Great news, you no longer have to go to the school service center or contact your local board member for information.
You may now access the board policies on the 131 website.
http://www.d131.org/
Click Board of Education, on the left of the homepage.
After the Bd. Of Ed. page comes up, click on Board Policies on the right of the page.
Everything you could want-right at your finger tips.
Things are movin' on.
Class of 2008 has received their diplomas.
Another school year will soon be through.
Business in 131 continues through the summer.
A budget will soon be finalized.
Decisions will be made affecting classes 2009 and beyond.
A Board Workshop will be held on June 16, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.
The purpose is to discuss the budget and it will be open to the public.
Go for the workshop and stay for the Board meeting at 7pm.
54 comments:
Thanks for the new post!
GREAT website! Wow!
This is the image we need for Aurora East!
This is a positive. Do you think that they could also put the board packets on like some districts do? Some of us cann't get to the committee meetings and maybe we could understand what happens at those meetings to.
Hope all the quiet on this blog is due to the fact everyone is reading the policies and getting ready to speak at the meeting Monday. The administration and board did not follow policy, if I am reading them correct. The parents and students are responsible for paying for the damage. These policies pertaining to what happened are definitely NOT being followed.
I teach at a district middle school. I found it a little disturbing today to watch 8th grade graduation practice.
The students we have at the alternative schools were at the graduation practice. These are individuals that have caused so much trouble during the year and have been suspended so many times this year that the board and administration felt it necessary to remove them completely from the school, yet they are graduating with their classmates. On the other hand there are students that screwed up just once and they are banned from graduating with their classmates. The lack of consistency in this district is appalling.
I can not believe that when you are sent to the alternative school because you are so disruptive or dangerous that you can not remain part of the student body that you are welcomed to join that student body and graduate with the students that have done the right thing all year.
I totally agree with the previous post.
We have students at one middle school being suspended for violating rules, while at another they get a wrist slap and a Saturday school that they don't show up for.
What message does it give these students when they come together at the high school and realize everyone is NOT treated equally.
No wonder some feel they can break the rules and be excused, maybe that has been the way it has been for them under a elementary or middle school administrators.
Equal education, Equal disipline
Equal recognition, throughout 131.
No matter where you live, how much money your parents earn or where your family was born.
Did anyone see the Beacon's editorial this morning about the East High prank/vandalism?
No mention whatsoever that the administration might have been partially at fault. Evidently the Beacon thinks that students should have unlimited access to the building after school hours, with no "administrative presence" expected or required.
Was there ever any statement from the EHS principals admitting their responsibility in this? An apology of any sort? If so, I missed it.
I agree with you 5/27 @ 7:25 about the middle school students. But as far as the high school students at least they didn't lose their schorships like the kids two years ago.
Graduation day is the one thing all children work toward for the 13 years they are in school. I find it difficult to accept that there were no alternatives, especially when they found an alternative for the class president. One stupid moment should not have denied them the day they have worked diligently toward for thirteen years.
They could have very easily given all the students the option of a two day suspension (just like the class president) and to pay monetary damages for the cleanup. This would have punished the children fairly and without scarring them for life.
When you add in the the knowledge that students from the alternative school are allowed to graduate with their class, it makes this inequity even more apparent.
I sometimes wish this was Naperville or somewhere else where you know some bright lawyer parent would have put a legal stop to this sort of inconsistent and unfair practice.
I do not feel sorry for these students at all. These where the pet students that the administration let in the building because they thought they knew then and they would harm anything. Well they where wrong. Again like another post said why when these students did the same as the ones two years ago did they keep their scholorships and the others didn't.
The point is really the consistency. How do you take graduation away from a student leader for getting in trouble once during their 13 years of schooling while at the same time they allow alternatve school students who have been suspended 10 or 20 times this year to graduate with their friends. Establish a policy and enforce it consistently or don't do it at all. Enough of this picking and choosing crap.
No it is the same thing. They did the same things to the others and they did not get in trouble until then either. If you have a problem go to a school board meeting and talk them them about it. Yes, it should be the same for one and all so lets start with the ones from two years ago and do the same to the ones this year.
Is this the first year they let the 8th graders graduate with the other students? If not then is should stay as is. If it's the first time then it needs to stop.
