What do you know about a digital curriculum. The topic will be coming up soon in 131. Start educating yourself and others, so we may be prepared. I will give a brief explanation and update the posting in the very near future.
"Digital curriculum has many advantages over traditional, paper-based curriculum. If it is web-based, it can be readily accessible from any Internet-connected computer, can be accessible to people with disabilities, can be readily updated, and is often more current. Often and increasingly, it is free!"
Should this type of educational technology be implemented in our eastside schools?
104 comments:
This sounds great, IF it will actually be available and accessible on the district website!
Even now, after D131 has supposedly hired a webmaster (and after more than a year of plans & promises), our website is still full of "coming soon", "pardon our dust", and "thanks for your patience".
Maybe the curriculum can be published on this blog, which is updated on a regular basis.
So if you do this will you be giving students computers who can't afford them?
How about taking care of the problems this district has before trying this.
This type of curriculum requires a high functioning self motivated learner. Does this sound like the majority of the students in the Aurora East School District? I don't think so.
If you want to try it as a supplemental or after school curricular offering, that's one thing but if you are replacing the current curriculum with this, the district will be sorry.
Remember generally, you get what you pay for. What do you think you get for free?
I believe this could be a great program, perhaps this would be better for people doing the GED program? And for a selective amount of students. I'm not sure if the majority of students would do well under such a program. Also, like Anon @ 11:34A alluded to, most of the people that could probably benefit the most, are probably the ones with the lower incomes.
West is using this as a way for kids to recover credits- not just for regular classroom work. What is East looking for it to do?
This was taken from part of a thread on openline.com about the West side.
The State of Illinois is past-due about $5.2 million in payments and that is expected to get worse for the 2009-2010 school year due to a variety of factors, including the formulas that fund schools, which is tied significantly to property taxes.
In 2007, the equalized assessed value (EAV) began to reduce, but since property taxes are based upon a three-year average, the negative impact of falling property values still has yet to fully hit the district.
So how can Jay keep saying we have no money problems? Looking into new learning tools for children are good but this district need to start looking into like others how we are going to keep up when the state doesn't pay like they should. Many district are starting to get a handle on things as we want to expand a Magent School.
If no one has read on the last posting Antia Lewis about www.triblocal.com where the candidates can put information out about themselves. She said it was a weekly free paper you get but if I did get it I never looked at it. Take the time to go to the website and read her posting which is very good. It looks like many can post events on there and some of the other school districts do. Hopefully some of the other candidates will do so also so we can hear what they have to say and Antia stated that they where going to do a survey of the candidates for us to get information about them. You never know who reads it but those that do will be more informed.
Another interesting fact from West's board meeting last night. It seems Senator Lauzen and Alderman Lawrence feel that D129 would be better served if they "shipped all the refugee students to D131". Seems Alderman Lawrence has spoken out many times as this being a solution to some of their financial problems. To have Senator Lauzen step on board only shows you do not need to be intelligent to be elected. It seems that Alderman Lawrence would also like all social agencies to be moved to the East Side freeing up more space for businesses that are more worthly.
I am not sure where you learned your morals but I hope you are the last of your kind. The level of ignorance displayed by the statments of these 2 PUBLIC SERVANTS are some of the worst public statements I have heard in years. That is pretty pitiful seeing all that has happened in this state over the last few years. Your lack of understanding of school funding is just one more reason you both should be removed from office at next election time and a perfect example of why this country is in the troule it is in.
To Alderman Lawrence and Senator Lauzen, I assure you I will remember these words and share them freely with any and all that will listen.
Gentlemen, what goes around comes around.
Where you at the meeting? Where did you get this information from?
Let's see our Superintendent saying something like this.
And while Rydland recognized their sentiment, and applauded their concerns, he said that without grant money, the future of the school is likely out of district hands. Hope, he said, can still be on the horizon.
"I know that in this room together we can make decisions to effect economic stability of our community, state and nation," Rydland said. "I can't think of any better place but here to provide solutions and ideas that will enable all of us to be able to provide better economic future for our students, most certainly, but for all of us."
He called for a collaborative effort among the city and local districts to make changes, some of which he said, would not be made lightly.
"We have some challenging opportunities facing us," he said. "These reductions mean people, and I hate to say that."
Does anyone know the outcome of the kindergarden teacher at Detrich?
Fired is the rumor
Wow, just a few years ago Ryland was telling the district that "with the passage of the referendum our future looks bright". No cut backs, no lay offs, in fact growth was on the horizon. Now just a few years later and the effects of this recession not even being a factor as of yet, here come the threats. Slash drama, get rid of the underprivilaged, whats next? How about pay cuts from the top down?
