When the decision was made to run for the school board, I was not acquainted with anyone on the board. I attended board meetings in support of and while encouraging the students in their campaign for Mr. K. All the while Dee was attending board meetings for team uniforms and new textbooks. As a booster & a parent attending events at the HS –Dee, Anita and my paths had crossed many times.
At one point, Annette, her mom, Dee, her sisters and a few neighbors from throughout EA joined a group I organized campaigning to vote NO for the 131 referendums. Through these times, Dee & I realized both of us were contemplating a run for the school board.
Though, Dee & I have been lumped as one by our critics, we have only met socially once. We met for dinner with a couple of the newly elected board members prior to their being seated, last spring.
When I was the new person, I had been welcomed by a couple of the seasoned board members. Following their past practices, I did likewise. During dinner we chatted about the upcoming new board. We shared our hopes for 131 and our thoughts on the direction we’d like to see the board move. We all agreed we’d like to see change. Three of us strongly encouraged Dee to agree to accept the position of board president even when she was hesitant. The three of us expounded on why we felt she was the best option. Reluctantly, she conceded to our pleas, relying on the fact, she would have our continued support. She was nominated & elected, as were others, to the positions as we had all agreed would be a good fit & welcome change.
After a few months a fellow board member started a campaign to have Dee removed as Board President. This member relayed to me, she had political aspirations and felt she would be better suited as the board president. There were stories shared by this board member pointing to Dee as the reason for problems of information not being relayed that was cause for poor decisions being made by the board. Initially, many things were believed without being verified. It is easy when things are not going well, to look for a scapegoat to be the fault. I finally questioned this member of the specifics of the reasons Dee should be removed. She had no reasons relating to Dee’s performance of her duties.
Most of the reasons were relayed through rumors of things Dee purportedly had done.
She was specifically spiteful in comments of wanting Dee removed as president, before spring, so Dee would not be eligible to sign her son’s diploma. Seems she has continued to work towards this goal with the Resolution for Reorganization on this upcoming 131 board agenda.
206 comments:
1 – 200 of 206 Newer› Newest»With all this arguing between the board members how does anything get done? All of them where voted in by voters that thought they would take care of the business of the board and not fight among themselves. They all don't follow the laws of being on a board and do not follow how a board has to act.
It is good to stand up for the Superintendent since that person was picked to run the district but it seems some care more about him than the good of the district. No one is going to like what they might do all the time and everyone has their own thoughts about how the district should be ran and all should respect each other which you don't see here.
Interesting but terribly overrated.
This is not over rated it shows how things work in this district.
What Rayanne says is the truth it is too bad the people that know the truth are to afraid to stand up.
It is time for the State to do there job and take over this district.
Read the board packet and you mean to tell me this board has nothing more to do than change the term of the president. Come on people get to the business of the district. You send more time removing someone than doing business. Tell me what district does this. You are all a joke.
So they are going to change the term of the President so this one can't sign her child's diploma. We have some real winners on this board.
This seems so childish! It's like a kid who doesn't like how a game is going, so they want to change the rules.
Meanwhile, important issues in our district are put on the back burner while this is debated.
Childish.
This posting has made it to the other blog and found this. Thought I would copy and paste here to share:
Anonymous said...
Well, let that person then be president, but with the same strings attached to her as president as the board attached to the current president, no talking to the superintendant, lawyers or be able to do whatever the president does. Anyway, doesn't this type of thing go against the ISBE? How will the new president be able to sell her wares,etc.? Will the new one bring their new products to the board meetings to share? Or is the puppet who let this go forth now going to be president or one of the other puppets as this person still pulls the strings? Can't wait to see how this little set-up works out!
2/12/10 9:40 PM
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For the AA's on this board, what is your next plan of attack. Can't wait to see what kind of drama the new member might cause. This board is a joke, no it is surreal. Get down to board business and do your crusifixtions on your own time.
All of the positions are going to be re-elected. If this President was so correct in what she did why is the discussion being brought up by Anita Lewis did she not run for the Board with them. Why does Rayanne state they were all against the referendum and now they are against Dee. Why because plain and simple she did a bad job. The Board caught her in the lies Rayanne is only twisting the truth. The lies these two have told the public have come home to roost. Now the truth comes out at Board meetings and the message is so positive the two can't take it. This all on a day the district gets a A+ rating. The fact is we have well maintained building, great administrators, and great teaching materials. Some people just need to dwell on negative to make them happy.
If this person is telling stories why are all the Board members not seeing the truth.
The problem with Rayanne is if you don't see things her way she throws a temper tantrum,
She has held on to her bitterness about the Band for 5 years. Does that not show a pattern.
What a waste of life. I pity her and so do all the people that come in contact with her
10:48, I pity YOU.
Rayanne is one of the most reasonable people I know, and I am proud to call her a friend.
You mention temper tantrums--not Rayanne! A temper tantrum happens when a bully ADMINISTRATOR doesn't get their way and takes it out on the closest target (like in the band situation--thanks for mentioning that--the more time that passes, the more obvious it is that the band "fix" was really about childish ADMINISTRATORS throwing a tantrum).
Marin Gonzalez was seen & heard running frantically into Joe Harmon's office yelling "oh no, what'll we do" after K's original replacement declined the position. Now THAT was a temper tantrum!
Ms Weaver adopted this idea when she became President that everything would be reviewed once a year. Now Rayanne seems forget. This is only a change to a policy that changes terms of the ALL officers to one year terms. Ms Lewis and Ms Johnson will be up election as well. If Rayanne states facts then she needs to provide all the facts.
To the statement that she was lied to well lets not forget the ugly days of the Magnet school, the ALternative school and the facts expressed by her and Ms Weaver about the state of the schools. However you feel about the Magnet school a Board President has no right to stop a program that the past Board approved of two weeks before school. Not the old or new members of the Board could see all the same pattens. A total of 14 Board members have worked with them including the staff and have the same conclusion. They simply have a bitter negative personal agenda.
Why is Simmons not preforming today. Could it also be true that K is to lazy.
Read the previous thread and find out.
Some of us could ask YOU, why don't the other bands perform music their director has composed? Are the other directors too lazy or untalented? No, maybe the other directors have different capabilities and availabilities.
If you REALLY want to start another nasty debate, 6:14, bring it on--I'm sure you'll give up in defeat and frustration and start hiding behind "get a life, let it go" or whatever.
Meanwhile, those of us who care about helping our kids will be spending a little of our money today at the pancake breakfast.
Many things are being done a Magnet Program that will achieve National recognition. A Preschool that received State-wide recognition. A saving to the tax payers of $1,200,000 because of a A+ bond rating. A Boys II Men program receiving State Wide attention. Hats off to the 6 Board members and Dr Roberts. Thank-you Ms Lewis and Johnson for having the courage to say you were wrong. We see all the ladies at many events but never Ms Weaver. She only attends if it involves a her son. So who is making choices for excellence certainly not the board President.
I see nothing wrong and asking for information about programs in the schools. That is what most districts do. There is nothing wrong about asking how we spend our money. For some time everyone was talking about the money the State was going to cut back and even if we get an A+ rating we still should be concerned about how the money is spent. Everyone should have the right to their own decisions but it seems that one person makes all the choices here and the others follow.
The District is in much better shape since Dr Roberts took over financially. We need Board members that will work hard for the children. I see nothing wrong with looking at new officers. The President needs to have support of Board members not always be fighting the others. It seems it has turned into if they say yes she says no. Time for a change.
