The freedom of choice and exercising that right in a voting booth is your ultimate voice.
Dr. Roberts and certain board members have stated a few times at board meetings, what they hear people saying-the reason the community votes "no" is due to not wanting to pay higher taxes.
I feel that may be the case for some, but I feel there are many more personal reasons for the choices the voters have made and it is not all about saving money on property taxes.
I know some of you have addressed this many time before.
Please share sincere opinions and reasons for the vote you may make.
Please respect those comments of your fellow bloggers.
Whether your vote would be yes or no, is there anything that would change your decision?
82 comments:
For me it's simple: many of the district's decisions and actions over the past several years have not proven to have been in the best interests of students. Add to that the administration's reluctance to communicate with taxpayers (missing board bits, "no comment" when asked about controversial issues), and asking for more money from us will continue to be a hard sell, I'm afraid.
I agree with the above plus the fact that whenever I do attend school board meetings, everything appears to be for the benefit of admins and above. Why was it that this district had to fanagle to get the students new textbooks, but there is money for early retirement for admins and above? Monies can be moved from one coffer to another. This district has not had new textbooks for probably at least 10 years and there are places out there that will help us, why is not the admins not looking into this? Would this new referendum really go for the students? I really don't think so. The way I understood this referendum, it is not a good idea. It is my understanding is that these bonds or whatever is really a loan and it would have to be paid back. Would the interest off these bonds ring enoung interest to pay it back, or would there have to be another referendum to eventually pay it back. Until this board becomes open and transparent to the community, this is a lost cause. One way to prove this would to use the monies that will be given to get this referendum to pass put to the use of the students education, and I do not mean to pass a referendum. All the monies wasted on this is stupidity in my opinion.
I disagree with the question. There is always just one reason for a yes vote, THE CHILDREN. There are always a multitude of reasons to vote no. Every negative experience anyone on the East Side has is a reason for a no.
Let's make this a little more of a constructive criticism phasing of the question.
WHAT WOULD THE ADMINISTRATION AND BOARD HAVE TO DO TO EARN YOUR "YES" VOTE?
This should be your opportunity to, in a positive way, tell those who might be listening what they can do to improve the district's image in your eyes.
Let's make this a little more of a constructive criticism phasing of the question.
WHAT WOULD THE ADMINISTRATION AND BOARD HAVE TO DO TO EARN YOUR "YES" VOTE?
I totally agree! I should have said it better myself. I hope any following comments will take your suggestion and answer with that in mind.
I am the second anonymous and I have stood before the board and told them what they would have to do to earn my "YES" vote. Nothing has come of it. THere has been at least one other that has done this also. I have not even seen an inkling of any changes. I agree with your statements, but have you any suggestions on how to do it? Dee and/or Rayanne, could you please let us know just how this bond works? I think the community should be aware of this also. I know when I put my name on any commitment at all, I need to know exactly how it works.
Reasons for yes:
-the kids
-attract high quality teachers by increasing teacher salary to that of neighboring districts
-infrastructure improvement
-tax rate and property value in the area is much lower than in other districts, consequently, the district collects far less taxes.
Reasons for no:
-While teacher salaries are below average administrator salaries are not. Will a yes vote tell them they can give themselves an unjustified raise?
-District's history of mismanagement
-Read about the issues written about in this blog that district officials ignore or insufficiently address
-Throwing money down the drain
-Study after study have shown that increasing spending on education has little to improve the achievement of students. The change needs to occur at home. D131parents as a whole are not involved in their children's education.
Here are some specific things that would need to happen to convince me to vote "yes":
--When a School Board member resigns or passes away, the community (taxpayers) should be directly involved in choosing a replacement as soon as possible. Sneaking Salinas back onto the board was a counter-productive move on the part of the "old guard" board members.
--All "Board Bits" from 2005 to the present should be available for viewing on the district website. If agendas are published in a timely manner, why not minutes ("board bits")? It may seem a small issue to some, but if this info is withheld it can look like the district is trying to hide something from taxpayers who deserve to know what's going on at meetings (and who may have to work on Monday nights!)
--Full disclosure of all money spent on trips, landscaping, office renovations, and other expenses not directly related to educating our children. When most of us nowadays are having to watch every dime we spend, we need assurance that all of our tax dollars are really going to be spent "for the children".
I am not necessarily opposed to a referendum--I voted "yes" back in the '90s. But that was before the reign of "Serial Bully" Radakovich and his cronies, some of whom are still very much involved in D131. Unfortunately, this district still has a long way to go to earn back the trust of the people it claims to work for.
There is a bill in the Illinois Senate currently that will that the burden away for the home owner. I will pass soon. The bill was started on the South side of Chicago. Why is this not brought up a school meeting. Why is the referendum up again. Carol and company did not do research.
Put Kaisershot back in the position at the high school. He is by far the most qualified person in the district to lead that band.
Get rid of Clayton. His job is to help the districts image. He has done more to create a negative image in this district than all the rest combined. Especially, running an illegal fraternity.