Makes D131 look pretty good. At least when it comes to caring anyway.
What happened at Detrich?
According to the thread topic-"Digital curriculum has many advantages over traditional, paper-based curriculum. If it is web-based, it can be readily accessible from any Internet-connected computer, can be accessible to people with disabilities, can be readily updated, and is often more current. Often and increasingly, it is free!"
I am glad that D131 is looking at things that will move us forward. As much as I personally get frustrated by digital technology I watch our children text message, use the computer and video games with ease.
I have taken many on-line classes through DePaul University and we also have just started using a computer based safety program for our employees at work. Both are excellent programs and have a lot of advantages over class settings. For me I am able to access my studies 24 hours a day which fits my busy lifestyle, at work we can send people on any shift to do the training without shutting down the factory.
In a high school setting, provided it is free, I think it could be used to in addition to classroom education, freeing up some of the teachers time.
At the elementary level, I can see a teacher teaching a subject such as math, and then having the students rotate through a computer based lesson. Many children learn differently so it might be a way for some students that do not understand the teacher to understand materials.
I would NOT be in favor of computer learning replacing hands on teaching but rather supplementing or enhancing it.
West is also losing a bunch of grants and has less kids since they cracked down on residency- that probaly means East will get more and they are getting less from the state.
What happened at West will happen here and then we'll see how caring this district is.
We will not get this referendum money right away and when they got everyone to vote for it because we needed the money and they would have to cut sports, clubs and teachers will happen.
Someone posted on the last thread.
Clayton must have been in charge of this years "making choices for excellence awards". There were at least a dozen awards given including the one Clayton received for himself. Every single award winner was black.
It was Black History Month in Feb. and that is why there was those awards. Let's see what they do for the next few month's celebrations. This month is Woman's History Month so let's see how they handle that before we cast the first stone.
What you need to do is look at Claton's pattern of behavior before black history month. Anyone after they've been called out can try to cover their racism with a few extra awards. The question is, were any awards given out before black history month. Secondly, why call them "making choices for excellence awards" if they are "black awards"? Lastly, how does, pushing current black district and city people, celebrate black history?
We have seen one racist act after another after another by Clayton. If Clayton were in any other district, he would have been fired long ago.
If any of you that are wondering if they give out awards to others then you should go to the school board meetings. You would then see that they do.
Now back to the subject of this posting.
I have to share with you, after the school board meeting last month, I jokingly asked Clayton, when do they have a Caucasian month? Unlike Hispanics, my ancestors don't even have a month- I am Hungarian.
I was not aware and pleasantly surprised, at the last meeting all the female board members were given a very nice floral gift for Woman's History month.
I had heard many years ago, there is only one true minority left. After receiving the floral gift and expressing my appreciation I shared my story of my comment to Clayton and commented that now white men were the only ones left not being acknowledged.
Personally, I like to hear of people embracing their heritage or differences, but I'd rather we celebrate one day for each of those things we feel need acknowledgement, Black History, Hispanic Heritage, Woman's History, and the rest of the days just celebrate our diversities as a whole. I am a child of the 70’s and we have been looking for “peace and love” between our “brothers and our sisters” for over 30 years. Unlike technology, some ideas don’t become outdated. Digital curriculum could possibly bring more diversity awareness into the classroom. ( a sad attempt to link my comment to the posting topic :o)
Receiving a flower because you are a board member with a vagina is a little different than receiving an "Excellence Award" that is published in the local newspaper and it's never mentioned that the prerequisite for receiving the award is that you have to be black.
I agree with Rayanne that one day to celebrate each group would be great. After all, we have St. Patrick's Day for the Irish, Cinco de Mayo for Mexicans, Pulaski Day for Polish, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and my personal favorite...German-American Day (October 6th). I am of German descent (as is my hubby), and we taught our children to be proud of our heritage but to respect others' ethnicity as well.
How about we just respect everybody every day and only recognize somebody when the actually do something and not because they happen to have a skin color or because their Great, Great, Great Gandma came to the States 150 years ago.
Gee, 8:30 a.m.--no special days at all for anyone? That would mean no Mother's Day, Father's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day...the list goes on.
Holidays are one thing that make life enjoyable and meaningful! I don't have to be Irish to appreciate Irish culture & heritage, and enjoy wearing green & drinking green beer on St. Patrick's Day. And I can listen to Travis Smiley's tribute on the Dr. King holiday and sing "Lift Ev'ry Voice" without being African-American myself--it's about our American history, which we all should celebrate.
