Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year to all my fellow bloggers

Family time, especially during the holidays, takes priority over everything in our home. So,I have no new discussion issues to post at this time. I thought I'd open a 2009 opportunity for predictions. Serious, silly, or knowledgeable insight....let's hear what our community looks for in the new year.

I am optimistic for the coming year. We have a new president. Elections are coming for our local officials and District 131 school board members. I feel confident, that a good mix for good government in Aurora will be in place this next year.

For fun, share your predictions for East Aurora.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

131 Director won't blow his own horn......


So I will!

Kevin Kaisershot Wins Teacher's March Composition Contest

ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers, is pleased to announce that Kevin Kaisershot of Aurora, Illinois has been chosen as the winner of the Teacher's March composition contest. His work will be debuted at MENC's Music Education Week in Washington on June 18, 2009.

MENC would like to thank ASCAP's members and all of the composers who submitted compositions to this contest, as well as the contest's judges who graciously donated their time to this endeavor.

(MENC: National Association for Music Education formally known as Music Educators National Conference)

Friday, November 21, 2008

Conference in Chicago this weekend, reps from 131 will attend

This is a letter to the editor from a paper in McHenry County, that was emailed to me. One man's POV on school board conferences. (May be seen at: http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2008/11/19/opinion/letters/doc4923ed1f7f70d289859069.txt )

Many professions have associations for workers with similar jobs to share ideas and successes. The government “public” school industry takes this concept to an incredible (and costly) level.

School boards, administrators, business officials, principals, public relations officials, nurses, science teachers, psychologists, transportation directors, special education administrators, superintendents, social workers, food service managers – to name a few – all have “associations.” For a partial list, visit www.chrisjenner.org/SchoolAssociations.htm.

Many of these associations maintain legislative agendas, some of which promote more and more revenue, while very few drive for responsible spending or improved student achievement.

The annual climax of school associations in Illinois is November 21-23. More than 12,000 school people swarm over three downtown Chicago hotels, all courtesy of Illinois taxpayers. No fewer than nine seminars are offered on how to raise taxes. More than 250 vendors will tout their architectural, financial, and legal services; carpets, roofs, bleachers, etc.

A handful will offer products and services actually related to learning.

Ask your local school officials what’s spent on this “conference” and how the improvement in our schools is measured. What did your public school district’s architects, accountants, and lawyers spend entertaining their “clients” – with what’s ultimately public money?

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Positions opening in the Spring

Community service positions available. Team attitude a plus. Concern for the future of ALL the EA children an absolute necessity. Part time, rewarding-serve as an elected volunteer.

Elections for the East Aurora Board of Education will be April 7, 2009. The terms of 4 of the current members will be expiring.
For those wishing to have their name put on the ballot, nominating petitions may be obtained at the School Service Center.

Information is included in the petition packet on how and when to file. Candidates will be on ballot in an April 2009 election.

Two members of the Board of Education will hold Open Houses to discuss the East Aurora Board of Education roles and responsibilities.
The Open Houses will be held on Wednesday, November 5 at 6:30 p.m. and
Saturday, November 8 at 1:00 p.m. at the School Service Center – 417 Fifth Street.
These events are open to the public. All community members are welcome to attend.

Monday, October 13, 2008

7 Open Houses for Referendum/ Working Cash Fund

October calendar notes numerous opportunities for attending a meeting in District 131. Become an informed & involved community member by attending.

14th- Board Personnel committee 3pm, Board Curriculum Committee 5:15pm, Alumni committee 5:30 pm, Referendum Open House 6:30pm

15th-Board Finance Committee 6pm

17th-Referendum Open House 12pm

20th-Board meeting 7pm, come early for Referendum Open House 5:30pm

21st, 24th, 28th, 31st- Referendum Open Houses @ varied times.


See District calendar for accurate dates and times @ http://www.d131.org

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

EA Parent Workshop planned- Sept. 25th

There have been 8 workshops planned for this school year!