Has anyone asked Mr.Kaisershot if he wants to go back to East High? Did it ever occur to anyone that he might like it, or be content, where he is at? Just a thought. I keep seeing this in postings, but never have I seen if he wants to go back. Has anyone asked him?
What was done in the instance was wrong, but there are other things that really need to be addressed.
As a part of this community, I think we, the community, give more of a negative image due to the fact that just about the only time this community roars about something is this school disctrict is when they want a referendum. Don't get me wrong, I am not for it due to how things are being done, but I do go to meetings, and when I can't I contact someone to find out what is going on. I know there are some who will not be able to go due to working, but there are ways to find out what is going on. The agendas at least give me an idea.
Is this the bill you are referring to?
Coalition organizes in opposition to SB2288 Illinois income tax increase
Posted: March 13, 2008
The following letter was delivered today to legislative offices at the capitol building and mailed to all legislative district offices across the state.
Dear Legislator:
As representatives of grassroots organizations, trade associations and taxpayer protection groups consisting of millions of Illinoisans, we urge you to oppose SB 2288. The Senate Education Committee recently passed this legislation that would raise personal and corporate income taxes by $8 billion. SB 2288 represents the largest tax increase ever proposed in Illinois and would do substantial and irreparable harm to businesses, families and our state economy.
Proponents of the measure have long argued that this tax hike is necessary to equalize education funding across the state, yet only 7.5% of the projected revenues from this hike will go to education. Instead, monies from the tax hike are going to pay for state debt, road construction, state employee pensions, and unpaid Medicaid bills. Property tax relief, next to education, the ostensible purpose of the bill, only accounts for 36% of the projected revenue. This legislation is neither about education funding reform nor property tax relief.
Proponents of the tax hike argue that the 36% of the new revenues will go into a newly created special fund called a property tax abatement fund. The fund's purpose is to pay local school districts - or any other authority that levies property taxes - to lower the taxpayer's portion of their property tax bill. However, there is nothing in the proposed legislation that would stop local authorities from raising property taxes further. Moreover, there is nothing in this legislation that prevents future administrations and general assemblies from raiding the abatement fund to pay for other priorities.
With a slowing economy, higher food prices, and higher energy costs, Illinois families and businesses can't afford higher taxes - let alone the largest tax increase in state history. By one recent estimate, Illinois was recently ranked as having the 42nd worst economic outlook among the states. "If history is any guide," the study's authors noted, "states that try to respond to slow revenue growth and budget deficits with tax hikes will not gain tax revenues; they will lose businesses, jobs, and families." This has clearly been the case in neighboring Michigan, which has suffered a one-state recession throughout this decade by following the very tax policies embraced by proponents of SB 2288.
SB 2288 is flawed tax policy, does little in the way of property tax relief or education funding reform, and threatens an already weakening economy. For these reasons we urge you to reject SB 2288.
Sincerely,
Greg Blankenship
President
Illinois Policy Institute
John Biver
President
Family Taxpayers Foundation
Joe Calomino
Executive Director
AFP Illinois
Paul Caprio
Executive Director
FamilyPAC
Kim Maisch
Executive Director
NFIB
Grover Norquist
President
Illinois Americans for Tax Reform
John Tsarpalas
President
Sam Adams Alliance
NTUI's letter to taxpayers regarding SB2288
Posted: March 14, 2008
By Jim Tobin
Dear Taxpayer,
The Springfield tax-raisers are back, and they are deadly serious! On Wednesday, February 27, the Senate Education Committee, by a 6-3 vote, sent Senate Bill 2288, sponsored by M. Maggie Crotty (D-19, Oak Forest), Michael Noland (D-22, Elgin) and Kimberly Lightford (D-4, Westchester), to the Senate floor. That's right...it's already on the Senate floor, and it will devour your finances faster than you can say, "Who was that masked man?" By the time you get this letter, the bill may be on its third and final reading.
This is a horrendous tax hike bill, and it is essential that you call your state senator immediately and tell him or her to oppose SB2288. The bill would:
Raise the state personal income tax 67 percent, from 3 to 5 percent!
Raise the state corporate income tax from 7.3 percent to 10.5 percent, making it the second-highest state corporate income tax in the nation!
In exchange, a temporary, nominal reduction in property taxes purportedly would be made.
These tax hikes are totally unnecessary. Taxpayer dollars have been pouring into Springfield and local municipalities. Total state revenues increased from $28.1 billion to $30.2 billion, an increase of 7.4 percent, for the first six months of the current fiscal year! Yet they want more of your hard-earned dollars!
Why? In addition to the usual pork-barrel projects, they want to funnel $1.9 billion into the lavish pension and medical benefits being received by retired government employees, many of whom receive multi-million dollar pensions during their lifetime.
Tell your state senator to oppose SB2288 and that this drain on state revenues must be fixed by (1) capping annual pension benefits at $50,000, and (2) that all new state funded government employees should be required to provide for their own retirement by investing in 401 (k) accounts. Tax hikes will not do it!