Having one particular day is a good way to focus on that person or issue without going overboard and ignoring other worthy causes or individuals. The Catholic church has done just that for centuries, with its "saint's days". I say, it's worth a try!
xenophones
I think you may have meant xenophobes- the fear or dislike of foreign things & people, their customs and culture.
I won’t deny this phobia is in our community, I believe there to be more, in 131, who want to embrace the diversity in our community. Our children accept social inclusiveness: ethnic, socioeconomic and gender diversity. Adults are the ones who continue to find cause to segregate. I believe ALL our children should be treated as if they deserve to go to a magnet academy and ALL should have access to new technology brought to 131.
A few quotes by great men- one Black, one Hispanic, one White- reminding us how far we have NOT come since these words were first spoken.
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
“I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.”
"We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community...Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own."
-Cesar Chavez
I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal."
-Abraham Lincoln
I don't give a damn if there are individuals in the community that are racist. I learned long ago that there is no way to change the thoughts and emotions of a racist.
I have a problem when those with a voice and authority use their public position to expouse racism. Clayton has repeatedly used his position as district spoksman to push his racist agenda and as far as I am concerned, the actions and inactions by Jerome Roberts and this board show that they are in agreement with Claytons racist positions.
I do care if there are racist in our community but you are right there is no way to change that. Children are not born racist but parents and people around them do.
I do agree with 3/7 @1:35 about Clayton, Roberts and the board. At first I didn't think so of Clayton but the more I watch him it is the Blacks the promotes most and his own agenda. I see now on the district news they put something on it about the school board and pictures of the people getting awards but we still can't get good board bits or some other of the sites up and running.
Just how people think about the diversity months and how the district handles that it seems like the Example in Excellence awards are over done. Yes, there are many that deserve this award but it seems sometimes they are stretching it.
I do believe too that the board is enabling Clayton racist actions and Roberts overlooking board policies.
I see no other candidate has used the free service to post on www.triblocal.com but Anita. which is a shame. She has got 502 hits so far and is the only one that isn't on the board already that us voters have been able to know her.
We already know about Salinas and Wells and how they have went along with Superintendent Roberts not following board policies and renewing his contract a year early.
Hopeful the other three will us triblocal to let the voters know how they stand. If some think voters will vote for the first ones for board I hope not. I for one talk to my neighbors about learning about the candidates and how important it is for them to know if they have the good of children and taxpayers on their mind or letting this board and Superintendent breaking school policies and reckless spending of out tax paying dollars.
I think Stella Garza will be a good board member
Why do you think that want are her thoughts on the district? Why should we vote for her? I will not just vote for someone that another states she would be a good board member without knowing anything about her. If you think she will be a good one have her post something in the triblocal.
Would you posters please read your messages and edit where necessary before you post them. Some of them are very hard to follow. My purpose here is not to be critical of anyone in particular. It is to remind you to proof-read your messages.
Ok maybe someone didn't proof read.
Why do you think that? What are her thoughts on the district? Why should we vote for her? I will not just vote for someone that another states she would be a good board member without knowing anything about her. If you think she will be a good one have her post something in the triblocal.
Is that better? This is a blog sometimes people just see things that get to them and their minds are going faster than typing.
I want to know from the perspective board members:
1) Can they balance a check book? District finances are the same except for several added zero's.
2) Do they have integrity? Will they do something about the illegal and unthical actions this administration has been committing.
3) Will they do something about the racist actions of Clayton and others?
4) Will they do something about the illegal fraternity and sorority?
5) Currently the administration and board seem to go out of their way to treat emplyees poorly. What will they do about employee relations?
6) What will they do to make the district both more transparent and accountable?
7) What will they do to improve student education? How will they assure the district will pass the state tests.
8) What will they do about students whose behaviors interfere with the education of other students.
Amen 3/8 @7:26 your comments are very good and true if we want a good district.
Will they even though they know that a family that lives in another district whose children make good GPA scores and plays in sports and do community service use this district to let their children say they live here even though they don't take a scholarship from one of the children that does live here. Even though some think that if parents that get involved in this district participate in their children lives deserves to get a scholarship before students that live here.
We can't do much about the illegals since the State ties our hands but we can do something when our own citizens use this district to better their children's lives.
We need a board and superintendent that cares about the teachers and the children in this district and we don't have it. There are a few but some need to get over something that happened to one teacher and make things right for all the teachers that teach in this district.
In short you make good points and until we as a district follow what we as a community and a district we will be second to all.
In addition to agreeing with 7:26 & 8:16's concerns, I would say that it's obvious that Ms. Wells and Mr. Salinas should no longer be on our School Board. They have a proven record of making decisions against our students' best interests, and then hiding behind "no comment, the issue is over".