Each event will be at a different 131 school, and each will have a different topic.

The first event will be presented by DeNean Adams @ 6:30-7:30 pm
on Sept. 25, 2008 at Johnson Elementary 1934 Liberty Street


The subjects will be Helping your child develop good study habits and to do well in school. Also, learn more about the Illinois Learning Standards.

I hope many parents/guardians and community members take advantage of this time to come out and meet other 131 neighborhood families.

Friday, August 22, 2008

August 18, 2008

I asked questions and made comments concerning contract negotiations at the open school board meeting on Monday.
In all fairness, I will not attempt to speak for others and what their comments were that evening.
I sent my comments to our secretary but they did not make it into the minutes. You may read a condensed version of them below.

As of July 11, 2008, Illinois' chief executive officer, Gov. Blagojevich will take home $13,118 more, raising his salary to $184,035.
As a Jr. Senator for the state of Illinois-Barack Obama made $158,100 a year salary
As of January 1, 2008, the annual salary of Linda Chapa LaVia and each of 118 State Representative is $169,300.

These people represent and make decisions for 879 public school districts in IL consisting of over 3 million children under the age of 18.

Our school district has over 13,000 students. One superintendent.

Certain members of this board want our approval of a contract that pays our superintendent more than any of those state officials I have mentioned.

Dee & I have expressed concern, disapproval, disappointment and I personally am disgusted with the way this contract has been moved forward without any concern or consideration of input or discussion of ALL board members. Discussion and decisions seemed to have been made through emails and conversations with a few board members and the districts attorney.

The 100 highest-paid school administrators in Illinois in 2006 had salaries ranging from $205 to $380,000. There were 17 who made more than a quarter million dollars for that year: Guess what school district decide to pay their short term superintendent enough to make it # 14 on this list?

YEP! the same district who is cutting our children’s programs and wanting to increase pay and benefits to our present short term supt. How do we justify this, is the question I asked of this board from the podium a few years ago. I ask you again, how do you justify this attempt to approve a contract with all the added cash benefits, w/o having the last contract fulfilled and without significant indicators of marked improvements in our student scores or our budget?

I am opposed to the way this item was slid in on the Personnel report.
We have had no group decisions regarding salary, goal indicators or the changing of the terms of the last contract by implementing a new one-what the hell kind of "team" is this?

An article in the Christian Science Monitor in March of this year states:

An overly politicized school board, critics say, is often the problem where children's educational needs don't appear to be a priority.
The vote was 5-2 in favor of the contract.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

To each his own

I thought the EA bloggers were on summer break, also.
I was away for 2 days. I return and find discussion has erupted.

In my estimation there has been some very healthy blogging going on. A little religion (if you don’t count the duplicate postings). A little politics, and various points of view. I LOVE IT!
One person and one opinion will not create change. Many people speaking up and out make it clear there is discontent in EA with our school district. Whether we choose to go to meetings, stand and protest, pray, blog , bitch, any or all of the above. Our common ground is our EA community. We all want what is best for our children, our schools and our neighborhoods. Change can and will happen. I assure you there are folks who read this blog that have the authority to help implement change. They may not acknowledge the communities concerns whether we express them at our city meetings, neighbor groups or at the board meetings. That does not mean we should sit down and feel that our opinion is less than valid.
That is why this blog was created to allow you to speak your mind. Tell us your thoughts. To borrow a line from an oldies tune, join the blog and “Express yourself!”

Friday, June 27, 2008

Not newsworthy, this time.

It has been pretty quiet here. So I thought this would be a good time to share a bit of good news.
The charges filed by the teachers union president against the district, have been dropped by the union.

