The previous post was getting a little long on comments. No matter what the topic, bloggers seem to post their point of view (POV) on a variety of issues. So this will just be a new space for continuing those discussions.
And in reference to a past blogger saying I wrote certain words that showed it was me. DUH! as another has pointed out, I was being sarcastic. I copied and pasted it from the other comment.
I would hope you would all know I am Veteran Tomcat-since my name is at the bottom of every post. If this is a new revelation for you, I am happy you have caught up January 9, 2010 8:46 PM.
Sarcasm is usually said with a certain tone of voice. Virtually impossible to come across in the written word. How about we all stop trying to be clever and sarcastic and just say what we mean.
I stand accused: “As you read Rayanne's post, you begin to understand why this district is in the shape that it is. She didn't address the the issue of Boys II Men, she instead attacked the person bringing up a legitimate school district issue.” I will respond and “attack“ again.
The School Code says:. A public school fraternity, composed of public school pupils, which seeks to perpetuate itself from the pupils enrolled in such school on the basis of the decision of its membership rather than upon the free choice of any pupil in the school who is qualified by the rules of the school to fill the special aims of the organization.
Any young man can join B2M. It has been implied by naysayers that it is for minorities only. If you read B2M website- initially the fraternity targeted young men susceptible to gang influence. So according to “the code” any young man wanting to “fill the special aims of the organization” -which would be avoiding gang influence and bettering himself -may join. Next it says: Any public school fraternity or secret society is inimical ( i.e.- unfavorable or hostile. )
High School Fraternities began in 1869 in New York. They were considered useful in the development of school spirit and aid in the discipline of the school. They fostered friendship at the period in life when permanent friendships were made. It was considered that a pupils conduct was a matter for regulation by parents rather than by school boards. A few arguments against the fraternities were: They form narrow cliques. They waste a pupils time, cause his interest in the school wane, and force him to form a narrow group of friendships at the time when he should be reaching out and selecting his friends from a wide circle.
In early 1900’s anti-fraternity law’s were passed. Some school boards and some cities adopted their own regulations. All of these laws aim to make it possible for boards of education to control the situation. These laws excepts "such societies or organizations as are sanctioned by directors of said school." These acts give the school board full authority in cases where they wish to use it to make possible the regulating rather than extermination of certain societies.
With the information given to me by the administrators of 131 and with the information I am able to research on the internet or information from witnesses, I must make a decision as to whether B2M is illegal in 131. I have not heard of anyone being denied an opportunity to join nor have I heard of B2M having activities unfavorable to the public good. In fact they do quite the opposite. They encourage education, discipline & service.
Other than the word “fraternity” what do you feel I should find in the code that defines B2M violating the law? You gave me nothing except lengthy posts repeatedly of the school code. Make a point or let it drop. If Clayton is your thorn-then keep focused admit your issue and don’t nit pick B2M. Being hostile to me for not doing your bidding doesn't make your illegal case, either.
All this blog complains about is the same old thing the Band, Clayton & Roberts. I guess the District has no other problems because everyone on this blog goes back years.
Rayanne, either you have your head completely up your A$$ or you are deliberately lying through your teeth. I believe the latter.
There were several articles in local news papers where Clayton was quoted about Boys II Men. Clayton stated publicly his fraternity was patterned after fraternity and gang recruiting models. He stated publicly that membership was determined by it's membership and he stated repeatedly that the group was only for black and hispanic students. He futher stated that they were recruiting students at East High and having meetings at East High. He then used his district information (phone and address) as contact information for anyone interested in joining his fraternity.
The board and district were made aware of all this information directly (and since all this information was in public newspapers, not to mention they work with Clayton directly and there would be a paper trail of times district resources are used for this purpose, they should have acted preemptively to stop these illegal actions).
Rayanne and the other board members knew all these things and turned their heads. The board and district worked with Clayton to try and cover up his illegal actions and protect Boys II Men. Clayton has reworded many of his policies and has stopped speaking publicly about his group but that doesn't change the fact that high school fraternities and discrimination are illegal in Illinois. It also doesn't change the fact that this board has endorsed illegal activities.
2:33 p.m., specifically when and where did Clayton Muhammad say that Boys II Men was only for Black and Hispanic students? If you go to their website, you will see several Caucasian members pictured.
If you are unable or unwilling to give specific examples to back up your statements then YOU are the one lying through your teeth!
The article about the Boys II Men Fraternity with the quotes from Clayton was in the Beacon news a few years ago. The article was done by the reporter Dan Campana.
The Beacon used to be good about giving the public access to their previous stories online. Now they only go back about a month. If you want to see the actual articles, you will have to go to the building where they print the Beacon.
Main office 495 N. Commons Drive, Suite 200 Aurora, IL 60504
The School Code says:. A public school fraternity, composed of public school pupils, which seeks to perpetuate itself from the pupils enrolled in such school on the basis of the decision of its membership rather than upon the free choice of any pupil in the school who is qualified by the rules of the school to fill the special aims of the organization. My questions about the above are:
1. Does this include all schools in the district? 2. Why would any other district be allowed to join? 3. Is a public school faternity allowed to have its own website? 4. If there is a charge for this website, who pays for it? 5. Why doesn't B2M just change faternity to club in its name so this on going saga does not continue.
AURORA -- Breaking with tradition, the city of Aurora will not sponsor a Martin Luther King Day celebration this year.
The reason, according to Assistant Chief of Staff Alisia Lewis, is purely financial. The last two King Day luncheons have cost the city $6,295 and $6,395, respectively, and with mounting budget deficits and shrinking revenues it's an expense the city just can't afford this year.
Instead, Lewis said, the city has given $1,000 to support an event organized by the Voices for Excellence Choir, made up of young people from around the Fox Valley. The celebration begins at 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at Main Baptist Church.
The keynote speaker will be Clayton Muhammad, head of the Boys II Men fraternity and spokesman for the East Aurora School District.
"We want to recognize the events still going on and recognize the importance Martin Luther King had within our society," Lewis said of the city's involvement. "This is a way of doing that."
The Martin Luther King Day luncheon has been well-attended for years. Prior events have featured keynote speakers like comedian Dick Gregory and author/educator Salome Thomas-El, and for years have been organized by Fred Rodgers, who retired as youth services director last year.
While the city has usually paid for the lunch itself, the speakers' fees have been handled by others in the community, including the West Aurora School District and Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns, who used ward funds to pay for author and motivational speaker Les Brown to come to town in 2008.
The IL School Code States that Fraternities are not allowed. It is the manner that the members are selected that raises the questions.
Rayanne or anyone else could not stop this since even the Mayor thinks it is alright to break the law. When the board made a decision on this a while ago it was stated that it would be allowed as long as the term Fraternity wasn't used and the majority rules so with the board the way it was no matter what anyone said it was going to go on.
Only this blog can rip apart a good organization like Boys II Men. If one kids life was changed as a result of Clayton then why should you car the fact is many kids lives have changed. These are kids that needed direction and Clayton was there for them. If you have a problem with Boys then call all the surrounding school districts they use this program. Maybe you can start a case action on all of them. You must be a sad bitter person.
It's amazing how Clayton plays it both ways. Boys II Men is saving these poor lost children with no future except through him and at the same time the group selects it's "phenomenal" young men based on their excellence.
I haven't heard any district state that they use Claytons Fraternity. They might use something like it but I have never heard his name mentioned.
So what you are saying as long as it helps children, not that there isn't other programs out there that do the same thing, it is ok even it it is illegal.
Amen to that statement but when the player goes along with the game the only thing you can do is pray for them.
When you know wrong from right and chose to play that game you need to take the heat. Just because you can get away with something that is wrong doesn't mean you get a hall pass.
If we want our children to do right for us we need to do right for our children. Are we showing the children as we teach them to follow the rules are we as adults doing that and setting an example for them.
I see on tonights news that the state just found millions of extra dollars for the local zoos. I also recall the billions of dollars Govenor Quinn announced he was spending to put construction workers back to work (he announced it over the summer).
The state cries broke every time it comes to education or they push for a tax increase but they have money to spend on the programs they choose.
I also recall that our state legislators did not want any spending increases in education and they lost that battle with Blagojevic a couple of years ago. This must be their way of taking back those dollars without taking the heat for doing so.
Didn't Linda Chapa Lavia, just last week, say there was no money. Apparently she meant that there was no money for education.
AURORA — Rayanne Carlson, one of two opponents of a controversial tax referendum elected to the East Aurora School Board in 2007, has resigned.
East Aurora officials announced the vacancy Tuesday, saying Carlson had announced her resignation "effective immediately."
Carlson was first elected only months after helping to defeat a proposed tax increase in the district, the second such attempt to pass a tax increase through referendum in recent years. She and fellow referendum opponent Dee Weaver joined the board in April 2007, with Weaver becoming its president in May of last year.
Carlson and Weaver also opposed a third referendum in 2008. That one eventually passed.
Carlson had no comment Tuesday night regarding her resignation, saying, "I resigned. It's as simple as that."
The board has 45 days to fill Carlson's spot. Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years old, residents of Illinois, live within the East Aurora School District and be registered voters. Interested community members must submit a letter of interest by Jan. 15 to Lisa Morales at the district's service center, 417 Fifth St., Aurora, IL, 60505.
Interviews will begin on Jan. 21, officials said, and the new board member will be sworn in on Feb. 1. The person chosen will serve until the next election, in April 2011.
Great article on the East Aurora Preschool today. It shows East Aurora has to over come great odds to educate the kids. When kids are 87% low income and 80% English is not the first language that is a major effort. Dr Roberts and his staff should be praised for the great work they do. As the article states they have heart.
I read the article also. It spoke of a modest building with no computers or technology and walls with only decorations drawn by students. It sounded like a program with a bare minimum of cost.
So, the real question is, where are the millions of dollars the district receives for this program going? It apparently isn't reaching the children.
The staff I'll give credit to. Roberts as usual only shows up for five minutes to take credit when the press is there. It's amazing how much credit the administration takes when they teach absolutely no classes.
I am sure Roberts couldn't even name one of the teachers there, let alone the name of a student.
It goes to paying the teachers salaries and benefits stupid. This is a program that every penny goes to the kids. The more money they save the more class rooms.
Well since the teachers in this district are by far the lowest paid teachers in Kane County and in the Chicago area, I would like to see the proof that these salaries are accounting for all these millions.
January 12, 2010 By PAUL DAILING pdailing@scn1.com
AURORA -- Friday is the deadline to apply for a position as the East Aurora School District's second new board member in less than four months.
By 4 p.m. Friday, community members interested in filling the seat of former board member Rayanne Carlson should submit letters of interest to the School District offices. Carlson, who served on the board since 2007, resigned last week.
Carlson has kept quiet about her reasons for leaving, previously telling the Beacon-News, "I resigned. It's as simple as that." She did not return calls for this story.
This will be the second time in the last few months the School Board has gone through this process. Board member Mary Anne Turza was appointed in late October to fill the seat of former board President Carol Farnum, who moved out of the district.
Vacancies are usually a rarity for the six-member board, said district spokesman Clayton Muhammad.
"It's definitely not ordinary, but the process is going to be the same," he said. "We just definitely want to have representation in the East Aurora community."
Prior to Farnum's move, there had only been two vacancies since 2007. Russell Pietrowiak moved out of the district that year. The next year, board member Donald "Bud" Herbig died.
There were 10 applicants for Farnum's seat, five of whom either ran for the post in an earlier School Board election or applied for previous vacancies. The position is unpaid.
People interested in applying should be 18 or older, a resident of the East Aurora School District for at least one year and a registered voter.
Letters of interest should be sent to: East Aurora School Service Center, ATTN: Lisa Morales, Executive Assistant, 417 Fifth St., Aurora, IL 60505.
Interviews will start Jan. 21. The plan is to announce the new board member Feb. 1. The member will serve until April 2011.
So no comments from Carlson who cares it was the end to a disruptive chapter in the District. She never got past the Band and it seems it was to much for her to bear when Roberts contract was extended. Two years of a waste of time
Rayanne spent the last two and a half years trying to achieve her private agenda. When she realized she failed, she Quit like a child. It is just that simple. Prediction! She will not be the last one we see Quit.
8:32, you're the one who brought up the band. Maybe you can help some of us "get past" it.
I'll get past the band issue when I hear any specific answers to my questions about how replacing the EHS band director was in students' best interests. It's been almost five years since administration promised a better band program at East High--well, where's the improvement??
This question will continue to be asked by many of the hundreds of us who marched, wrote letters, and put signs in our yards almost 5 years ago. The band issue will NOT go away unless and until administrators convince us that they make decisions based upon students' best interests instead of supporting personal vendettas.
8:27, you didn't sign your name either. Most of us don't. What's your point? Who cares who Annee is? Whoever 8:00 a.m. really is, what they say is entirely true. The administration has not been able (or has deliberately chosen not to) explain how their decision to replace Mr. K several years ago was in the best interests of the students they supposedly care about.
That's the important question here, not who is posting anonymously.
No, Annee is not Rayanne. Her/his writing style is totally different than Rayanne's. And Rayanne's work schedule at Caterpillar wouldn't allow her to post online throughout the day as Annee does.
My guess is that Annee is a retired D131 teacher or alumni, someone with lots of time on their hands and who keeps up with what's going on in the district.
Cannot the band issue be handled from another approach? Such as going before the board and asking where are the improvements that were promised 5 years ago? There are none and it is time it is done! What makes everyone get tired of hearing about it is, bringing up what happened 5 yrs ago again and again. A new and different approach is what is needed on this issue. Other suppestions from you posters on how to do it? No one is going to get anywhere the way it is being done now. It is time for everyone to get together and brainstorm for a different approach.
I'd like to say a few things about the current EAHS band, but first, let me say that I do agree that the method and manner in which Mr. K was "pushed out" was wrong and unprofessional, particularly since he had the support and backing of so many community members.
That said however, I'm confused about the comments claiming that the high school band has not improved, or even stranger, gotten worse. I challenge anyone who has written such a comment to attend a band concert at the high school (the next one is thursday, Feb 18th at 7pm). If you do, you will see that there are some great things happening. For instance, there is now a third band, which students must audition to get into. The impressive thing about this band, the Wind Ensemble, is the music they play. This may not make sense to some of you, but most of the music played by the band when Mr. K was in charge was level 2, 3 and sometimes 4. In a system where level 1 is the easiest and level 6 is the hardest, you should never (and would never in neighboring districts) hear a high school band playing level 2 music - no matter how well they play it! Under Mr. Liska's direction, the East Aurora band is now playing level 4, 5 & even some level 6 music - which is comparable to all the surrounding districts and which allows students to continue playing in college.