If you are unsure who your state senator is please call the State Board of Elections Office at (217) 782-4141 or (312) 814-6440. By the time you get this letter SB2288 might have passed through the Senate and into the House. It is equally important that you call your state representative as well to voice your disapproval.
Finally, we need your help to fight this terrible assault on your wallet. Fighting this bill will require funds for mass mailings, phone calls, travel to Springfield, and an all-out media campaign. We can't do it without your generous help.
Please take the time today to send your most generous donation so we can mobilize to oppose SB2288. The special interests pushing this bill are wealthy and well-organized. It will not be easy. But we can win with your support.
For your convenience, you may, if you wish, donate on-line. Our web site address: (www.ntui.org)
I hope to hear from you soon! Thanks.
Sincerely,
Jim Tobin, President
P.S. Huge increases in your state personal and corporate income taxes are already on the State Senate floor! Help us stop these income tax hikes!
Established in 1976 NTUI is the largest taxpayer organization in Illinois.
For your convenience, you may also donate on-line at our secure web site, www.ntui.org.
National Taxpayers United of Illinois
407 S. Dearborn, Suite 1170
Chicago, Illinois 60605 (312) 427-5128 FAX (312)427-5139
http://www.ntui.org Email: ntui@ntui.org
Here is something that should be looked into: Go to Illinois interactive school report cards - http://iirc.niu.edu/. Compare district expenditures between say 131 and 204. 131 spent $12,857,970 on "General Administration" while 204 spent only $2,199,399. That equates to 10.6% of total expenditures spent on "General Administration" in 131 compared to 0.9% in 204.
As for tax rate: 204 tax payers are taxed at a rate of 5% while 131tax payers are taxed at a rate of 3.82%. The lower tax rate and lower property values equates to much less funding available for 131.
Found this today on Openlineblog under the older posts.
Anonymous said...
I attended by brother's sophomore baseball game saturday afternoon, and I was extremely disgusted with three of the spectators. Two males were yelling and cursing at the kids in spanish. I found that to be completely out of line. I looked around and did not see any East High Administration there, but I did see the newly appointed school board member (not to name any names but he is bud's replacement). This man thinks so much of these kids that he bought them all new baseball pants. WOW way to go, but as these two men were yelling at these kids all he could do was stand there and smile at most/all of ther reamarks. The members of this board are suppose to be about the kids so why did he not feel the need to defend them or atleast ask these men to stop. I finely looked over at them and gave them a dirty look right before the game was over.
4/2/08 7:11 PM
4/2 5:25pm
EXACTLY! The question is-why would we OK more money to our school district, when those making the budget have already proven their spending habits are not in the interest of the teachers or children?
Has Dr. Roberts made any statements to the media, his plans or reasons for the referendum?
Westsides superintendent is very much present and accountable by way of speaking to the media-why not the Eastsides?
8:16, that School Board member was the one that the "old guard" snuck back on after Bud H. passed away. I'm not surprised that he didn't say anything to the yelling adults. It would have required a certain amount of integrity to speak up.
No, to the best of my knowledge Dr.Roberts has not said anything to the media. Probably won't this week as it is the time he will be in Florida with the others. More of our money. Just why does Lisa Morales has to go to this?
What is their reason for going to Florida??
Put it to rest! If Mr. Kaisershot wanted to do the work necessary to make the band competitive, organize summer band camps, and help kids get music scholarships, he would have found employment elsewhere -- or kept his job! Nobody has ever doubted how much he loves the kids, but his expectations for their potential and success (or willingness to work) was too damn low. Does anyone really believe that he wasn't told what the expectations were for him to keep that position??? He made a choice. Our kids deserve more than his love -- they need opportunities -- and the new director deserves our support.
I will vote yes. My kids deserve to get books and teachers and service just as good as other kids, like in Naperville.
Someone told me that East Aurora isn't getting all the money it can for special education Look at www.isbe.net/FRISInquiry put in Aurora East and look at SpEd I.D.E.A. why didn't the district get $3Million Dollars? Thats alot of books. Did somebody do something wrong? I'm gonna vote yes anyway but wish they knew how to get their money.
I just looked at the agenda for the Board meeting on April 7 and it says that they are appointing a new board member. Anybody know anything about this?
Put it to rest?
Sounds like the Liskas are posting again. It would only be someone new to the district with a defensive posture that would not be aware of ALL success stories from K's classes and high expectations he held for his students. Including those LD students that succeeded in his bands.
Unlike the behavior problem students in Liska's class that get honorable mention for beating a drum, while hard working good students become disgruntled because their class time is disrupted by these "stars" of the band. Yes, give the new director your support. After all he is your band students new "friend" who allows his students to have free rein.
Ask those football spectators what they think of the band. I have heard the mutterings in the stands. What an embarrassment. More of an embarrassment is the admin that allows it to continue year after year.