OOOOOO, big tough words from people hiding behind their computers.
You think Rayanne (Annee) does not hide behind her computer when she attacks good honorable people.
Most Boards do have yearly elections so what is the problem. If they are doing a good job they will get re-appointed
Really who are the districts? I know two people that sit on a board and they don't.
State law requires that the school board reorganize within 28
days after each school board election by seating new members,
electing officers and setting a time and place for regular meetings.
The meeting can be held any time following the election
but should not be held before the election authority canvasses
election returns and determines winners.
Because Illinois school districts elect board members only in
odd-numbered years, school boards are required to reorganize
only in alternating years. Officers, therefore, are elected to terms
of two years. However, school boards are authorized by law to
adopt one-year terms. Boards that have chosen to elect officers
to terms of one year also hold organizational meetings in evennumbered
years.
Sample Agenda for Reorganizing the Board
The agenda for the reorganization meeting should clearly
indicate what business the board will transact:
• Current school board president administers the oath of
office to new board members
• Current school board adjourns sine die*
• New board selects a president pro tem and secretary pro
tem (if not selected previously)
• Meeting of new school board called to order by the president
pro tem
• Resolution regarding terms of officers (if needed)
• Election of president
• Election of vice president
• Election of secretary
• Election of treasurer (or appointment if the treasurer is not
a board member)
• Set dates and location(s) for regular meetings
Make sure it is legal to change the terms before you do it.
I am sure the District has lawyers was it not Weaver that complained about the old ones and got new ones. The resolution is on the Districts web-site and it looks like it was professionally done. Anyway Weaver said her term is only one year so what is the fuss.
To answer your question. YES, my opinion is that the Board really is about the students. This board is very visible at many events, supporting the students from grade school through the high school. I think they truly care about the kids.
The last year or two we have seen some Board members in our schools more than in the past. Maybe because they are younger than previous Board members.
Recently, it appears that the Boards presence is more about being recognized for their "appearance" than actually being there to support the students.
Two ladies in particular seem to like the elbow rubbing and do more socializing with administrators and local politicos than mingling with the families and students.
Why is the Board President never present at school activities? Because she only wants to come to meetings act like the Queen Bee read to highly educated administrators about her ideas of a way schools should be run. Good to see you go.
From the other blog:
Anonymous said...
Kifowhit and Lawerance are fools they should work together for the common good of the tax payer. Both are watch dogs and not a rubber stamp for the Mayor. This is the same problem the East Aurora Board has. They became a rubber stamp for the Superintendent. Carlson foolishly resigned the Board, starting asking questions and Weaver had no support to get the questions answered.
2/13/10 12:56 PM
Oh, really. That`s very interesting.
The difference is the Alderman know the questions they are asking for their residents. Based on the fact they are out in the neighborhoods. They know what their residents need.
Weaver on the other hand sat on the Board for two years made wild statements out the schools that she believes today. The difference is she never did the research. To this day she never stepped foot in a Magnet school or a Alternative School at least Carlson did to bad Weaver also talks about a budget I can bet she does not understand.
So yes it is to bad Carlson resigned and not Weaver at least she does research it to bad that she is wasting her time doing research for Weaver she will never read it. Because her mind is made up the schools are bad, the admin's are bad. To bad Carlson because because many believe you worked for the kids.
BS
If the board read the roles of a Board member they would know that it is not there job to go visit these things.
You state how some just love the administration but what about the teachers you never talk about them. They are the backbone of the district.
February 13, 2010 6:25 AM -sounds like Ms.Johnson blowing her own horn. You can hear it everywhere she goes telling all the Hispanic community, her alderwoman and anyone who she can corner to listen to her sing her own underserved praise.
Talk about lies!
To some people being honest and transparent =negativity.
I have heard it said many times by all board members positive things about teachers and schools.
It seems there is a person on this blog that feels the need to defend JR. See how they have said "well maintained building, great administrators, and great teaching materials." nothing about the fantastic teaching staff. Otherwise they may have to admit the teachers deserve a higher pay raise!
Here is The code of conduct from d203 about Boards and our board is no where close to how these adults act.
Board of Education Code of Conduct and Roles
Code of Conduct
(Taken from District 203 Board of Education Policies: Section 2:80 Board of Education Member Code of Conduct)
Each member of the Naperville Community Unit School District 203 Board of Education ascribes to the following code of conduct; and shall:
* Represent all school district constituents honestly and equally and refuse to surrender responsibilities to special interest or partisan political groups.
* Avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety which could result from position, and shall not use school board membership for personal gain.
* Recognize that a school board member has no legal authority as an individual and decisions can be made only by a majority vote at a school board meeting.
* Take no private action that might compromise the board or administration and shall respect the confidentiality of privileged information.
* Abide by majority decisions of the school board, while retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels.
* Encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by fellow board members and others.
* Be involved and knowledgeable about not only local educational concerns, but also about state and national issues.
* Respect the provisions of the Open Meetings Act.
* Not intrude into management or make staff decisions.
Descriptions of roles and relationship of the Board of Education and Superintendent, below, are from District 203 Board of Education Policies: Section 2:132 Board Relationships.
Role of the Board of Education
The role of the Board of Education of Naperville Community Unit School District 203 shall be to:
* Define the Mission, Vision and Beliefs for the District.
* Determine long and short term goals that will move the District towards its Mission and Vision.
* Develop policies that set the parameters for Board governance and staff operations.
* Provide stewardship of the fiscal resources in relation to the Mission of the District.
* Maintain avenues for effective communication with all stakeholders.
* Employ a Superintendent and evaluate his/her performance.
* Monitor and evaluate the District and its progress in relation to its Mission, Vision and goals.
* Advocate for students and quality public education.
* Abide by all laws, rules and regulations.
Role of the Superintendent
The role of the Superintendent of Naperville Community School District 203 shall be to:
* Provide leadership to move the District toward its Mission and Vision by achieving established long and short term goals.
* Manage the District within the parameters of established policy.
* Create an effective administrative team, delegate appropriately and hold individuals accountable.
* Employ, assign, develop, evaluate and dismiss, when appropriate, individuals who report directly to him/her; and establish a structure to address these items for all staff.
* Provide the Board of Education with appropriate information to facilitate its deliberations and informed decision making.
* Be the spokesperson for the District.
* Establish and/or maintain avenues for effective communication with all stakeholders.
* Advocate on behalf of students, the District and public education.
* Comply with all laws, rules, regulations and policies; and model ethical behavior at all times.
So.
Sounds like a plan to me never visit the schools do not know what is going
on and then pass rules accordingly. Only a uneducated low life would say that. Or would it be Dee, Rayanne or Annee.
Some of the Board members shouldn't have to visit the schools. They have children and grandchildren going there. At least one member has taught in the schools and is familiar with the staff & schools. Two have been actively volunteering for a number of years in the recent past and are familiar with staff & schools.
Only those who have not been near an EA school would be making a big deal about visiting & should feel the need to visit since they have NO clue and no real connection to the daily workings of what is going on.
I want to interject my 2 cents. The only reason many Board Members have visited the schools is due to the fact Dee set up the arrangements through Dr. Roberts office.
I for one and at least one other who expressed there dismay to me-were NOT happy that Dee did this. When it was all over and done with, those of us who visited the schools were very happy with the additional insight we received by visiting the schools, touring with the principal and usually a member from the buildings and ground dept.
So Veteran Tomcat why If you and Dee were on the Board for two years. Because you had your own agenda maybe?
