We are coming into the final stretch of the 2007-08 school year. There have been many discussions on the flaws in 131,and chat aboutwhat can or should be done.
A previous mention of the two well respected EA teachers retiring and the list of those planning on retiring, makes me want to hear more of the stories of the triumphs as we look towards planning for the next year.
Dr. Roberts contract is coming up next year, 4 board positions will be on the ballot, not to mention the returning of the referendum question. Many changes could happen and many things will/ should stay the same.
Some things are definitely working in some classrooms for teachers and students.
Some changes have had a very positive affect on our district.
What successes,things that are functioning well do you hope will continue?
143 comments:
Personally I hope that the workshops for standardized testing continues at the HS level, for those who do not necessarily score very well on the pre ACT test. I also think there should always continue to be more emphasis on going somewhere in life, even if that doesn't necessarily include a 4 year college. I don't think it's fair of EAHS to pressure people to think that the only way to do something with their life is to go to a 4yr college, because that's not for everyone, and it was never meant to be a place for everyone. I think encouragement should be placed on working with what you're good at, and working to develop those skills to find a career that is right for you.
Bullet found at Waldo again
For the second time this school year a bullet was found within Waldo. This time it was found during school hours in the cafeteria. The administration called the police. The police recommended a lockdown and search. The administration decided not to follow the recommendations of the police because it was close to the end of the day. Waldo's administration (principal) is flirting with disaster. It is not "if" something bad is going to happen it is "when".
Waldo assembly - Barnes creates a new word
Were any of you present at the recent honor role assembly? Barnes was apologizing to the students for the lack of preparation on the administration's part. She proceeded to create a new word and use it in front of all the students, staff, and parents in attendance. The new word which should be promptly forwarded to Webster's for inclusion in the next version of their dictionary is.....disturbedness.
I'd like to mention as a positive step the fact that the '07-'08 "Board Bits" have been recently posted on the district website. Also, the new website is well-organized and informative.
Now I'm hoping that the administration at East High will follow the central office's example and update the EHS website. The most recent principal's newsletter available is for March, and April is almost over. I know we're all busy, but can't Ms. Conrad spend an hour of her (well-paid) time to take care of this?
I think a positive this year was the decision not to eliminate the fine arts programs in the district. I think with the elimination of the alternative school programs instead the schools will need to be innovative with students who might have/would have attended those programs, but the fine arts affects such a greater number of students.
Money is always going to be a challenge, and people continually disagree on ways to spend it and what is frugal/wasteful. I think those conversations should continue.
I like this blog and while there are varying degrees of accurate information, I think if people band together to seek answers, many good things will happen.
I too believe they should keep the arts. I think 4/27 @ 4:47 has some good points. With this changing world we also need to change. We can look at other districts but we also need to look at the needs of the students of this one because we are not like many of the others.
I see on the district website that the East High pep band will be performing at a Chicago Rush football game (indoor, "arena" football) on Monday evening, May 19th.
This is a great fund-raising opportunity, because $5 of every $20 ticket sold will go to the Band Boosters.
Football fans, here's an easy way to support the arts in our district!
I think that you have to order the tickets in advance, using the phone number or order form I saw on the 131 website. Or maybe you can go to the Chicago Rush website and order (in advance) online. Maybe more of a hassle than just buying tix at the door, but worth it to support the kids in our district.
I did not know about the band boosters donation through Chicago Rush tickets. But whatever happened to the band selling cheesecakes? Do they still do that? I know that was always a good seller for them, and attracted people to the final concert, where free samples were given.
Yes, the Band Boosters still sell cheesecakes (this fundraiser was a couple of months ago)--they gave away free sample slices at the February concert at the high school.
Since there is 4 board positions the next election does anyone know who is planning to run? It would be nice to see them step out and let people know how they think they can help change the district. If we can change the way voters vote for board members maybe it is a good time for those who are thinking of running to start to go to board meetings or just speak to other parents at school functions.
My guess is Anita will, but do not know who else. At least she does attend meetings at times and will not start showing up like everyone else will when they want to run. We need help now, and not just when there is an election.
I have a question regarding the Administrative Supplemental Early Retirement Program. I understand that Rick Johnson is retiring this spring--can someone assure me that he will NOT be receiving this bonus?
I do not want my tax dollars going to reward "Serial Bully" Radakovich's Minooka crony.
Although I'd gladly kick in a few $ of my own for a bonus for the two East High teachers who are retiring. We're losing a couple of great educators!
Sorry, but Anita who?
I hear we're getting another Minnoka cronie administrator. The new principal for Allen Elementary is coming from Minooka. I've never seen a district that hires so many administrators from one district before. Especially when every one that we have had was so despised by the community.
6:12, I think 7:05 is referring to Anita Lewis. She's been one of the officers in Band Boosters and her daughter graduated from East High last spring. Anita would be a great addition to the School Board.
Yes, Anita Lewis is who I was referring to. Sorry, could not remember her last name at that point, but knew someone would put it in here. Thanks.
Someone was mentioning the upcoming fund-raising opportunity for the band boosters (EHS band playing at the Chicago Rush game May 19th)--a great way to support our kids!
Does anyone know how the high school bands did at the organization contest on April 12th? I remember that people were discussing a few weeks ago how the director claimed that all bands were going to this contest, but only 2 actually did. What ratings did they receive?
Last year they got a second division rating (only one band participated). This year I haven't seen any mention of a rating--surely someone knows something?
6:27, 'tis a mystery.
I'm sure that if the bands had gotten any kind of respectable rating, it would be all over the district website (probably "spun" into looking like an Olympic achievement in Mr. Muhammad's inimitable style).
But silence?
Doesn't look too good for the "home team"!
Actually, we haven't seen or heard very much at all from Clayton lately. Hardly any press releases at all since his problems with his illegal fraternity. He can't open his mouth without putting his foot into it and he can't remain silent as the district spokesman. What can you do with such a person? I have a suggestion. If he can't do his job effectively, you fire him.
The official results of the organization contest are posted as of today on the IHSA website.
They indicate that one East High band received a second division (being awarded 37.5 sweepstakes points). The other band must have received a third division rating, because no additional sweepstakes points were awarded.
Wow--what an accomplishment!
-NOT.
:(
This is Anita Lewis. I am a reader of this blog and a sometime contributor. I saw my name mentioned as a possible School Board Candidate next spring. Yes, I plan on running but it is too early to start campaigning now. Just a bit about myself though, for those of you that are interested. I did apply for the last two openings and interviewed with the Board. I did not run last term because I had a daughter still at East and I was very involved there and could not devote the time needed for the board.
I am on the Band Booster Board and volunteer elsewhere at the school as opportunities come up. Last week I volunteered to be part of the Reality Game at the High School.
I live on the east side and have two grandchildren in the district currently attending Dietrich. I work in Aurora also.
Most important, I care about the district and am willing to continue to devote myself to the betterment of the district.
Anita, thank you for letting us know something about yourself. Do you attend the school board meetings now, or when your children were in school? I attend meetings when I can, and in the past saw people who ran for the board, but never came to meetings. No offense to anyone, but I always wonder how people who run for the board can know anything about what is or is not going on if not attending. I know people would know certain things, like what is happening in the school itself, but I am more curious about the fact that ones who do not attend meetings do not really know the other things, like this new early retirement plan, how almost all monies goes for the administration and above, going against their own policies such as the workshops, superintendant overriding policies and the school board not doing anything about it. These issues are very real and very important to me and others.
Thanks, Anita for posting your background. I know Anita and have worked with her on various projects involving the schools. She is person who is true to her word, reliable, and a hard worker. She has the best interests of the community in mind when seeking solutions to problems.
To Anonymous 8:45
To answer you question. I try to attend school board meetings if possible, usually only once a month. Unfortunately it seems like the information given at the meetings is never that informative and hearing about issues there is usually to late to gather any information and do anything about it.