I doubt very much that your kids will get those new books if you vote yes. Actually, there are many ways to get them if this administration and school board would look into all of the possibilities, but they do not. In going to the meetings, all I have ever obsured is everything for the administrators, except for how they got the new textbooks. Would someone please explain why there has been no new books in about 10 to 8 years, yet the superintendant can over ride policies for workshops where they were not even suppose to stay the night? Do you even know how many went to Chicago and how much it cost this school district? How come Roberts does not override policy and get these students new school books. Oh, that is right, if admins and etc. do not get good raises, neither does Roberts. I will not vote yes until things change, and I hope everyone knows just how this new referendum works with this bond thing. Have not seen the new agenda yet.
6:06 claims that Mr. K's "expectations for their potential and success were too low".
Oh really? Let's compare the students' success at the state-sponsored solo & ensemble contests over the 20+ years of Mr. K's leadership, versus the complete lack of first division awards given to East High instrumentalists in 2007.
Let's also consider the fact that Mr. K's bands successfully auditioned to perform at Disney World and Universal Studios for many years.
Mr.K. met and exceeded the expectations of students and their families throughout his years at East High School. If you're in doubt about that, just ask one of the hundreds of band alums or community members who remember the East High band as the pride of the district, back before certain administrators chose to support a personal vendetta and get rid of an outstanding, dedicated director.
The new agenda is actually on the new web site, under the board of education, agenda page. The top one listed. Still no Board Bits though.
What is it about in the 4/7 agenda about the appointment of a new board member. Can they just do that?
I just looked at the agenda too, and noticed that there will be an update on Boys II Men, presented by none other than Mr. Muhammad's good pal (he did one of his "People You Should Know" pieces on her) Marin Gonzalez.
Should be a very interesting meeting!
6:06, how did the current EHS band director "make the band competitive"?
By taking them to an organization contest and then publicly displaying a plaque claiming to have won first division, when the band received a second division rating?
I'm waiting to see what happens this year, when he plans to take ALL bands to organization contest. Will we see FOUR bogus plaques??
All of this info being posted is interesting, but I would like to read about why anyone is for or against this new referendum or questions they have about it. This ONE reason that keeps popping up cannot be the only reason. I think there should me more here that needs to be addressed, or concerns stated.
Stop whining about the band already. The reality is that at some point Mr. K would no longer be at East (people don't live forever). The change was made over 2 years ago move on already. If you don’t like the current band program work to improve it but enough with the Kaisershot talk it is beyond old. I suggest to those of you who post here that if you can’t get past this move out of the district. Too many of you are nothing but a bunch of whinny, bitter people that obvious support one teacher at the expense of the entire district. This district has real issues and they involve academics lack of parental involvement, and a lack of providing for your own kids.
Don’t complain about taxes for East Aurora as they are the lowest ones around. Why should the state and federal government keep providing the bulk of the funding for East when the residents have stated time and again that they have no interest in contributing their fair share. The problems in East Aurora were created solely by the residents of East Aurora. If you’re looking to blame someone for the current conditions I suggest you look in the mirror.
8:02, who's whining? The Kaisershot situation was just plain wrong, and those of us who still mention it are merely telling the truth, not "whining".
The way that administrators treated Mr. K was just one of several examples of injustice and secrecy in a district that now wants us to "move on" and give them more tax dollars. (Want another example? How about all the money wasted and unaccounted for that was spent for landscaping, office renovation,and out-of-state trips?)
I remain a "no" voter until such time as I can trust those who supposedly make decisions in the best interests of our children to actually do so.
8:02 am
Its because of you and people who think like you that I will vote no. I'll bet you are on the school board. It sure sounds like it. While some of the opinions on issues here disagree with yours, they are very real to the people who present them. Yup, sure sounds like an administrator.
I'd like to know what "new member" is being appointed to the board. I haven't heard anything either.
The first I heard of it was reading it on the agenda ?!?
My guess would be they are appointing the new high school member. The current student will be graduating this year.
I don't believe for a minute it's the school member. They way they did it last year was have the students apply for it at the end of the school year. The board is trying to pull something. This is one reason I will think real hard about voting for a referendum. They are truthful. Just like the new website they have the agenda's but not the minutes why not? How hard is it to put them on when you have the agenda's. Why not be truthful about this trip to Flordia and why Lisa is going and if there family is going on the districts dime. These are things they should be truthful about. How about these contracts that are coming up. Rumor is they want to give them a 20% raise. How much do they make right now? Why not let people see other districts do. I'm not getting a 20% raise this year and things are getting tight if I have to cut back on some things so should they.
Don't bring up we are the lowest with taxes. We have a 40% poverty rate and I bet the average price of a home 150,000 so how much do you think you could get. To be where other districts are we would have to raise the tax proably 40% and to be truthful most of these homes are worth it.
Seen this on the beacon blog. What is taking this district so long in trying to clean up Waldo? I do agree that it needs to start with the parents but there has to be a way for the adminastors to do something.