Now, I'm sure some of you will say "It doesn't matter how hard the music is if they don't play it well." Again, I challenge you to attend a concert. Will you hear the most perfect music ever? No, of course not, but you didn't hear that from Mr. K either. What you will hear is a progression of quality from the freshmen Concert band all the way up to an excellent Wind Ensemble. You will see how the students have learned essential musical tools such as intricate rhythms, changing time signatures, and intonation. You will also notice a strong sense of comraderie and pride (which I'm sure was also there at the time of Mr. K, but please realize has not disappeared!).
Surely someone will say "yes, but compared to Naperville, Oswego, or West Aurora, our band is not very good!" Unfortunatly, that is something that will remain until this district has the funding for multiple band directors, and most importantly, private lessons. But East Aurora CAN be proud of the band program as it is now at the high school level.
Finally, there have been complaints that the band hasn't gone to Disney since K left. My response is this: they have been accepted and are hoping to raise the money to go this summer - why don't you donate and help some great students participate in a wonderful opportunity? The band boosters annual Pancake Breakfast is on Saturday, Feb 13th from 6a to noon.
In conclusion, as someone with a musical background, I can assure you that the current EAHS band IS good - and only getting better from here on. But I will also agree with you all that the circumstances under which Mr. K was transferred were unfair and "sketchy" to say the least. And for that, you have every right to be angry. Just don't besmurch the current band's good name!
7:15, I can appreciate your comments and really appreciate that you did not resort to foul language or personal attacks.
I think the opposing arguments to yours rest more on the fact that people feel the band change was personal in nature and unnecessary, as there was nothing "wrong" with the program.. Also, regardless of how one feels about the level of music, there was already a sense of pride in the program and students were learning. In other words, if it's not broke, why fix it?
Mr. K. is a widely known music educator worthy of his reputation. As you read peoples comments about the situation - and yes, it comes up regularly on here - you can see that this is the argument being made.
I have not attended a concert in quite some time. I will make every attempt to accept your invitation to attend.
Again, thank you for making your argument in a civilized manner.
All of the Band complainers had it stuck to them by Rayanne/Annee not only did she resign but she could not show up and vote against Roberts. It would have been a good way to go out. Vote against him and make a statement that the Board is hopeless. No comments to the Beacon either why did she ever run and go out letting Weaver read her statement what a gutless wonder. Roberts got the best of that deal.
Anyone here can claim the band sounds good (with the help of ringers) or they are playing harder music or they are going to Disney World. My first measure of the band is solo and ensemble contest. If after five years Liska can't get individual students to pass this basic quality test, how can anybody in this community believe he can get a whole band to an acceptable level of play.
I bet some of the board members have decided amongst themselves who will be the next member they probably got someone they know to apply just like what happened last time.
Where is the lie? How many kids does Liska send to contest and how many of them actually come back with an excellent rating. It has to start from an individual level and then ensemble before it can get to the band level.
After failing to receive even ONE first-division rating at the IHSA (state-sponsored) solo & ensemble contest 3 years ago, our "new, improved" EHS band began participating in a solo/ensemble festival (listed in the band handbook as an "Extravaganza"--what a tacky, low-class spin!) instead.
While this event does provide encouragement and a positive experience for students it does NOT compare to the official IHSA contest, which has more rigorous standards (standardized evaluation sheets, screened judges).
And while it may be easy to SAY that the current EHS band plays more challenging music, comparing programs from previous years proves otherwise. For example, last year's bands played "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "To Dance in the Secret Garden"; both pieces had been performed a few years ago under Mr. K's leadership.
I believe that Lynne Nadel also has been taking her kids to the Solo & Ensemble Extravaganza. This contest is run by Naperville Central High School. In attendance at this contest is Naperville Central, Naperville North, Joliet West, Benet Acadamy. You have no idea who the judges are, you have no idea what the scoring is. Stop lieing.
You think something run by the state is better? Name anything good about anything run by the state.
Which band played those pieces? Because you know there is more than ONE band, there are three. Different levels, different abilities. Name some of the other pieces that were played, and then go find out what other area high schools top ensembles are playing.
What January 13, 2010 8:48 PM said is completely accurate.
You are correct last time Roberts with gal pal Gonzalez found Turza. Then Roberts told his buddy Johnson who to push. Why interview or apply because Johnson and Roberts have already picked the new Board member
"Name anything good about anything run by the state."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's a very brief overview of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA):
There are more than 30 activities sponsored by the IHSA, including the following:
--Scholastic Bowl --Drama and Speech events --Football (boys' and girls') --Gymnastics --Wheelchair Basketball --Bass Fishing --Baseball --Track --Music --More than 20 other activities (for a full list, go to the IHSA website).
These events include competitions, clinics, festivals, workshops, etc.
Many schools participate in BOTH the official IHSA events AND private, local festivals (Benet Academy, for example, sends students to the Naperville solo and ensemble event as well as the IHSA contest).
And sometimes a school may opt out of an IHSA event when the distance is too great for students to travel or there is a schedule conflict. Or maybe the standards were too high for students to achieve even ONE first-division rating, so a director or administrator decided to find an easier event (and call it an "Extravaganza").
8:00 a.m., since you don't think anything run by the state is any good, are you saying that our athletes shouldn't participate in IHSA events either? Maybe you could organize a private, local basketball tournament instead of (not in addition to!) letting our kids compete in the state-run tournaments. You could call it an "Extravaganza".
DON'T SAY IT IS JUST BAND. THE EAST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS PARTICIPATES TOO. Why are you not giving her shit about it.
You think Naperville North and Central would run and participate in a program that was sub-standard. Naperville 203 is one of the best run districts in the state.
What is the purpose of the solo and ensemble. To get a one. Is that it. Or is it to learn something. At the IHSA contest the student gets 5 to 7 minutes with the judge. Play the piece and get out. At Naperville Central they get 15 to 20 minutes with the judge. Play the piece, get judged, and then , spend 15 minutes with the judge LEARNING SOMETHING.
It's small minded morons like yourself that need ratings because they can't take the time to understand something fully. The Naperville Central contest also has master classes run by college professors and professional musicians that the students can participate in. MORE LEARNING.
1:38 brings up an interesting point (although I think it could be done without the name-calling). Why is the chorus and Mrs. Nadel not held accountable for everything they do and, more importantly, don't do?
The answer of course lies in the circumstances under which Mr. Liska got the job. But it seems a bit foolish to blame Mr. Liska for the fact that Mr. K was forced out of his position (probably unfairly). I'm also curious to know if the people complaining about the band have students currently enrolled at East. It seems to me that the majority of the parents of CURRENT band students are happy with the job Mr. Liska is doing, particularly in light of the fact that no one wanted him there in his first year (although I'm sure there are also parents who will claim he is terrible).
The fact is that Mr. Liska faced incredible opposition and resentment before he even accepted what was a very daunting position - one that had, in fact, been offered to a more experienced teacher who turned it down because of the stigma associated with East Aurora and the circumstances under which the position had become available.
Mr. Liska was tried and judged before he'd done anything with the students and I question the motives behind such small-mindedness. I personally try to give my children the wisdom and opportunity to meet a person and learn about them before deeming them useless and ineffective. But Mr. Liska was not afforded any such luxury. And in spite of all the negativity and attempts to run him out, Mr. Liska has stuck with it and not given up on what seems to be most important to him - his students. If only all teachers were as dedicated.
There is nothing to complain about with the band. It's fine. I agree. I doubt that any of the band haters have a student in the band, or ever had one. I doubt that they have ever been to one of the formal concerts. I doubt they have any background in music.
1:38, Mrs. Nadel's students have always participated in the same Solo & Ensemble contest the band students went to. The big difference was, many of the choir students got Division I ratings. When the band students started going to the private festival instead, so did the choir students. It makes more sense for both vocal & instrumental students from a particular school to go the same place. Mrs. Nadel was NOT the one who pushed for the kids to stop going to the IHSA contest.
I do understand that the "Extravaganza" event is a positive learning experience for students. But if the current EHS band is all about higher standards, why have they quit participating in the IHSA contest? Why deny our kids the experience of the state-sponsored event that they had successfully participated in for 20+ years, just like their peers at Waubonsie and Neuqua Valley and hundreds of schools throughout the state?
2:06 p.m., many of us are definitely trying not to blame Mr. Liska! It's not his fault; you're right that he was put into a very difficult situation fresh out of college. It does seem like he is an energetic young teacher who is dedicated to his students.
But I am VERY critical of the administrators who bullied Mr. Kaisershot out of his high-school teaching position 5 years ago! They insisted that it was necessary to "get rid of him" (the exact words used by the president of the School Board at the time, Larry Malaker) in order to IMPROVE the band program. Some of us suspected that this controversial decision was really more about a personal vendetta than about what was best for students--and the more time passes, the more obvious this becomes.
I will continue to remind this community that there are several ADMINISTRATORS still in D131 (including Mr. Salinas and Mr. McCue, should they be trying to get back on the School Board) who participated in this disastrous decision. I will continue to ask ADMINISTRATORS how this decision has been in our students' best interests.
It was not a "disastrous decision." It wasn't. You are wrong. Why don't they go to the IHSA contest. Because it is a bad contest. So you think Mr. Liska bullied Mrs. Nadel into going to the Solo & Ensemble contest. WHY DON'T YOU ASK HER.
Hundreds of Illinois schools (the vast majority of public schools as well as many parochial schools) participate in this event that you call a "bad contest" each spring.
I have firsthand experience with the IHSA solo and ensemble contest, because my son and daughter both participated throughout their high-school years in District 204. My daughter received THREE Division I ratings her junior year alone (for a solo and 2 ensembles). If you really think it's a "bad contest", why don't you go to All-State in Peoria at the end of January and speak to some of the hundreds of band, chorus, and orchestra directors whose students have participated and benefited from it for many, many years?
And who said that anyone bullied Mrs. Nadel into taking her students to the Naperville "extravaganza"? 3:27 simply stated that Mrs. N. wasn't the one who pushed for the kids to stop going to the IHSA contest. Big difference!
Watch the Board will stick it to the community and bring back someone who was part of the Band mess. Rumor around the central office is they will show the band complainers they are in charge. Clayton was overheard talking it up. When the names are revealed one on the list will be a band hater. I will then tell you who will be picked. We know Rayanne will be thought a lesson Raynne for a band hater that is the word. Everyone will then need to put pressure on Johnson. She my look like a friend to administration but she is a friend to herself #1. Her and Roberts do have a plan on the 16th it will be revealed.
Yes, my daughter did take private lessons in high school. She took one half-hour lesson every week, at a cost of $15.00. I am not wealthy by any means but by doing without a couple of lattes and a fast-food lunch every week I was able to provide this for my daughter. It made a HUGE difference in both her musical skills and confidence, and I consider it time & money well spent.
I know that Mr. Liska recommends that his high school band students take private lessons, and Mr. Kaisershot did too. If parents are really serious about supporting their kids' band experience, they should consider providing a weekly private lesson. There are plenty of qualified, reasonably-priced teachers in our community.
Clayton illegal group, big raise for Roberts, the separation of students in the Magnet, awarding big contract to Roberts favorite black charity the Urban League. That is the legacy of the new Board and it is only eight months. That is why Rayanne resigned. The agenda has the board adding all kinds of administrative positions so the lazy central office staff can hang with Roberts and drive him around. It keeps continuing so bring up the Band issue is a mute point because there is so much other going on. Roberts is the skilled politician he filled the Board room and Johnson caved because she does not care about the kids only herself. When Dee and Rayanne lost her support that was it because Anita was never strong enough to stand on her own. Anita is one of those kids that wanted to be the popular kid in school. At the last filling of Farmun seat she did not even show. The Board could have had a good person but by getting rid of Fartmun but no. So that left Juanita, Stella and Johnson to vote for Truza. Truza is Stella's best friend. Truza came on the Board and voted for things she had no clue of. Now Rayanne gone and it will be real hard for Weaver to speak against six. We lost a chance to change with Fartmun and now we lost Rayanne. So for all the complaining of Band parents on this blog were is your support in the Board room. If you think the old Board was bad this one is worst. We do have a new band leader as Roberts rubs salt in the Band parents face and that is Roberts. My prediction Weaver will be the next one to go. You can only fight so long
I was speaking to one of the district tech guys last year. He was complaining that he was ordered to go to Roberts house in Joliet to work on school computers. Roberts had four school laptops at his house that he needed to fix. It wasn't clear whether Roberts had more and only four needed repair or if somehow all four district computers that Roberts had all needed repair at once.
I recall thinking about how this was wrong on several levels. Why were district personnel being used at the superintendents house? Why was this house all the way in Joliet? Why did district personnel have to go all the way to Joliet, when the laptops could have easily been brought to the central office by Roberts? Why, when not all the children have computers to use, does Roberts need four computers? Not one but four?
We should check out his new contract, perhaps these are some of the perks our school board has added to his contract.
Roberts has a wife and 2 step sons so I guess the four living in that house needed computers. Also why has the board not made him live in town. Why has the Board not reviewed his medical records. Is that not the job of the secretary(Johnson). I heard he had a address in the district but he still lives in Joliet. Someone said the house is owned by the Urban League but nobody lives there. Roberts was also given a big travel allowance increase. District personnel have also worked on his house all perks to being Superintendent and getting along with your Board. I must say I know Lewis and trusted her I am sorry she turned against Dee & Rayanne. She is the type of person who only wants to be popular. She has disappointed many band parents and supporters of K but you will all remember once K was pushed aside she interviewed and picked Liska. Johnson could have kept Roberts on his toes but choose to help him renew his contract and looked the other way on medical records. She is also so rah rah about the district I really things she believes her own lies
Of course I never trusted her but I did trust Lewis
They have had the Tech people at Gonzalez and Truza's house as well. Juanita was given a printer and the district stills supplies paper. We also work on Nestors, Marin's and Lisa home computers as well so Roberts is not the only one.
Friday night's postponement of the West Aurora-East Aurora matchup at East -- now scheduled for tonight at 7 -- proved to be a welcome reprieve for the host Tomcats.
The football team had its regular Thursday walkthrough canceled due to the severe storms and was able to get its final day of prep in on Friday after school.
Friday also was the continuation of a whirlwind eight days for Tomcats head coach Bill Bryant. The second-year coach left the team last Thursday to go to Texas and tend to an emergency family matter. He returned through the storms late Thursday night to a home without power.
"He has just done a remarkable job," Bryant said of Ramp. "We would have never gotten to this week without him leading the pack as far as the coaches...we've been in contact, we've been e-mailing back and forth and so as far as practice plans and what we feel we're going to do both offensively and defensively it's been communicated pretty as much as if I was there."