If you think these schools are in good condition, with good resources, then you are crazy. New parts of the buildings are great, a couple of the elementary schools have new portions, the freshman center and field house at the High School are great. But what about those parts of the buildings that have not been touched for over 50 years. Windows so thin that a breeze goes through the glass, heaters that you have no control over the temp. of a room. Waldo is a nightmare, original parts of East High suck, bardwell is a joke, just to name a few. But if our board was impressed, that's good enough for me, yeah right.
Maybe they did not go to the schools for 2 years because one was to worried about the Band and the other to worried about what experience ONLY her children received. Maybe she needed to look in the mirror maybe it was not the kid or school but the parent.
It disgusts me what kid of crappy education this community is willing to give the students. Crappy buildings, crappy technology, not enough books for all the students to have their own, archaic grading/student info software, and the "School Board" was impressed with what they saw. WHAT A JOKE. I want you to take a tour of East High, then go take a tour of Neuqua, Naperville Central, Batavia High School, and Oswego High School. Let's see which one "impresses" you the most.
Then maybe the south east side of Aurora needs to be gutted and homes built that have a higher property value. I for one am impressed with how are administrators have been able to do with so little money. A+ bond rating with a State that ranks last in funding schools read your Tribune today. Yes we did pass a small referendum but its a drop in the bucket compared to all the schools district mentioned. Hats off to Dr Roberts for the GREAT job you are doing on so little.
I think people forget that Weaver has a son at East High and she has been in the building lately. She is a graduate of East High and believe me that school hasn't changed much except for the freshman center. East High is still a good building and has stood for many years and being one of the first students that went to it when they built it still in pretty good shape.
You ask how a board member is suppose to know what is going on in the schools well that is the job of the superintendent and administration to let them know.
If he is doing so good why are we 8 yrs on the watch list?
The oldest part of the current East High was built in the early 50's (could not find the exact year). The oldest part of the current Naperville Central High School was built in 1950 and they are currently gutting and rebuilding the entire school. Why, because they know that a good building, with current technology will help their students learn. A more updated building makes kids want to go to school and helps them feel good about their education. The older parts of East High have NEVER BEEN UPDATED since it was built.
Full version: http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/News.aspx?id=27905
Dear District 204 Community,
In December, I wrote to tell you about the impact of our state's economic crisis. ........Simply put, if schools are not funded, education will not be delivered in the way we have become accustomed to in our district.
We have addressed a projected $9.2 million deficit for next year, but continued uncertainties in Springfield have us working on a plan to cut deeper if needed.
These uncertain financial times are difficult for all of us. I'm asking for your help in contacting officials in Springfield to let them know they need to meet their commitment to our students' education.
Sincerely,
Kathy Birkett
Superintendent
I must have missed the one from 131's wonderful supt. He and his Board were busy retelling the news of how well the district is doing on the backs of local property tax payers.
Here is the notice sent out by West Supt. via email.
State Now Considering 10% Cut in Education Funding
We have learned in the past few days that the Illinois General Assembly, faced with a multi-billion-dollar deficit, is considering a 10% education funding cut for school districts next fiscal year.
This cut would be about a $7 million decrease in general state aid to our school district.
In addition, we know we are losing about $2 million in local tax revenue next year because of the drop in the district’s equalized assessed valuation.
We also know that the state is behind about $4 million in paying its bills to our school district.
Where does all this leave School District 129? As we begin preparation of the 2010-11 school year budget, we must assume, as a worst-case scenario, that our revenue will drop by about $9 million
To balance our budget this year, the school district reduced staff by 55, closed one school, delayed some teaching and learning improvements, and froze all but urgent maintenance and refresh expenditures.
From what we know now, balancing next year’s budget will be far more difficult.
Dr. Jim Rydland, School District 129 Superintendent
I keep hearing about how Jerome is the greatest superintendent because of the financial condition of the district and some rating they have pulled out of their a$$.
I went to the ISBE website and looked at the financial report documented by the the State of Illinois Board of Education. The last report listed there is for the 2008-09 school year. You can see the report yourself if you go to:
ftp://ftpfinance.isbe.state.il.us/AFRProfile/2008/31045131022.pdf
It shows District 131 on the State financial watch list. It also shows deficits in 4 of the past 5 years. One year did come out just above even. The average was an almost 4 million decicit over each of the past 5 years.
This is apparently another example of our administration lying to the community and skewing the facts to try and cover up their incompetence.
Don't take my word for it or the administrations. Go to the above web address and see it for yourself.
That is the truth about the 4 million.
One person on the board says everything is alright with the budget, just believe her, as she has her own business and due to this no one should even question anything. After all everything should be alright as this person now has aquirted a new product to sell, as she brought to the meeting to show everyone. Like this has anything to do with board business. THen of course the person she bought her first business from is still the person who does the finance part of that business. Guess he must be doing the finance part or trying to make this board person understand about the finance part of D131. Keen believe this person also because they did think about becoming a laywer after all and the new lawyer is someone this person recommended and knows and contacted on their own.
More lies spread on this blog. I believe this person is a Accountant and a CPA so reading a budget should not be a problem. She has told me her manufacturing part of the business is run by a person she kept after running the business. I do believe that because ABC news recently showed this guy making pasta. She also talks about another business she has and does the accounting for.
If I remember the lawyers everyone wanted new lawyers. Only the old guard did not. The lawyers wanted to get rid of one of the former members so that was the first thing the new Board wanted. Am I to understand now these lawyers have turned against these troublesome members. Imagine that. Everyone always has a problem is there a pattern here.
Sounds like someone has a case of sour grapes.
Boy if that Board member does not understand finance I would sure love to drive her car or live in house. She sure seems to manage her finances better than most on the Board.
I will admit, I wanted a new lawyer for the district. Reason being, the last one didn't seem to advise in the best interest of the district. Looking back, he was probably only doing what the board president and supt. requested of him.
I like the new lawyer with which I have spoken most frequently. I have much respect for Mr. Weiler. I am unaware that the laywers have "turned against" anyone. Why would they?
For what reason?
Even if our district is doing well don't you think they should really look into the future about the money because nothing is guaranteed. There is nothing wrong with looking a jobs and seeing if some could be combined or contracted out that would mean more money for the children s education. We all nothing if things start going south with money the programs, sports and teachers will be cut and we will still have all the administration.
Mr. Weiler is not new. He was the district lawyer for years. Not only did he represent the district but he represented many of the districts administrators. I know that he worked for Ponquinette, John Struck and Greg Sawka at least.
Hiring Mr. Weiler and calling him new is like putting Carol Farnum back on the board and calling her a new board member. Just another lie told by the administration and board.
Another lie or fact not stated correctly by a Board member. Wayne Weiler was the the lawyer he worked with Reid and Ocheslager. Bernard Weiler is with Mickey Wilson. Mickey Wilson is new to d131.
Here is the url you need to go to not the one that 2/14 @9:53pm. They where on the right page but that url doesn't work.
http://www.isbe.state.il.us/sfms/P/all_years_adj.pdf
In 2002 we had recongnition status and in 2008 we are at early warning.
It states for the early warning that the ISBE will be monitoring these districts very closely and some other stuff that I bet ISBE hasn't done.
ISBE is always behind the web-site does not reflect the new rating. Why do you think the district just saved 1,200,000 on bonds. It is like at home if you have a better credit rating you will save money. Must be one of those board members who thinks they understand accounting.