Kids have no respect
I'm calling regarding "No benefit for us" (OpenLine, March 27). Well, I have a sister who works at Waldo; she comes home and tells me that girls will walk right next to each other and they give each other dirty looks and they start fights. It has nothing to do with the teachers or administration. These kids nowadays have no respect for the elders, and maybe it's something that needs to start at home. If they respect you at home, they'll respect their teachers, they'll respect any adult outside of the home. So vote "yes" and also teach your kids to be respectful.
About the "new school board member"--I'm wondering whether this item on the agenda was inadvertently left on from a previous agenda. I remember someone complaining that Radakovich kept getting mentioned on agendas long after her was gone.
My is guess is Lisa Morales is so inept she does not have basic Word Processing skills. She and her Husband live in Oswego and tell us to pay more taxes by working with the referendum committee. If she did provide misleading info she should be fired. She constantly has her hand in changing thinks around to benefit the old guard. If you go to speak and she does not like what you have to say she rings the bell and distracts you. If it benefits the old guard or you are Clayton you have all the time to speak if you want to.
Put your money were your month is Lisa buy a house in D131.
Since I have started reading this blog, I now have an appreciation of what Dee and Rayanne must go through when dealing with the others on the board, Roberts and other administrators. It must be hard to stand up for what you believe and know what is right all by theirselves.
I visited a interesting Web-site. It was called Grademyteacher.com. Out of all the thousands of grade schools, middle and senior schools. D131 was not graded by the students. The grades from students represent both positive and negative about teachers. It proves my point why throw away good tax payer money on the losers we are trying to educate these kids do not care. The District is a day care center that it nothing will ever fix the problems because it is the kids. When your Mom and Dad if there is a Dad are poor and illegal they only worry about their next meal. Not one kid has a comment about there education what a joke. I guess now I can vote No because the clubs, sports, and art should be cut. New text books why they don't care about the Teacher or how well they will Teach.
I've looked for your grade my teacher and I cann't find it. Please give a better url so we all can look at it. I do believe that some students just don't care about there education but others do. The teachers are not really the problem. There are bad teachers but this district dosen't let the parents of some of the hispanic communty in this district know how important it is for there children to learn English. I have seen the children in my neighborhood from an early age start out learning spanish from there parents and as they enter school still talk all the time in spanish until they are in 6th grade. When the parents refuse to learn just enough English to help the children we will be burned with the problems of the children.
I have my problems with Lisa and her role with the school board. They are supposed to record the closed session meetings so I don't think she should be in there when they are talking about the secertaries up coming raises. Or should Salines vote on them since his wife works for the district as a secertary. For the closed sessions either Jaunita or Roberts should take the written notes. You do wonder since Lisa and her husband work for the district why they wouldn't live here. I don't know what Lisa salary is but I bet it's pretty good and she gets to go to Florida with the super for what no one knows and her husband makes pretty good money here. Do they think there kids won't get a good education here. Every one has the right to live where they want but if you are a administrator and work for the district and push for a referendum you would think they would put there children in the district.
2007 Teacher Details
Name: Morales, Wilson
Salary: $72,750
Position: Assistant Junior High/Middle School Principa
Full/Part Time: Fulltime
Percent Time Employed: 100%
Assignment: Administration
Years Teaching: 15
Degree: Master's
School Name: EDNA ROLLINS ELEM SCHOOL
District Name: AURORA EAST USD 131
Are they really worried about the kids in this district or just what they can get from it so they can live in a district where there kids will get a good educaiton?
My spouse teaches at one of the schools where Wilson Morales has been a principal, and feels that he is one of the district's few good administrators.
That being said, I agree that it doesn't seem right that Lisa M. should have a free trip to Florida at our expense, especially in times like these when most of us are having to stretch to make ends meet. Haven't these folks heard of teleconferencing?
Now the question is if Juanita Wells took any of her family with her and if any of Lisa's family went with her. Roberts went so wonder if the district paid for his family to go also, if they went.
Wilson Morales is one of the good ones. He is the Asst. Principal at Simmons and is very involved in the activities. Before that he was a History teacher at Brady and the EA girls JV soccer coach. He coached my daughter and was VERY strict about the grades and the importance of education. He also encouraged the girls to do community service. One Saturday after practice they volunteered to clean the grounds at Brady.
Although I don't have a student at Simmons every time I have been there it seems to be run well.
There are three administrators at Simmons. Two out of the three are decent. Not excellent but alot better than some we had in recent memory.
The only one who has issues is Stephanie Mitchell. She has alienated the majority of the staff with her incompetent, offensive and unprofessional behavior. The only reason she has lastest as long as she has is because she has almost no contact with students and parents. In fact, she is so bad, I fully expect her to be promoted to central office administration in the not to distant future. After all, isn't that where our district places all the most incompetent individuals.