Ramp, defensive coordinator Adam Kordalewski, quarterback coach Kevin Dix and fellow assistants Tim Lowe (secondary), Ed O'Reilly (receivers), Jeron Nelson (running backs), Eric Watts (linebackers) and freshman coaches Dave Rericka, Luke Arneson, Bill Weiland all ran practices and drills getting the Tomcats ready for the season opener.
"I trust these guys that are there," Bryant said. "I think they're a great group of young men who are coaching these kids."
For Bryant, tonight's game offers a welcome break from a week of driving through storms and worrying about family and friends. He also expects the Tomcats to be ready to win their first game over the rival Blackhawks in seven years.
"I think that's probably my little safe haven after all this stuff that's been going on," Bryant said. "I'm really going to look forward to seeing the kids tomorrow.
"I really trust that the coaching staff has done their job and it sounds like they have and that things will work. We shouldn't be that far off from where we expected ourselves to be at."
Adjusting on the fly
Things were a little less hectic for Buck Drach and the Blackhawks. Like Bryant and the East staff, Drach and his coaches found out about 1 p.m. Friday that their game would be moved to Saturday night.
And while Thursday's heavy storms and Friday's postponement led to some logistical adjustments, the Blackhawks practice regimen never changed. West even had a walkthrough on Thursday.
"We started an hour late because they were all in locker rooms and hallways, sitting on the floor for an hour waiting for the tornado to hit," Drach said. "We still walked through (Thursday). We kept them and walked through and we got them out before the next one hit. If you're not flexible you're in the wrong business. That's what you do."
The night off enabled some extra scouting for Week 2, as the Blackhawks' next opponent -- South Elgin -- kicked off as scheduled Friday.
"There's not a heck of a lot you can do about it. You just go with the flow and do the best you can," Drach said. "We adjust. That's what coaches do."
I didn't know the district had tech guys what a surprise.
Does this district use our money to give nice presents to board members probably they just hide the cost somewhere.
I think Roberts is hiding the fact that he doesn't live in Joliet anymore with his wife. Rumor has it he is having an affair with someone close to him and it isn't Lisa. We all know he has certain board members under his spell he is smooth that one.
2:27 p.m., Anita Lewis did not pick Mr. Liska. She was on a panel of parents who were asked to evaluate several candidates for the band position. They rated Mr. Liska highest of the candidates, BUT all agreed that neither he nor the others were qualified. Administrators (especially Joe Harmon) twisted their words around to make it sound like they approved him-- but they definitely did NOT.
Lies from the corrupt administration, some of whom are still in power.
Anita Lewis was a sell out because she joined the committee that picked Liska. Liska was not the blame he just was not as qualified as K. If Lewis is the problem solver she claimed to be then she would have just said none of the candidates were qualified. It just like her time on the Board when the hard vote came she could not make up her mind she abstained. She had pledged her support to Dee and Rayanne she claimed she wanted to change the school system. In fact she was on record with many of the Band parents as getting rid of the corrupt administration. Then she votes for Roberts and sings his praises. Her praises had the whole Board beat. She even beat rah rah Johnson.
6:49 p.m., let me quote directly from this article in the Beacon (late summer 2005):
"Two parents, who maintain that the best decision is to keep Kaisershot, served on a committee with teachers and administrators to help select the new director. But Patti Phillips, one of the parents on the committee (the other parent was Anita Lewis), said she never recommended Liska for the position. 'None of the three new candidates were qualified to take the position...we liked Brian, but he's so young and has no experience. The administration is just scrambling and looking for someone to hire, and they've put this kid in".
So don't blame Anita Lewis for the band mess (and don't blame Mr. Liska either--it was hardly his fault that he needed a teaching job and was rushed in at the last minute).
Put the blame where it belongs: on the corrupt administration, including the "Bully Board". And keep speaking out and reminding the people in this district who was (and is) responsible for this blunder.
So one has to wonder who Mr. Liska knew or was this a ploy for the administration to get Mr. K out. I really don't care about the band I think it is a good thing and I know many children benefit from this and they should but what you have to ask is this. If Dr. Roberts is such and honorable man would he not want to make some changes to the band program? Maybe but and new teacher with a mentor to make our band a better one. Maybe take a senior band teacher and bring him with a new one and let one teacher the other to make our band better. Roberts might not have been in this decision and I don't know if he was in the district at the time but you would think that as someone stepping into this would like to make some peace with the ones involved. These are the kinds of things that really prove what a Superintendent would do to make a district whole. Lately the only things he seems to be worried about is his future.
We really need leadership and we don't have it. It is time to think about putting the East and West side together to make Aurora look like a place where people want to live because they have a good school system. Times are getting tough and money is getting tight and we need to give our children the best education they can have no matter what side they live on.
The East side gave up busing a long time ago for what ever reason they had and now the want to give up The Race for the Top the States wants should we keep turning our back to progress for the sake of a few?
Roberts is the better Superintendent. However if East and West combined then East would be stuck paying West bills. Busing is strangling the West side the State is not paying any longer and has put West in crisis. Well West continues to cut teachers jobs East is hiring. While West closes buildings East is bring new programs on. It is true Roberts does not care about the Band so he will never fix it. But I will have him any day over Jim Ryland.
I heard the same rumor Roberts does live in town. He lives in a house owned by the Urban League. Was it not him who pushed for the big Alternative School contract. I have heard they pay for seats they don't even use. Then Clayton gets Boys II Men back another Urban League program.
West is laying off teachers because Rydland decided they did want kids sneaking over from the East Side screwing up their nice district.
Bottom line is that they kicked out several hundred students. Less students mean less money. Less money means less teachers and fewer buildings.
All the students that were kicked out of the West Side came here to the East Side but I am sure that we did not hire as many teachers as the West Side fired. The administration just overcrowds the classrooms and funnels the extra money to who knows where.
The schools the West Side closed cost them 1.3 million a year to maintain and heat. Sounds like a good deal to me pay to heat empty building. If Roberts did that this blog would run him out on a rail. The blog is filled with a bunch of racist.
It does cost to keep an empty building because you have to make sure it doesn't get mold and other stuff while it sits empty. If that school was open it would cost the district more in staff and upkeep.
The State is going broke if they don't get more revenue and sooner or later it will effect us. What plan does this district have if that happens. Remember a lot of our programs are from grants and if the state can't pay them where will the money come from.
Say what you will about Roberts at least we respects the businesses that pay the taxes and keeps the East/West game in town. People of Aurora will now spend tonight's money in Dekalb
11:08 good point. I hadn't thought of it that way. I've been thinking about the locals who won't go out that way, even though it's not that far. But you're right - between parking and any food all that money is not staying in town. Sure it's a great thing for the team to play on at a large venue but I'm with you - keep it local!
Why not put the game on channel 10 allow the local sports bars to make some money off of it. We all know this year the locals could use it. But Rydland is self serving his Graduations are out of town and now the Basketball game. Everyone takes their kid out at graduation just look at the money that is lost with that event. I have a suggestion for Rydland go to Dekalb to bail you out. Its funny our Board President keeps taking about merging with West someone should send her to Dekalb as well. Go Tomcats
D204 has been having their games there for awhile. It is a nicer place to go not bad parking and better seats. Doesn't the district make money from ticket sales and I'm sure they can have their booths their selling Tomcats things.
We all know that the only places that would make money is the Spanish restaurants.
It is time for this district to move ahead.
I don't know about the board president but I have thought for a long time the districts should combine maybe we will get better people in Aurora. The Tomcats would stay the Tomcats. I haven't heard of any parents trying to send their kids to our side of town like the East side parents do to the West side.
The hosting district gets a take on the ticket sales. That's why there's a surcharge if you buy them online. They keep the majority for the district, just like a home game.
Since it's West's "home" game this year, it's their organizations that can sell things, etc. But it would be like that if we were at their school, so that's not a extra loss.
The loss to the local economy is something to think about though. Ever notice that, at least on the east side (can't speak for west) we have east side business sponsors and buy things from east side vendors (like Ach-n-Lous). That's part of community. It won't be the same at DeKalb, but it will still be a good game. It will be a long ride back to West after we win!
It's very simple, if you don't like the East-West game being in Dekalb, don't go. If nobody shows up, there's no need for a larger venue. Trust me, if it was done even for one year thar games would be back in Aurora.
In The Beacon it states in the article about the games that it is the first time that everyone and I would think it would be the West side people that wanted a ticket could get one so if that is true seems like the West side is making money at this game. Now we will have to see after wards if they sold more playing in DeKalb than at West.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBLITY Treasurer’s Report Board Treasurer, George Malina, updated the Board of Education regarding the Treasurer’s Report. He spoke of the Operating Revenue and pointed out that the district has uneven revenue flows. Our Operating Expenses were fairly regular throughout the year. An overview of our Cash Flow Analysis shows that the district runs low on funds in the Spring and that due to TAW’s and the delay of state funding, we could be eight million dollars short. We should receive the 2051 aide payments in January and June of 2010.George Malina will now be providing the Board of education with quarterly Cash Flow Analysis. They might be running out of money but this board and district does minutes alot better than ours.
What do you expect? Our neighboring school districts all pay theirs coaches and staff so much more. Our elementary coaches make about $1000 for the season the West Side pays $2000-$4000 depending on experience. Our middle schools pay coaches about $1500-$3000 the West Side pays head coaches $3000-$6000 depending on experience.
You pay the coaches a fair wage, you get good coaches. You pay them crap you either have those who are very dedicated or crap. Our football teams have one to two coaches per team other schools we face have four or more coaches plus volunteers.
Other schools have current equipment, our kids use equipment that's 20+ years old. Or as I have read on here, you have schools like Simmons where the students have to buy their own uniform and equipment because there is no money from the district.
If we want to actually start winning, we need to make an investment in these kids starting in elementary school and continuing through middle school. Maybe then, we will be more competitive at the high school level.
Meanwhile, at the high school they spend money like it was water! Example: $6,500.00 for conducting the pit for the musical (when most of the rehearsals were with the jazz band, during the day--double-dipping much?)
That's IN ADDITION to thousands of dollars spent on several adult professional "ringers" to play along with the students.
But of course no amount of money is too much to prop up corrupt administrators' images. And that's more important to them than doing what's best for our students.
This is what some boards do to better their board instead of fighting among themslefs.
Parents can go online to check kids' progress Comments
January 17, 2010 By DENISE LINKE For Sun-Times Media
BATAVIA -- Starting this month, parents of students in Batavia schools will be able to check their children's academic work with the click of a mouse.
The district will put its new PowerSchool Portal program online Jan. 25, said Tony Inglese, the School District's chief information officer. Interested parents will be able to sign up for passwords allowing them to access their students' current records over the Internet.
Each student's PowerSchool home page will display his class schedule and current grade in each class, Inglese said. Parents will be able to click on a grade to pull up a list of tests and assignments that shows percentage scores and whether the assignment was turned in.
"Parents won't need to ask their children what happened at school. They can log on and look for themselves," Inglese said. "Kids will hate that."
Teachers will be encouraged to update their students' online records two or three times a week, Inglese said. The PowerSchool system will interface with the district's electronic gradebook system, making updates easy to do. Parents also will be able to sign up for e-mail updates.
Officials also are considering buying database software that would organize students' standardized test scores and allow teachers to analyze them so they can pinpoint what students need help learning, said Associate Superintendent Jan Wright. The Pearson Inform software package would interface with PowerSchool, giving parents access to all of their children's standardized test scores from kindergarten through high school, Wright said.
The district plans to use federal stimulus funds to pay for the Inform software package, at a total cost of $169,618. The stimulus grant money can only be used for one-time capital improvements. The School Board is scheduled to vote on the purchase Jan. 26.
Hey 1:52, who had the long ride back to Aurora? When are the East Siders going to realize what the problem is with their basketball program? "JEFFRIES"! West had no business being on the same court with East(let alone beating them)last night. Jeffries has had more talent than Kerkman many times over the years but his teams always lack discipline and that's what ultimately leads to their demise.
I read where Kerkman dismissed his leading scorer from the team before the game last night. He probably did not conform to Kerkman's rules and he was disciplined. Look at last years East team and how long they put up with Will Brown's "thuggish" antics...what an embarrassment he was to the district!
Look at the article on page 43 of today's Beacon. East was up by 9 points with 30 seconds left in the first quarter. Instead of using the clock to their advantage and waiting for a good shot attempt, they fire up a 3-pointer, miss and West hits a "prayer" 3-pointer to cut the lead to six. This has happened to East quite regularly during Jeffries' tenure. East has the talent to go deep into the state playoffs this year but I'll bet their lack of disciplne will bite them again.
East has always had good individual talent but they do not have the discipline to work together. So strategy is simple, run zone defense against East. All five guys have to work together to beat a zone and East lacks the discipline needed for that.
I agree though that these skills need to be taught at a younger age. We need to build our programs from the bottom up.
The title in the Beacon "West wanted it more than East" is a complete farce. The kids on both sides of town want to beat their their "other side of the river" opponent with equal determination every year. The title should have read "West better prepared once again".
I see every District is laying off teachers and we are hiring additional office help. Roberts really controls this Board. Why were the minutes not posted for 12/21. Was this not the night his contract was passed. I wanted to read sell out Anita Lewis comments on how she turned against the Band parents to support Roberts and his incompetent administration. Marin Gonzeles is part of that group yet Anita says they are all wonderful. I want everyone to know the lies and bull crap comes out of her mouth for the administration.
As for the people commenting about why our EA teams don't do better, should have seen Dateline tonight. This country of Samoa puts out a truly high percentage of NFL players. They have no locker rooms, use unsafe second hand equipment and play on fields of rock and don't start playing till high school age. To affirm what some people have commented on this blog: These boys home life, upbringing and dedication and heart in what they do makes them 50+% more likely to be chosen for NFL than a kid from the U.S. They work hard, play hard and it is not just a trademark slogan to them.
The kids on the eastside won't have to worry about what kind of uniform they have for football or if their HS band director is competent. When the state takes over 131, hopefully while Roberts is still here, let him try to find work elsewhere once HIS district is acknowledged as failing repeatedly and taken over by the state.
2:02 p.m., be patient--they can't put off publishing those minutes forever! At least we are getting to read the complete reports, unlike the highly-edited, condensed "Board Bits" of the Bully Board a few years ago.
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow bloggers a happy Dr. King holiday today.
And I'd like to suggest that we honor Dr. King's legacy by making a special effort to follow his example of speaking clearly and carefully about issues, without resorting to profanities and obscenities. Our words are tools that can be used for good or evil--let's use them for the good of our district!
7:46, great idea. Let's find out who has dignity and class, and who is ignorant. The ignorant are those who need to use profanity to express themselves.