If you recall the Beacon reported on February 8, 2008 "Teachers union complains about East board member"

State education officials are reviewing allegations that an East Aurora School Board member encouraged borderline "civil disobedience" at a teachers union meeting.
The charge, filed by the union asked that board member Rayanne Carlson "refrain from ... busting into our meetings, encouraging our members to engage in unlawful activities and suggesting that union members assist (board members) in their personal agendas."
The Education Labor Relations Board will investigate the charge and decide whether to hold a hearing, said general counsel Helen Higgins.

So many have given me much encouragement since the initial report. Those at the meeting and those who know me, knew I had no intentions of malice, as reported.
I am pleased the way this turned out. I wish the teachers stories may have happy endings, also.

I hope the community continues to attempt to stay informed of what happens in 131.
Demand accountability. Support the teachers. Pray for the children.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

You have many options at being a part of the solutions

You may now access board members contact information by going to the Board of Education section of the District 131 website. Click on "meet the board." By clicking on each picture you get the personal contact info of each board member.

If you click on the part of the Board of Ed. page that says:

"To Email the Board of Education
Click here", you will get a generic info email address. Which personally, I have never been forwarded nor informed of any email being sent to the board through that address.

The doors are opening folks. The meeting dates and times are posted. You now have access to contact the board members, read the budget, read policies. It is now easier to be an educated community member. Use the info you have at your finger tips and help be a part of the solutions to the many problems and concerns I have heard in the community.

I believe a board member should be a liaison for the community & administration of 131. We need to hear the community voice. Not only when things are wrong, but when advice from the EA members is needed in making plans for our children's education.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Board policies online!

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.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The good ol’ days….


I recall fearing the wrath of my dad, if I got in trouble at school.
I feared the police catching me outside of school during school hours. I would be considered truant. If I was truant my parents could have to pay a fine, go to jail, or I could be sent to a youth detention center. Though fearful, I was defiant. My acts hurt my parents, my siblings, my grades and my reputation.

I am now the older citizen, the delinquent of yesterdays gone by. I now ask the questions “what’s the matter with kids today?” When did destruction and violence become a part of youthful defiance?

Has the fear factor been turned around? Does our community and schools fear retribution for standing up and adhering to what is right? Do we not enforce the rules for fear of lawsuits of harassment, prejudice or civil rights violations?

Somewhere over the years attitudes have changed and being held accountable is a thing of the past, if you can skew the facts and become the victim, you are off the hook.
Home, school and the law-where does responsibly start and end when it comes to our 131 students?

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Let's start fresh

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?

Sunday, April 13, 2008

One night, 2 opportunities-April 21st

The next Board of Education meeting will be at East High School – room 239 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The reason for the change is the district Grant Writer will be holding a grants showcase at the high school from 4-6pm.

Hopefully, this change will allow for more people to attend who may already be in attendance at the showcase.
Notice has not yet been posted on the District website, but I wanted to give people who may not otherwise attend, an advance notice, so you can take the opportunity to come.

This is a chance to see what grants have been sought and the outcome. Then come to a board meeting and hear how other business is handled in our district.

Both, the showcase & the meeting are April 21st.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Reasons you vote "no", or why you are voting "yes"

The freedom of choice and exercising that right in a voting booth is your ultimate voice.
Dr. Roberts and certain board members have stated a few times at board meetings, what they hear people saying-the reason the community votes "no" is due to not wanting to pay higher taxes.

I feel that may be the case for some, but I feel there are many more personal reasons for the choices the voters have made and it is not all about saving money on property taxes.
I know some of you have addressed this many time before.
Please share sincere opinions and reasons for the vote you may make.
Please respect those comments of your fellow bloggers.

Whether your vote would be yes or no, is there anything that would change your decision?

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Come, hear and be an educated voter

Attend the meetings. Hear what decisions are being made on your behalf. Join the 131 community and witness for yourself what your elected representatives and district employees are planning and doing for the children in your district.