I also hear that Christie Aird is taking a trip to Spain this week. I am guessing it's to again look for bilingual teachers at tax payers expense. I guess there are no bilingual people in the Aurora area or in the western hemisphere for that matter. They must go all the way to Europe to find a bilingual person(not teacher as most of the bilingual people they find are not certified). It's no wonder the people of this community have no trust in the district administration.
Did not hear this mentioned about Aird at the meeting tonite, but did not see her there, which is unusal. Very interesting meeting. Heard something about how Salinas not being done right, but did not catch it all. The interesting thing I heard was something about the States Attorney and a letter or something like that. The only thing I know is that they voted about something do to Salinas and everyone voted yes but Dee and Rayanne. They abstained. School board lawyer was in the audience saying somethings before the vote, saying what was being done was right. Mrs. Weaver said she had talked to the States Attorney(office?)today. Again, could not hear it all, it was really packed tonite. If it were me I would get rid of that lawyer and get a compentent one. Lets see if this is in the paper. Ya all just don't know what you are missing.
Why go to Spain to look for bi-lingual people. The Spanish spoken there is very different from the Mexican that is spoken here. Will these perks never stop?
What happened with Boys II Men?
Didn't they vote the other member in that way also. So what make Salanis different? Shouldn't they take a revote on the other. So if these two where not voted in right does there votes they voted on count not that it would make a difference. Most of the members have been on the board long enough to know they violated they open meetings act and that Maurice was on other boards he should of known that they elected these two wrong.
My question would be since they didn't do it right the first time and when they have to repace a board member they have only so long to do it does this vote count.
What was said about the Boz-2-Men does anyone know?
Yes I would like to know exactly how the district is trying to get around the law with the Clayton situation. What exactly was said?
I just cannot believe in a district this big that everyone is working nights, needs a babysitter, has something to do that they cannot go to a school board meeting once in awhile. By now everyone knows the information will not be on the districts website. Everyone knows the Beacon will only print what they want to. If someone else wants to post what was said, good for them, but I am not. For the few others that were there other than for more than just the Boys 2 Men thing, they can if they want to. There was alot to be heard and learned there last night. I, for one, do not know why Dee and Rayanne are sticking with this, because no one is giving them any support. Those two stand alone against the rest.
Rayanne and Dee-please-have the faith of GOD.
God Bless both of you!
"everyone knows the information will not be on the district's website"--that's unacceptable. And now it comes out that the "old guard" board members did, in fact, sneak Salinas back onto the board in a closed session meeting.
Secrecy is no way to earn back the trust of taxpayers and voters. I'll be supporting a referendum if & when those board members and administrators who have bungled things so badly over the past few years are finally gone.
Not only did they sneak salinas in they did the same thing with the other guy. So if they as they say just forgot to vote in front of the public with salinas they did they same thing with maurice the only difference is that the states attorney wasn't notified. Dosen't maurice work for dan b. who works for the city.
Actually, if I remember correctly, the board was very public about Mr. Maurice's selection (they invited community members to apply for the position, and the Beacon listed all applicants in the paper). Mr. Maurice was chosen in an above-board manner, as SHOULD have been the case with Salinas.
Thanks, Rayanne & Dee, for having the integrity to vote "abstain" at Monday night's meeting!
Hey 7:58, some of your prayers are being answered--I hear that Rick Johnson is definitely leaving at the end of this school year.
Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye!
The point is about Maurice is that they did not vote for him before a public body after closed session just like they did with Salinas. It doesn't make the board above anything just because they posted who applied for the position and they way I hear it Maurice was on of the last to apply. The violated the open meeting act on both of these.
I find it interesting that at the meeting about this Salinas thing is that it appears someone did contact the States Attorney and I am taking it that it was DEFINITELY not one of the board. Why else would Mrs. Weaver be calling the States Attorneys office about what was going on that night? This is the only thing that make sense to me.
This is one of the reason I have for not voting for a referendum. Most of the board members have been on the board long enough to know this shouldn't have happend Juantia for one. Someone should have said something. What a lame excuse and they did the same thing with Maurice where they that excited too. Both of them should resign. Most of this board needs to take a class on the open meeting act instead of taking trips to Florida on the districts dime. They should get rid of that lawyer too. Doesn't this make us proud.
East board may need to revisit referendum vote
• 'Just forgot': Board failed to officially appoint new member
April 9, 2008
By HEATHER GILLERS hgillers@scn1.com
AURORA -- The East Aurora School Board might have to reauthorize its plan for a referendum in the fall after learning that one of the board members who voted to place the measure on the ballot was not properly appointed.
The School Board voted to retroactively approve the appointment of Fernando Salinas on Monday night, after the Kane County state's attorney's office pointed out that board members had not followed proper procedure when Salinas first filled a board vacancy in January. But it was not clear whether the board would have to review its actions over the two months when Salinas participated in discussions and votes without having been properly seated on the board.
It is unlikely that Salinas' votes over the past two months changed the outcome of any board actions. The March move to place a $32 million working cash bond referendum on the November ballot was decided by a 5-2 vote, with Salinas voting in favor of it. Redoing that vote would be a cautionary measure to protect any future referendum results from legal challenges.