It seems to me like volunteering at the schools and attending events keeps me more in tune with what is going on and what the real needs are. And unfortunately this blog is more informative that the Board info. I know there are many things that legally can’t talked about in public but I think they use that as an excuse to keep from actually talking to people and doing what the taxpayers and parents want.
I also attend meetings when I can, and I think the terrible thing is, when parents or others are there for awards or whatever, when that part is over, the president, Carol Farum, always says, they can leave if they want to as it is now the boring part. This is wrong, this is when parents and whomever should be staying, as even if things might have already happened, at least the public would be aware of what has been done, such as going to workshops and going against their own policies, information like this comes out. Just because an action has taken place, does not mean that the public cannot do something about it, but if no one stays when the information finally reaches the public it is then to late to do something about it. It is these things that need to be brought to daylight and taken care of. This is why the board has gotten away with what it has in the past and will continue to get away with now. I guess everyone looks at things in a different perspective.
Wow, that East High band program is on a roll! Last year one band went to organization contest and got a II. This year two bands went and one got a III. At this rate, next year 3 bands will go and one will get a IV (if such a rating is ever actually given).
They seem to be playing "Limbo"--as in, "how low can you go?"
Wow that's cool. I've been around music programs for 25 years and I have nevr seen a Division III given out before. They must suck really bad. It's a good thing we got rid of kaisershot. If this is not just a perfect example of how the administrative decisions in this district CAUSE these children to fail, I don't know what is. Just follow the old saying: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
The only way to fix it is this community and no one does anything about it. How many go to the board meetings and voice their opinions. The board does not pay attention to the few-and I mean VERY few who go-and voices theirs. Statements like these are wasted because no one will show up. So everyone is getting what they deserve. Just because you vote some of the old out does not mean anything if you do not go to know what is going on in all aspects to be sure who you vote in next is right if there are alot running. Just because someone is involved in the school part does not mean they know what is happening in all aspects of the school board. There are other things other than the band issues. How about the financial running of the district? You are not going to be aware if you do not attend. This is why this school board and whole City is in the mess it is. No one pays attention except for certain things. Teaching these children the 3 "r's" should be the main objective. Having the resources to do it should be a part of that objective, not early retirement packages for admin and above and also not the highest paid secretaries and maintenance as compared to all the other districts are us. I am more concerned about the students getting a good education to go out in the world than other things that I am reading here and in the other postings. Silly me.
7:00 a.m., the problem seems to be that certain administrators (especially at the high school) are unwilling to admit that anything is "broke". You and I know that mistakes were made, but good luck convincing Ms. Farnum,Mr. Harmon, Ms. Conrad, Ms. (excuse me--she's now "Dr.) Gonzalez, etc. Heaven forbid they should admit that the "new, improved, award-winning" East High band is anything but.
Bottom line? The students pay the price. They're the ones who are shortchanged and deprived when a decision is defended that was clearly not made in their best interests.
I differ with the opinion that these ones do not want to admit that something is broke. Well, maybe except for Farum. I have not quite figured is she really has her own opinion or a thought of her own, if it does not come from the superintendant. This one is up for grabs. As to the others, they know when they have done something wrong and do not want to admit it. Again, one only has to go to school board meetings once in awhile and you can actually hear things that would let you know this. Conrad and Gonzales would be a couple of the worst offenders. Yes, the students do suffer, but we are the ones to allow this to happen. What amazes me is that people are willing to state these things here, but not willing to go before the school board with what they know or believe is right. Good example for all these children. Do not stand up for what you believe in just let everyone walk all over you. That is what is happening here. Glad I was not raised this way. To get things done you have to keep on keeping on.
Former band parent here before the current director. Division III on the IHSA website is listed as "good" rating. I see that the drama and band participated in IHSA contests this year. Those students at least had the experience of being ajudicated as a large group. Isn't one of the purposes besides sweepstakes to gain critical input from experienced judges in the field? Where's the choral program? Wouldn't we want them to do that as well? If we're saying raise the bar, let's raise the bar across the board. I'm concerned about fine arts as a whole.
What I see here is that most of the board lets the superintendent and the administrators on the committes run this district. They go ahead with there plans without really following the rules and then go to the board. Example is the magnet school they decided in committe and started the plan before voting on it with the board. Then after the administration but it out there and had an open house and talked to parents and no one responed they wanted the board to vote. Why even have a board if the superintendent and administration just does what they want. Yes you can hear what is going on if you go to school functions but some things have to be approved by the board which alot of times isn't done. Farum is just a puppet of the superintendent and that should be changed. The superintendent is suppose to do the will of the board.
I would like to see in the next election to have some board members stand up to the rest except for two of them that trys to follow the open meetings act and follow school code. I feel that some are just on the board to get somewhere else or just to say they are doing something for the district. Times are changing and we need too also. We need to get people on the board that really want to help the children of this district to learn and have a safe place to go to school.
Simple question maybe someone on the inside can answer---I think it is good that the students were judged by experienced judges----so my question is: Were the students shown what all the judges had to say, and if not, why not? Post the judges comments for all the students to see, don't just accept someone's word that you did 'good' without reading it for yourself. If being adjudicated by outside sources is a good thing, shouldn't the posting of the judges sheets be as well? Is there something there we shouldn't see? I'm all for raising the bar, but not at the expense of embarrassing the kids.
I think that one reason the bands did so poorly is because a lot of kids just didn't bother to show up that day (and didn't even tell the director). That shows at least two things: the bands had no business going to that contest, and the kids have very little respect for the current director.
It's evident to me that the main reason those kids went to that contest had nothing to do with advancing their musical development, but rather just so the director could say, "we played at organization contest". If it was, indeed, about the kids then why can't the students & parents/boosters have the benefit of reading (and learning from)the judges' comments, as Janet asks?
If the kids really cared about band they would have showed up and also gone, regardless of if they have respect for the band director or not. This is about them and what they want for theirselves. They only hurt themselves when they do things like this and to me it says they really do not care. Also, where were the parents in this, they should have made the students do the right thing. Excuses, excuses, excuses. If what is stated is the truth, then these kids have no respect for themselves, and if they do not have respect for theirselves, why would they have respect for anyone else.
So why even bother trying to educate them. This country doesn't need everyone to be a college graduate. The students who really want to suceed will. And the others? Why care.
Our old director instilled the "yearn to learn" in his students.
They wanted to go to contest. He didn't drag them to sporting events and Walmart openings to let people see him direct.
He was truly a respected director who would write music to showcase each students talents.
I graduated from East last year. I was in band all four years and had two years with Mr. K. and two years with Mr. Liska. I enjoyed all four years in band and still play today in college. It is because of both of them that I love music. I haven't been here for a while but everytime I come back it's still about the band. I hope people think about what they say when they trash the band now. Probably not a lot of current students read this blog but I would be pretty upset with people talking stuff about what I was a part of. I was glad to go to contest my senior year and experience it. That was the first time in 4 years. We did get a II but we also got to hear the judges comments. Mr. Liska made it a learning experience. Please think about what you say or really how you say it before you put it for all to read. Thank you. EA!
DRAG THEM TO WAL-MART. Wal-Mart was a volunteer band. (For those of you uneducated that means not required). That hour and a half long event also resulted in a donation of $2000.00 to the band.
Former Band Student:
You need to realize that the people commenting here negativly about the band have NEVER come to a band concert and make wild conclusions about things they don't know about and REFUSE to ask about.
I suppose there has been an occasional "wild conclusion" about the current EHS band program, but as for me I'd rather present the cold, hard facts.
Fact: The current director stated (documented, in the band handbook) that ALL East High bands would be going to organization contest this year.
Fact: Only two bands (out of 4) actually went to the contest, and one received a Division III rating.