Let me make this clear, the 3 that were suspended 2 years ago and schoarships taken away sprayed painted with washable paint on the sidewalk in front of the high school and a speed bump. THEY DID NOT DO THE REST, TAKE THE TOMCAT OR SPRAY PAINT THE SIDE OF THE SCHOOL OR ANYTHING ELSE! The 3 did not do $1700.00 in damage as the Beacon indicates. Most of the cost of damage was done by the others. Just by reading what damage has been done this year, it has to surpass the others by more that 15%. The 3 also said they would pay for the clean up and a business in Aurora also said they would pay to have the paint removed. The administration refused it. Some of the ones that did this were arrested. Yes,the aministration and board know who they are and let them go to the ceremonies. I know that some were suspended, but not the ones who were arrested to the best of my knowledge, the administration and board thought that was enough punishment. Nothing fair or just in this at all. I do not condone what was done 2 years ago or this year, but the punishment should be the same.
I would like to know what scholarships were lost two years ago? I find that hard to believe and any parent whose student lost a scholarship should have met with the scholarship committee to discuss why.
From what I have learend, no scholarsip committee can look at a student's behavior/discipline record and that is what would have had to take place in order for scholarship to be taken away. With the exception of those students who identified themselves to the newspaper, the other student names are not a matter of public record. Were these scholarships school-based where a coach or a teacher would have known both sides because they are on the inside? If so, then I would still have put pressure to demand to know why the scholarship was removed.
Did students talk to the newspaper two years ago? I did a search and couldn't find evidence of it at all. So how does Mr. Joe Scholarship Provider know what students did what? By the time of graduation the vast majority of scholarships are awarded with letters of recommendation, grades, etc already submitted. So please tell me how and what scholarships were taken away. I don't believe the students from two years ago were the shining academic stars of the school by any means, otherwise we would have heard about it like this year. They may have been genuinely good kids who were popular and hard workers, but come on let's be realistic.
If a scholarship is academic based, how do you take it away from the 4.0 Honors Student who put ketchup on a wall whose name was never made public anywhere by law? Ain't gonna happen.
So if anyone can clarify this 'urban legend' about the scholarships being taken away from students two years ago, please do so. Were are these kids from two years ago now? Did they just finish their associates degree at Waubonsee or their sophomore year at a four-year university? If so, proves that you can move on in life and still succeed. If not, well, maybe those scholarships wouldn't have helped anyway.
Anyway...this whole matter could have been solved had the principal not given the permission for ANY student to be in the building OR assigned an administrator to be in charge if they were. Like Roberts said in the paper, we are ready for the next part of the consequences!
You sound like someone at east high so why don't you ask conrad about that. You do realize that ketchup does stain if not taken care of right away. Why don't you try it at home on your walls and let it set and see what happens.
At a meeting with college recruiters the one from U of I stated that typically each year about 20 scholarships are recinded to incoming college freshman. He said students had to maintain the status of when they received the scholarship. He didn't specify what would justify taking it back, or how the college finds this information out. I can't state specficially to the current incident or the one 2 years ago, but from the horses' mouth I know it does happen. Just an FYI to try to help.
Just visited the U of Is website and it states that students they have nearly 8,000 different scholarships. 20 out of 8,000 says a lot.
Were any scholarships taken away this year from any of the ones that were disciplined?
waldo's union rep was reassigned to the high school for next year...how much more corrupt will this ditrict get? they are in the middle of a grevance and now their union rep is removed! this place is a joke!
Maybe the high school needed that person more than Waldo did. Sometimes there's a good reason for reassignment; it's not always about politics or a personal vendetta (although it may seem that way in this district, I realize).
Those kids that everyone feels sorry for cost us the taxpayers a-lot of hard earned tax dollars. This is pure and simple a crime and missing graduation is a small price to pay. They should have been charged with a crime and made to repay the damages. A good night in jail is the real punishment they should have received.
As for the cop he should be given time off and his pay donated to the taxpayers of the east side.
The police person is a female. According to their own policy on what happened, the students and parents of those involved in this incident is responsible to pay for the damage, whithout charges being filed, if I am reading it right-and-I believe I am. You are right, charges should be filed and then those students should have to spend every weekend in jail for 3 months. Maybe what someone should do is call the different colleges and let them know what these honor students did so they can be stripped of their honors, as was done to some 2 years ago. This is the only way that colleges find out about these things when it comes to honors.
So has everyone heard East Aurora High School will be getting a New Athletic Director!!! The word on the street is this individual (currently a Dean) has not even been a Head Coach or involved in the realm of Athletics! No prior experience, talk about a YES man to our current administration!!! I thought our job as educators was do to what is best for the students we service, not who fits in best with the current administration (aka. the 3 stooges). Here will be another poor decision by our current administration...just watch!!
I heard one of EA's own alumni who used to be a footbal coach will taking that position.