The board learned of the failure to properly appoint Salinas last month when the state's attorney's office opened an investigation after receiving a citizen complaint. The vote Monday to retroactively appoint Salinas was an effort to resolve the state's attorney's concerns and close the investigation.
The Jan. 17 closed-door meeting where board members selected Salinas from a pool of nine candidates was permitted by Illinois statute. But the School Board then swore in Salinas Jan. 22 without ever voting in an open meeting to appoint him, in what the state's attorney's office called "a possible violation" of state law. The Illinois Open Meetings Act says that "no final action may be taken at a closed meeting."
"We just dropped the ball," said East Aurora School District attorney Jack Canna. "We had it on the agenda to have open session appointment and they (board members) just forgot to do it."
How many other times have they dropped the ball at the childrens expense. I don't believe all the board members forgot it was just the President and how much time has she been on the board.
What a fine shape we are in when the board forgets to apoint a new member because they wher so excited about getting a board member that people voted out back on the school board. Then we have a superintendent that over rides policy so administratior can have a nice weekend in Chicago with there families on the districts dime and lets not forget the trip the took to Florida recently that they will not say if they paid for the families to go along. Also the new contract for the secertaries and maintantence people that they want to give a 20%raise too that most teachers don't get and they want use to vote for a referendum to help them and not the children. Don't be fooled this referendum will only cover those cost.
Anytime a lawyer gets involved there's big money being paid out. Where does the money come from to pay him?
Just another example of $ not being spent "for the children".
Just another reason to say "no" to entrusting the old-guard with any more of our hard-earned cash.
The Lawyer is from Orland Park and donates to the yes referendum committee to keep putting this on the ballot. Talk about a conflict of interest
As a EA teacher, let me tell you! We loose dozens of good teachers per year because of pay and treatment. This is a rough district, with rough kids, and a lot fewer resources than other districts have. There are districts that don't have textbooks because every kid is given a laptop to access materials. We just don't have textbooks... end of story.
Quite frankly, I don't think EA can attract good teachers in some shortage fields even with a pay raise. You'd have to pay 10 percent over 203 or 204 and they pay about 30-40 percent more than EA pays now! That means raising salaries 50 percent before you're in the ballpark.
Why would someone put up with no resources and gang member students? They can go to Oswego or Naperville, or Plainfield and make more money and be safer and have textbooks. You're stuck with whatever teacher you can find who can't get hired elsewhere. Quite frankly, your little referendum isn't going to do it! You aren't even in the ballpark. I'm leaving!
With your attitude I am thankful you are leaving. Obviously you are in teaching for the money and the retirement plan.
Granted, EA has problems but they also have the majority of students that want to learn are are not in gangs. These kids are just as bright and gifted as the students inother districts and it has been shown that they go on and succeed in college and life because they have been brought up in an environment where diversity and hard work get you ahead, not money.
Ihave been in the district a long time and have seen first hand the things that go on here. I don't find fault in anyone who ends up leaving, this is one of the most difficult communities to work in. To stay in this district you need two things, you need a very strong character and you need an incredible devotion to these kids. I understand full well why anyone would want to go to a place where the students are less of a challenge and the money is much better.
In fact, the only thing I have had problems comprehending is issues in administration. I can deal with difficult parents or students, or not having the material things that make teaching easier. I have dealt with longer hours or less pay.
But, when I hear about the things that happen at the central office and board level, I do have difficulties. When I hear about multiple questionable land deals, or district administrator run illegal fraternities, I have difficulties. When I see the personal vendettas or know that the union is in league with the administration, I do have problems. If the community really wants to help me as a teacher, start there, clean up the board and central office. I and the other teachers of the district can handle the rest.
Richer schools have their own problems--drugs are more of an issue, and kids tend to have an attitude of entitlement and disrespect for authority because they think they're better than everyone else. It can be harder to teach kids who have been brought up to believe that the world owes them success, instead of having to challenge themselves and develop marketable skills.
I think that many good teachers would welcome a chance to work with the kids in our district. But some who might otherwise apply are turned off by the way certain teachers have been treated in recent years by the administration. Believe me, teachers throughout the state have their networks--and they know which districts have tried to punish well-loved, qualified teachers for failing to kiss butt.
Unfortunately, D131 is reaping the rewards of "Serial Bully" Radakovich and his cronies' personal vendettas.
Bullying not addressed
There is a real problem and concern to me when I talked to the assistant principal at Cowherd Middle School about a situation with some bullies picking on my daughter. Instead of fixing the problem, she told my family we can move out of the East Aurora School District and put my daughter in another school. I asked her if we could get the kids together and resolve the matter. She refused, and the situation is still going on right now. How very unprofessional.
This was in the beacon openline today.
That assistant principal needs to be taught about how things work in this district.
Bullying is not allowed or tolerated under any circumstance unless it comes from central office.