Fact: The band director has not shared the judges' comment sheets with students, parents, or boosters.
Those are true statements, not "wild conclusions".
There is another fact that you need to understand. The rating scale is skewed. There are five catagories, division I through Division V. Division III is considered "good". The fact is this though, no one ever gets a IV or V. It would destroy the morale of the children. Directors "wink" to each other and understand that there are only three categories actually given and if you receive a Division III, you have a real problem. You only get a three if your band sucks. In other words, you don't tell the kids (it might damage their delicate self esteem) but the adults need to understand there is a problem and take action.
I understand all this about the band, but there is nothing here about the bad test scores are students are getting on theses tests. This is important! What about the education part of it? What good is it if they can play an instrument well but cannot read, write, balance a checkbook and all the everyday things they need to know to survive in this world. Different perspectives again.
Actually, there are many research studies which link participation in band to higher intelligence and higher test scores. The band students tend to be your most active and intelligent students in the school.
If your most intelligent kids are failing and the administration and board take no positive steps to remedy the situation, then how can you possibly think the district will ever pass the state tests.
It is simple. If you shoot for the stars, even if you don't make it, you went far and had a hell of a ride. If your only goal is the bottom (as is the case with standardized tests)you never get out of the gutter.
AIM FOR THE STARS!!!
I was not really referring to the standardized tests, do not hold much store in them, but to daily teaching, such as the 3 "r"s. The students should be taught this and not just getting them ready for these standardized tests. They are not learning anything when this is done in my opinion. I do agree that things like band and other choices, help these students to excel. Just about all I read here is on the band and I do think there are other things as, if not more important than band.
If we can get rid of that awful "No Child Left Behind", then maybe teachers will be able to teach effectively again instead of always having to "teach to the test".
"No Child Left Behind"=
"No Behind Left".
I too believe no child left behind has left many behind. We are making our children just test robots.
I think band is a good thing but enough is enough on this. This district needs to find a way from when the children start school until they graduate a way to success in what ever form of extra things they do. The way people talk it's only the band at high school level that is a problem in this district which isn't true. Is there no one but band members that can post here. We have serious problems here and all we can talk about is how bad the band is doing? If you have problems with the judges then go talk to them. The band students are not the only kids we have in the school and each child should be able to reach for the stars.
If you band parents have problems with the director then why don't you address the board with them. Maybe if enough do something will get done. As I hear it the board hears nothing bad so nothing bad is going on. So get out there and complain to the people that might do something.
I remember hundreds of students and parents marching over to the service center to make their voices heard. The administrators of this district hid in the service center and refused to come out and address the community. It was disgraceful and a perfect example of the problems of this district. You say we need to complain to the people who can make a difference but the fact is those who can make a difference are not listening.
The solution is this, first the community has to get involved enough to replace the old guard board members with board members that give a damn about the community. Those new board members have to replace the district administrators with quality individuals that will gain community support and help the teachers of this district to create quality programs for the students.
Until these things happen we will keep failing our children.
There will not be an election to vote for new board members until 2009.
Roberts contract is up next year, too.
So instead of beating the drum about the band, why not start encouraging new folks to step up to run for the board positions.
As for Roberts contract, you can watch Farnum she thinks he is Mr. Wonderful, as she did Dr. R. before him. Besides, if he is not sitting next to her telling her what to say & do, who will run the meeting?
The other 3 "old guard" follow the lead and think Roberts is great.
The voting community need to speak up through their votes and the next board can hopefully make some positive changes.
9:14, I'd like to add my "Amen"!
By this time next year we could have 4 new board members--and the possibility of real change in the way this district is run. We can tell the old guard, "the issue is over".
As for me, I will vote "yes" on a referendum if and when all the administrators & school board members who were responsible for the band mess are GONE.
Alright, many did that march but that was when? This is now. That board knows that everyone will give up but the few who have not. Numbers speak, and everyone dropped the gun and did not keep on keeping on. Things take time. People give up and the board knows it. Go to the meetings, voice your opinion, there is a new reporter now and so far she seems to be fairly decent. Take advantage of this while she is still this way. Voice your opinion of Roberts? Just what has he done? Why has he not moved here like he was supposed to? Just why should his contract be renewed? Ask these questions. Make sure when you speak that you want it in the minutes, that it makes it in the board bits. Farum, Carlson and Weaver are the only ones who will not be on the ballot for 2009. Get rid of the rest if you are not happy with them. I am not and certainly for the fact that Salinas is back on the board. He and Morales should not being sitting in for the secretaries contract negotations, and they are. Conflict of interest. Wells is the secretary and there is no reason she is not taking the notes on this. Roberts also has taken notes in the past. Things are happening, but you do have to go to meetings to be aware of it. Give the band issue a rest right now. People do put other things in here other than the band, but people just keep going back to this. What is going on here touches everything and not just this issue, which is mute to me because as far as I am concerned everyone gave up when they did not get what the wanted.
It interesting, in one breath people are saying the community gives up to easily and in the next they have heard enough about the band. Which way do you want it, speaking out or shuting up.
Posting something here, is not speaking up. It's called bitching.
8:30, whatever you call it, you just did it yourself :)
I think what they are saying is you need to talk to whoever that can do something to help not just complain on a blog.
And my point was, if those in charge will not listen when hundreds of people come out to voice their opinion, what makes you believe that saying something at a board meeting (or on this blog) will make any bit of difference.
Blogs are great for passing along information that we think our fellow taxpayers/parents/citizens should have. As long as the facts are presented correctly, I'm all in favor of it. Information is, as Martha Stewart might say, "a good thing", especially when our administrators have such a history of secrecy & deception.
But it's also important that people be willing to take action. This can be by attending meetings, writing letters, or showing up at the polls to vote for new school board candidates. Those of us who neither speak up nor act have no right to complain if something happens that we don't approve of.
With this board you have to start somewhere and speaking up and looking at the new board members that might run is one thing. Now that is not saying that what happened with Mr. K might not happen again. Even is people march down to the service center and do what they can to stop it it might not help. But you need to try. What is done is done if we like it or not and if you keep on about it there is nothing that can be done. It really is too bad that the parents of students don't get more involved.
The community does give up to easily. Information here is helpful but does no good if not used. Using it would be going to meetings and voicing your opinion. What good is it if informtion is put here, but is not used? The board knows that people will only do something for awhile and then give up. Everyone seems to want to talk to the talk, but not to walk the walk. Why Rayanne and Dee have not walked away, I do not know. They sure are not appreciated, because if they were people would show up once in awhile and I am not referring to the few that always do. And some of us cannot go all the time. So these 2 are more or less on their own. God Bless them for their efforts. If anyone pays attention when they go and really listen to those committee meetings, they would really learn alot by the information or lack of when the reports are read. How about the monthly financial report? Nothing is broked down and this is why they get away with what they do.
As a teacher in the district for almost 25 years, I have come to enjoy the Red and Black Pride celebrations. They might drag on a bit more than the bottom can handle, but it’s great to see our students and teachers and staff come together to celebrate. And thank you to the board members who attended. That means a great deal!
I hadn’t been to this blog for a while, but reading these past posting of recent, I see there is talk about Dr. Roberts and his contract being up for renewal next year. I want to point out a few things just from my observations:
I have worked for 3 superintendents in the 24 years. In a district this size, that is a rare occurrence. Having the same superintendent for 17 years is so rare. It has its advantages and some drawbacks, but there was stability in leadership. If you look around today, the length of service for superintendents is a third of that. Following Dr. Ponquinette, We had 5 years with Dr. Radakovich. Most of the staff saw him as a valiant cheerleader for the potential of the district. But certainly it was not a time without controversy, very well stated and repeated here in the blog. The effects are still clear in the memory of many.