Here is a link that will work to get you to the districts financial profile on the ISBE web site:
http://webprod1.isbe.net/finprofile/FinProfileList.aspx?name=131&yr=2008&type=0&page=list
The ISBE will have 2009's stats on their website in March so we will see then.
ISBE does not rate bonds they rate how the finances are of the district so you will not see the Standards and Poor rating on there.
Here is an interesting fact from a pamphlet I found while researching changing the term of officers on a school board. It is from IASB and all new school board members should of got this.
Sample Script for Setting Term
Length for Board Officers
Once the president pro tem is selected, it is appropriate to
address the issue of term length for officers if the board wants to
change its current policy governing the matter:
Board Member: “I move to adopt a resolution establishing a one (two)
year term of office for president, vice president, and secretary of the
board.”
Another Board Member: “Second.”
The board can then discuss and vote on the motion.
Sample Process for the Election of Board Officers
It looks like if they want to change the term of an officer they do it when they seat the new members or after an election.
I see Jerome Roberts was in the paper today with his parent university that he created and west joined. But of course this blog would rather write gossip instead of giving credit were credit is due.
Read the article but did you notice at the end it only gave informtation about the West Side School Board meeting and other information about what was going on over at the West side nothing about the east side.
To February 14, 2010 10:57 PM
Is that the Board member who lives with her Mom and has had no family or financial responsibilities other than for herself?
No it must be the Board member who has pays taxes on several properties on the East Side and never had a kid that destroyed the high school or the other one that has sour grapes.
May GOD have mercy on all of you!
I checked out the ISBE website and you are right. The district has been on the financial watchlist perrenially for the past five years. In short, the district has spent more than they taken in every year but one.
This year, the district has again spent more than they took in but they have hidden it by borrowing money through bonds. That was the purpose of passing a bond referendum.
Basically the district took all their debt and put it on a credit card. They are now spending money they don't have and are paying interest on the money they are borrowing.
Only in District 131 can this be looked at as financial responsibility. Only in District 131 could somebody state that Roberts is the best superintendent ever by passing huge debts to our children.
Eventually all this debt is going to catch up with the district and we are going to have to pay the piper.
We as a community lets this happen. Only a few go to the board meetings and step up. I couldn't go to the board meeting tonight I have to work but until this community stands up nothing will happen.
but that board member chooses to run a business that is not in the district which doesn't give revenue to the district.
The board doesn't even know what is going on in the schools, it seems that all they care about is patting themselves on the back. Why don't they open their eyes and see what is going on. Plenty has been written on the blog regarding what our kids are going through because we happen to live in this district, why don't they open their eyes!
It is the superintendants job to know what is going on in the district and report back to the board. People need to read and learn how this procedure works. One thing for sure, this board is in violation of the open meetings act more that anyone is aware of. The person who works when the school board meeting is, you can always e-mail the board with any concerns for questions you have. This is one way to be involved and can stay on top of things by reading the agendas and board bits.
According to the paper this morining, everybody is in favor of the new term changes from 2 years to 1, including the president. So, why did Rayanne quit again?
I guess everyone know understands who the problem was. Weaver was at the meeting praising Dr Roberts and the other administrators about the great budget work they did. She also agreed with the Board on the positions. The Chapter one article really shows the the true side of Rayanne. That it is not about the students. Well it looks like Chapter Two should read the end of trouble.
I think what Rayanne was referring too is all the back handedness of this. As Weaver stated she said something to some of the board members a year ago when they where voted in but had not taken there seats yet.
My question is why now? Why not wait until the next election like most district does to change policy that way they wouldn't have a lawyer bill for making this change mid stream.
I think Weaver is in a no win situation on the board. If she said she was against the change in terms someone would say something about her not agreeing. If she said anything against the budget you would bet one of those board members would say she is against the district. I have to give her credit for priasing Dr. Roberts because he doesn't give her anything but greif you can see it a the board meetings how he feels about her. Is that how an honerable man should act.
Trouble is just begining,if Annette gets her way. Everything she wants she will bully to get. She complained about the president meeting with the super, but insider info say's Annette is always at the service center talking with Roberts and Clayton. What a brown noser, are these considered meetings, can we get FOIA on these.
No since Clayton is not a board member then that doesn't apply. But word has it that Annette and others talk amoung themselfs about board business and that is a violation.
I'm sorry, how does any of this crap help students? We might as well be putting up new pictures in the board room again. When is this board going to get a clue?
More sour grapes on Rayanne's part. She resigned the Board because she did not get her way. When Roberts got his 3 year contract it was to much for her to bear.
If the other Board members do not respect Johnson then why are they voting with her. Why, because she is doing what is best for the students. On example was Boys II Men. She claims she for the kids well she sat on a Board that destroyed that program out of hate for Roberts.
She voted against the Magnet school and always runs it down. Why because it Roberts program.
See the real inside information is Rayanne is mad at Roberts because she craves respect from him and does not get it.
Everyone was actually productive last night. Why because Rayanne was not their to start a thunderstorm
Also because of slander by Rayanne who runs this blog and allows it she should should be the one who worries about the law because people with deep pockets may contact a lawyer.
I don't care why Rayanne let it was her choice and say what you will she did a good job. Do you really believe if anyone suggested anybody but Johnson for president they would have hell to pay. It seems like when Johnson and Lewis got on the board Weaver and Carlson must of talked to them and Weaver said something about changing the terms to one year but nothing was done so why now because Johnson is in love with Roberts and will be his pasty for anything he wants. Why change now and not at the time of elections which is the choosen time some say. When Johnson get the president job will she be willing to change every year I bet not she is a bully. When election year comes and they change officers before the new ones are on is that right shouldn't the new members be involved when they pick new officers.
Yes, all agreed on stuff at the meeting but most of the board are just puppets of Johnsons.
The magnet program is a joke the only people that think it is ok are a few board members.
But the district administrators are really pushing it in the buildings. They have had Magnet school teachers and students speaking in the school buildings pushing students to join the magnet academy.
I am sure they are hoping if they can show interest they feel they can justify the academy.
I do believe Rayanne resigned before they voted on Roberts contract so she didn't have sour grapes.
Also at the board meeting last night Weaver mentioned Jay as doing a good job on the budget not Roberts.
These comments are from the article in the Beacon today.
thesmartestpersonyouwillevermeet wrote:
WOW, not that this decision is out of the way, I'm sure the District 131 kids will get a GREAT education. (Sarcasm)
2/17/2010 7:42 PM CST on suburbanchicagonews.com
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hcarr wrote:
sounds like musical chairs
2/17/2010 2:56 PM CST on suburbanchicagonews.com
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Who cares?
ISAT is in two and a half weeks, let's see if the board and their wise decisions show up in our students scores.
6:10 I do believe you are wrong. Not only was she still on the board, she didn't even have the guts to be present when she did resign!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't care if she wasn't there when she resigned and she wasn't there when you voted on the contract I wouldn't blame her with the bullies on that board. I seems you take a lot of time to degrade people and it is almost certain you are a board member that you should be doing your job of being a board member. Not all people agree and that is fine they have a right to their own opinion.
Good article in the Beacon about the West Side deciding to not have Veterans Day Off along with other district.
The School Board this week approved a plan to have kids in class on Nov. 11, which in the past was a day off for students and teachers in honor of the nation's veterans. But veterans will still be the focus, Superintendent James Rydland said.
So many other districts are moving forward to give their children a good education and what does ours worry about? Change the terms of officers ,which could of been done at the next elections with no fuss, and hiring aministrators.
Why take it out on Veterans Day why not Martin Luther as well that was a stupid idea. Try to keep the kids in school on Martin Luther and what community backlash you get.