It's long past time for what Ms. Farnum called "brisk ideas, new ideas" a few years ago! Out with the corrupt old-guard members, and then maybe there's a chance of addressing the problems with administration.
Shut Up.
10:23's probably an old-guard School Board member, or an administrator who wants to keep pretending that their decisions have been in students' best interests.
When you can't defend your position intelligently, you can always display your ignorance by saying "shut up".
Shut up
1:23, you're displaying your ignorance again--
or maybe making choices for secrecy.
The unofficial district policy:
Shut Up
That is what they want teachers, parents and community members to do. It is also the policy of the administration and the board, just Shut Up.
If we bury our heads in he sand, maybe we won't see how screwed we really are. Of course, with our heads in the sand, we are in a perfect position to be screwed all over again.
I do find it amazing that when someone hits close to the truth we get a SHUT UP.
When you read this blog you have to sort through what is real and not and one thing I have to say is you can tell how some of the teachers feel and they do want the best for the children and the district. You can see how the administration only backs up the ones that will not challenge them on some decisions. You see where some starting with the Superintendent, School Board and administration do not follow school policy. They choose to bend the rules for those they think should be able to bend the rules if they are good students, do community service or play sports or suck up to the administrators beliefs. Policies are made for everyone and everyone should be treated equal. We will never be more than we are today if we don't make all follow the rules.
Actually it's when facts come out on this blog that show the illegal and unethical things that the administration of district 131 does, that we start to get the Shut Up's as well as the flooding of the blog with nonsense. It is obvious that those in charge are not only monitoring but also trying to deflect attention when the truth comes out.
I'd like to go back to March 8, 7:26 p.m.'s list of questions for potential School Board members, and add the following:
If a decision is made that later proves to be against our students' best interests, will you be willing to admit that a mistake was made, and do what you can to make it right?
I heard there is going to be a meet the candidates any more info. Question to Dee or Rayanne
Sorry but I cannot remember the name of the woman who brought up the idea about the school board candidates but there are some working on it. There might be more info at the next board meeting which is this Monday.
If they can get this forum together it will be a start for the district to have more community support. Be sure to tell your neighbors or anyone in the district about it. Let them know if they have issues with the way the district is ran this is a start. I think one of the reasons other districts do better is parents are involved with the School Board also. They know that the buck stops there and not with the Superintendent.
I don't know why the other candidate don't want to use the triblocal to let voters know about themselves and what they can do for the district.
Yes We Can Make a Difference even if it is one step at a time.
If you know who will be doing this forum don't forget they can put it on triblocal also. Contact Anita Lewis and she should be able to help you with that.
I just received the information last night about the Candidate Forum. It is going to be on Monday, March 23rd at the Service Center from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It is being sponsored by the Aurora East Education Foundation and will be moderated by Manny Maysonet.
They are planning on airing it live on the district website and also recording it for CATV.
I also finally received a candidate questionnaire from the Beacon to fill out.
So has anyone done anything about Jerome Roberts misuse of district personnel or Nestor Garcia's collection of money that didn't seem to find it's way into the proper district coffers?
In this district I am sure it has not been dealt with.
My question to a prospective board member is... What will you do to ensure that these types of abuses will no longer be tolerated in this district?
My question to a certain member of this community is... What are you doing to ensure that these types of abuses will no longer be tolerated in this district?
Have you brought your concerns before the board? Each member has their personal contact info on the district website. Have you brought your concerns to them?
These facts are not a secret. Everyone has known that these things have been happening in this district for many years.
It's also well known that Nestor married a former student. There were rumors for years about him and his student. It was shortly after she graduated that they were married. I can imagine the hidden shotgun held by the girls father at the wedding.
In any other district Nestor would have been fired and the district would have sent the information to the state certification board to have the teacher decertified, not to mention giving the information to the police and DCFS. Only in this district do they promote you and give you a large raise.
While they at least they got him away from students, it really demoralizes the staff to see these things happening in the district.
Again if these things are true speak up. With this next school board election maybe we will get candiates on the board that will listen but you need to have proof. Not until they have a strong School Board that will tackle these things and make sure the Superintendent follows board polciy will anything change.
Clayton got his hands into the debate with Manny Masionette who is Aurora economic development. He is the one the City should have fired. He sent out e-mails on the on city computers telling everyone Walter Payton's was serving salad with flies. He called Kane County they went and inspected and stated it is one of the best run businesses in Kane county. Manny was hurting on of the few good tax paying businesses on the east side. He is suppose to be economic development.
He is a friend of Clayton;s and moderating the debate. It is funny that this format has never been used before and the district set-up the format so they can control the questions being asked.