Roberts does cheat on his wife... The administration is corrupt... The Board members today are a greater rubber stamp than the last Board. Rumor had it he even showed up at the East/West game with his new girlfriend and it was not Lisa.
I see The Beacon quoted Clayton and his and called Boys II Men a faternity. Boys is still Illegal but Roberts and the corrupt Board looked the other way.
Dr. Roberts is no longer married. He is a single man, and entitled to date if he so chooses. And if he brought a date to the East-West game, good for him! He has a life outside the district, and I wish him happiness even if I do not agree with all his decisions.
Lisa Morales is happily married to Wilson Morales (one of the few good administrators in our district).
But 4:35 is correct about one thing: the administration is corrupt.
If you think Wilson is one of the few good administrators in this district, you must not know many administrators. There is a whole list of reasons why I disagree with your statement and him sneaking off every schoolday with Sandra Monarrez is the least of them. He does have a few good points about him but I would not qualify him as a good administrator.
Wilson is Michelle Patterson's little pit bull. She stabs you in the back while Wilson is biting your leg. I don't trust him as far as I can throw him. Don't fool yourself and never let your guard down around either of them.
My spouse works at Simmons--that's how I know that Wilson Morales is one of the better admins. You're right that I don't know a lot of them, but I am aware that many of them were bullies a few years ago and now deny that there was anything wrong with the disastrous decision they made in 2005.
Simmons is a hell hole and Wilson only looks halfway decent by comparison in that one building. Tell your spouse to try working somewhere else and they will realize just how badly run Simmons is.
If I were part of the administrative staff that is among the highest paid administrators in the county, I got to go out for doughnuts and nookie everyday and not worry that most of the students in the district can't pass a basic skills test, I would think things are great also.
It show the lies that this blog spreads. I know Jerome Roberts and he is still married. He still resides in Shorewood. Someone is just trying to start more lies probably the former Board member who runs the blog. For the record he attended the East/West game and came in with Jim Rydland so I guess they must be dating.
Don't you have any family members, friends, or co-workers whose marriages haven't worked out (for whatever reason)? With a 50% divorce rate (higher for second marriages), it is extremely hypocritical to say that a divorced person can't do well in his/her job.
And for the record, I have never been divorced. I've been successfully married for over 30 years--I consider myself blessed.
We've had divorced people successfully running this country. We've had divorced people successfully running large churches. We've had divorced people successfully running huge corporations.
I am the one who normally points out that this blog lies. That last comment was not me. I will call myself.......Zorro. From now on I will sign with a "Z"
FYI-I was under the assumption Dr. Roberts is married. All this chat is news to me! Another newer Board member kept bending my ear about Dr. JR and seemed upset when I didn't want to hear what they had to say.
While I was a board member, my concern was NOT with who Roberts or any other employee may spend their time with, as long as while they were on the districts dime, they were doing what they were hired to do.
If Rayanne was concerned about the good of the district she would remove personal gossip about people who are on the Board or District personal. But as we can see she feeds the gossip my guess is she is just jealous and bitter that newer Board members came on the Board and made a bigger difference than her
(Aurora) - The East Aurora Board of Education received fives letters of interest from residents who are seeking to fill the vacancy on the Board of Education.
The following candidates submitted letters by Friday, January 15, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.:
§ Manuel Gonzales, 701 Lafayette, Aurora, IL 60505
§ Raymond Hull, 1075 Joel Ave., Aurora, IL 60505
§ Timothy G. Krings, Jr., 1026 Homer Ave., Aurora, IL 60505
§ Wenceslao ‘Bences’ Maravilla, 313 S. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505
§ Juan Sifuentes, 1024 Preston Ave., Aurora, IL 60505
The Board of Education will interview each candidate, and the selected candidate will be approved at the Board Meeting on Monday, February 1, 2010.
The question is which one of these candidates are friends of some on the board, friends of administration or a retired teacher or family member of someone working for the district. If that applies to any you can bet they will be the one picked.
Raymond Hull is a former board member. He got up and ranted at a board meeting last year. He's a good friend of several members of the old-guard bully board.
Ray Hall will become the new Board member. He was one of the Board members who picked the serial bully Radocovich. He also name called Dee & Rayanne at the Board meetings under the direction of the old guard. He then beat up on Dee over the Alternative school and Magnet school. So long story short word is he is in. Since Anita jumped ship and now votes with the popular members. Ray & Annette will now focus efforts on Dee. After-all Johnson did not stop the clock on Rayanne fast enough tonight.
The sad thing is is most of the board will vote for the person that is for administration only not for the good of the kids or teachers. This board has become some against the president just because he doesn't agree with them instead of trying to move forward and do board business. This board is into too much stuff that they don't belong in. Did these guys take any classes on how a board acts?
On Tuesday, April 8th, 2003 Mr. Raymond Hull said the following, at an East Aurora school board meeting:
"Teachers are the key to stopping the promotion of children who are not prepared. Compensation for our teachers should be based on results and not tenure. A seat on the school board should also be based on results".
Not only did Mr. Hull help choose the Serial Bully, he is obviously pro-administration and anti-teachers (holding teachers and not administration responsible for student achievement).
The last part of his statement, however, rings true. Results ARE important in choosing a school board member. And the results of the old-guard "Bully Board" suggest that Mr. Hull would be a terrible choice for our present-day School Board!
Weaver and Carlson are up to theirs rants and raves. The problem with the two is they have no support. Carlson had to resign to be the community complainer. Weaver can not muster up one vote. News flash girls no one cares. The teachers, administrators and Board are all against you. Weaver still looks to Roberts for help in running the meeting. If Carlson and Weaver are so right why did Anita Lewis jump ship. Why did Johnson jump ship. Maybe because the know how to read and found out the staff is doing a good job. Maybe it is the fact that all the Board members are educated members of society. Unlike Weaver & Carlson who only made barely past High School.
I guess it would depend on your view. Maybe Carlson jumped ship rather than blindly following the piper to the bilge.
Weaver may look to Roberts for guidance. It is a better board appearance than drooling on her laptop, when he speaks and laughing too hard at his comments.
What is wrong with Weaver looking to Roberts for guidance he is their employee and the person in charge of following the rules the board sets. All of these board members are new to this and just because some say they are educated doesn't mean they know what a board should do or really most don't follow the law when acting as a board member. I do not believe she looks for his guidance in what to do Johnson does that she looks to see if his heart is really into running this district or his own benefit.
After making all these administration jobs lets see how the superintendent handles the teacher contracts. It seems he only cares about the administration but he needs to look to the teachers and their needs in the classroom really to make this district better. The teachers are the first person these students come in contact with in their learning and if this administration doesn't think they are doing their job it is because of the administrations guidance that they don't have the tools to do it.
After all the years Farum was on the board and as president she still asked Roberts about what was right and looked at him with school girl eyes. She was so sweet as pie to him you could have taken a knife, cut her into pieces and served her.
It is easy to hide behind a key board and slam people. Why don't you come out and do it face to face? Why not come to a board meeting stand up and tell it like it is or are you a ----- ? Maybe your a teacher, administrator,office personel. By the way I was at the East West game sitting a few rows down from the private both and Annette was attached to Roberts hip the entire game.
What the lies on this blog fails to mention is that the entire Board of East & West attended this event. I guess it was on big violation of the open meetings act. What this blog fails to mention Boards can socialize and that was certainly a social event.
To the person/people who were asking when minutes would be posted for the Dec. 21 meeting: they're online now.
Also the January 4th meeting.
~~~~~~
One interesting bit of information: Mrs. Arlene Hawks was paid $6,176.00 for guest directing the musical. We already know that Mr. Liska was paid $6,500. Add to that the thousands of dollars paid to the several adult professional musicians in the pit and we're talking about a VERY expensive show!
But of course no amount is too great to prop up administrators' images and make it APPEAR that all is well.
Poor Rayanne. Since she quit the school board she has become nothing more than Dee Weaver's lackey. Dee puts her up to making irrational speeches to attack the District then sits back and lets Rayanne look foolish. Maybe Rayanne should know that the people she and Dee are so intent on attacking are laughing at her and the public is relieved she is no longer on the board. Come on Rayanne! Tell Dee to do her own dirty work and at least try to salvage a little dignity.
It's common knowledge that Weaver is the master and Carlson is her faithful servant. It was probably Weaver's idea for Carlson to quit the board so that Carlson could spend more time following Weaver's orders. Is Carlson weak, foolish or dumb? I guess anyone who can't think for herself and is willing to be nothing more than a stooge for Weaver is all three - weak foolish and very dumb.
According to my knowledge, this year East High spent the largest amount of money in its history on the musical. Meanwhile the other schools' arts programs (especially middle schools) are woefully underfunded.
It would be one thing if we had plenty of money, or if the money were spread out evenly among the district. But it seems to be about IMAGE, not what's best for students.
I've known Rayanne for years, and can tell you she's no one's lackey! She's a strong, independent woman who thinks for herself.
And if you read the minutes from the Dec. 21st meeting, you might get some idea why she resigned. She had to miss some meetings because of family commitments, including at least one that was scheduled after school let out for break. It is important that our School Board members attend meetings, and since she couldn't be there for several she probably felt she would need to step aside. Classy move, from someone who has always tried to do what is in the best interests of our students!
Rayanne is a hypocritical idiot. Many people have known that for a long time, and now it's just getting more and more evident. This blog is a joke and so is this district. Too bad, so sad, now move on!
Here is what was being talking about, BS, Horse Crap, and Lies. Continue this worthwhile discussion.
ReplyDeleteAnd in reference to a past blogger saying I wrote certain words that showed it was me. DUH! as another has pointed out, I was being sarcastic. I copied and pasted it from the other comment.
ReplyDeleteI would hope you would all know I am Veteran Tomcat-since my name is at the bottom of every post.
If this is a new revelation for you, I am happy you have caught up January 9, 2010 8:46 PM.
Thank you Rayanne for clarifying that for us. I believe now that you only post as VETERAN TOMCAT.
ReplyDeleteYou see now, that's sarcasm.
Sarcasm is usually said with a certain tone of voice. Virtually impossible to come across in the written word. How about we all stop trying to be clever and sarcastic and just say what we mean.
ReplyDeleteI stand accused:
ReplyDelete“As you read Rayanne's post, you begin to understand why this district is in the shape that it is. She didn't address the the issue of Boys II Men, she instead attacked the person bringing up a legitimate school district issue.”
I will respond and “attack“ again.
The School Code says:.
A public school fraternity, composed of public school pupils, which seeks to perpetuate itself from the pupils enrolled in such school on the basis of the decision of its membership rather than upon the free choice of any pupil in the school who is qualified by the rules of the school to fill the special aims of the organization.
Any young man can join B2M. It has been implied by naysayers that it is for minorities only. If you read B2M website- initially the fraternity targeted young men susceptible to gang influence. So according to “the code” any young man wanting to “fill the special aims of the organization” -which would be avoiding gang influence and bettering himself -may join.
Next it says: Any public school fraternity or secret society is inimical ( i.e.- unfavorable or hostile. )
High School Fraternities began in 1869 in New York.
They were considered useful in the development of school spirit and aid in the discipline of the school. They fostered friendship at the period in life when permanent friendships were made. It was considered that a pupils conduct was a matter for regulation by parents rather than by school boards.
A few arguments against the fraternities were: They form narrow cliques. They waste a pupils time, cause his interest in the school wane, and force him to form a narrow group of friendships at the time when he should be reaching out and selecting his friends from a wide circle.
In early 1900’s anti-fraternity law’s were passed. Some school boards and some cities adopted their own regulations. All of these laws aim to make it possible for boards of education to control the situation. These laws excepts "such societies or organizations as are sanctioned by directors of said school." These acts give the school board full authority in cases where they wish to use it to make possible the regulating rather than extermination of certain societies.
With the information given to me by the administrators of 131 and with the information I am able to research on the internet or information from witnesses, I must make a decision as to whether B2M is illegal in 131. I have not heard of anyone being denied an opportunity to join nor have I heard of B2M having activities unfavorable to the public good. In fact they do quite the opposite. They encourage education, discipline & service.
Other than the word “fraternity” what do you feel I should find in the code that defines B2M violating the law? You gave me nothing except lengthy posts repeatedly of the school code. Make a point or let it drop. If Clayton is your thorn-then keep focused admit your issue and don’t nit pick B2M. Being hostile to me for not doing your bidding doesn't make your illegal case, either.
All this blog complains about is the same old thing the Band, Clayton & Roberts. I guess the District has no other problems because everyone on this blog goes back years.
ReplyDeleteRayanne, either you have your head completely up your A$$ or you are deliberately lying through your teeth. I believe the latter.
ReplyDeleteThere were several articles in local news papers where Clayton was quoted about Boys II Men. Clayton stated publicly his fraternity was patterned after fraternity and gang recruiting models. He stated publicly that membership was determined by it's membership and he stated repeatedly that the group was only for black and hispanic students. He futher stated that they were recruiting students at East High and having meetings at East High. He then used his district information (phone and address) as contact information for anyone interested in joining his fraternity.
The board and district were made aware of all this information directly (and since all this information was in public newspapers, not to mention they work with Clayton directly and there would be a paper trail of times district resources are used for this purpose, they should have acted preemptively to stop these illegal actions).
Rayanne and the other board members knew all these things and turned their heads. The board and district worked with Clayton to try and cover up his illegal actions and protect Boys II Men. Clayton has reworded many of his policies and has stopped speaking publicly about his group but that doesn't change the fact that high school fraternities and discrimination are illegal in Illinois. It also doesn't change the fact that this board has endorsed illegal activities.
New people, new board, new everthing, same old story.
ReplyDeleteAdmit nothing, cover up everything, explain nothing, attack the messenger, personal agendas, screw the community.
2:33 p.m., specifically when and where did Clayton Muhammad say that Boys II Men was only for Black and Hispanic students? If you go to their website, you will see several Caucasian members pictured.
ReplyDeleteIf you are unable or unwilling to give specific examples to back up your statements then YOU are the one lying through your teeth!
The article about the Boys II Men Fraternity with the quotes from Clayton was in the Beacon news a few years ago. The article was done by the reporter Dan Campana.
ReplyDeleteThe Beacon used to be good about giving the public access to their previous stories online. Now they only go back about a month. If you want to see the actual articles, you will have to go to the building where they print the Beacon.
Main office
495 N. Commons Drive, Suite 200
Aurora, IL 60504
The School Code says:.
ReplyDeleteA public school fraternity, composed of public school pupils, which seeks to perpetuate itself from the pupils enrolled in such school on the basis of the decision of its membership rather than upon the free choice of any pupil in the school who is qualified by the rules of the school to fill the special aims of the organization.