Here is the article from the Beacon. Martin Luther Days in on the list but I think most district look at the students they have. Do you really think the students care about Veteran's Day they are just glad to be off.
West to hold classes on Veterans Day
Comments
February 18, 2010
By PAUL DAILING pdailing@stmedianetwork.com
AURORA -- Parents in the West Aurora School District should get ready to march their kids off to class next Veterans Day.
The School Board this week approved a plan to have kids in class on Nov. 11, which in the past was a day off for students and teachers in honor of the nation's veterans. But veterans will still be the focus, Superintendent James Rydland said.
What days don't they celebrate?
Illinois has five holidays it lets schools opt out of. On which of these days have local districts chosen to hold classes?
• Veterans Day -- West Aurora, Oswego, Batavia, Kaneland, Plano, Sandwich, Somonauk, St. Charles
• Lincoln's Birthday -- West Aurora, East Aurora, Oswego, Indian Prairie, Batavia, Geneva, Kaneland, St. Charles, Yorkville (Lincoln's Birthday is a separate holiday from Presidents Day.)
• Casimir Pulaski Day -- West Aurora, East Aurora, Oswego, Indian Prairie, Batavia, Geneva, Kaneland, Plano, Sandwich, St. Charles
• Dr. Martin Luther King Day -- Sandwich, Somonauk
• Columbus Day -- all local school districts have this day off
Source: School district calendars
"I know a lot of our schools are planning special events for that day," he said, saying classroom speakers and musical performances are some of the ideas that have been floated.
By state law, any school that stays open on Veterans Day must incorporate veteran-related education and a moment of silence into the school day.
The tentative plan is to have class in the morning of Nov. 11, then parent-teacher conferences in the afternoon.
"The final version, we really need to massage some more," school spokesman Mike Chapin said.
With this move, West joins the Oswego, Batavia, St. Charles, Kaneland, Plano, Sandwich and Somonauk school districts in having Veterans Day as a school day.
By state law, five holidays are optional for school districts -- Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Casimir Pulaski Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Veterans Day and Columbus Day.
West previously waived Casimir Pulaski Day (the first Monday in March) and Lincoln's Birthday (Feb. 12). Most of the local districts waive Lincoln's Birthday or use it as an institute day since it falls so close to the Presidents Day holiday on the third Monday in February).
Kaneland Curriculum Director Sarah Mumm said her district's decision to keep the schools open on Veterans Day has been popular among veterans themselves.
"The veterans -- we work very closely with them -- they love that we're in school because they come in in the morning and do programs for all our kids in the morning," Mumm said.
West is also hoping to turn what would otherwise be a day off into an education on veterans' struggles.
"They're not going to ignore the veterans, the significance of Veterans Day," Chapin said. "They're going to be giving it more attention than the kids will probably be getting at home."
I truly think in all of these 5 holidays that the students should go to school.
The Band concert was great tonight. Brian Liska is doing a wonderful job. Anything you read on this blog is a lie just visit our schools, go to a band concert and see the progress this District makes.
I agree. The concert band wasn't great (but they are freshmen), the symphonic band was ok (nothing to write home about) but the Wind Ensemble was AMAZING!! Never would have heard music like that with K around.
District 203 doesn't take any holidays off anymore. The go through straight. They just get the two week winter break and one week spring break. Other than that they are going 5 days a week.
The band concert was OK. Wind ensemble was very good but I have heard equally good performances if not better under K's direction.
After the stories about Liska and the performance of the Band and this blog attacks you really wonder about anything Weaver and Carlson fought for. How sad to be so negative. Hats off to Marin for making the change.
No, "hats off" to Marin (and Joe Harmon) for supporting a personal vendetta and BULLYING Mr. K out of his high-school teaching job!
Don't think for a minute that we will forget exactly who was responsible for one of the darkest chapters in D131's recent history. The vast majority of band directors in the state of Illinois are very aware of what happened to their colleague 5 years ago, and would never consider teaching in this district because of it.
Mr. Liska is doing the best he can; it was not his fault that he was rushed in at the last minute by those bully administrators. But as long as anyone who was responsible is still working for US, we will not be silent!
Go see a performance over in Indian Prairie and then tell me about what a great band we have. The statements on here tell me that either the administration is on here trying to cover their incompetence or the community has no idea about what a real program is. With the right support, these kids could be doing so much more.
There are plenty of recordings of East High band performances under Mr. Kaisershot's direction. Go ahead--listen and compare, if you dare.
But you won't, because it's so much easier to just defend the bully administration's disastrous decision 5 years ago.
You are wrong about D203 they have Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King day off. Who is telling stories now.
Sorry Mr. Perfect. I didn't mean to disturb you in your glass house.
I wasn't comparing Kaisershots Band to Liskas Band, I was comparing the East High Band to other area bands. Under both directors, they couldn't compete with the other area schools.
true, but at least under Liska, EAHS band is playing music that the other area high schools play - not like the middle school music K had his high school students playing.
Mr. K did NOT have the high school kids play middle-school music! That is a LIE started (probably by bully administrators) a few years ago to try to excuse the band's poor sound.
Go ahead and compare the programs from this year's EHS band concerts with Mr. K's groups years ago--you will see several of the SAME pieces listed.
Oh, but some of the kids who played in the "Extravaganza" solo event the past couple of years DID play pieces intended for middle-schoolers. That's not exactly the improvement promised by bully administrators 5 years ago, is it?
The worst band of the three middle schools is clearly Simmons. Waldo has the best band.
Somebody posted this on the previous thread:
Do you know that Liska only teaches part time and draws a full salary.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
If this is true, it wouldn't be Mr. Liska's fault but another attempt by bully ADMINISTRATORS to keep him happy and keep him from jumping ship. If this is true it is just one more example of those ADMINISTRATORS making choices for arrogance and trying to cover up their blunders.
Get the real story. Liska is teaching part time and getting a full time salary. Mr. K stood up to Gonzales and would not have his band play at the freshman football and basketball games, all the girls' basketball games, and wrestling matches. He told her that a lot of the kids had jobs and could not do that many dates. He got "transfered" for standing up for the students. I don't know Mr. K or Liska. If some of the things I hear going on at east high are true big changes need to happen. Teachers being assulted and nothing being done. Of course no star basketball player has hit the principal like at west.
Yeah, get the real story from a bunch of faceless morons on a blog that don't have a damn clue how to do anything. Don't ask people that actually know anything.
9:57, good luck asking some of our administration ANYTHING--it's either like talking to a brick wall, or they pretend they're surprised there's a problem.
And seems to me you're pretty "faceless" yourself, Anonymous 9:57!
I'm not complaining about how our schools are run. You are, I don't need to ask anything.
Here is a idea that will really find out how the community, teachers and parents feel about the district, superintendent and administration have a independent survey. If they can take trips they could hire someone to do it and see how everyone feels.
There are some board members that just go a long with the superintendent and administration thinking they have all the answer and that is not true. We have been stuck in the same place for a long time with no change.
I asked for that survey to happen prior to a contract being signed for the superintendent. Without going into too much detail. I wanted to see all staff be able to take part and also offer a community section.
My employer issues a survey that is online and anonymous and allows for all employees to participate answering questions concerning the company, managers and about many related subject matter to get a well rounded picture of how everyone perceives the business they work for. The response portion is spread thru a range of 7 options from strongly disagree to strongly agree.
Need I say...it was denied to happen prior to the contract and I have heard no mention of it since. Maybe the new board president will make it happen.
