difference will be carried over to the next year. There is no cap to carry over so if we do not have any eligible administrators apply for this for the next 3 years we could possibly have to carry the burden of 6 administrators receiving a 6% increase all in one year and possibly continuing for 4 which would put the burden of salaries increases to 104988.00 a year for 4 years. That is the equalivant of at least 3 TEACHERS!!!!!!!!!!
I tried comparing this policy with the early retirement policy for the teachers but it seems as though the teachers policy is tied to their union contract and I do not have that information. That said, even if the same program is offered to the teachers they:
1. do not make as much per year
2. if only 2 teachers can apply in a year that leaves a much smaller percentage of teachers the possibility of benefitting from this program.
3. teachers pay for a portion of their benefits, administrators do not.
Seems o me this policy only benefits the administrators in this district. I cannot see where the students nor community benefit by offering this policy to the administrative staff. Or superintendent and some board members feel we will not be able to attract and keep qualified administration if we do not offer this program. Our board president feels we are "mandated" to offer this policy (her words not mine). No one has shown me any information that substanciates these claims. Quite simply, this is just another way of spending this districts money on something other than the education of our students.
Lastly, I cannot understand why this policy needs updating again, when it was just first adopted 6/4/07. Of course in the first policy adopted in 2007 they could only claim a % (unnamed) for only up to 2 years. I suppose when the state DID MANDATE that districts had to hold all increases to no more than 6% a year (instead of the typical 20% they had been giving) it was necessray to find another way to "pad" that "less than most districts" salary.
Seems quite contradictory to me that here we are saying we don't have enough money to balance our budget and we'll have to reduce our teaching staff, educational programs, and extra curricular programs that we are offering a VERY long term program to our administrators that will cost our districts MILLIONS for the next 10 years or more. But then again, what do I know, after all I am just an office worker.
To Dee Weaver,
Thank you for answering the question on the early retirement package.
Like the other poster, I also was wondering.
Thank you for looking out for the best interest of the students, teachers and members of this community.
I thank Rayanne also.
No matter what coffer anything comes from, it still comes from the taxpayers.
Until the rest of the board does something to rectify the current situation, I and many others, will not vote for this referendum.
Your office job has done you well!
Thanks Nanci I appreciate that!
I have taken some time tonight to read some of the posting here and at openlineblog. Interesting statements.
For the students, teachers, and parents of Waldo students, you are in my prayers. Your concerns have not fallen on deaf ears but as you well know, the wheels turn slowly. Remember there are strength in numbers!
To those of you that are no so happy with my presence on the board and my comments thus far, that's okay. I believe in diversity in life and in life, speech, thoughts, and expression. It is thru diversity we learn. The world looks different from my eyes and by hearing you describe what you see, I learn, so thank you.
waldo has become a complete mess...its worse than what you see in the movies when kids go wild in schools! i would never want my child to go there, and after working there for many years need to get out asap! it is a scary place to be. it is basically run by the rude students, and it makes the good ones seem like they aren't even there. only one admin knows what they are doing, and what a surprise...she is new to the district this year and with no direction whatsoever there isn't much she can do alone. i would be surprised if she came back next year! its sad but many teachers including ones that have worked there for a long time are looking to leave if the principal doesn't. about 20 people left last year so who knows how many more will go now. barnes needs to go back to cowherd since they need a principal there and that is where she came from...she calls waldo cowherd all the time anyway so she needs to go back.
by the way, did anyone ever hear that she hired an assistant principal at the end of last school year withuot doing a background check??? she sure did! he came to a staff meeting and was introduced as our new assistant principal. came and spent time at school at the end of the year. was at summer school for a week or so as admin. and then they find out he shouldn't be working with kids because of something in his past!!! how irresponsible and dangerous is that?!? and then earline even had an intern calling references when she has hiring new people...that is also a big no no, but then again everything she does is a big no no.
She should be fired instead she and her cronies are trying to build a false case against a good Board member.
Post a Comment