My questions about the above are:
1. Does this include all schools in the district?
2. Why would any other district be allowed to join?
3. Is a public school faternity allowed to have its own website?
4. If there is a charge for this website, who pays for it?
5. Why doesn't B2M just change faternity to club in its name so this on going saga does not continue.
As long as Boys II Men (and the Diamonds Sorority) are allowed to exist, this saga will continue.
ReplyDeleteNo MLK Day lunch this year, city says
ReplyDeleteComments
January 9, 2010
By ANDRE SALLES asalles@scn1.com
AURORA -- Breaking with tradition, the city of Aurora will not sponsor a Martin Luther King Day celebration this year.
The reason, according to Assistant Chief of Staff Alisia Lewis, is purely financial. The last two King Day luncheons have cost the city $6,295 and $6,395, respectively, and with mounting budget deficits and shrinking revenues it's an expense the city just can't afford this year.
Instead, Lewis said, the city has given $1,000 to support an event organized by the Voices for Excellence Choir, made up of young people from around the Fox Valley. The celebration begins at 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at Main Baptist Church.
The keynote speaker will be Clayton Muhammad, head of the Boys II Men fraternity and spokesman for the East Aurora School District.
"We want to recognize the events still going on and recognize the importance Martin Luther King had within our society," Lewis said of the city's involvement. "This is a way of doing that."
The Martin Luther King Day luncheon has been well-attended for years. Prior events have featured keynote speakers like comedian Dick Gregory and author/educator Salome Thomas-El, and for years have been organized by Fred Rodgers, who retired as youth services director last year.
While the city has usually paid for the lunch itself, the speakers' fees have been handled by others in the community, including the West Aurora School District and Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns, who used ward funds to pay for author and motivational speaker Les Brown to come to town in 2008.
The IL School Code States that Fraternities are not allowed. It is the manner that the members are selected that raises the questions.
Rayanne or anyone else could not stop this since even the Mayor thinks it is alright to break the law. When the board made a decision on this a while ago it was stated that it would be allowed as long as the term Fraternity wasn't used and the majority rules so with the board the way it was no matter what anyone said it was going to go on.
Only this blog can rip apart a good organization like Boys II Men. If one kids life was changed as a result of Clayton then why should you car the fact is many kids lives have changed. These are kids that needed direction and Clayton was there for them. If you have a problem with Boys then call all the surrounding school districts they use this program. Maybe you can start a case action on all of them. You must be a sad bitter person.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how Clayton plays it both ways. Boys II Men is saving these poor lost children with no future except through him and at the same time the group selects it's "phenomenal" young men based on their excellence.
ReplyDeleteWhich one is it.
It's all a lie.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard any district state that they use Claytons Fraternity. They might use something like it but I have never heard his name mentioned.
ReplyDeleteSo what you are saying as long as it helps children, not that there isn't other programs out there that do the same thing, it is ok even it it is illegal.
Don't hate the player, hate the game
ReplyDeleteJanuary 10, 2010 7:33 PM
ReplyDeleteAmen to that statement but when the player goes along with the game the only thing you can do is pray for them.
When you know wrong from right and chose to play that game you need to take the heat. Just because you can get away with something that is wrong doesn't mean you get a hall pass.
If we want our children to do right for us we need to do right for our children. Are we showing the children as we teach them to follow the rules are we as adults doing that and setting an example for them.
ReplyDeleteI see on tonights news that the state just found millions of extra dollars for the local zoos. I also recall the billions of dollars Govenor Quinn announced he was spending to put construction workers back to work (he announced it over the summer).
ReplyDeleteThe state cries broke every time it comes to education or they push for a tax increase but they have money to spend on the programs they choose.
I also recall that our state legislators did not want any spending increases in education and they lost that battle with Blagojevic a couple of years ago. This must be their way of taking back those dollars without taking the heat for doing so.
Didn't Linda Chapa Lavia, just last week, say there was no money. Apparently she meant that there was no money for education.
Brookfield Zoo alone received 15 million dolars for expansion.
ReplyDeleteSorry, 15.6 million dollars
ReplyDeleteHey, did you guys hear about this???
ReplyDelete----------------------------------
Carlson resigns from East Aurora School Board
January 6, 2010
By ANDRE SALLES asalles@scn1.com
AURORA — Rayanne Carlson, one of two opponents of a controversial tax referendum elected to the East Aurora School Board in 2007, has resigned.
East Aurora officials announced the vacancy Tuesday, saying Carlson had announced her resignation "effective immediately."
Carlson was first elected only months after helping to defeat a proposed tax increase in the district, the second such attempt to pass a tax increase through referendum in recent years. She and fellow referendum opponent Dee Weaver joined the board in April 2007, with Weaver becoming its president in May of last year.
Carlson and Weaver also opposed a third referendum in 2008. That one eventually passed.
Carlson had no comment Tuesday night regarding her resignation, saying, "I resigned. It's as simple as that."
The board has 45 days to fill Carlson's spot. Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years old, residents of Illinois, live within the East Aurora School District and be registered voters. Interested community members must submit a letter of interest by Jan. 15 to Lisa Morales at the district's service center, 417 Fifth St., Aurora, IL, 60505.
Interviews will begin on Jan. 21, officials said, and the new board member will be sworn in on Feb. 1. The person chosen will serve until the next election, in April 2011.
Yes that story is a week old. Where the hell have you been????
ReplyDeleteThe story may be a week old, but the Beacon ran a similar article this morning on page 2. Evidently some think it is still news!
ReplyDeleteGreat article on the East Aurora Preschool today. It shows East Aurora has to over come great odds to educate the kids. When kids are 87% low income and 80% English is not the first language that is a major effort. Dr Roberts and his staff should be praised for the great work they do. As the article states they have heart.
ReplyDeleteI read the article also. It spoke of a modest building with no computers or technology and walls with only decorations drawn by students. It sounded like a program with a bare minimum of cost.
ReplyDeleteSo, the real question is, where are the millions of dollars the district receives for this program going? It apparently isn't reaching the children.
The staff I'll give credit to. Roberts as usual only shows up for five minutes to take credit when the press is there. It's amazing how much credit the administration takes when they teach absolutely no classes.
ReplyDeleteI am sure Roberts couldn't even name one of the teachers there, let alone the name of a student.
How many millions does the district receive for this program? and where is the money going???
ReplyDeleteSo Rayanne....why did you resign from the school board?
ReplyDeleteIt goes to paying the teachers salaries and benefits stupid. This is a program that every penny goes to the kids. The more money they save the more class rooms.
ReplyDeleteWell since the teachers in this district are by far the lowest paid teachers in Kane County and in the Chicago area, I would like to see the proof that these salaries are accounting for all these millions.
ReplyDeleteYou can have all the classrooms you want but if you can't pay the teachers then you have nothing.
ReplyDeleteDid you guys hear about this???
ReplyDelete----------------------------------
Friday deadline for East Board applicants
January 12, 2010
By PAUL DAILING pdailing@scn1.com
AURORA -- Friday is the deadline to apply for a position as the East Aurora School District's second new board member in less than four months.
By 4 p.m. Friday, community members interested in filling the seat of former board member Rayanne Carlson should submit letters of interest to the School District offices. Carlson, who served on the board since 2007, resigned last week.
Carlson has kept quiet about her reasons for leaving, previously telling the Beacon-News, "I resigned. It's as simple as that." She did not return calls for this story.
This will be the second time in the last few months the School Board has gone through this process. Board member Mary Anne Turza was appointed in late October to fill the seat of former board President Carol Farnum, who moved out of the district.
Vacancies are usually a rarity for the six-member board, said district spokesman Clayton Muhammad.
"It's definitely not ordinary, but the process is going to be the same," he said. "We just definitely want to have representation in the East Aurora community."
Prior to Farnum's move, there had only been two vacancies since 2007. Russell Pietrowiak moved out of the district that year. The next year, board member Donald "Bud" Herbig died.
There were 10 applicants for Farnum's seat, five of whom either ran for the post in an earlier School Board election or applied for previous vacancies. The position is unpaid.
People interested in applying should be 18 or older, a resident of the East Aurora School District for at least one year and a registered voter.
Letters of interest should be sent to: East Aurora School Service Center, ATTN: Lisa Morales, Executive Assistant, 417 Fifth St., Aurora, IL 60505.
Interviews will start Jan. 21. The plan is to announce the new board member Feb. 1. The member will serve until April 2011.
So no comments from Carlson who cares it was the end to a disruptive chapter in the District. She never got past the Band and it seems it was to much for her to bear when Roberts contract was extended. Two years of a waste of time
ReplyDeleteRayanne spent the last two and a half years trying to achieve her private agenda. When she realized she failed, she Quit like a child. It is just that simple. Prediction! She will not be the last one we see Quit.
ReplyDelete8:32, you're the one who brought up the band. Maybe you can help some of us "get past" it.
ReplyDeleteI'll get past the band issue when I hear any specific answers to my questions about how replacing the EHS band director was in students' best interests. It's been almost five years since administration promised a better band program at East High--well, where's the improvement??
This question will continue to be asked by many of the hundreds of us who marched, wrote letters, and put signs in our yards almost 5 years ago. The band issue will NOT go away unless and until administrators convince us that they make decisions based upon students' best interests instead of supporting personal vendettas.
10:42, you say that Rayanne "quit".
ReplyDeleteMy interpretation is that she graciously stepped aside to give someone else a chance.
So since you think it's so easy to be on the School Board, 10:42, here's YOUR chance. Go for it!
Annee, you stopped signing your name.
ReplyDelete8:27, you didn't sign your name either. Most of us don't. What's your point? Who cares who Annee is? Whoever 8:00 a.m. really is, what they say is entirely true. The administration has not been able (or has deliberately chosen not to) explain how their decision to replace Mr. K several years ago was in the best interests of the students they supposedly care about.
ReplyDeleteThat's the important question here, not who is posting anonymously.
--Annee (...or not?)
Ok Annee.
ReplyDeleteAnnee is Rayanne
ReplyDeleteNo, Annee is not Rayanne. Her/his writing style is totally different than Rayanne's. And Rayanne's work schedule at Caterpillar wouldn't allow her to post online throughout the day as Annee does.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that Annee is a retired D131 teacher or alumni, someone with lots of time on their hands and who keeps up with what's going on in the district.
Cannot the band issue be handled from another approach? Such as going before the board and asking where are the improvements that were promised 5 years ago? There are none and it is time it is done! What makes everyone get tired of hearing about it is, bringing up what happened 5 yrs ago again and again. A new and different approach is what is needed on this issue. Other suppestions from you posters on how to do it? No one is going to get anywhere the way it is being done now. It is time for everyone to get together and brainstorm for a different approach.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to say a few things about the current EAHS band, but first, let me say that I do agree that the method and manner in which Mr. K was "pushed out" was wrong and unprofessional, particularly since he had the support and backing of so many community members.
ReplyDeleteThat said however, I'm confused about the comments claiming that the high school band has not improved, or even stranger, gotten worse. I challenge anyone who has written such a comment to attend a band concert at the high school (the next one is thursday, Feb 18th at 7pm). If you do, you will see that there are some great things happening. For instance, there is now a third band, which students must audition to get into. The impressive thing about this band, the Wind Ensemble, is the music they play. This may not make sense to some of you, but most of the music played by the band when Mr. K was in charge was level 2, 3 and sometimes 4. In a system where level 1 is the easiest and level 6 is the hardest, you should never (and would never in neighboring districts) hear a high school band playing level 2 music - no matter how well they play it! Under Mr. Liska's direction, the East Aurora band is now playing level 4, 5 & even some level 6 music - which is comparable to all the surrounding districts and which allows students to continue playing in college.
Now, I'm sure some of you will say "It doesn't matter how hard the music is if they don't play it well." Again, I challenge you to attend a concert. Will you hear the most perfect music ever? No, of course not, but you didn't hear that from Mr. K either. What you will hear is a progression of quality from the freshmen Concert band all the way up to an excellent Wind Ensemble. You will see how the students have learned essential musical tools such as intricate rhythms, changing time signatures, and intonation. You will also notice a strong sense of comraderie and pride (which I'm sure was also there at the time of Mr. K, but please realize has not disappeared!).
Surely someone will say "yes, but compared to Naperville, Oswego, or West Aurora, our band is not very good!" Unfortunatly, that is something that will remain until this district has the funding for multiple band directors, and most importantly, private lessons. But East Aurora CAN be proud of the band program as it is now at the high school level.
Finally, there have been complaints that the band hasn't gone to Disney since K left. My response is this: they have been accepted and are hoping to raise the money to go this summer - why don't you donate and help some great students participate in a wonderful opportunity? The band boosters annual Pancake Breakfast is on Saturday, Feb 13th from 6a to noon.
In conclusion, as someone with a musical background, I can assure you that the current EAHS band IS good - and only getting better from here on. But I will also agree with you all that the circumstances under which Mr. K was transferred were unfair and "sketchy" to say the least. And for that, you have every right to be angry. Just don't besmurch the current band's good name!
Sincerely,
EAHS Band Supporter
7:15, I can appreciate your comments and really appreciate that you did not resort to foul language or personal attacks.
ReplyDeleteI think the opposing arguments to yours rest more on the fact that people feel the band change was personal in nature and unnecessary, as there was nothing "wrong" with the program.. Also, regardless of how one feels about the level of music, there was already a sense of pride in the program and students were learning. In other words, if it's not broke, why fix it?
Mr. K. is a widely known music educator worthy of his reputation.
As you read peoples comments about the situation - and yes, it comes up regularly on here - you can see that this is the argument being made.
I have not attended a concert in quite some time. I will make every attempt to accept your invitation to attend.
Again, thank you for making your argument in a civilized manner.
What is a Tom-Hawk trophy? Really? Anyone have any history about whether there has been a trophy for East-West basketball in the past?
ReplyDeleteI saw the information and didn't know there was a trophy called the tom-hawk, but it's new.
All of the Band complainers had it stuck to them by Rayanne/Annee not only did she resign but she could not show up and vote against Roberts.
ReplyDeleteIt would have been a good way to go out. Vote against him and make a statement that the Board is hopeless. No comments to the Beacon either why did she ever run and go out letting Weaver read her statement what a gutless wonder. Roberts got the best of that deal.
I have never heard of that award either. I know YEARS ago, they had a place teens hung out called the Tomahawk -back in the 50's.
ReplyDeleteEast West football rivalry was a like a Thanksgiving event, too, I think.
Anyone here can claim the band sounds good (with the help of ringers) or they are playing harder music or they are going to Disney World. My first measure of the band is solo and ensemble contest. If after five years Liska can't get individual students to pass this basic quality test, how can anybody in this community believe he can get a whole band to an acceptable level of play.