Where I work they do the same thing. I have seen in the Beacon that some districts do that also.
I think they are too afraid of what will be said.
This blog is kinda like a survey, isn't it?
If you mean a bunch of lies and half-truths along with slandar.
lol no slander just the truth.
You keep thinking that.
So residents of East Aurora you think Stephanie is a bad Alderman. Well here are some articles about your Jerome Roberts when his wife did not get her way with the residents of Shorewood she just sued them alleging they had been discriminated against because he is black and she is white.
CHICAGO -- A lawsuit alleging racist practices by a Joliet developer was tossed from federal court Monday. Melody Roberts had sued River Oaks West Joint Ventures, claiming the developer discriminated against herself and her husband, Jerome, who is black. Roberts had hoped to open a full-service day care in a new home in Shorewood's Manors subdivision. She claimed a rider agreed to by the developer stated no subdivision covenants would stand in the way of her day-care
SHOREWOOD -- A Shorewood woman pushing to open a full-service day care in her future home has yet to be allowed to close on her land. Melody Roberts, who currently runs the 8-year-old Hand-N-Hand Discovery Land day care out of her current home in town, says she's being stymied by developers because of a pending lawsuit. In a federal lawsuit filed against the developer in February, the couple allege that they are victims of racial discrimination. Roberts'
I read with dismay "Racial issue tinges day-care debate" in the Wednesday edition of The Herald News. Until that article, despite trying to keep informed on the issue, I didn't know the Roberts were an interracial couple. I have talked with a number of people, including a village board member, about the Hand-n-Hand Discoveryland day care center, and no one has ever mentioned it. Thanks to the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, race has become an issue.
SHOREWOOD -- A local woman who has been fighting to reopen her home day-care business in another neighborhood has filed a lawsuit against the village alleging racial discrimination. Melody Roberts, who would like to reopen Hand-n-Hand Discoveryland in the Manors, Unit 2, subdivision, filed the lawsuit in federal court last week -- the same day Shorewood's planning and zoning commission was to discuss imposing tighter restrictions on its home day-care operators.
Wow no mention that her husband is the Superintendent of East Aurora.
Because it doesn't matter you moron.
Yes it does.
How?
Annette showed me those stories 6 months ago. She obtained them using a "background check" program her client subscribes to.
I wonder why she decided to post them now. She must be miffed with Doc.
I think someone brought this about Roberts over from Openlinebog. It is in the Kifowit posting there and was put on that blog earlier today. Maybe Doc went back to his wife.
Who cares, get over it.
We care why doesn't our Superintendent live in our district?
Mrs. Roberts should open her daycare center in Aurora! I doubt that anyone in our diverse neighborhoods here on the east side would give a second thought to the fact that her husband is Black--on the contrary, that might tip some families toward using her services. And also, Dr. Roberts would be more likely to move into the district (which he should have done once his stepkids had graduated from high school).
I heard a Board member comment recently EA has more smart boards than 204. That may be true. They are nice but not necessary to make the grade!
The ISBE & NIU announced today that 18 D204 schools received the 2009 Academic Excellence Award as part of the Illinois Honor Roll. The Academic Excellence Award recognizes schools that have sustained very high academic performance over at least three years. District 204 is second only to Chicago Public Schools in the total number of schools receiving this honor. State Superintendent Christopher Koch will present the award to District 204 principals on March 12 at May Watts Elementary School.
NIU worked with ISBE to establish criteria, identify winners of the awards and administer the Illinois Honor Roll. Award winning schools achieved at least 90 percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards in reading and mathematics for at least three consecutive years.
They talk about smart boards because they want to disguise the fact that most of the technology in D131 is worthless. We don't even have clocks that work at the high school. Smart boards, maybe we have more, but are people using them to their full capacity - NO. They are using them like they are pull down screens. What good is that? Some people who would use them or other technology don't have it. Yes, the freshman center has a lot of nice tools for teachers, what about the old parts of the building. These buildings are jokes, and if the school board does not realize that then they are jokes.
This from the Openline blog: 4:19 p.m., at least Dr. Roberts is actually working for his salary.
The previous D131 superintendent, "Serial Bully" Radakovich, is getting a six-figure pension from the State of Illinois. He is also being paid plenty by Aurora University as a men's soccer coach and professor (he teaches courses like "School & Community Relations", believe it or not!)
This would be illegal double-dipping in the private sector (Social Security instead of an administrator's pension, for example). But for someone like Radakovich, who "works" the system to his advantage it's just business as usual.
And yet another example of corrupt D131 administrators making choices for arrogance.
I didn't realize our students had laptops for their classes. These boards are a tool but I think the money would of been better spent on a new schelduling system. I hear Gates has some in there libaray that hasn't even been put up yet what a waste of money.
And I hear that some residents voleunteered to put them in, but Nestor would not allow it. Why? Obiviously, the people under him don't know how to do it, or it would have been done, right? Also, if the volunteers put them in or whatever needs to be done, it might save the districit money, because next someone knows Nestor's people probably will have to install in overtime. Oh, that is right, this district has no monies problem so we can just throw it away. Check it out, those smart boards just might have been donated.
From Openlineblog:
Anonymous said...
Who says Roberts is working for his money? I think he is not worth the money he is paid and his underhandenness. Radakovich is not double dipping, as this is my understanding from what I have bee told, as what he is doing is one of the quirks of retiring in the position he was in. Teachers can also retire and then go back and work.
2/24/10 4:37 PM
How many teachers get six-figure pensions? Many teachers need to work after retirement to make ends meet.
Having to pay huge undeserved pensions to corrupt administrators like "Serial Bully" Radakovich is one reason this state cannot fulfill its financial obligations to our CHILDREN.
Just another example of selfishness from our administration!
Many in this community also have to work after retirement after they retire from where they work and many now don't even get a retirement from their companies so let's not go that route. I'm not trying to make it look like we don't understand the teachers stand about administration and their retirements. What you need to understand is it is the state that lets this happen. We have a community with a 605 poverty rate do you really think they care that teachers or administrators get 75% of their salary when they retire I don't think so.
Complain to the state and make them change things but that won't happen.
Taken from Openlineblog:
Anonymous said...
The story about Roberts wife is from 2000 but it goes to show how when he if his wife still had the daycare center when the board hired him and gave the reason why he would stay until his stepson graduated was a lie by the board. He has misrepresented himself and a board let him. I think the parents in this district should know the truth about why he chose not to move to our district like most superintendents do. If he is such a great superintendent he should be truthful and let the community know the real reason he still lives in another city.
2/24/10 7:54 PM
The state lets it happen but we are the ones who vote in the ones who let it happen.
I hear that we are moving up technologically. Apparently the district approved I Phones for all the districts administrators.
I just looked them up on-line and they go from $400 to $800 each. You then multiply that by 50 administrators, you get somewhere between $20,000 and $40,000 spent on I Phones.
Next you have to add the cost of a phone service. At $100 a month for service per phone, that comes to $5,000 a month or $60,000 a year.
These are just estimates as we have not seen this announced publicly but these prices are fairly normal.
How it helps our kids, I don't know but I do know that the administrators do have this perk.
It's amazing we can't get a computer or printer for the kids but we have money to take care of the administrators.
Actually the iphone plan is about $150 per month.
Hey everyone the Jazz Band just got first place at University of Chicago. The program is growing. The Jazz concert was great no words of praise this blog. Kaisershot was destroying the Band with dropping enrollments Liska is bring back to the Band of old. That shows the negative lies that are always spread here.