I think some one with history adn heart in the district is an excellent choice.
Go Cam!
10:09 am - Obviously you do not proof read- try it before you hit post (and you call yourself an educator)!
The new AD is an alumni of East High, he was a teacher, a dean, and a coach. East High picked a man with heart and dedication. Cam Leadbetter bleeds black and red. If anyone can bring integrity back to the athletic program in East High, it is Cam. Good Luck Cam, don't let someone else's jealousy weigh you down.
Yeah Cam! We support you! The kids LOVE you and that will make a world of difference!
Finally...an alumni, a former teacher, a building administrator and an all around family man and good guy who LOVES athletics and LOVES the students. Great combo!
Compared to the guy we were stuck with before ("Serial Buddy" Radakovich's Minooka crony Rick Johnson), this new AD sounds like a gem. Let's get behind him & give him a chance.
You people don't give anybody a chance.
Wow 10:09, you are an example for us all for making comments without having facts.
On the good note - Cam Leadbetter was an excellent choice by the TEAM of teachers, coaches and administrators who selected him. He has integrity, school spirit, and respect for community and tradition! This is EXACTLY what we need in the athletic program. GREAT JOB!!!!!!!
10:09 is probably Rick Johnson's mother.
Well as long as he isn't a good ole' boy and isn't a suck up to the current administration this may be good. If he can stand his ground when he thinks that what the administration wants isn't in the best interest of the students then he may be the one.
Seriously, EVERYONE involved wants what is best for the students. You can judge all you want, but until you walk a mile in anyone's shoes you do not know what is in their hearts.
5:23 makes a good point!
5:23 he will be part of the administration. How can you suck up to yourself?
I'm just happy the serial buddy's crony is finally gone. As the saying goes, "good riddance to bad rubbish".
5:46, don't you mean "serial bully"?
Ok, lets put it this way since he will be an administrator. Lets hope the others don't rub off on him and he stands up for what he believes will work for the students even if the others don't.
Have you thought about posting what is right in the district? Why keep dwelling on the negatives? As a parent, I want to know the good things that are happening in the schools. If you are all so bitter then maybe you should leave. There are good people in this district that work incredibly hard to teach our children. Let's praise them and kill the district with kindness. Teachers have come into this district and are making significantly less than surrounding districts. They are here because they are dedicated and feel they can make a difference in the lives of our students. With the type of attitudes you are portraying on these blogs, what would make them want to stay?
I sing the praises of the teachers in the district to anyone who asks.
There IS lots of positive in 131, in spite of the "forces" that keep the best from shining through.
I believe most of the people who write on these blogs know that.
Many that have been around awhile, whether working for the district or living in, or both, have seen first hand those negative things rearing their ugly heads too any times. It is hard to give credit when those deserving don't get it.
Anyone close to the teachers and students know that we have some of the best hidden under the trash that is talked about the eastside.
Yes, let's celebrate the positive, but without pretending that certain issues are needing to be addressed & improved.
And speaking of positive, did anybody else see that an East High student has been selected to spend 6 months in Japan? What a great opportunity--way to go!
On another note of positive things happening in the district, a group of alumni students hosted a alumni party to honor 2 teachers in the English department that recently retired. The people who organized it, spread the word as best they could, and I think managed to get a good few people out there, and showed a little EA pride in honoring former educators. If that doesn't say something about how valued educators are, then I don't know what does.
You know if you read the paper or look at the website you can see all those things. But like some one posted there are bad things in this district also and they need to be addressed exspecially when the district is going for another referendum.
waldo's union rep was not reassigned because they needed her there, is was done because she spoke up for all the teachers and admin could not deal with it! it is there was of telling the teachers their voices will not be heard and if they arent quiet about their disapprovals they will be reprimanded!
actually Waldo's rep requested to be moved from the building. Let's get our facts straight here people!
I noticed in Burlington Ill kids at graduation damaged the school. They were charged by police. Show the lack of care by the police and school. Shows that behavior is tolerated because they will only grow up to be gang bangers anyway. No discipline.
I see from the board bits that they are having Vision Friendly tape some events at the school and putting them of the web site I wonder why they cann't get them to do the school board meetings so people that cann't attend can at least see them on the web site. I think it is great that they can put the events from the school on so people can see and enjoy them if they cann't attend so why not the board meetings. It seems that the administration of the school doesn't seem to think much of the board. While I agree that what is happening at the school and the listing of all the schools and their information should come first with the new web site it seems that the boards information seems not to be so important to them. If you can get someone to webcast events I don't see why they cann't do a board meeting or two. Also are we paying someone to do this?