It is also interesting that the community leader trying to work with Clayton was ignored and never called back about the forum.
The administration has a lot to lose with a new board coming in and asking questions. Many feel the D131 is trying to sand bag certain candidates. The questions many people are asking on the blog are good but the D131 is trying to stop you from asking.
I'm a friend of Manny Maysonet's wife, Sandra. That incident concerning a fly in his salad at the Roundhouse was just a bad day (it could have been many of us who reacted that way), and not typical of Manny. The Manny Maysonet I know is a good, hard-working family man who cares about this community.
I am hoping that the candidates are asked what March 2, 12:03 p.m. suggested:
"If a decision is made that later proves to be against our students' best interests, will you be willing to admit that a mistake was made, and do what you can to make it right?"
Most people in the private sector who made that kind of mistake would have been fired. It is my understanding he wanted a free lunch after-all Weisner's boys are all on the take. Ruining the reputation of a fine Aurora East business if your job is Economic Development is grounds for firing.
Does it really surprise anyone that the administration in this district would want to control the debate and want to steer questions away from anything that could embarrass them publicly.
Do you think they want people asking why the superintendent doesn't have the correct certification and is having district workers working at his house or asking why the district hasn't done anything about Nestor Garcia (the questionable collection of monies or sleeping with a student) or why the district is still continuing to allow an illegal fraternity and sorority to be run by Clayton Muhammad.
No they 1) want to control what is exposed and 2) put in board members that will allow them to continue their illegal activities.
We need to get people that will ask questions. Salinas needs to go. He votes on his wife's salary and benefits that is a conflict of interest. Gonzalez is a old guard District person and will also rubber stamp Roberts programs. It is my understanding she and Marin Gonzalez are friends and have worked with Roberts on Bilingual issues because of these associations I would not vote for her. Wells also needs to go. She does not have a mind of her own.
To the friend of Manny Maysonet's wife. Whatever kind of day he was having, he should NEVER use his position to try to bring negative actions against the Roundhouse. You say "it was not typical of Manny" then he should " be willing to admit that a mistake was made, and do what you can to make it right?"
You think-the Manny Maysonet you know is a good, hard-working family person who cares about this community. So are the 2 ladies on the board he spoke negatively about in the Beacon news when he questioned their motives for the stand they took on the Bigelow deal. How many bad days a year does Manny have where he attempts to slander good people and businesses?
No matter who hosts the forum, we need to campaign in our community for those we know are candidates representative of the community.
As for Manny Maysonet, I was there when he said that these 2 ladies did not know business 101 and threatened to take away help being given this district by whatever. It appears he is the one that needs that course and shame on him for that threat. I believe it is against policy for Clayton to organize the forum and/or give a helping hand in the other posting is correct.
I have never known of the Aurora Foundation to get involved in debates. Manny sent the letter along with District Initiatives. These may be important to Roberts but they do not discuss poor test scores, drop out rates, watch lists or financial problems. They want to sweep that under the rug.
Ms Pena addressed the board yet she was not included in setting up the debate. Why not?
Why Manny Maysonet?
Why the first time is it being handled this way?
Just what is the District hiding?
Who is Ms. Pena and why should she address the board?
I don't know Manny but I do know he was the one that made the comment about the land donation and let's hope when we get the land it is worth what they say it would be and we can do something with it. I will give him credit if no one else would put together the forum for doing it. I see no one else like the PTA or another group like the band boosters stepping forward to do something.
Lets see how it goes and what questions they ask before we make a judgment.
Mrs. Pena is someone in this community and why shouldn't she address the board? I was at the meeting when she did this. I will give her credit for this as she is the one who deserves it as Clayton is well aware of.
As for the land, have you seen it? Where it is located? Possible entryway and exit? If you have then you know there is really no use for it. I was at the HomeTown meeting when the offer was made and what we got WAS NOT WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE nor is it's value near what was first offered.
We own the land, just can't use it yet. Did notice that Manny seems to have alot of bad days though by the way his name keeps coming up on things that seem to have gone wrong for him.
The mayor claims he helped form the East Aurora Foundation. Manny works for the mayor along with Baraio. Pena said she would help set it up. Clayton never returned her calls. The city,Clayton or former Board members should not be the ones setting it up. Pena is a concerned taxpayer and offered to get a spot. This should not involve conflict of interest people like Manny. I sure hope he does not have a bad night.
Also, I attended the last meeting the board bits are a bit different from past board bits. Lisa actually includes a vote 4-2. When it negative against Dee & Rayanne she puts the vote down. When the board is rubber stamping Roberts hair brained ideas she does not. Seems like a double standard.