Remaining School board meetings.
March 17, 2008

April 7, 2008
April 21, 2008

May 5, 2008
May 19. 2008

June 2, 2008
June 16, 2008

All regular meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month, at 7:00 P.M., in the Board Room at the School Service Center, 417 Fifth Street, Aurora, Illinois. •Should the first or third Monday fall on a holiday, check the website calendar.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Administrative Supplemental Early Retirement Program

Soon through the new 131 website you will be able to look up policies with a simple click. Until then, to answer a few questions and put to rest misconceptions, I will give a few brief points on the recently amended Policy No. 500.112.

This is a very abbreviated outline. Do not make assumptions until you are able to read it in it's entirety.

"The Board" wants to recognize administrators who have long term service in the District and are eligible to receive pension benefits through the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS)

Requirements are- at least 8 years of continuous F/T certified employment as an admin. with E/A D131 immediately preceding retirement.

Must be eligible to receive pension benefits through the TRS of Illinois at the time of retirement from
131, and must actually retire with TRS at the time of retirement from the 131.

If an eligible administrator gives the Board an irrevocable written notice of retirement by March 1st- 1-4 years prior to the year of retirement, the Board shall pay him/her a 6% retirement incentive, inclusive of all other increases in TRS creditable compensation, for each of his/her remaining 1-4
years of service.

No more than 2 administrators may participate in this program during any given school term. If less than 2 apply by the cut-off date, the difference shall be carried over to the following year, increasing the maximum for the next year.

There is no guarantee the early retirement program will continue for any particular length of time.

Adopted: June 4, 2007 Amended: March 3, 2008

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

A few changes to the site for those Lost in Cyberspace

It has come to my attention that a few individuals had concerns about the name of this blog (East Aurora District 131) possibly causing confusion as to who may be administering this blogspot.

Most of those who have visited have appeared to know it's purpose, as outlined on the sidelines.

For those who felt misled or confused, I have changed a few minor things on the wording in the Title and information. My intention has never been to make people believe this site was sponsored by or administered by the 131 school district.

It has been suggested that a request may be made to have me remove this blog.
I feel confident those who were confused by the prior name will find their way to the place they were looking for and have no further need to be lost in a place they didn't want to be.

If looking for the school district website, a link may be found on the lower left of this blogspot.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Teachers union complains about East board member

I am sorry I cannot comment at this time about the allegations against me.
Please keep me and all those involved in your prayers.
~Rayanne

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

I am still here....

In case a few of you thought I may have been missing in action, I assure you I am here and have been keeping up with the dialog on this blog.
Although, we may not solve the districts problems on this blog community, I feel it is a great medium for folks to share their opinions.

That being said, I'd like to say thanks to those who have defended Dee & I and our efforts. Please do not worry about the negative comments. It is part blogging, as it is with any anonymous forum. Some people feel the need to attempt to "bait" people into a debate or just like to throw out slanderous comments to make their own opinion seem more valid.

It is obvious by some of the comments that have been made, it can only be among a few people that could possibly be making them. The best way to deal with those types of bloggers is to ignore them and do not respond.

I am encouraged to see people speaking out. We need to wake up our 131 community and hopefully more people will become involved in helping to get our district back on track.

I am not AWOL, Dee & I have been busy trying to bring some of the "business as usual" stuff to the public, so you have a better understanding of what goes on in your districts offices & schools.
The more we share the more people become aware and our 131 community may educate each other.

Please continue blogging and sharing. You will find your questions and observances are not unique, there are many others with similar concerns & comments.
~Rayanne

ps Be sure to take the time to let yor voice be heard in the voting booth!

Friday, January 11, 2008

The comments continue

The previous post was getting rather lengthy with comments, so I thought for ease of reading I would start a new posting.
I have taken the last few comments and posted them here from the previous blog to keep the dialog going.
Feel free to post comments to any of the blogs.
I would like to hear suggestions/ comments from all members of the eastside community and the school communities. Parents, teachers and residents in general, we need your input. Come on in and post your thoughts.