Great question regarding the taping of the board meetings. This has been brought up but we can't seem to get the majority of the board to accept the idea. Seems to me now is a great time since they have added the microphones. Maybe someone should suggest it thru the website.
waldo's rep DID NOT ask to be re-assigned, she was told on the last day she would be going to east and not by her choosing. interesting how people post things on here without knowing what they're talking about, or maybe its administrators posting on here to make themselves look better!
Almost everything people post on this blog know nothing about the facts. They just post their opinion or suspicion without ever caring who they hurt or what they don't know.
I agree. There is certainly a place for blogs and this blog has had some great discussions. It's when things get personal or people make assumptions that it loses it's effectiveness. Talking about budgets, communication from the board, etc. are productive. But when you talk about situations that involve one or few people, you run the risk of losing credibility. Time and time again we've heard from administration that they can't talk about personnel issues. If that is the case, speculating on here about them does not solve anything.
Superintendent's Message on His First Year
Reported by 204-info@ipsd.org on 5/23/08
As my first year as superintendent draws to a close, I look forward to a notable milestone taking place this weekend when we bid farewell to the largest class of graduating seniors in the history of our district. More than 1,800 students will receive their diplomas this Sunday. We extend best wishes to all our graduates as they begin a new chapter of their lives.
I also want to thank our 26 staff members who are beginning their own new chapters after they retire in June. Their service to our district has made an impact on the lives of many students and they have contributed to the success of our district.
While graduation and retirement are times of celebratory appreciation, it is important to identify other accomplishments for this year as well.
We should begin our focus on our students. The district continued to celebrate student academic success as 92 percent of our students met or exceeded standards on state tests.
Outside of the classroom, we recognized hundreds of students for competing and succeeding at the state and national levels in athletic and extracurricular activities. Our students succeeded on the playing fields, in the classrooms, as individuals and as teams. I am confident there are scores of students who enjoyed newfound personal achievement in reaching their goals and doing their very best.
While I am pleased with this year's efforts, we cannot rest. Irving Berlin once said, "The toughest thing about success is that you have to keep on being a success." I find the same commentary holds true with the field of education and our district.
This year marked the beginning of a number of new initiatives whose aim is to continue to drive achievement. Highlights include implementing an intervention system to increase the academic achievement of low-performing elementary students. The district also designed a six school pilot program to academically assist our students with special needs. At the middle school level, we set in motion plans for a middle school schedule that will provide teachers and students with more time dedicated to core classes. And finally, a large number of people collaborated on a program that will begin this fall to help our youngest learners--all-day kindergarten. With more than 1,800 children enrolled in all-day kindergarten next year, I look forward to seeing the long-range impact this program will have on our students.
In addition to our many initiatives this academic year, we moved forward with a major construction project--the construction of Metea Valley High School and the conversion of Waubonsie Valley's freshman center to our seventh middle school. Both are scheduled to open in Fall 2009. I want to thank Mayor Weisner and the City of Aurora, Reverend Jesse Hawkins and the St. John AME Church congregation, Aurora Alderman Lynda Elmore, and countless community members for their ongoing support over the past few months. Both schools will greatly assist the district in easing overcrowding and serve our students for years to come.
Lost amidst the fervor of Metea Valley are the major advances we have begun to roll out with technology. From fiber optics that will greatly enhance inter-school networking to enhancing internal and external communication to greater advances with our technology curriculum, we're enthusiastic about how these changes will help prepare our students for life after graduation.
I am grateful for all that we have accomplished this year. To Indian Prairie's students, teachers, parents, and administrators, I extend heartfelt thanks for a great first year as your superintendent. I look forward to seeing all that we can accomplish together next year.
Stephen Daeschner
Superintendent
I would like to see something like this from our superintendent instead of what he said in his last statement for the school year.
Now that Roberts son is going to college will he move into the district like other superintendents have done.
We are one of Illinois’ great school districts. I intend to continue our tradition of excellence by making sure that our schools and the community move forward together. I call it “Vision 129.”Vision 129 will ensure that everyone has both a voice and a shared responsibility for the health of our schools, our students, and our greater community.
-- Dr. Jim Rydland, Superintendent of School
Reminder-direct from 131 website:
June 16, 2008
Board of Education Budget Workshop
5:30PM
School Service Center
Board Meeting
7:00PM
School Service Center
There is also a budget meeting before the board meeting. It starts at 5:30 I believe and it is also at the service center. It is open to the public.
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