10:48 p.m., just one more example of administrators making choices for arrogance.
Wow, I'm in my classes telling students to remember their work from one day to the next so the district can save a dime on copying costs and the administrators are spending $100,000 a year so they don't have to pay for their own personal cell phones.
It's absolutely hopeless trying to fight this board and administrations poor decisions and greed.
The EHS Jazz Band did NOT get "first place". They may have received a Division I rating (if so, congratulations are definitely in order), but that is NOT the same as a "first place"! Division I means that judges decided they gave a superior performance; first place means that they were competing against other jazz groups and were judged the best over all (like in the Olympics). Big difference!
And 7:02 mentions negative lies--and tells a big whopper themselves! "Kaisershot was destroying the band" is just plain untrue; the truth is that certain ADMINISTRATORS chose to bully him out of his high-school teaching position, and have been trying to cover up their blunder for the past 5 years.
So this is why they needed the referendum I thought is was for the kids. There is no reason for the administration to have these things they are just play toys for them.
The last six months what has this board done to better educate the children Nothing.
They have hired more administration, renewed the superintendents contract may Boys II Men a buiness partner and fought amoung themselfs. Not one new thing for the kids.
I have to as if they can get IPods for the administration why can't they get a better scheduling system for the teachers.
So where are all the posters posting here? Do you go to the meetings and talk before the board? Some of us do but very, very few. This district is getting what it deserves as we are allowing it to happen. If you cannot make the meetings, email the superintendant and board members. Vote each and every board member out when they are up for re-election. Run for the board yourself. Remember Johnson said this district is doing fine fiscally and we should believe everything she says and bascially insinuates we should not doubt her or check ourselves. Everyone needs to get some male appendages and take the bull by the horns and do something and quit blaming everyone but ourselves and stop expecting everyone else to do it for us and do it ourselves. Most of this district is setting use bad examples for the children that it is not near funny! Then people wonder why when their children are grown and suppose to be taking charge of their own lives, why they are not doing it. I can figure out why this happens, can anyone else out there do it? I wish I had a penny for all the excuses everyone has, as I would be a billoninare twice or thrice over!!!!!
Lay-off notices, program being cut, every school district in trouble. Districts 131 is the only District not in financial trouble. The teachers have alot to be thankful for the are not facing hard times like their counterparts.
Yeah, our teachers should be happy they are one of the lowest paid.
Isn't the budget for next year based partly on what they think the state will give them for next year and the state is already saying that it will be less for all districts so what happens if we don't get what was projected for this budget?
Get the superintendant and administrators Ipods, that is what they did. Interperters for the Spanish that do not show up to meetings. If I was a person from another country that spoke a different language, I would be irrate. Most of the board, superintendant(person to help him since he is legally blind), administrators, etc. that will go to conferences that this new board said they would not do, but are now doing it. Then they do not show up for those conferences, and we are stuck with the bills. Things like this is what the have budgeted. I for one, still do not believe that we are fiscally alright. Time will tell. That whole board needs to go except for Hull. I'd be willing to give him a chance at this point. AJ is the one who needs to be put to pasture the most.
since the Smartboard issue was brought up: I am a teacher at the high school and I have a Smartboard in my room, but NO PROJECTOR with which to use it! So thousands of dollars worth of technology is completely useless because the department budget isn't allowed to be used to by a $300 projector! Such a sad waste of what should be a great resource for my students.
Oh, but the administration CAN brag about the number of Smartboards there are--they just don't mention whether or not they can be used. Why should they care? It's all about their IMAGE, not about doing what's in the best interests of our children!
How many projectors (and other equipment for our high school students' educational benefit) COULD have been purchased with the many thousands of dollars spent on the musical? Specifically, the EXTRA thousands spent on a guest director and adult professional musicians?
Once again, ADMINISTRATORS making choices for arrogance.
In The Beacon today;
One of the districts that had not been projecting massive cuts is East Aurora. The district had made deep cuts in past years, so it wasn't expecting to make any cuts for 2010-2011, school spokesman Clayton Muhammad said.
However, the governor's proposed budget could change that.
"That makes it our top priority to meet with the administration to map out what this will do within the district," Muhammad said.
Where did they make those deep cut certainly not with administration they hired more. If what they say is true and we have to make cuts you can be sure it is the teachers and students that will be affected but we can be so proud our administrators have IPods.
From Openline blog this morning:
Anonymous said...
So far the East Aurora School system is not in trouble yet. With Quinn proposing a 15% reduction in money given for each student they may be. Here is the reason why bloated salaries
I am sure all you poor teachers will write you are the most under-paid. Maybe the other Districts should have not overpaid. Teachers in Illinois have the most generous pension system out of 49 states yet education ranks 46th. Teachers only work 9 months out of the year lets not forget that. It is time for pay freezes and it is time for school district to ask for unpaid days. See is any of the tax payers care if you strike the kids don't learn anyway.
To the teacher who just complained take your lazy you know what walk down the hallway and borrow one.
2/26/10 8:44 AM
February 26, 2010 7:49 AM Anonymous said...
8:44, good luck borrowing a projector from down the hall! That teacher's whole department can't justify spending $300 on a necessary piece of equipment for the students--they're told that the money just isn't in the budget this year.
But meanwhile the administration at EHS sees fit to spend many THOUSANDS of dollars above and beyond the usual costs of funding the annual musical, to pay for a guest director and adult professional musicians.
Preserving their image and covering up blunders is more important to those administrators than spending our (very scarce) tax dollars on necessary classroom equipment.
Arrogance and disregard for the best interests of our students is "business as usual" at East High, and will be as long as Dr. Gonzalez and Mr. Harmon are still working in D131!
2/26/10 10:15 AM
With all these business partners you would think they could get them by buy some projectors. But for the kind a school needs they would cost more.
The administrators got IPods what value does those give to our students.
As far as walking down the hall maybe both teachers need one at the same time. This would be where an updated scheduling system might work but oh wait the administration need IPods more.
just so you know, since you keep bringing it up, Mr. Wheeler gave up his stipend, so there was no extra money paid out for Ms. Hawks to direct the musical this year. And the adult musicians were part of the budget for the musical - which is predetermined. So no extra money was spent (beyond what has been spent every year - including when K was teaching at the high school).
I went back and looked at the board packets and check register to see if I could see if Hawks got paid the stiped and it is no where in any of those places. So if she really did not get paid there is no way the average person can see that so it means that someone who can see it posted it.
Another example how the district really isn't transparent. If you look at other districts they have the personnel salary in their packet for all to see and it looks like our district just has it in the boards packet why the secrecy?
If the district were being transparent, they would make Claytons salary public.
You can FOIA Claytons salary.
If the district was being as transparent as they claim they are, I wouldn't need to FOIA Clayton's salary.
All salaries paid by the district should be made public. Why are the salaries at the central office so secret? What are they receiving in benefits and what do pay for that coverage? What is the district hiding and why are they hiding it?
Enough secrets.
You are right they do claim to be transparent but they are not. There have been some on the board that have tried to make it so everyone can see those things but have been shut down. Some on the board are so happy we made A+ at Standards&Poor and claim we are in good shape but they don't let the public see the same things they see in their board packets. For those that praise the superintendent and the administration for what they do but will not let the public see everything.