What does Dr. Roberts bring to the district? Integrity, high standards, and a focus on academics. He is a quiet leader. Even listening to him talk yesterday, he SPEAKS quietly. But I find his vision full of substance. Those of us at the middle school level have lamented for many years about the lack of opportunities for students with exceptional abilities. As he said yesterday, we do an excellent job of providing support services for students who struggle. Now we are moving to provide more opportunities for gifted students. This is something that will grow and many of us are excited about it. And yet, as our leader, he admits we have not worked out all the kinks in the magnet school program. Integrity and honesty.
In the past two years we have had such foundational changes that will provide our students with choices for their future. The Alcohol Education grant, the Advanced Placement grant, the big grant at the high school for small learning communities, the Reading First program in the elementary schools. Each initiative, supported by Dr. Roberts, has been academic in nature, not a “quick fix” or “publicity feature”, and will provide positive, lasting effects on the students in our district. But many of them don’t “razzle and dazzle” the public at large as we had for 5 years previous to Dr. Roberts. We need those cheering moments, but to know that we might affect so many children with these initiatives means so much more to an educator.
Sorry, put way too much in here. Just a point of view from a middle school teacher!
I have nothing against helping the gifted students, but the regular education of them all needs to be taken care of first. This is not being done. Where is the money going to come from for the magnet school? It will cost money. We cannot get the textbooks for regular schooling, so where are the books going to come from for the magnet school? Monies that come in go for administrators and above, workshops that they should be paying for theirselves since they are going against their own polices which is what Roberts has done, taking the secretary and her family to Florida in case travel problems came up, did Mrs. Wells take any of her family with her there, what about Dr.Roberts and his family if they went. We paid for that and that is entirely unexcusable if all is true and I believe it is. When and only if when, things like this is done right will I and many others vote for a referendum. I will also mention that when they quit violating the open meetings acts I will consider voting for a referendum. Roberts talks a good talk but that is all he does. Hitler was a good speaker and motivator also, but what about his accomplishments? Roberts to me is like weisner. Good show, no go. I do credit all the teachers though for the good work you have done without benefit of much help(my opinion)from the administrators, superintendant and many of the school board. Thank you to all the good and dedicated teachers in all of D131.
Compared to "Serial Bully" Radakovich, Dr. Roberts is a saint.
I agree with 9:35--Dr. Roberts' honesty and integrity is notable (or maybe just noticeable, compared to the corruption of his predecessor). It's not Dr. Roberts' fault that he inherited those "old guard" School Board members who blindly supported the "Serial Bully" instead of the best interests of the students.
I'm hoping that Dr. Roberts' contract is renewed. Meanwhile, we voters will have a golden opportunity to replace 4 School Board members next spring, and then maybe the referendum will have a chance of passing.
I'm sorry but I just don't see that in Roberts. First of all he should do like other superintendents and move to this district like others. Do you think that other people taking jobs as superintendents haven't moved there families. I don't like the way he breaks district policies. I feel he doesn't do enough with the bulling cituations. We have another referendum comming up and I bet you will not see him out in the public talking about it like Ryland did and they won their referendum last year. We are having some of the same problems we have had in some schools for many years and there is no change taking place.
I think we need someone from the outside to come in as superintendent and take over. Someone who doesn't owe anyone any favors and can get things done. I believe he is just buying his time so he can go out on a nice retirement and leave this district in the same mess.
Yes he should move here. But with his youngest child finishing high school, I can applaud him for not moving the last two years and interrupting his child's education. Sure, many kids move and change schools, but no one can argue that continunity is a contributing factor in educational success.
So my point? Let's see what he does now, but I'm not going to fault him for doing what we would hope our parents in the district would do - stay in the same school for their child.
I agree with 9:35. Dr. Roberts is a quiet leader who facilitates change. This might be why he is sometimes perceived as doing nothing. He is not a showboater. These programs in our district that have been started under Dr. Roberts tenure will blossom and leave long-lasting change - not a quick fix. I'm not saying some criticism is due, but if you dig into what is happening in the district, much of it is good.
4:01, Radakovich was "from the outside"--and look what a disaster HE was!
Roberts knew his stepchild was still in school when he took the job, and did say he would move here. This was his decision to come here. Why is he any different than someone who might be in the military and has to move with no choice? Doesn't this person also have to move his or her children for the job? There is no excuse for him not moving here. He should have stayed where he was if he did not want to move here. He has done nothing that I am aware of. He did inherit some problems, but he is doing nothing to rectify them. You can bet your bottom dollar(where we, the taxpayers are at now)he was one for that early retirement plan and he will take full advantage of it. How lucky for him, then he can go elsewhere and get another job plus all the money he will be getting from this district with nothing to show for what he is getting. He will be laughing all the way to the bank.
Well maybe they made a mistake will the serial bully but remember the board could of stopped him at any time. I did not know until lately about the serial bully. Was he a superintendent before? Did the board see how he performed at another district. The board is the superintendents employer and at the end of the day they could of changed his decsions. When you take a job like these you know that you might have to move. So why didn't he wait and see if after his stepson got out of school if the district would still hire him. I can only make comparisions between East and West and it seems that the West side made a good choice with Ryland. He won his referendum in his first year. I never heard him say that it would only cost the people of there district a White Castle a day. In fact when you think of it the White Castle is on the West side. As an educator I think he could of used a better example. I have never eaten a White Castle and most of the people in this district would proably eat a taco. Which makes me think he really dosen't know this district. The board will let him live where he wants no matter what and he will be laughing all the way to the bank when he retires. The board is always saying they have to see how other districts handles things I wonder how many let there superintendent live somewhere else. In this district we don't need a quit leader we need someone who will stand up and make a change and make a loud noise to let parents and students know we need a change.
I attended the board meetings when the early retirement plan was up for vote. The previous early retirement plan was two 20% increases.
This new "incentive" is an increase of up to a 4 year notice with 6% (maximum allowed by law now) each year. This is the same as the teacher retirement incentive.
For the sake of argument, let’s say some current administrator in the district for 26 years makes $100,000. Let’s say they also receive the same increases as the teacher’s contract. The next two years teachers will receive a 4% increase. Let’s also assume (poor idea, I know) that 4% will occur over the three years following.
Administrator not taking early retirement incentive , receiving regular 4% increases and continuing to work:
2007-08 - $100,000
2008-09 - $104,000
2009-10 - $108,160
2010-11 - $112,486
2011-12 - $116,968
2012-13 - $121,665
TOTAL COST = $663,279
Administrator taking early retirement incentive (6% for 4 years max then must leave)
2007-08 - $100,000 – Gives notice to retire end of 2011-12
2008-09 - $106,000
2009-10 - $112,360
2010-11 - $119,102
2011-12 - $126,248 - Retires
2012-13 – New administrator hired at $90,000
TOTAL COST = $653,710
SAVINGS of $9569
But would hire a new one in at $90,000?
If you even use The Champion (which uses flawed database from the state – not their fault) and you calculate administrator salaries, the administrators brought into the district under Dr. Roberts have been brought in at lower, yet still competitive salaries from the previous years with Dr. Radakovich.
I was skeptical at the time also, but did the research as best I could. Both the teacher and administrator program will save the district a significant amount of money over the next years. If you had 5 or 6 teachers and administrators combined retire each year with that scenario, you would save the cost of a full time teacher each year.
I used a flat 100,000 just to be an easy math for the start, but many (including teachers) are hitting these 6 figures upon retirement. When only giving new teachers to the district a limited number of years credit for previous experience in other districts, and starting new administrators off lower than before, the system under Dr. Roberts is fiscally prudent and shows good stewardship of our (the taxpayers) monies.
I think the use of the word “early retirement” and “incentive” were of poor timing given the push for a referendum.
What we really need? Better information to the taxpayers so they can do their own research and make their own conclusions with some facts. I had to do some research on this at the time, but I became convinced it was a good deal for the district.