Also she gives glowing reports about Mr Hull. Who ranted and raved better than 20 minutes much longer than the board allows people that come and speak against the District. I heard Carol Farmum speaking to afterward thanking him.
Is the old guard worried that with a new board something will be uncovered.
To March 12 @ 9:49PM
I was there also and you are right. Anyone who now speaks before the board should have the same right as Hull. Hope everyone remembers this. Clayton did say he would give Mrs. Pena a phone number for someone to contact if I remember correctly. Tsk, tsk, does make one wonder, doesn't it?
This is so typical on this blog. Every time there is a derogatory blog entry about a central office administrator, there is a flood of crap that follows to try and bury it. There was an entry about Nestor Garcia and how he had been sleeping with a student and was later moved to central office (with promotion and pay raise) to cover it up. Suddenly there is a flood of crap about flies at a restaurant and board bits etc.
To me it repeatedly shows that 1)they have fully known that these things have been happening for years and 2) they are still doing all they can to cover up their illegal actions.
Something really needs to fundamentally change starting at the board level. All the current board members up for election need to be replaced. Salinas and Wells need to go.
On Nestor that is why Bob Mccue had so much to say about building & grounds because he ran the program.
Nestor is a paper pusher he does not know a wrench from a screw-driver. With out Mccue someone better be checking his work.
On the note of this blog you are wrong to only worry about Nestor. I was at the meeting and again this board/admin slapped down a concerned citizen and hijacked the debate. they are so worried about the truth coming out. People need to go and ask the good questions this blog is asking then the best candidates will surface.
I went to the mayors debate last night it was moderated by pro mayor admin the Beacon confused. None of the tough questions were asked. Twice the mayor brought up the Aurora East Foundation boy they are sure in the news lately.
This is from the Board Bits for the March 2 meeting:
"Mr. Hull had concerns because he has heard that there has been bickering and childish things happening on this board.He is concerned that those that are running for a seat on the board are doing so because of personal agendas. He stated that if anyone’s agenda is anything other than children then they have no place on the school board. This board must focus on the children of this school district."
Bickering and childish things? Personal agendas? Whatever could he be referring to??
Interesting that Carol Farnum thanked Mr. Hull for his rant/speech. Ms. Farnum was instrumental (pun intended) in at least one major decision by the Board that has proven to be against our children's best interests.
I won't mention the specifics, but it happened five years ago and remains an embarrassment for the district.
So out of the blue Mr. Hull comes forward a past board member to speak. He is a child advocate the minutes say so why does he wait till now to speak. That is the best writing in the board bits I have seen and what a set up this was. Where was he when they picked Salanis after he was voted off by the community?
Maybe some have an agenda but so does the old board members, superintendent and the school board secretary which you can plainly see in how she wrote abot Mr. Hull. Someone must be afaird of losing their job.
Why was the only vote that was shown the one about the new board members going to the conference? Does this board not want the new board members to learn how a board should really be run? I think this was an act of childishness.
Yvonne Pena of Montgomery, IL addressed the board. Ms. Pena asked if the board would be interested in having a board candidate forum. The board members stated that they would be in favor of having a forum conducted. Ms. Pena will work with Mr. Muhammad on some of the specifics to get this started.
Mr. Ray Hull of 1075 Joel Avenue addressed the board. Mr. Hull was a previous board member and is a child advocate. Mr. Hull had concerns because he has heard that there has been bickering and childish things happening on this board. He is concerned that those that are running for a seat on the board are doing so because of personal agendas. He stated that if anyone’s agenda is anything other than children then they have no place on the school board. This board must focus on the children of this school district.
Lisa dressed up his speech he was totally out of control. She also did not add he left the board because of personal problems. I also did not hear that he was a Child Advocate. He was allowed to talk rant/rave for at 15 minutes which them the old board members Like Carol,Bob,Juanita, and Salinas ran up to him and hugged him. It was overheard that Carol meet him at Taco Bell and spoke what a set up.
As for Ms Pena they were to call her back and give her a list of names. She was to call around and get a spot. Maybe Walter Payton's. But since the fly/Manny incident I understand things are not to good between him and the city. Ms Pena was never called back. Another double standard.
I also wondered why the service workers were all given a contact and raise since the contract had been up in 2008.
Also why were increases given to teachers with additional education at the last meeting.
I seems a lot is getting pushed through before a new board is elected. However given the current economy is it wise to be spending more money.
Just for clarification:
Ms. Pena went before the board to ask if there was to be a candidate forum, as was being done on the West side.