ReplyDeleteI bet some of the board members have decided amongst themselves who will be the next member they probably got someone they know to apply just like what happened last time.
ReplyDeleteMore lies from 6:19.
ReplyDeleteWhere is the lie? How many kids does Liska send to contest and how many of them actually come back with an excellent rating. It has to start from an individual level and then ensemble before it can get to the band level.
ReplyDeleteHow many division one ratings has the East High Band received at band contest (not including the trophies Liska ordered that the band didn't earn)?
ReplyDeleteLiska doesn't have numbers (that's the only reason you need ringers) and he doesn't have quality. What are we paying his salary and stipends for?
How many division 1 ratings did Kevin get at contest, oh wait, he never went to the band contest.
ReplyDeleteNo, more denial from 7:11.
ReplyDeleteAfter failing to receive even ONE first-division rating at the IHSA (state-sponsored) solo & ensemble contest 3 years ago, our "new, improved" EHS band began participating in a solo/ensemble festival (listed in the band handbook as an "Extravaganza"--what a tacky, low-class spin!) instead.
While this event does provide encouragement and a positive experience for students it does NOT compare to the official IHSA contest, which has more rigorous standards (standardized evaluation sheets, screened judges).
And while it may be easy to SAY that the current EHS band plays more challenging music, comparing programs from previous years proves otherwise. For example, last year's bands played "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "To Dance in the Secret Garden"; both pieces had been performed a few years ago under Mr. K's leadership.
I believe that Lynne Nadel also has been taking her kids to the Solo & Ensemble Extravaganza. This contest is run by Naperville Central High School. In attendance at this contest is Naperville Central, Naperville North, Joliet West, Benet Acadamy. You have no idea who the judges are, you have no idea what the scoring is. Stop lieing.
ReplyDeleteYou think something run by the state is better? Name anything good about anything run by the state.
Which band played those pieces? Because you know there is more than ONE band, there are three. Different levels, different abilities. Name some of the other pieces that were played, and then go find out what other area high schools top ensembles are playing.
What January 13, 2010 8:48 PM said is completely accurate.
You are correct last time Roberts with gal pal Gonzalez found Turza. Then Roberts told his buddy Johnson who to push. Why interview or apply because Johnson and Roberts have already picked the new Board member
ReplyDelete8:00 a.m. says, in obvious ignorance:
ReplyDelete"Name anything good about anything run by the state."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's a very brief overview of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA):
There are more than 30 activities sponsored by the IHSA, including the following:
--Scholastic Bowl
--Drama and Speech events
--Football (boys' and girls')
--Gymnastics
--Wheelchair Basketball
--Bass Fishing
--Baseball
--Track
--Music
--More than 20 other activities (for a full list, go to the IHSA website).
These events include competitions, clinics, festivals, workshops, etc.
Many schools participate in BOTH the official IHSA events AND private, local festivals (Benet Academy, for example, sends students to the Naperville solo and ensemble event as well as the IHSA contest).
And sometimes a school may opt out of an IHSA event when the distance is too great for students to travel or there is a schedule conflict. Or maybe the standards were too high for students to achieve even ONE first-division rating, so a director or administrator decided to find an easier event (and call it an "Extravaganza").
8:00 a.m., since you don't think anything run by the state is any good, are you saying that our athletes shouldn't participate in IHSA events either? Maybe you could organize a private, local basketball tournament instead of (not in addition to!) letting our kids compete in the state-run tournaments. You could call it an "Extravaganza".
DON'T SAY IT IS JUST BAND. THE EAST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS PARTICIPATES TOO. Why are you not giving her shit about it.
ReplyDeleteYou think Naperville North and Central would run and participate in a program that was sub-standard. Naperville 203 is one of the best run districts in the state.
What is the purpose of the solo and ensemble. To get a one. Is that it. Or is it to learn something. At the IHSA contest the student gets 5 to 7 minutes with the judge. Play the piece and get out. At Naperville Central they get 15 to 20 minutes with the judge. Play the piece, get judged, and then , spend 15 minutes with the judge LEARNING SOMETHING.
It's small minded morons like yourself that need ratings because they can't take the time to understand something fully. The Naperville Central contest also has master classes run by college professors and professional musicians that the students can participate in. MORE LEARNING.
IHSA Solo & Ensemble, play and get out.
Naperville Central - Get an education.
1:38 brings up an interesting point (although I think it could be done without the name-calling). Why is the chorus and Mrs. Nadel not held accountable for everything they do and, more importantly, don't do?
ReplyDeleteThe answer of course lies in the circumstances under which Mr. Liska got the job. But it seems a bit foolish to blame Mr. Liska for the fact that Mr. K was forced out of his position (probably unfairly). I'm also curious to know if the people complaining about the band have students currently enrolled at East. It seems to me that the majority of the parents of CURRENT band students are happy with the job Mr. Liska is doing, particularly in light of the fact that no one wanted him there in his first year (although I'm sure there are also parents who will claim he is terrible).
The fact is that Mr. Liska faced incredible opposition and resentment before he even accepted what was a very daunting position - one that had, in fact, been offered to a more experienced teacher who turned it down because of the stigma associated with East Aurora and the circumstances under which the position had become available.
Mr. Liska was tried and judged before he'd done anything with the students and I question the motives behind such small-mindedness. I personally try to give my children the wisdom and opportunity to meet a person and learn about them before deeming them useless and ineffective. But Mr. Liska was not afforded any such luxury. And in spite of all the negativity and attempts to run him out, Mr. Liska has stuck with it and not given up on what seems to be most important to him - his students. If only all teachers were as dedicated.
Always,
EAHS Band Supporter
It sounds like Kevin or his wife because someone in their right mind could never complain about the Band its 5 years get over it
ReplyDeleteBetter yet they should take it up with Johnson she may be able to fix the Band being Jerome owes her for getting him a retirement contract.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing to complain about with the band. It's fine. I agree. I doubt that any of the band haters have a student in the band, or ever had one. I doubt that they have ever been to one of the formal concerts. I doubt they have any background in music.
ReplyDelete1:38, Mrs. Nadel's students have always participated in the same Solo & Ensemble contest the band students went to. The big difference was, many of the choir students got Division I ratings. When the band students started going to the private festival instead, so did the choir students. It makes more sense for both vocal & instrumental students from a particular school to go the same place. Mrs. Nadel was NOT the one who pushed for the kids to stop going to the IHSA contest.
ReplyDeleteI do understand that the "Extravaganza" event is a positive learning experience for students. But if the current EHS band is all about higher standards, why have they quit participating in the IHSA contest? Why deny our kids the experience of the state-sponsored event that they had successfully participated in for 20+ years, just like their peers at Waubonsie and Neuqua Valley and hundreds of schools throughout the state?
2:06 p.m., many of us are definitely trying not to blame Mr. Liska! It's not his fault; you're right that he was put into a very difficult situation fresh out of college. It does seem like he is an energetic young teacher who is dedicated to his students.
ReplyDeleteBut I am VERY critical of the administrators who bullied Mr. Kaisershot out of his high-school teaching position 5 years ago! They insisted that it was necessary to "get rid of him" (the exact words used by the president of the School Board at the time, Larry Malaker) in order to IMPROVE the band program. Some of us suspected that this controversial decision was really more about a personal vendetta than about what was best for students--and the more time passes, the more obvious this becomes.
I will continue to remind this community that there are several ADMINISTRATORS still in D131 (including Mr. Salinas and Mr. McCue, should they be trying to get back on the School Board) who participated in this disastrous decision. I will continue to ask ADMINISTRATORS how this decision has been in our students' best interests.
It was not a "disastrous decision." It wasn't. You are wrong. Why don't they go to the IHSA contest. Because it is a bad contest. So you think Mr. Liska bullied Mrs. Nadel into going to the Solo & Ensemble contest. WHY DON'T YOU ASK HER.
ReplyDeleteThe IHSA contest is a "bad contest"??
ReplyDeleteHundreds of Illinois schools (the vast majority of public schools as well as many parochial schools) participate in this event that you call a "bad contest" each spring.
I have firsthand experience with the IHSA solo and ensemble contest, because my son and daughter both participated throughout their high-school years in District 204. My daughter received THREE Division I ratings her junior year alone (for a solo and 2 ensembles). If you really think it's a "bad contest", why don't you go to All-State in Peoria at the end of January and speak to some of the hundreds of band, chorus, and orchestra directors whose students have participated and benefited from it for many, many years?
And who said that anyone bullied Mrs. Nadel into taking her students to the Naperville "extravaganza"? 3:27 simply stated that Mrs. N. wasn't the one who pushed for the kids to stop going to the IHSA contest. Big difference!
Did your daughter take private lessons?
ReplyDeleteOk, whatever.
ReplyDeleteTHE ALL MIGHTY IGNORANT BLOG IS ALWAYS CORRECT!
I BOW TO THEE AS A SUPERIOR BEING. ALWAYS RIGHT, NEVER SEE THE OTHER SIDE.
Hey lets keep posting here, because look at how much is getting done.
Watch the Board will stick it to the community and bring back someone who was part of the Band mess. Rumor around the central office is they will show the band complainers they are in charge. Clayton was overheard talking it up. When the names are revealed one on the list will be a band hater. I will then tell you who will be picked. We know Rayanne will be thought a lesson Raynne for a band hater that is the word. Everyone will then need to put pressure on Johnson. She my look like a friend to administration but she is a friend to herself #1.
ReplyDeleteHer and Roberts do have a plan on the 16th it will be revealed.
They are in charge.
ReplyDelete4:12 p.m., that's a great question!
ReplyDeleteYes, my daughter did take private lessons in high school. She took one half-hour lesson every week, at a cost of $15.00. I am not wealthy by any means but by doing without a couple of lattes and a fast-food lunch every week I was able to provide this for my daughter. It made a HUGE difference in both her musical skills and confidence, and I consider it time & money well spent.
I know that Mr. Liska recommends that his high school band students take private lessons, and Mr. Kaisershot did too. If parents are really serious about supporting their kids' band experience, they should consider providing a weekly private lesson. There are plenty of qualified, reasonably-priced teachers in our community.
Regarding the preschool monies - maybe they went to cover up nestors mess when he didn't get permits and had to knock down walls and rebuild
ReplyDeleteClayton illegal group, big raise for Roberts, the separation of students in the Magnet, awarding big contract to Roberts favorite black charity the Urban League. That is the legacy of the new Board and it is only eight months. That is why Rayanne resigned. The agenda has the board adding all kinds of administrative positions so the lazy central office staff can hang with Roberts and drive him around. It keeps continuing so bring up the Band issue is a mute point because there is so much other going on. Roberts is the skilled politician he filled the Board room and Johnson caved because she does not care about the kids only herself. When Dee and Rayanne lost her support that was it because Anita was never strong enough to stand on her own. Anita is one of those kids that wanted to be the popular kid in school. At the last filling of Farmun seat she did not even show. The Board could have had a good person but by getting rid of Fartmun but no. So that left Juanita, Stella and Johnson to vote for Truza. Truza is Stella's best friend. Truza came on the Board and voted for things she had no clue of. Now Rayanne gone and it will be real hard for Weaver to speak against six. We lost a chance to change with Fartmun and now we lost Rayanne. So for all the complaining of Band parents on this blog were is your support in the Board room. If you think the old Board was bad this one is worst. We do have a new band leader as Roberts rubs salt in the Band parents face and that is Roberts. My prediction Weaver will be the next one to go. You can only fight so long
ReplyDeleteI was speaking to one of the district tech guys last year. He was complaining that he was ordered to go to Roberts house in Joliet to work on school computers. Roberts had four school laptops at his house that he needed to fix. It wasn't clear whether Roberts had more and only four needed repair or if somehow all four district computers that Roberts had all needed repair at once.
ReplyDeleteI recall thinking about how this was wrong on several levels. Why were district personnel being used at the superintendents house? Why was this house all the way in Joliet? Why did district personnel have to go all the way to Joliet, when the laptops could have easily been brought to the central office by Roberts? Why, when not all the children have computers to use, does Roberts need four computers? Not one but four?
We should check out his new contract, perhaps these are some of the perks our school board has added to his contract.
I don't believe that.
ReplyDeleteRoberts has a wife and 2 step sons so I guess the four living in that house needed computers. Also why has the board not made him live in town. Why has the Board not reviewed his medical records. Is that not the job of the secretary(Johnson). I heard he had a address in the district but he still lives in Joliet. Someone said the house is owned by the Urban League but nobody lives there. Roberts was also given a big travel allowance increase. District personnel have also worked on his house all perks to being Superintendent and getting along with your Board.
ReplyDeleteI must say I know Lewis and trusted her I am sorry she turned against Dee & Rayanne. She is the type of person who only wants to be popular. She has disappointed many band parents and supporters of K but you will all remember once K was pushed aside she interviewed and picked Liska.
Johnson could have kept Roberts on his toes but choose to help him renew his contract and looked the other way on medical records. She is also so rah rah about the district I really things she believes her own lies
Of course I never trusted her but I did trust Lewis
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ReplyDeleteThey have had the Tech people at Gonzalez and Truza's house as well. Juanita was given a printer and the district stills supplies paper. We also work on Nestors, Marin's and Lisa home computers as well so Roberts is not the only one.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe you.
ReplyDeleteDid you hear about this?
ReplyDeleteFriday night's postponement of the West Aurora-East Aurora matchup at East -- now scheduled for tonight at 7 -- proved to be a welcome reprieve for the host Tomcats.
The football team had its regular Thursday walkthrough canceled due to the severe storms and was able to get its final day of prep in on Friday after school.
Friday also was the continuation of a whirlwind eight days for Tomcats head coach Bill Bryant. The second-year coach left the team last Thursday to go to Texas and tend to an emergency family matter. He returned through the storms late Thursday night to a home without power.
"He has just done a remarkable job," Bryant said of Ramp. "We would have never gotten to this week without him leading the pack as far as the coaches...we've been in contact, we've been e-mailing back and forth and so as far as practice plans and what we feel we're going to do both offensively and defensively it's been communicated pretty as much as if I was there."
Ramp, defensive coordinator Adam Kordalewski, quarterback coach Kevin Dix and fellow assistants Tim Lowe (secondary), Ed O'Reilly (receivers), Jeron Nelson (running backs), Eric Watts (linebackers) and freshman coaches Dave Rericka, Luke Arneson, Bill Weiland all ran practices and drills getting the Tomcats ready for the season opener.
"I trust these guys that are there," Bryant said. "I think they're a great group of young men who are coaching these kids."
For Bryant, tonight's game offers a welcome break from a week of driving through storms and worrying about family and friends. He also expects the Tomcats to be ready to win their first game over the rival Blackhawks in seven years.