To:
May 10, 2008 7:26 PM
There are a couple of possible flaws in your conclusions. The savings you are getting in the second scenario are assuming that the incoming administrator 5 years from now will be receiving a lower salary, this may not be the case.
The second issue is that you would limit the amout of years credit that an incoming teacher would receive. The fact is that it is probably illegal to not give a teacher proper credit for their experience. The reason I say probably is because it has never been decided by a court of law. Any time a teacher has attempted to challenge this in court, the school district who attempted this has always backed off and given proper credit. No school district wants to be responsible for establishing a clear law in this matter. They would rather pull the wool over unsuspecting teachers eyes.
I do not believe the teachers is as good as what the administrators and above are getting. The school board does know that the superintendant is their one and only employee as this has been pointed out at the meetings when people did speak to the board. It does not matter, as Farum who thinks she can control it all, just lets the superintendant do what he wants. She cannot answer a question on her own, she always gives that rather helpless looks to Roberts and gets answers from him and he does as he pleases, such as overriding policies, because he says he can. He stated this at a meeting about the workshop in Chicago. That was definitely blantentally against policy and cost this district a bundle. Until this district starts breaking down how the monies in this district is spent, we will never know just where the money is going. All one has to do is listen when the monthly financial report is read. NOTHING but NOTHING is broken down in that report. I personally would not vote to approve that report each month until it was broken down to show where each and every dime goes. Have you ever seen the districts budget? I have a few times and it is just completely unacceptable. Had an accountant I know read it and he could not break it down. No vote for me for a referendum at this point, and yes, I would vote for one if it was the right one and this district would straighten it's act up and do things right. Roberts needs to go, and most of all he does not deserve a raise, much less what he is getting now.
In reply to May 10, 2008 8:15 PM comments regarding credit for teaching experience:
It is not illegal to limit the experience credits given to teachers that are new to the district. Pull up the salary schedules of neighboring districts and you will see that teachers that are new to the district are limited in the number of years they can receive salary credit for. This is why numerous teachers with 15+ years of experience will stay where they are at so they don't loose money.
Additionally, if a teacher does not further their education they will be frozen at a particular salary after a certain number of years. For example: D204 will freeze the salary of teachers with no more than a BA after 13 yrs ($50K) while D131 will continue to increase pay for these same teacher up to 28 years ($66K). D204also has similar caps on education levels until the Masters degree level. D131 should institute these caps and shift the money to increase the pay of teachers who further their education, thus, attracting more highly qualified teachers.
To 8:15 -
Sure, I can't guarantee that the person replacing a retiring administrator would start at a lower salary, but I what I did say is that based on the information from TRS on the champion, Dr. Roberts has consistently done that with new administrators or administrators replacing retiring ones. His restructured administrative team replacing retiring SSC staff were hired at significantly lower salaries, as were the new principals hired since he started compared to principal salaries previously.
I am basing it soley on that, which may be flawed, but it is at lease some data, and a good sign in my opinion.
What new administrators did Roberts and the board hire? What administrators replacing the other are you referring to? I know that Roberts put in 2 new adminstration positions last year. Since they are new positions, one cannot compare them to anyother. Actually, one of these new postitions was given to a friend of his. Please state the positions you are referring to and the old salaries and new salaries so we can check on it. Thank you.
On a good note, two staff from our district won Kane County Educator of the year awards- Jon Gaspar from Waldo Middle School and Tammy Chiovari from the Child Service Center. There are very hard working teachers in this district. We should be very proud of these two.
OH YEAH!
I will have to say, we have some great teachers in the district, despite the leadership. I do not think too many families or teaching peers would dispute that fact.
It sounds, in these comments, like at least one or two people are happy with those at the helm.
Let's hope they have a better insight as to the plan & purpose of the decisions being made. Many of us in the general population within the system do not see significant improvements. Positive improvements that could be made with a few changes.
#1-give credence to staff suggestions & concerns.
You will possibly find some positive comments being written in the near future. At the red and black pride assembly (the district pep rally)on Friday, Clayton expressed his dissatisfaction with the posters on this blog and instructed the staff of this district to flood the blog with positive comments. He said he was taking the comments posted here personally. I don't doubt as half the issues the community has are with Clayton directly.
If Clayton is dissatified with the postings on this blog, then maybe he should consider what is being posted here and bring it before the board for disscussion. What is posted here is not to blast anyone, including him. Pay attention to what the community is dissatisfied with. Roberts running the show with nothing to show for it. His going against policies for workshops, like in Chicago. Board putting Salinas back on when we did not vote him back in. Violation of open meetings act. Not paying attention to the few community members that do speak before the board. Carol Farum not knowing how to do her job as president of the school board. Not working with the new school board members. Lisa Morales going on workshop for travel arrangements, school board members and ones like Lisa Morales taking their family members on these workshops and the district footing the bill for all. How about things being done at schools that seems to be personally picked by one school board member. Do I need to keep going on. B2M is still up in the air for many of this since Gonzales did state when she talked it is illegal(no offense Clayton, just a fact). How about answering some of these issues the right way. There is more I could put in here, but everyone who might want to cover over the issue gets the point. For the record, we also can tell when it is someone trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Do right for the students and community and we will do right for you. Until then good luck. Also, if you don't like what you're reading, quit reading here.
I'm sure that Mr. Muhammad is upset that people keep bringing up the problems with the EHS band long after he so famously said, "the issue is over".
It must be very annoying to him to continually be reminded that the high school band program has not improved as promised, but has gotten worse. And that many of us refuse to pretend otherwise.
Why doesn't Mr. Muhammad just start his own blog? That way he can post all the positive comments he wants and just edit out the ones he doesn't agree with.
I guess sometimes the truth hurts.
To 5:55
I don't believe that Clayton would bring up the subject of this blog. He would have more to talk about than this and the blog has been around for awhile so I think he has better things to talk about at a rally. I'm not a supporter of his but he does seem to have more sense that to worry about this blog. Your statement makes me think of a post that was done awhile ago where someone said they where at Cowherd when they had something for Black History month and someone said he was getting another job.
Most who post here knows that there are positive things going on in this district and many have went to school here and graduated from East High before you even came here. While there are things that are good we also need to fix the things that are not going so well and this administration and school board should not just look away from these things.
Well he did bring it up. He had a powerpoint presentation of a bunch of press clippings from during the year and stated that there were lots of good things happening in this district. He further stated that if you listen to the blogs you would believe that there are only bad things happening in the district and he was taking some of the things stated on the blog personally. He then directed the teachers to post some of the positive things happening in the district on the blog.
Must have hit a nerve. If he thinks he is doing nothing wrong in anything he does, then he should not take it personally.
I find it interesting that Clayton commented on blogs, as he and others on the board and at the service center told me they do not read them.
I was at the Red & Black Day and heard him say something about a blog, but I did not hear the whole comment. I had to leave in the middle of Dr. Roberts comments, but I was there for the majority of the festivities. Clayton did in fact say something about blogs, though. It surprised me he even acknowledged them.
I enjoy hearing the positive comments about all things in the district and 131 community, yet I know some is wishful comments and not all fact.
Some people find it entertaining to post random statements good & bad, but fabrications. Whether it be someone gushing about how wonderful things are or ranting about how out of control everything is in the district.
There is an old saying, something about.....only believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.
As with anything, if you have doubts about the facts, check them out. Before reacting to the comments of others in this or any anonymous forum, you have to realize you cannot "consider the source" if you know not who it is :o)
~Rayanne
I'm old enough to remember the TV show "Dragnet", when the guy would be interviewing a witness and say, "just the facts, ma'am".
This blog is most effective when posters present "just the facts"--positive or negative, good or bad, and then let the chips fall where they may.
No matter who may be offended.
Does anyone know why there were several squad cars around Cowherd yesterday? I also saw them putting kids into a paddy wagon.