She was informed that "last time" the man from the Roundhouse organized a forum, as none was done by or in the district. Someone suggeted she contact the PTA and see if they would like to host a board candidate forum.
Lo and behold a forum has been "organized." That does not mean another cannot be put together by others. As with the Mayoral debates.
A more non-biased forum without an orchestrated agenda could be formed by Ms Pena and other concerned community members who want to hear questions from the community and spontaneous comments by the candidates.
Not pre-arranged topics with scripted responses given to the preferred candidates.
I'm wondering if having this forum at the Service Center is a good idea since candiates can't campaign of school property so if any of the candidates pass out any information about themselfs that would be campainging. I think the district should check with a lawyer before doing this.
Interesting that an old guard board member is criticizing others about personal agendas and what is in the best interest of our students.
How have the decisions made by the old guard board members been in the students best interest:
Selling district property for just over 2 million dollars that was imediately resold for almost 6 million.
Accepting the bigelow land deal instead of getting the full value promised.
Getting rid of an excellent band director due to personal vendettas.
Allowing an illegal fraternity and sorority to continue running because to shut it down would embarrass current administrators. Student fraternities have been deemed not in students best interest by the Illinois General Assembly.
Hiring an excessive number of administrators and paying them excessive amounts of money. Radakovich was making $261,000.00 before he left. The district in recent years has hired administrators at a rate twice the percentage of hired teachers.
Allowing administrators to use district resources and personnel for their personal benefit.
Covering the illegal and unethical actions of some while at the same time allowing personal vendettas against others.
Allowing Clayton to continue his racist activities.
Covering for Nestor Garcia, monies he has collected that never made it to district coffers and sleeping with a student.
Replacing a board member with a person the community overwhelmingly voted off the board, Salinas. A man who publicly stated he wanted to pull his children out of this district.
These are just a few of the issues the community have wanted addressed in the past couple of years. I don't see how any of the old guard board members could possibly pretend that they are doing anything that could even remotely be deemed "in the childrens best interest".
When did this happen with Nestor and the girl?
Ask his wife, he had to marry the girl.
I noticed at the next meeting they are changing some board policies on purchasing? What is going one are they sliding another by us before the board changes hands.
Shut up everybody. You are ignorant
With that much wit and style, it must be a central office administrator.
10:16 a.m., you said it all! Amen!
I have to agree.
10:16 a.m., you said it all! Amen!
As the old guard still tries to make some look bad the truth comes out. These last board minutes show how some of the old guard doesn't like change on how they do things. I believe that they really need to get someone to take over for the school board secretary position that isn't biased and so the job they are supposed to do when they don't even live in the district and can go home to wherever they live and not have to live in the mess that this board makes although they get a paycheck from this district and can live in another district.
Don't forget that the superintendant does not live in this district either and his early renewal and huge raise he has already gotten.
Lisa & Clayton need to go they feel as if the district is there personal play-ground. She still has not provided the newspaper with all the candidates names. Then this stunt with Hull at the last meeting. Clayton and his antics with Maysonette. I would not think much of it but Maysonette did name call two of the board members in public. So can he be fair. What are they covering up that is all one conclude otherwise they would not inject themselves into the outcome of the election
Get a life
My family IS my life. And speaking out for my children's best interests and against the secrecy & corruption of old-guard administration is a part of that.
Good Morning Everyone,
As far as the debate! I am just glad that one has been organized and I think the fact that they are broadcasting it on the web and will show it on CATV is great. I believe this is the first time that a school board election will be getting this much attention. Whatever the motives are I think it will benefit the community to get a chance to see all the candidates together answering the same questions.
According to the letter I received there will be 30 minutes allowed for community questions. Probably, you will need to submit your question on a 3 x 5 card before the debate starts, so make sure your question is to the point.
Also just to keep everyone informed I attended the IASB new candidate workshop and meeting on Thursday night. (Paid my own $26) It was excellent. I wish all the potential new candidates would have attended. They gave us information on all the training programs that new board members can sign up and went through a lot of information about what to expect and how to be effective. They also had a question and answer session with a Board Member from Elgin U-46 who had been on the board for 18 years and another Board Member from Genoa who had only been on the Board for 2 years. They also had the Superintendent from Genoa on the panel. It offered a nice perspective.
The major point that I kept hearing all evening is that the Board established the goals and policies for the district and enforces these policies. The superintendent is the one employee of the Board and he is accountable to the Board for compliance to the district goals and policies. They stressed that board members should continually ask, 1) Is this following our policies? 2) Is this aligned with the district goals? 3) Are we serving the best interest of all of our students?