"I think that's probably my little safe haven after all this stuff that's been going on," Bryant said. "I'm really going to look forward to seeing the kids tomorrow.
"I really trust that the coaching staff has done their job and it sounds like they have and that things will work. We shouldn't be that far off from where we expected ourselves to be at."
Adjusting on the fly
Things were a little less hectic for Buck Drach and the Blackhawks. Like Bryant and the East staff, Drach and his coaches found out about 1 p.m. Friday that their game would be moved to Saturday night.
And while Thursday's heavy storms and Friday's postponement led to some logistical adjustments, the Blackhawks practice regimen never changed. West even had a walkthrough on Thursday.
"We started an hour late because they were all in locker rooms and hallways, sitting on the floor for an hour waiting for the tornado to hit," Drach said. "We still walked through (Thursday). We kept them and walked through and we got them out before the next one hit. If you're not flexible you're in the wrong business. That's what you do."
The night off enabled some extra scouting for Week 2, as the Blackhawks' next opponent -- South Elgin -- kicked off as scheduled Friday.
"There's not a heck of a lot you can do about it. You just go with the flow and do the best you can," Drach said. "We adjust. That's what coaches do."
I didn't know the district had tech guys what a surprise.
ReplyDeleteDoes this district use our money to give nice presents to board members probably they just hide the cost somewhere.
I think Roberts is hiding the fact that he doesn't live in Joliet anymore with his wife. Rumor has it he is having an affair with someone close to him and it isn't Lisa. We all know he has certain board members under his spell he is smooth that one.
2:27 p.m., Anita Lewis did not pick Mr. Liska. She was on a panel of parents who were asked to evaluate several candidates for the band position. They rated Mr. Liska highest of the candidates, BUT all agreed that neither he nor the others were qualified. Administrators (especially Joe Harmon) twisted their words around to make it sound like they approved him-- but they definitely did NOT.
ReplyDeleteLies from the corrupt administration, some of whom are still in power.
Wrong
ReplyDeleteI have blood in my stool
ReplyDeleteAnita Lewis was a sell out because she joined the committee that picked Liska. Liska was not the blame he just was not as qualified as K. If Lewis is the problem solver she claimed to be then she would have just said none of the candidates were qualified. It just like her time on the Board when the hard vote came she could not make up her mind she abstained. She had pledged her support to Dee and Rayanne she claimed she wanted to change the school system. In fact she was on record with many of the Band parents as getting rid of the corrupt administration. Then she votes for Roberts and sings his praises. Her praises had the whole Board beat. She even beat rah rah Johnson.
ReplyDelete6:49 p.m., let me quote directly from this article in the Beacon (late summer 2005):
ReplyDelete"Two parents, who maintain that the best decision is to keep Kaisershot, served on a committee with teachers and administrators to help select the new director. But Patti Phillips, one of the parents on the committee (the other parent was Anita Lewis), said she never recommended Liska for the position. 'None of the three new candidates were qualified to take the position...we liked Brian, but he's so young and has no experience. The administration is just scrambling and looking for someone to hire, and they've put this kid in".
So don't blame Anita Lewis for the band mess (and don't blame Mr. Liska either--it was hardly his fault that he needed a teaching job and was rushed in at the last minute).
Put the blame where it belongs: on the corrupt administration, including the "Bully Board". And keep speaking out and reminding the people in this district who was (and is) responsible for this blunder.
Hey, 7:31 can spell a word correctly. They don't know what it means, but that doesn't stop them from showing off!
ReplyDeleteIncorrect
ReplyDeleteSo one has to wonder who Mr. Liska knew or was this a ploy for the administration to get Mr. K out. I really don't care about the band I think it is a good thing and I know many children benefit from this and they should but what you have to ask is this. If Dr. Roberts is such and honorable man would he not want to make some changes to the band program? Maybe but and new teacher with a mentor to make our band a better one. Maybe take a senior band teacher and bring him with a new one and let one teacher the other to make our band better. Roberts might not have been in this decision and I don't know if he was in the district at the time but you would think that as someone stepping into this would like to make some peace with the ones involved. These are the kinds of things that really prove what a Superintendent would do to make a district whole. Lately the only things he seems to be worried about is his future.
ReplyDeleteWe really need leadership and we don't have it. It is time to think about putting the East and West side together to make Aurora look like a place where people want to live because they have a good school system. Times are getting tough and money is getting tight and we need to give our children the best education they can have no matter what side they live on.
The East side gave up busing a long time ago for what ever reason they had and now the want to give up The Race for the Top the States wants should we keep turning our back to progress for the sake of a few?
Please take an English class.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have any real information about who is applying for the vacancy on the board?
ReplyDeleteI know they will announce this whenever the application period closes, but I was just wondering if anyone had any information.
Sounds like the East West game is going to be a big crowd too. Either that or ticketmaster gave me some really bad seats!
It doesn't matter who applied for the seat they already have chosen who they want.
ReplyDeleteI took English class at East Aurora and that was the best they could give me.
ReplyDeleteThen why don't you take some pride in yourself and learn some more.
ReplyDeleteRoberts is the better Superintendent. However if East and West combined then East would be stuck paying West bills. Busing is strangling the West side the State is not paying any longer and has put West in crisis. Well West continues to cut teachers jobs East is hiring. While West closes buildings East is bring new programs on. It is true Roberts does not care about the Band so he will never fix it. But I will have him any day over Jim Ryland.
ReplyDeleteNothing to fix
ReplyDeleteI heard the same rumor Roberts does live in town. He lives in a house owned by the Urban League. Was it not him who pushed for the big Alternative School contract. I have heard they pay for seats they don't even use. Then Clayton gets Boys II Men back another Urban League program.
ReplyDeleteI heard a roomer that this blog was stupid and full of half-truths and flat out lies.
ReplyDeleteWest is laying off teachers because Rydland decided they did want kids sneaking over from the East Side screwing up their nice district.
ReplyDeleteBottom line is that they kicked out several hundred students. Less students mean less money. Less money means less teachers and fewer buildings.
All the students that were kicked out of the West Side came here to the East Side but I am sure that we did not hire as many teachers as the West Side fired. The administration just overcrowds the classrooms and funnels the extra money to who knows where.
The schools the West Side closed cost them 1.3 million a year to maintain and heat. Sounds like a good deal to me pay to heat empty building. If Roberts did that this blog would run him out on a rail. The blog is filled with a bunch of racist.
ReplyDeleteThe only proven racist in this district is Clayton.
ReplyDeleteIt does cost to keep an empty building because you have to make sure it doesn't get mold and other stuff while it sits empty. If that school was open it would cost the district more in staff and upkeep.
ReplyDeleteThe State is going broke if they don't get more revenue and sooner or later it will effect us. What plan does this district have if that happens. Remember a lot of our programs are from grants and if the state can't pay them where will the money come from.
So who is the new Board member I am sure they already picked by 4pm yesterday.
ReplyDeleteSay what you will about Roberts at least we respects the businesses that pay the taxes and keeps the East/West game in town. People of Aurora will now spend tonight's money in Dekalb
ReplyDelete11:08 good point. I hadn't thought of it that way. I've been thinking about the locals who won't go out that way, even though it's not that far. But you're right - between parking and any food all that money is not staying in town. Sure it's a great thing for the team to play on at a large venue but I'm with you - keep it local!
ReplyDeleteWhy not put the game on channel 10 allow the local sports bars to make some money off of it. We all know this year the locals could use it. But Rydland is self serving his Graduations are out of town and now the Basketball game. Everyone takes their kid out at graduation just look at the money that is lost with that event. I have a suggestion for Rydland go to Dekalb to bail you out. Its funny our Board President keeps taking about merging with West someone should send her to Dekalb as well. Go Tomcats
ReplyDeleteD204 has been having their games there for awhile. It is a nicer place to go not bad parking and better seats. Doesn't the district make money from ticket sales and I'm sure they can have their booths their selling Tomcats things.
ReplyDeleteWe all know that the only places that would make money is the Spanish restaurants.
It is time for this district to move ahead.
I don't know about the board president but I have thought for a long time the districts should combine maybe we will get better people in Aurora. The Tomcats would stay the Tomcats. I haven't heard of any parents trying to send their kids to our side of town like the East side parents do to the West side.
The hosting district gets a take on the ticket sales. That's why there's a surcharge if you buy them online. They keep the majority for the district, just like a home game.
ReplyDeleteSince it's West's "home" game this year, it's their organizations that can sell things, etc. But it would be like that if we were at their school, so that's not a extra loss.
The loss to the local economy is something to think about though. Ever notice that, at least on the east side (can't speak for west) we have east side business sponsors and buy things from east side vendors (like Ach-n-Lous). That's part of community. It won't be the same at DeKalb, but it will still be a good game. It will be a long ride back to West after we win!
It's very simple, if you don't like the East-West game being in Dekalb, don't go. If nobody shows up, there's no need for a larger venue. Trust me, if it was done even for one year thar games would be back in Aurora.
ReplyDeleteIn The Beacon it states in the article about the games that it is the first time that everyone and I would think it would be the West side people that wanted a ticket could get one so if that is true seems like the West side is making money at this game. Now we will have to see after wards if they sold more playing in DeKalb than at West.
ReplyDeleteGO TOMCATS!!!!!!
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBLITY
ReplyDeleteTreasurer’s Report
Board Treasurer, George Malina, updated the Board of Education regarding the Treasurer’s Report. He
spoke of the Operating Revenue and pointed out that the district has uneven revenue flows. Our
Operating Expenses were fairly regular throughout the year. An overview of our Cash Flow Analysis
shows that the district runs low on funds in the Spring and that due to TAW’s and the delay of state
funding, we could be eight million dollars short. We should receive the 2051 aide payments in January
and June of 2010.George Malina will now be providing the Board of education with quarterly Cash Flow
Analysis.
They might be running out of money but this board and district does minutes alot better than ours.
East is going to loose tonight. They are too cocky.
ReplyDelete72-66 West beats East again!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you expect? Our neighboring school districts all pay theirs coaches and staff so much more. Our elementary coaches make about $1000 for the season the West Side pays $2000-$4000 depending on experience. Our middle schools pay coaches about $1500-$3000 the West Side pays head coaches $3000-$6000 depending on experience.
ReplyDeleteYou pay the coaches a fair wage, you get good coaches. You pay them crap you either have those who are very dedicated or crap. Our football teams have one to two coaches per team other schools we face have four or more coaches plus volunteers.
Other schools have current equipment, our kids use equipment that's 20+ years old. Or as I have read on here, you have schools like Simmons where the students have to buy their own uniform and equipment because there is no money from the district.
If we want to actually start winning, we need to make an investment in these kids starting in elementary school and continuing through middle school. Maybe then, we will be more competitive at the high school level.
Meanwhile, at the high school they spend money like it was water! Example: $6,500.00 for conducting the pit for the musical (when most of the rehearsals were with the jazz band, during the day--double-dipping much?)
ReplyDeleteThat's IN ADDITION to thousands of dollars spent on several adult professional "ringers" to play along with the students.
But of course no amount of money is too much to prop up corrupt administrators' images. And that's more important to them than doing what's best for our students.
Lies
ReplyDeleteThis is what some boards do to better their board instead of fighting among themslefs.
ReplyDeleteParents can go online to check kids' progress
Comments
January 17, 2010
By DENISE LINKE For Sun-Times Media
BATAVIA -- Starting this month, parents of students in Batavia schools will be able to check their children's academic work with the click of a mouse.
The district will put its new PowerSchool Portal program online Jan. 25, said Tony Inglese, the School District's chief information officer. Interested parents will be able to sign up for passwords allowing them to access their students' current records over the Internet.
Each student's PowerSchool home page will display his class schedule and current grade in each class, Inglese said. Parents will be able to click on a grade to pull up a list of tests and assignments that shows percentage scores and whether the assignment was turned in.
"Parents won't need to ask their children what happened at school. They can log on and look for themselves," Inglese said. "Kids will hate that."
Teachers will be encouraged to update their students' online records two or three times a week, Inglese said. The PowerSchool system will interface with the district's electronic gradebook system, making updates easy to do. Parents also will be able to sign up for e-mail updates.
Officials also are considering buying database software that would organize students' standardized test scores and allow teachers to analyze them so they can pinpoint what students need help learning, said Associate Superintendent Jan Wright. The Pearson Inform software package would interface with PowerSchool, giving parents access to all of their children's standardized test scores from kindergarten through high school, Wright said.
The district plans to use federal stimulus funds to pay for the Inform software package, at a total cost of $169,618. The stimulus grant money can only be used for one-time capital improvements. The School Board is scheduled to vote on the purchase Jan. 26.
Hey 1:52, who had the long ride back to Aurora? When are the East Siders going to realize what the problem is with their basketball program? "JEFFRIES"! West had no business being on the same court with East(let alone beating them)last night. Jeffries has had more talent than Kerkman many times over the years but his teams always lack discipline and that's what ultimately leads to their demise.
ReplyDeleteI read where Kerkman dismissed his leading scorer from the team before the game last night. He probably did not conform to Kerkman's rules and he was disciplined. Look at last years East team and how long they put up with Will Brown's "thuggish" antics...what an embarrassment he was to the district!
Look at the article on page 43 of today's Beacon. East was up by 9 points with 30 seconds left in the first quarter. Instead of using the clock to their advantage and waiting for a good shot attempt, they fire up a 3-pointer, miss and West hits a "prayer" 3-pointer to cut the lead to six. This has happened to East quite regularly during Jeffries' tenure. East has the talent to go deep into the state playoffs this year but I'll bet their lack of disciplne will bite them again.
East has always had good individual talent but they do not have the discipline to work together. So strategy is simple, run zone defense against East. All five guys have to work together to beat a zone and East lacks the discipline needed for that.
ReplyDeleteI agree though that these skills need to be taught at a younger age. We need to build our programs from the bottom up.
Yeah, it needs to start at HOME.
ReplyDeleteThe title in the Beacon "West wanted it more than East" is a complete farce. The kids on both sides of town want to beat their their "other side of the river" opponent with equal determination every year. The title should have read "West better prepared once again".
ReplyDeleteI think the title should be: East Community Refuses to Support ANYTHING in District 131.
ReplyDelete8:18, specifically where are the lies in 6:06's statement?
ReplyDeletePlease, enlighten us!
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ReplyDeleteProbably an administrator.
ReplyDeleteI see every District is laying off teachers and we are hiring additional office help. Roberts really controls this Board. Why were the minutes not posted for 12/21. Was this not the night his contract was passed. I wanted to read sell out Anita Lewis comments on how she turned against the Band parents to support Roberts and his incompetent administration. Marin Gonzeles is part of that group yet Anita says they are all wonderful. I want everyone to know the lies and bull crap comes out of her mouth for the administration.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteAs for the people commenting about why our EA teams don't do better, should have seen Dateline tonight.