Did anyone go to the Choir concert at East the other night? I could not make it but my daughter went and said it was very good.
Schools share in blame
A couple of years ago, Dieterich School added a new addition. During the building of this addition and after it, the drop-off area at school became a mess. I called the district and Mayor Weisner's office. The answer to my call was to send a cop out to ticket parents. Are the parents at fault? Yes, but so is the School District ("Parents get failing grade in school parking," Denise Crosby column, May 4). Where are the crossing guards? No, we don't have guards, we build additions. Now they are asking the parents to pay for a parking lot on Melrose for us to use. The children still have to go across the street. We could let our children walk home, but with drive-by shootings at 3:15 in the afternoon, I don't let a child walk. This is why I will never vote for a referendum for the School District to get any more money until they seriously look at these schools and look at the parking problem.
This is from the Beacon OIpenline.
I went to the concert, but had to leave early. What I saw was great!
Mrs. Nadel & Mrs. Allen always do such wonderful things with the students at our high school. Not to take away from the God given talent of EA's young people, these ladies help give their students pride and confidence in their performance.
I regretted not being able to stay for the alumni portion of the concert.
If you have never been to a choir concert, it is the part of the concert, at the end when Mrs. Nadel's past students come on stage and join the choir.
For me it is a very heartfelt moment to see those young adults return to their alma mater for the concert.
I may be sounding a little gushy or like a choir salesman, but there is pride in the EA choir students of their school and their part in this program. It has been no secret, I am a defender of the arts.
If there was not one student who could carry a tune, in this whole program (not the case :)
it would be worth keeping for what it gives the students in so many other ways.
Anybody else see what the graduating seniors did to the school. Nice job parents, where were your studnets last night. I think a ceartin school boards member daughter did not walk during the graduation ceremony about two years ago because of a similar incident.
I think something more was involved in that then the paper cups on the fence and the toliet paper in the trees.
I'd like to add my "Amen" to Rayanne's comments about the EHS choral program. I've been to many of Mrs. Nadel's concerts through the years, and the choirs just keep sounding (and looking!) better and better.
Thanks, also, to Mrs. Allen's hard work at the piano. I'm a pianist myself, and can appreciate all that she does to help make the choir program "happen".
Anybody know anything about the agenda for this Monday's board meeting? I don't see it posted on the district website.
Checked and is not there. When it is posted it will probably be like all other times when it is not posted on time and say posted yesterday. The thing is it never puts a date for yesterday. Maybe Lisa Morales has jet lag from going to Florida.
Checked the district website today Sat. and it's still not there. I wonder if it's posted at the service center or in the superintendents office? There are two people doing the secertaries job at least one of them should make sure it it there.
While we're on the subject of things being posted in a timely manner, what's going on with the East High website? The last "Principal's Newsletter" was posted in March.
Where's April?
Where's May?
Where's the high school administration's responsibility to parents, students, & alumni??
I think that if the district is going to have a website and they start with newsletter for the schools they should really keep up with them. I think someone stated that they didn't go to board meetings because they found out more from being involved at the school. Why is the alumni concerned about the East High letter from the principle? It is a good thing that they want to keep up with things but shouldn't it be for the whole district and not just the high school?
The thing about the agenda is that is part of the open meetings act and it is breaking the law. Not that the states attorney really inforces it. I also wonder if they don't post it on the website if it is posted in the other places that is required by the open meetings act?
They redo the website and it is looking better and they cann't keep up with it and that makes it a waste of money.
It would sure be nice if one of the several administrators at East High would take just an hour or so to post some updated info on the website. High school students don't always tell their parents what's going on at school, and online is a convenient, "green" method of informing parents.
Unless, of course, the administration doesn't have any information it considers important enough to share with the public. Or there's something they're trying to hide?
I don't think that it is so much an issue of having things to hide but the fact the the administration STILL has not gotten the fact that parents, alum, and community members really want information and communication.
has anyone been reading all the comments about the high real estate tax bills that our friends on the West side have received. Most have seen an increase of $800 because of their referendum.
Yes, I have noticed that more West side residents are making comments in the paper. There was a comment in the Beacon Openline today making a statement about some of the teachers salaries.
I don't think the board or administration keeps things hidden either it's just that people don't listen to what they say. Also, I think the board thinks that the citizens think that they are doing ok cause no one comes to meetings and says anything.
I find it interesting that almost 100 seniors caused about $100,000 worth of damage to East High and nobody on this blog cares.
Looks like the high school choir director has been posting on the blog.
What damage by seniors are you talking about?
1:10, what posts do you think are by the H.S. choir director?
The last 2 that referred to the choir were by someone named "Rayanne", and someone who identified themselves as a pianist.
Neither sounds to me like it might be the choir director at East High.
I care about what those seniors did and something should be done about it. The punishment needs to be fair and not just single out a few and let the rest get away with it. Whoever did this should not be allowed to go to graduation ceremonies. Does anyone know if charges were filed against them? Do they know who did it? Where is Conrad in this?
What where the damages that cost that much. I go by East in the morning and I did notice on the fence the class of 2008 done in cups and toliet paper all over but nothing else. There was before that 2008 on the outside of the building by the auditorium but could not tell what they used to write it. Someone did clean it off but you can see it a little bit still.
If what you say is true then the administration should look into it like last year because I don't believe there was that much damage. The same punishment should be handed out.
Still no agenda for tomorrow's meeting. Does anyone know what is on it by any chance? There is no reason that there is no agenda. Juanita Wells or Lisa Morales should have posted it. Could there be something on the agenda that they are not wanting us to know about?
You want to know the damage. Here is just some of it. Yeah you saw the outside, no big deal, in fact a very "respectful" prank. But they got inside the school.
While inside they threw eggs everywhere. Poured some kind of flour mixture down drains to make them clog. Staind floors and wall with katchup including the freshman center "tomcat logo" floor which alone is around $20,000 to replace. The jammed door locks with honey and powder and just basic chalk and paint all over lockers, walls, doors, and windows. You just don't talk about "damage" the district has to pay somebody to clean all that up.
You saw cups and toilet paper. YOUR STUDENTS ARE DISRESPECTFUL AND OUT OF CONTROL AND YOU ARE TOO IGNORANT TO REALIZE IT.
P.S. The choir at East is NOT good.
Rayanne or Dee if you are reading this blog, can you confirm the damage that the poster on May 18 @ 6:10PM has stated? Also, whomever posted this could you give us somewhere to follow up on this? Since you state that our students are disrespectful, you must not live in this district, right? Thank you for getting back to us on this.
I don't have kids.
6:10, if the damage you describe did in fact occur then one major concern for me would be, how did the students gain access to the building? Seems to me this would involve a major security breach, and that the administrator responsible for the building & grounds at the high school would have been partially responsible. Specifically, Rick Johnson.
Gossip on the eatside says: permission was granted to allow students in to do some harmless senior pranking.
Things got out of control and as a previous poster stated, there was a lot of vandalism involving food products and any other products that would adhere surfaces in the building creating an unimaginable mess.
There supposedly was one of APD officers on the property who permitted late entry into the building.
Video cameras were rolling.
Still no agenda posted. The Board meeting is Monday @ 7pm. Maybe this will be addressed then.
To 6:40 pm-thank God for small favors.
Maybe there isn't going to be a School Board meeting tomorrow night. Maybe everyone's going to buy tickets to the Chicago Rush game to support the band fund-raiser.
I am not always made aware of all that goes on at the schools.
Dee & I have asked repeatedly to be kept informed, when possible, before the general public and the Beacon puts the word out.
I know as much as previous commenters, I have heard "gossip on the eastside" that runs along the same lines of those writing before me. I encourage people to come to the meeting. Ask questions.
Voice concerns.
Personally, I am upset and saddened by acts of EA students and those who were allowing this activity to take place.