Anita it is good to hear you went to that and even paid for it yourself it shows you really are serious about being a board member. Where was it held at? I was just wondering because it sounds like you where the only one from this district that it was held out of Aurora and too far for some to get to.
Does anyone know if Salinas ever went to a new board member workshop? I know Rayanne and Dee did but not Salinas since he came on the board before them?
In reading what Anita wrote and what she learned about being a board member I think even though some of the board members aren't new they need a refresher course on how a board works.
In the short 30 minutes the public has to ask questions does Anita really feel with Maysonette reviewing them that they will be fair. Anita you need to wise up the District does not want to work as team. You talk about communicating the only way to communicate is to elect a new board. I will be voting for you but you need to understand like last meeting Clayton/Lisa and old guard school board members will be giving you a hard time.
Maysonette did not have a right to speak to Dee/Rayanne on Bigalow the way he did. A telling residents
that they would with hold financing. That was not his personal money nor was the cities computer his personal computer. After being suspended 5 days he still sent out e-mails against Scott Ashers business. Again, I am just letting everyone know who they are dealing with.
To the old guard if you have no dirty laundry to hide the fair thing to do would let Ms Pena be moderator after-all it was her idea
I have to agree that they should let Ms Pena be moderator since it was her idea. I do think if Maysonette and Clayton want the public to really think they are doing this for the good of the community so they can see these candidates they would let Ms. Pena handle this. One thing Anita is right about if them taping it so it is on the District website and CATV that way if they do a one sided forum the community can see it.
The West Side has on their website questions they asked their candidates which are good questions so lets see how ours compare.
The service center does not hold a lot of people and that can be a problem. I've often wonder when they have standing room only at some of the meetings the fire department hasn't showed up because they are past the capacity of the room. Also if it is warm it is stuffy in their and the parking isn't that great.
Someone brought up the fact that the district never re posted all the candidates names in the paper. I believe it was Annette Johnsons name that wasn't there. Why wasn't that done? Is that not of Lisa's job as the secretary? She should of contacted the Beacon and let them know a name was missed and re ran the names of all the candidates.
Lisa also chased the Tribune around. They had to go to the Internet White pages to get contact information for some of the East candidates. As we know white pages are inaccurate and unless you have been at your current address a long time it would be difficult to get a hold of everybody. I guess because of this delay some needed to be contacted by phone.
When Mr Hull talks about child like behavior that is the old guard.
If this is true about Lisa and giving the addresses to the Tribune then someone needs to talk to her like her boss the Superintendent. She is way out of control. What ever she thinks of any of the board members she must remember that they where voted on from the community. She was picked as the secretary only because the ones that the board voted on to be the secretary did not want to do for what ever reason. If she can't separate her personal feelings from the job she needs to go. Besides that the only thing she is really worried about is her job and the extra money she gets for that job.
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
In all that is going on it makes me wonder how many people will be at the school board meeting Monday.
No more than usual. These people on the blog only know how to blah, blah, blah anonymously. To actually show up would require a backbone.
The school honor rolls were posted in the beacon today. There were 134 students from the East High School posted and 1041 students from Waubonsie Valley High School.
That's less than 5% of East High Students on the honor roll, while almost 30% of Waubonsie Valley students are honor roll students.
Hinckley Big Rock Had about 70 students on the honor roll but since they only have 274 atudents at their high school it comes out to about 25% of their student population.
It's difficult to see that more than 95% of your student population is not doing very well.
Now what has Roberts done to earn a large raise and contract extention? This is just another example that shows a lack of leadership and vision at the administrative level and poor judgement by this board supporting this administration.
I think it would be fair to limit the forum only to D131 residents the Service Center is small and the the Aurora University Mayor debate that how they handled it. I don't want to see non residents like most of the the districts administration taking up all the seats.
9:41 am has nailed it!
Yet, the majority of the board continues to support failing programs & "plans" that are not benefitting our children.
The admin can use excuses about the sub groups being the reason for poor performance. Or they can blame teachers, for a variety of reasons. The blame lies at the feet of the top administrative managers of 131 "making choices for excellence" in their pay & benefits. While settling for less than adequate in educating our students.
Administrators have been "making choices for affluence".
For their own interests, not the best interests of our children.
I agree the forum should be for the residents of the district first. When it was at the Roundhouse last time I think someone said Lisa was there which found strange. I wonder if she goes to her schools forums for their candidates? If the no residents want to see it they can watch it on the website or CATV and let the resident of the district go to the Service Center.
I do hope there is a good turn out.
Greetings EA Community,
For those of you who are unfamilar with how K-12 students feel about digital learning, please watch this U-Tube video --
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8
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