5:51 -
I too have taught in the district what I consider a long time (20 years).
I will take our students and families over any other district without a doubt. We have caring families, students who appreciate and try their best, and more than enough resources. Sure, there are going to be troublemakers - but find me a place where there are none. Could we use more resources? I guess there are always some ways we could try but I've never been without the basics.
After a year in this district, I knew this was home, and chose to make it my place to move and raise my family. I have never regretted it. So I am an eastside taxpayer.
Some teachers come and go and it's interesting to touch base with them later. Those going for "greener pastures" find out that things were pretty darn nice here after all.
So if you feel things are that bad - it's probably time to say goodbye.
I see that Clayton is still running his illegal fraternities MySpace page hidden from the the public. It amazes me that this is allowed to continue. First of all the district has deemed MySpace as inappropriate for the students of this district to view. MySpace is blocked by the district technology department at all the school buildings. Second, Clayton has shown a total lack of professionalism and responsibility with the content that has been seen on his site. Has anybody in the district addressed why this illegal fraternity is allowed to continue it's activities with district students.
6:25, you've been lucky not to have been targeted by administrators' personal vendettas the way other long-time teachers in this district have.
6:12 said it best: "bullying is not allowed...unless it comes from the central office".
7:50 this is 6:25 -
I think anytime you have a group of human beings working together there are going to be things that certainly could have been handled differently. We've had good administrators and we've had poor administrators. What I have noticed is that the poor ones DO tend to work their way out of the district. If you go back and look at it that tends to be the case.
I think my point was that overall District 131 is an excellent place to make a career. No place is without problems. There is a family nature here that is just wholesome. I went to La Posada this past December at the high school field house and was just amazed at the community. Now would we love to have that many families at PTA and board meetings? Sure! But I'm glad my children are growing up in such a district and receiving their education here.
I disagree. This district is a hellhole.
This bully from what I hear has been going on for about three years with the honor students. During the last referendum a parent said they where going to vote no to the referendum because their child was being bullied and the administration didn't do anything about it and they pulled the child out and sent them to private school and they really didn't have the money for it. There was another parent that said the same thing. Then you have Waldo with all their problems but you don't hear to much about over there. What has roberts done about this. Has he went to the schools and looked into it. Has the parents contacted him and he didn't reply? I know he hands the ball of to his administrators but when someone has to call the Beacon Openline it is time he stepped in and do something or is he too busy taking trips to Florida with Lisa and Jauntia and maybe their families and getting a new laptop to care what is going on. What did they learn when they went down to Flordia is it something they will use. Did Lisa learn how to put the minutes on the new website because none of the 08's are there and one of the agenda's are missing. Maybe to person who keeps saying about being secretive is right. Or are they tring to cover up something to do with that letter from the state's attorney.
I meant then there is Simmons.
As far as the MySpace that was put up by one of the members not Clayton so he has no control over that. If you would of went to the last board meeting you would of found out about what is happening with the Boys 2 Men. If you really still feel the way you do go somewhere like the states attorney and file a complaint and see what they say.
If Clayton has no control over the website he created for this illegal fraternity, then there shouldn't be a website. If the district is not going to enforce the school code and district policies as they pertain to Clayton then they lose all credibility.
The next time some kid is up for suspension or expulsion his lawyer is going to have a field day. If the district is not going to apply the laws and policies equally for all they will not be able to enforce them when it becomes necessary to protect the other children.
I guess Boys II Men is a-ok, according to today's Beacon. I can see that there's a lot of good to an organization that uplifts young men (and women) in our district, but why is all the secrecy necessary? And is it really open to any student, regardless of ethnicity?
Wow, yet one more example of this boards complete disregard for the rule of law. Perhaps a higher authority needs to be brought in to review all of the recent actions by this board.
It's interesting that no notice was given that the board was conducting a meeting to discuss the illegal Boys II Men Fraternity. It's interesting that Clayton had presenters ready for this meeting that there was no public advanced notice for. It's very interesting that the board needed no time to consider the statements made at this unannounced meeting. This was a disgraceful show and completely disregards the rule of law.
The Beacon misrepresented statements in it's article. The State Board never investigated this matter. The Regional Board claimed they were going to do an investigation but they never made a conclusion, instead they simply dumped the matter on District 131.
I don't know all of Juanita Wells qualifications but I am sure she is not qualified to make a determination regarding State Law. The board has a history of disregarding the law every time it's suits some purpose of theirs. This is yet one more example.
Per the Beacon News: "As a non-profit organization whose members are chosen based on academic and community achievement, the group was cleared by school officials." Previous articles makes it sound as tho there couldn't have been many positives for these students prior to enrollment in this fraternity. Enrollees are made to sound like 'at risk' students who need a lot of guidance to keep out of trouble, yet their 'academic & community achievement'is what gains them membership? I'd like to know what community achievements these students have prior to entering the club. I don't doubt the fraternity has done good, but I don't buy the membership qualifications as posted in the Beacon.
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