I do not have children either, but the students in this, my district, is my responsibilty as a concerned citizen. I would rather be apart of the solution than to ignore the situation and then, therefore, being part of the problem. This is how things get out of hand. I doubt there will be anything mentioned at the meeting. My guess would be if it is, it will be done in closed session due to the nature of what happened. It also would depend on what day it was actually done if brought up at meeting.
6:10 p.m., your last statement was: "The choir at East is not good".
You're right. "Good" is what the IHSA euphemistically calls a Division III rating. "Good" means "third-rate", in this case.
No, the choir is not "good". The choir at East is OUTSTANDING.
And no, I'm not the choir director, just a parent.
According to the Beacon this morning the School Board meeting is at 6:00 p.m. today, not 7:00.
Still no agenda--I just checked.
Maybe there's nothing to discuss important enough to mention on an agenda?
I could only comment what I saw outside and did not know about what went on inside. I this is true whoever gave them permission to go inside should be fired and the police officer that let them in should take responsiblity. The kids should be made to pay for the damage they caused which sounds like it will be costly.
Agenda is posted now on the website but says the meeting is at 7pm so who is right the beacon or the boards agenda.
Agenda
Board of Education Meeting
Monday, May 19, 2008
7:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Approval of Minutes
• Public Hearing on May 5, 2008
• Board of Education Meeting on May 5, 2008
• Closed Session Minutes of May 5, 2008
IV. Communications from the Superintendent
• Motion to Approve the Class of 2008 East High School Graduates, Subject to Meeting All Graduation Requirements – President Carol Farnum
• Community School Graduates – Dr. Chris Aird
• Student/Staff Recognition – Mr. Clayton Muhammad
• Examples of Excellence – Mr. Clayton Muhammad
• Community Relations Report – Mr. Clayton Muhammad
V. Comments of Board Members
PUBLIC COMMENTS/QUESTIONS
VI. Curriculum/Programs Committee, Ken Maurice, Chair met Monday, May 12th at 5:15 p.m.
A. Informational Item
• Meeting Schedule – Monday, June 9th at 5:15 p.m. at the SSC
• Curriculum/Programs Committee Minutes of May 12th
• Revised Registration Procedures
• Grant Update
• Parent Mentoring Program
• High School Textbook Proposal for Sophomores
• IDEA Grants
• PBIS Update
• Diagnosticians
B. Action Items: None
VII. Buildings & Grounds Committee, Bob McCue, Chair met May 7th at 6:00 p.m.
A. Informational/Discussion Items
• Meeting Schedule – Wednesday, June 4 at 6:00 p.m. at the SSC
• Building & Grounds Committee Meeting Minutes of May 7th
• Mechanical Priorities Building Repairs Timeline
B. Action Items: None
VIII. Finance Committee, Mrs. Carol Farnum, Chair met May 13th at 6:00 p.m.
A. Informational/Discussion Items
• Meeting Schedule – Tuesday, June 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the SSC
• Finance Committee Meeting Minutes of May 13th
• Hot Lunch Bid Timeline
• Medical Benefit Renewal Timeline
• Annual Action Items for June (housekeeping)
• 2008/2009 Budget
• 403(b) Update
B. Action Items:
• Motion to Approve the Custodial Supply Bid in the Amount of $218,774.64
• Motion to Approve the Speech/Language Employee Contract
• Motion to Approve a Letter of Agreement for an Assistant for a SPED Student
• Motion to Approve the Donation in the Amount of $326.14 from the Knights of Columbus to the Special Education Program
• Motion to Approve the Following Donations for the East High Drama Department and the NJROTC Programs from Mrs. Darlene Kirchoff of Batavia:
24 Pairs of Black Patent Leather Shoes
27 New Male Tuxedo Shirts
100 Ties and Cumber Buns
• Motion to Approve the Following Monthly Financial Reports
Treasurer’s Report
Financial Statement
Payroll Report
Petty Cash Report
Cash Flow Report
List of Bills
IX. Personnel & Policy Committee, Mrs. Juanita Wells, Chair met May 6th at 4:00 p.m.
A. Informational Item
• Meeting Schedule – Tuesday, June 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at the SSC
• Recruitment Update
• Personnel & Policy Committee Minutes of May 6th
• Discussion of Board Policy Section 280.03 (School Board Compensation and Expenses)
• Discussion of Board Policy Section 500.18-R (General Personnel – Conference Attendance)
B. Action Items
• Motion to Approve the Personnel Report as Presented
X. Executive Session for the Purpose of Discussing the Appointment, Employment and Dismissal of a Specific Employee
XI. Action, if any, Resulting from Executive Session
XII. Adjournment
I wonder if Clayton will talk about the kids that trashed East High. I would think that those kids where ones that the teachers and administrators trusted if they let them in the school at night to do some pranks.
As a tax payer I don't think it's the districts job to pay someone to clean this up these kids should.
The paper states the meeting is at 6PM at TomCat Lane today. Was that not where it was last month? If anyone goes to the wrong place they will be really mad.
Ok, "The choir is OUTSTANDING." NO, the choir is not good, outstanding or any other positive word. They ARE BAD. They cannot sing well. You are deaf if you think otherwise.
8:04, I have a master's degree in music. I sing in an acappella chamber choir. I have taught voice lessons for over 25 years, including many East High graduates.
And I agree with 5:40 a.m.--the choir is indeed "outstanding".
Has any of the board members read the open meetings act?
PUBLIC NOTICE -
Public bodies are required to give notice of their regularly scheduled meetings by making public a schedule of their regular dates, times, and places of meetings. Notice must be given at the beginning of each calendar or fiscal year by posting a copy of the notice at the principal office of the body holding the meeting and at the location of the meeting.
Notice must be given to the public as well any news medium that files an annual request. The public body must also post an agenda at least 48 hours prior to each regular meeting. Should there be any permanent changes to regularly-scheduled meetings, the public body must give notice at least 10 days before the meeting by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the area.
The public body may post notice of any changes at the principal office of the public body, the building where the meeting is held, or in any news medium that files an annual request. For special meetings, public bodies must give notice at least 48 hours before such meetings. Special meetings include a rescheduled regular meeting or a reconvened regular meeting. Notice of an emergency meeting shall be given as soon as practicable prior to the holding of the meeting.
Agendas must give the public sufficient notice of resolutions which are to be decided. A general heading, such as, "New Business" is not considered sufficient notice of decision-making. It is acceptable to introduce or discuss a resolution not specifically listed on the posted agenda so long as no final action is taken.
Just ignore 8:04 a.m.
They probably think that they can make the band look better by trashing the choir.
Well, it's not working. Those of us with eyes & ears know the difference.
Whether or not we have degrees in music!
I just drove by Oswego High School. What an awesome sight. There had to be close to two hundred students practicing for the Memorial Day Parade. There were colorguard including flags and rifles and a huge band. The sound was awesome, you could hear them a mile away. It was nice to see a real band again.
Teens questioned about shooting near East Aurora H.S.
May 19, 2008
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BY BEACON NEWS STAFF
Police are questioning four Aurora teenagers in connection with a shooting that apparently targeted a 15-year-old girl who was walking as part of her East Aurora High School gym class Monday.
At 11:20 a.m., a 911 call was received for shots fired near Mastodon Lake which is located at Phillips Park on Aurora’s near southeast side. Apparently the girl, who was walking south on a track around the lake, was approached by four males dressed in black, who were walking north and had just exited a vehicle parked at the dead end of Ashland Avenue, just east of Gates Street.
When the males were about 50 to 100 feet away from the girl, one of them fired at least two shots in her direction, police said. The gunman then tossed something into the lake and all four ran north, police said. The girl, who police believe was not hit by the shots, then ran south.
A responding Aurora sergeant spotted the four teens acting suspiciously in front of a nursing home in the 900 block of Sixth Avenue, police said.