ReplyDeleteThis country of Samoa puts out a truly high percentage of NFL players. They have no locker rooms, use unsafe second hand equipment and play on fields of rock and don't start playing till high school age.
To affirm what some people have commented on this blog: These boys home life, upbringing and dedication and heart in what they do makes them 50+% more likely to be chosen for NFL than a kid from the U.S. They work hard, play hard and it is not just a trademark slogan to them.
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ReplyDeleteAnd as they stated in the 60 Minutes story. If we treated our kids here the same way they do in American Samoa, we would be sued.
ReplyDeleteYes, they did state they would probably be sued.
ReplyDeleteThe kids on the eastside won't have to worry about what kind of uniform they have for football or if their HS band director is competent. When the state takes over 131, hopefully while Roberts is still here, let him try to find work elsewhere once HIS district is acknowledged as failing repeatedly and taken over by the state.
2:02 p.m., be patient--they can't put off publishing those minutes forever! At least we are getting to read the complete reports, unlike the highly-edited, condensed "Board Bits" of the Bully Board a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow bloggers a happy Dr. King holiday today.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd like to suggest that we honor Dr. King's legacy by making a special effort to follow his example of speaking clearly and carefully about issues, without resorting to profanities and obscenities. Our words are tools that can be used for good or evil--let's use them for the good of our district!
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ReplyDelete7:46, great idea. Let's find out who has dignity and class, and who is ignorant. The ignorant are those who need to use profanity to express themselves.
ReplyDeleteHappy Dr. King day!
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ReplyDeleteShould be "UN"intelligence, but could be intelligence, depending on what you think about swearing.
ReplyDeleteAll right, then--the stupid and immature are those who need to use profanity to express themselves.
ReplyDeleteThe rest of us can follow the example of leaders like Dr. King, and use words to effect positive change.
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ReplyDelete2:03:
ReplyDeleteStupid, immature, or both?
:)
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ReplyDeleteRoberts does cheat on his wife... The administration is corrupt... The Board members today are a greater rubber stamp than the last Board. Rumor had it he even showed up at the East/West game with his new girlfriend and it was not Lisa.
ReplyDeleteDid you read that in the enquirer?
ReplyDeleteI see The Beacon quoted Clayton and his and called Boys II Men a faternity. Boys is still Illegal but Roberts and the corrupt Board looked the other way.
ReplyDeletePart of the story about American Samoa was how hardworking, ethical and moral their community is. It is ingrained in their culture.
ReplyDeleteWhen we see how corrupt our leaders are, it's no wonder our children are so lost.
Dr. Roberts is no longer married. He is a single man, and entitled to date if he so chooses. And if he brought a date to the East-West game, good for him! He has a life outside the district, and I wish him happiness even if I do not agree with all his decisions.
ReplyDeleteLisa Morales is happily married to Wilson Morales (one of the few good administrators in our district).
But 4:35 is correct about one thing: the administration is corrupt.
If you think Wilson is one of the few good administrators in this district, you must not know many administrators. There is a whole list of reasons why I disagree with your statement and him sneaking off every schoolday with Sandra Monarrez is the least of them. He does have a few good points about him but I would not qualify him as a good administrator.
ReplyDeleteWilson is Michelle Patterson's little pit bull. She stabs you in the back while Wilson is biting your leg. I don't trust him as far as I can throw him. Don't fool yourself and never let your guard down around either of them.
ReplyDeleteMy spouse works at Simmons--that's how I know that Wilson Morales is one of the better admins. You're right that I don't know a lot of them, but I am aware that many of them were bullies a few years ago and now deny that there was anything wrong with the disastrous decision they made in 2005.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know very much then.
ReplyDeleteSimmons is a hell hole and Wilson only looks halfway decent by comparison in that one building. Tell your spouse to try working somewhere else and they will realize just how badly run Simmons is.
ReplyDeleteMORE IGNORANT PEOPLE!
ReplyDeleteDenial and cover-up by corrupt administrators
ReplyDeleteMaking choices for arrogance.
ReplyDeleteDenying that there's anything...
ReplyDeleteWrong.
If I were part of the administrative staff that is among the highest paid administrators in the county, I got to go out for doughnuts and nookie everyday and not worry that most of the students in the district can't pass a basic skills test, I would think things are great also.
ReplyDeleteI think someone outed themselves because I don't think it is public knowledge that Dr. Roberts is no longer married. Thank you for that information.
ReplyDeleteIt show the lies that this blog spreads. I know Jerome Roberts and he is still married. He still resides in Shorewood. Someone is just trying to start more lies probably the former Board member who runs the blog. For the record he attended the East/West game and came in with Jim Rydland so I guess they must be dating.
ReplyDeleteI heard he was separated--but I don't really care; it's not my concern.
ReplyDeleteWhat is my concern is the decisions made by the administration.
How can you have faith that Roberts can do a good job as superintendent when he can't make his own marriage work?
ReplyDeleteHow can we believe that he can select good, quality people and work with them if he can't do the same in his own marriage?
I'm guessing it just like in the district, kiss his A$$ or get the hell out.
9:33 a.m.--judgmental much?
ReplyDeleteDon't you have any family members, friends, or co-workers whose marriages haven't worked out (for whatever reason)? With a 50% divorce rate (higher for second marriages), it is extremely hypocritical to say that a divorced person can't do well in his/her job.
And for the record, I have never been divorced. I've been successfully married for over 30 years--I consider myself blessed.
Yes I have had a couple of friends and/or family members who have ended up in divorce. I would not want any of them running a school district.
ReplyDeleteWe've had divorced people successfully running this country. We've had divorced people successfully running large churches. We've had divorced people successfully running huge corporations.
ReplyDeleteWhy not a school district?
More lies from the Blog the FORMER Board member runs.
ReplyDelete11:40 a.m., I am 10:26 and 10:39 a.m.
ReplyDeleteSome people also call me Annee.
Where are the lies in those two statements? Go ahead--point out even ONE inaccuracy, if you can.
Or are you so offended by the very existence of this blog that you routinely jump in with accusations of lies that don't exist?
I am the one who normally points out that this blog lies. That last comment was not me. I will call myself.......Zorro. From now on I will sign with a "Z"
ReplyDeleteZ
Annee is Rayanne
ReplyDeleteFYI-I was under the assumption Dr. Roberts is married. All this chat is news to me!
ReplyDeleteAnother newer Board member kept bending my ear about Dr. JR and seemed upset when I didn't want to hear what they had to say.
While I was a board member, my concern was NOT with who Roberts or any other employee may spend their time with, as long as while they were on the districts dime, they were doing what they were hired to do.
If Rayanne was concerned about the good of the district she would remove personal gossip about people who are on the Board or District personal. But as we can see she feeds the gossip my guess is she is just jealous and bitter that newer Board members came on the Board and made a bigger difference than her
ReplyDeleteYou got me!
ReplyDeleteI'm Annee, Zorro and anonymous.
I'm bitter, jealous, like to feed gossip, stir the pot and don't like to censor.
You are not Zorro. I am.
ReplyDeleteZ
How did the school board meeting go. Dee or Anita resign?
ReplyDeleteFIVE EAST RESIDENTS SEEK BOARD SEAT
ReplyDelete(Aurora) - The East Aurora Board of Education received fives letters of interest from residents who are seeking to fill the vacancy on the Board of Education.
The following candidates submitted letters by Friday, January 15, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.:
§ Manuel Gonzales, 701 Lafayette, Aurora, IL 60505
§ Raymond Hull, 1075 Joel Ave., Aurora, IL 60505
§ Timothy G. Krings, Jr., 1026 Homer Ave., Aurora, IL 60505
§ Wenceslao ‘Bences’ Maravilla, 313 S. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505
§ Juan Sifuentes, 1024 Preston Ave., Aurora, IL 60505
The Board of Education will interview each candidate, and the selected candidate will be approved at the Board Meeting on Monday, February 1, 2010.
The question is which one of these candidates are friends of some on the board, friends of administration or a retired teacher or family member of someone working for the district. If that applies to any you can bet they will be the one picked.
ReplyDeleteChecked the Beacon and the Districts website and did not see this on any of them I wonder who posted about the candidates?
ReplyDeleteIt was a news release by Clayton.
ReplyDeleteRaymond Hull is a former board member. He got up and ranted at a board meeting last year. He's a good friend of several members of the old-guard bully board.
ReplyDeleteHe would be a disastrous choice.
Ray Hall will become the new Board member. He was one of the Board members who picked the serial bully Radocovich. He also name called Dee & Rayanne at the Board meetings under the direction of the old guard. He then beat up on Dee over the Alternative school and Magnet school. So long story short word is he is in. Since Anita jumped ship and now votes with the popular members. Ray & Annette will now focus efforts on Dee. After-all Johnson did not stop the clock on Rayanne fast enough tonight.
ReplyDeleteThe sad thing is is most of the board will vote for the person that is for administration only not for the good of the kids or teachers. This board has become some against the president just because he doesn't agree with them instead of trying to move forward and do board business. This board is into too much stuff that they don't belong in. Did these guys take any classes on how a board acts?
ReplyDeleteOn Tuesday, April 8th, 2003 Mr. Raymond Hull said the following, at an East Aurora school board meeting:
ReplyDelete"Teachers are the key to stopping the promotion of children who are not prepared. Compensation for our teachers should be based on results and not tenure. A seat on the school board should also be based on results".
Not only did Mr. Hull help choose the Serial Bully, he is obviously pro-administration and anti-teachers (holding teachers and not administration responsible for student achievement).
The last part of his statement, however, rings true. Results ARE important in choosing a school board member. And the results of the old-guard "Bully Board" suggest that Mr. Hull would be a terrible choice for our present-day School Board!
Weaver and Carlson are up to theirs rants and raves. The problem with the two is they have no support. Carlson had to resign to be the community complainer. Weaver can not muster up one vote. News flash girls no one cares. The teachers, administrators and Board are all against you. Weaver still looks to Roberts for help in running the meeting. If Carlson and Weaver are so right why did Anita Lewis jump ship. Why did Johnson jump ship. Maybe because the know how to read and found out the staff is doing a good job. Maybe it is the fact that all the Board members are educated members of society. Unlike Weaver & Carlson who only made barely past High School.
ReplyDeleteI guess it would depend on your view. Maybe Carlson jumped ship rather than blindly following the piper to the bilge.
ReplyDeleteWeaver may look to Roberts for guidance. It is a better board appearance than drooling on her laptop, when he speaks and laughing too hard at his comments.
This Board is a joke, and it is not funny.
What is wrong with Weaver looking to Roberts for guidance he is their employee and the person in charge of following the rules the board sets. All of these board members are new to this and just because some say they are educated doesn't mean they know what a board should do or really most don't follow the law when acting as a board member. I do not believe she looks for his guidance in what to do Johnson does that she looks to see if his heart is really into running this district or his own benefit.
ReplyDeleteAfter making all these administration jobs lets see how the superintendent handles the teacher contracts. It seems he only cares about the administration but he needs to look to the teachers and their needs in the classroom really to make this district better. The teachers are the first person these students come in contact with in their learning and if this administration doesn't think they are doing their job it is because of the administrations guidance that they don't have the tools to do it.
I'm really attracted to my dog.
ReplyDeleteAfter all the years Farum was on the board and as president she still asked Roberts about what was right and looked at him with school girl eyes. She was so sweet as pie to him you could have taken a knife, cut her into pieces and served her.
ReplyDeleteI pity your dog.
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to hide behind a key board and slam people. Why don't you come out and do it face to face? Why not come to a board meeting stand up and tell it like it is or are you a ----- ? Maybe your a teacher, administrator,office personel. By the way I was at the East West game sitting a few rows down from the private both and Annette was attached to Roberts hip the entire game.
ReplyDeleteWhat the lies on this blog fails to mention is that the entire Board of East & West attended this event. I guess it was on big violation of the open meetings act. What this blog fails to mention Boards can socialize and that was certainly a social event.
ReplyDeleteBut not if they discuss any board business. Most will avoid it so that there is no appearance of misconduct.
ReplyDeleteShe is proably his new chaufer but it isn't a good idea for a board member to date their employee.
ReplyDeleteTo the person/people who were asking when minutes would be posted for the Dec. 21 meeting: they're online now.
ReplyDeleteAlso the January 4th meeting.
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One interesting bit of information: Mrs. Arlene Hawks was paid $6,176.00 for guest directing the musical. We already know that Mr. Liska was paid $6,500. Add to that the thousands of dollars paid to the several adult professional musicians in the pit and we're talking about a VERY expensive show!
But of course no amount is too great to prop up administrators' images and make it APPEAR that all is well.
Making (expensive) choices for arrogance!
Poor Rayanne. Since she quit the school board she has become nothing more than Dee Weaver's lackey. Dee puts her up to making irrational speeches to attack the District then sits back and lets Rayanne look foolish. Maybe Rayanne should know that the people she and Dee are so intent on attacking are laughing at her and the public is relieved she is no longer on the board. Come on Rayanne! Tell Dee to do her own dirty work and at least try to salvage a little dignity.
ReplyDeleteJust out of curiosity, what do neighboring districts spend on the yearly musical at the high school? Is our budget that extravagent?
ReplyDeleteIt's common knowledge that Weaver is the master and Carlson is her faithful servant. It was probably Weaver's idea for Carlson to quit the board so that Carlson could spend more time following Weaver's orders. Is Carlson weak, foolish or dumb? I guess anyone who can't think for herself and is willing to be nothing more than a stooge for Weaver is all three - weak foolish and very dumb.
ReplyDeleteAccording to my knowledge, this year East High spent the largest amount of money in its history on the musical. Meanwhile the other schools' arts programs (especially middle schools) are woefully underfunded.
ReplyDeleteIt would be one thing if we had plenty of money, or if the money were spread out evenly among the district. But it seems to be about IMAGE, not what's best for students.
I've known Rayanne for years, and can tell you she's no one's lackey! She's a strong, independent woman who thinks for herself.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you read the minutes from the Dec. 21st meeting, you might get some idea why she resigned. She had to miss some meetings because of family commitments, including at least one that was scheduled after school let out for break. It is important that our School Board members attend meetings, and since she couldn't be there for several she probably felt she would need to step aside. Classy move, from someone who has always tried to do what is in the best interests of our students!
Rayanne is a hypocritical idiot. Many people have known that for a long time, and now it's just getting more and more evident. This blog is a joke and so is this district. Too bad, so sad, now move on!
ReplyDelete