Police have two 14-year-olds, one 15-year-old and one 16-year-old boy in custody, police said. None have been charged as of Monday afternoon.
When one of the teens saw the marked patrol vehicle, he walked toward a bush and appeared to throw something into it, police said. The sergeant stopped the four teens and held them at gunpoint until backup arrived, police said. When police checked, they found a loaded gun in the bush that the one teen had approached.
A dive team from the fire department is in the process of searching Mastodon Lake due to the report that whoever fired the shots may have thrown something in the water, police said.
No injuries were reported in the incident and nothing appeared to have been hit by gunfire, police said. Investigators are in the process of trying to make contact with the apparent victim and interviewing other witnesses, police said.
A motive is not yet known. Aurora police are assigning extra resources to the school as a precaution.
Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (630) 801-6655; or CrimeStoppers at (630) 892-1000. Callers to CrimeStoppers are anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to charges.
Krug staff cheated on tests: report
May 19, 2008
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BY HEATHER GILLERS Staff Writer
AURORA — Standardized test scores of 40 Krug Elementary School students will be discarded after a State Board of Education probe confirmed Monday that school staff gave children answers.
Illinois State Board of Education investigators found “evidence of being coached” on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test, Board of Education spokesman Andrea Preston said.
East Aurora school officials turned over the test booklets to state officials almost two months ago after an internal investigation, triggered when a concerned member of the Krug staff phoned a district administrator.
“The minute that we got any information on this we started investigating, we took action,” said School Board President Carol Farnum. “It brings a huge message to everyone in the district...that this is something we will not countenance.”
Tricia Walton, who was Krug’s principal at the time the tests were administered, resigned last month.
State and federal officials will not take the 40 tests into account when measuring performance at Krug.
ISAT scores determine a school’s academic standing in the eyes of federal officials. Poor scores on the test can affect a school’s curriculum and funding.
Carol I do not believe you. You guys always look the other way.
“The minute that we got any information on this we started investigating, we took action,” said School Board President Carol Farnum. “It brings a huge message to everyone in the district...that this is something we will not countenance.”
I bet you look the other way too with the event that happened at East High prank and no adult was in the building when they let these minors in.
From the Beacon on the question of property taxes. Remember our district is asking for a referendum.
Q: Man, look at the increase for the West Aurora School District. Did we vote for this? In short, yes. When we called Kane County Treasurer Dave Rickert to ask him about some of the angry calls we've received, his first question was, "How many of them live in the West Aurora School District?"
West Aurora passed a referendum last April that allowed the district to raise the tax rate 50 cents. This has resulted in a more than 20 percent hike in school taxes -- Pfieffer's West Aurora bill, for example, went up $475, from $1,926 to $2,407.
Now it doesn't say what the house is worth but I know I pay more than this for this year alone so remember this when they ask you to vote for the referendum and what how your taxes will go up.
Rickert said his office has received between 50 and 60 calls a day from unhappy homeowners since the bills went out a few weeks ago, and a lot of them live in the West Aurora School District. It was West's first successful referendum since 1988.
D131 will never get a referendum to pass with everything that is going on wrong in this district. What just is Roberts doing? Nothing! He needs to be replaced and someone not involved now or in the past hired for the job of superintendant for our district. What has happened at EH with the damage those students did should never, ever have happened. It is time for zero tolerance in all wrong doings. This includes the teachers, admininstration, superintendant and board! But, only we, the community can do this and not just by voting no. Get to some of those board meetings and voice your opinion and then do not back off. Things like what happened at East is a law suit waiting to happen. What if someone had been hurt, what is somehow a person got molested and there are many other things that could have happened. And just what were those students doing in the school after hours and where was any member of the staff or administration when they were in there? Where was the officer when all of this went on? Who is going to pay for the damage? There had better be charges made against every student that was in that building, regardless if they did anything or not! By not getting ahold of someone, even if they did not particapate, they are at fault. It is time to enforce zero tolerance completely.
The damage to our high school Thursday evening is unbelievable. Pranks have happened in the past and judgment was handed down.
In this incident the board members that were present spoke with one voice and gave our recommendations to our superintendent and assistant superintendent to secondary schools. It is now in their hands to handle this situation.
We will all watch closely to see how quickly this issue will be addressed.
My question would be since the board is the employer of the superintendent isn't it his responsibily to do your will?
If this district thinks I will vote for a referendum at this point they are wrong. We have a superintendant that does nothing. Students are damaging our schools with administrations approval and police officer there supposedly watching what is going on. Shots being fired at students, nothing, but nothing is being done. Those sudents at East should be expelled and not allowed to walk in graduation. Charges need to be filed against them. Roberts needs to be fired and replaced. If by some reason he is still kept as superintendant he not only should not get a raise, he should be made to give back some of what he has been paid for lack of doing his job. Time to stop all this nonsense now, it has gone on long enough!!!!!
That is the exact attitude that is allowing this to continue. Forget about the refferendum right now. The disrespect, the vandalism, the shootings. These are not the problems of District 131. These are the problems of the COMMUNITY. This community needs to finaly step up and say that they have had enough. Not enough with the school district, but enough with the gangs and enough with kids not following rules. You should work with the schools and volunteer your time with youth and pay attention to your own kids. STOP passing the buck onto somebody else and MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY BETTER.
5/20 6:49AM
I am involved in the community. D131 is the community. I agree that eveyone should step up to the plate in all of this, from the youngest of age to the oldest. There is nothing wrong with my attitude. I certainly agree that something needs to be done and with zero tolerance. I also know that the ones in authority is setting the example for the whole community. There are some who are not and should be made accountable for it. I do not pass the buck and take responsibilty for my own actions, which many do not and are not made to. I do not have children, but, do believe they all deserve the best. I am hoping that the efforts that I have put in and will continue to put it, is a step in making this community better.
I meant to say in making my(our)community better.
The Krug story doesn't surprise me at all. The teachers at the middle school have been wondering for years how the students are supposedly passing the tests at a 5th grade level when they leave the elementary schools and are functioning at a third grade level when they get to the middle school. When the question has been brought up in a faculty meeting, the teacher was cut off sharply by the principal and we were told in no uncertain terms that tests scores of the elementary schools was a forbidden topic. Don't bring it up again.
so how many of you have heard that east's principal knew the students were going to do a prank and told the officer it was ok to let them in? that is what happened, but it just got out of control. she knew they were going to be there so she should have been there to or she never should have okd it
School is coming to a close, and I my daughter was one of the graduates on Friday night. I have spoke to her about the vandalism that occurred in the building, and she stated that she knew the people who had done it. She also said that they were texting each other telling them where to enter the building so that the officer could not see them. I am grateful that my daughter was not a part of it and was able to participate in graduation. As for the ones who were there, they need to act like the adults that they pretend to be and shoulder the responsibilities of their actions. I know that the officer, nor the principal gave permission to damage the building. "5 Student leaders" should have been able to be trusted. Everyone who rants "kids will be kids, and they need our guidance to not damage a school" obviously did not grow up in my neighborhood. I was born and raised on the East side, and proudly still live there today. I would have been killed by my parents if I would have even imagined damaging some one else's property. Where are these children's parents? Why are they not demanding their children take personal responsibility for their actions, and put a plan in place to pay for what happened? Why are these parents allowing every one to point fingers at the officer and the principal- If it was my child, after their punishment at home, they would be forced to take responsibility and would not be allowed to try and push the blame on anyone else.
To 6:22 AM "Shots being fired at students, nothing, but nothing is being done."
First of all- the beacon publish to quicky- but we all now the spin the beacon puts on every thing. You have to turn to the back page to see the Bomb threat and the fire started in West High, and Waubonse does'nt make the paper no matter what they do. But if East High is involved, well that is front page news.
The students were shooting at a rival gang member in a car- not our students.
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