So as we talk about it think about it no one in this community stands up. Yes, some have tried it before and not got anywhere but this is a new day and if you notice there is alot in the papers about schools now so if we as a community stands up now maybe there would be a little more press and different results. It doesn't stop at the school level either you need to make a big sound to the state and their representatives to let them know we are tried of it. It won't happen over night but Yes WE CAN make a statement if the community stands up.
Since we keep being told, the ones of us who do go to meetings, thay we are alright fiscally, why should there there even be a problem with cutting or letting anyone go? Bet if they do let anyone go, it will not be administrators or any of the new "new" positions they have made. So much for that new reting we have.
Overpaid maintence men who call for private contractors for easy repairs,our secretaries who are the highest paid in the area, lowest paid teachers, priceless
Maybe now they'll have to take a closer look at certain people who are being paid a full-time salary and only working part-time--like at the high school.
I wonder who 1:52 could possibly be referring to??
Nobody
Oh really? That's very interesting.
I thought so. It's always very interesting about the things the go on there in those strange places. I never quite can figure out who the thing is really about or when something like that crazy event is going to take place again.
I totally know what you are talking about. Sometimes those things just get on my nerves, but other times the things don't bother me that much. I guess it just depends on your point of view.
Wow, I never really thought about it that way before.
From another Blog. I guess D129 has problems too.
A large contract extension was passed over Christmas for Jim Rydland. He will go back to Seattle with over $300,000 per year. He will get a pension plus annuity. The Beacon was told but no story. Now us teachers in d129 have to have our contracts renegotiated ,or many will receive lay-off notices this March. Do not tell us he provides a better education because our Hispanics and black students have lower test scores than d131. In fact our Bilingual program is not fully supported and District. D131 teachers receive free educational stipends training. As far as the smart boards at least d131 has them. Maintenance wise all money has been stopped and 3 building have leaking roofs all winter. We have only one Board member Angie Smith that asks questions. Student discipline is horrible over 50 kids have been expelled already.
Yeah, we should have one school District run by East you seem to have more residents who actually care. Sure we make more money on paper, but d131 benefits are better. We are also going to be asked to take unpaid time off. We need a d129 blog.
What do you need a blog for? This blog hasn't done ANYTHING FOR ANYBODY
One thing the West Superintendent did when the referendum passed when the time came was to give the teachers a raise.
As far as smartboards maybe they thought another project are some other piece of equipment would serve the district better. It seems the
East side has smartboards that aren't even being used.
come on more people go to the board meetings on the West Side than on East so you are kidding yourself is you think the East Community cares more.
The East side Superintendent will go back to Joliet where his wife runs a daycare so what is the difference if the West side superintendent goes back to Seattle and how do you know that?
Is teaching only 4 classes per day considered a full-time load? And if not, should a teacher get a full-time salary?
Did Roberts go back to his wife? He lives in Aurora and am not sure if he and his wife is still separated or divorced now. Won't it make her brown eyes blue(?), the one person on the board who seems to have a much obivious thing for Roberts. West side you really do not want to become a part of this district. There is more behind closed doors than you are aware of and it will hit that fan.
Nobody cares
Nobody cares about this stupid blog, or the stupid people that post their lies and half-truths. You people accuse administrators and teachers of things that aren't true. You are on a witch hunt, and will blow any small thing out of proportion. Fine a life and get over it already. This districts finances are fine, and even when an outside company says that we are doing well, you still don't believe it. What the hell do you want?
Many of us DO care very much how our tax dollars are spent! That's why we look over this district's budget with a fine tooth comb, questioning expenditures that seem excessive or unnecessary.
Like, for example, are we paying a full-time salary to a teacher who is only teaching 4 classes per day?
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Okay, the fat lady's warmed up--wonder what she's going to sing?
Probably "We're In the Money"!
Or maybe "I Don't Care"--that is, if she's got money to throw away on full-time salaries for part-time teachers!
How about "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?"
Guess that is why the superintendant and administrators all go Ipods. Students of cours, do not need new books, what about those smart boards, many things that one could think of, forget about the students and what the teachers may need for teaching them. Just because some do not believe what is being stated about this district fiscally does not mean they are on a witch hunt. What is wrong about stating an opinion? The stock market, banks, etc, were doing fine according to the powers that be until they crashed, hit rock bottom, right? Just follow the piped piper, or the brown eyed one maybe turnig blue.
I don't think we are accusing the teachers of anything but not having a good scheduling system and not getting a fair wage. The administrators do though and they got an IPOD.
It was said that Enron was doing good to but look what happened to them.
WOW 24 million in federal stimulus no wonder they can buy iphones
according to the contract teaching 4 DIFFERENT classes IS FULL TIME!! so quit being such a moron by implying that there are teachers getting payed full-time salaries for working half-time. They are all working full-time, you ignorant idiot!
Where in the contract does it say teaching 4 classes is a full load? My contract says 5 for the high school and 6 for the middle school.
"Preparations" refers to different classes:
5.3 Preparations At the secondary level, it shall be the general practice to assign teachers no more than three (3) preparations.
Where it is necessary to assign more than three (3) preparations, such assignments shall be reasonable and equitable and in the best interests of the students' and teachers' needs. Such assignments shall be made in consultation with the teacher, and the following guidelines shall be the criteria for such assignments: 1. The interest, experience and training of the teachers;
2. The number of specific subject preparations and the number of ability levels within the specific subjects.
3. The nature of the subject taught ir. terms of time needed for preparation, method of evaluation, handling of special equipment and apparatus, and handling of materials and supplies.
So teachers at the high school who have to prepare for 4 different classes are working full-time.
As I see it Annette Johnson is a big problem on the 131 board. Ever since here election (not because people thought she would be good, but because she had the most american sounding name of Johnson)she has caused all kinds of problems behind the scenes. She is the one who wants to run weaver out and put herself in place. She could care less about the academics of the district which should be its number one priorty. She acts like a fiscal watchdog, but has shown absoultely no results from this self appointed tilte. As president you have to have a personality too to get things done and she has none (at least professionally). Her behavior since being elected is just proves she is a weisner plant. Nothing has yet changed at district 131. It still is one of the worst districts in the state and she supported keeping Dr. Roberts who has proven himself to be ineffective. Be careful 131 board you may want to rethink who you are going to elect as president. Be careful!
There are a lot of problems and the main problem is greed. Money colors everything a bad color. The other problem is power. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. It seems juvenile and simple, but people need to looks past themselves and try to figure out real answers. I'm talking about administrators, board members, teachers, and community members. We need to stop programs that only help a few, and put materials in the teachers hands that can help students. We need to stop taking kids out of classes that keep them interested in school. We need to stop implementing programs for MONEY. We need to implement programs that teach students something.
To: February 28, 2010 10:43 AM
I'm sorry but you are reading that wrong. Class preps are referring to how many different classes you have to prepare lessons for. In other words, if I teach 5 classes of 9th grade language arts, I am only preparing for one class. I can use the same basic lesson plan for all five classes.
It has nothing to do with full time versus part time status.
Gee, I wish I could work 4 hours each day and be paid for eight!
The grass is always greener on the other side, isn't it? If you think it's such a great job, why don't you do it? There are always teaching openings.
Let's take a choir director as an example. Suppose he or she directs 6 different groups during the course of a school day. The groups may be practicing different music, but the director doesn't have to spend 6 times as much prep time, because what usually happens during a choir rehearsal is warming up, running through pieces, and fixing trouble spots.
That's different from, say, a math teacher who has Algebra I and II, Trig, Pre-Calculus, and AP Geometry. That teacher definitely does need to prepare 5 different lesson plans--as well as grade 5 different sets of homework papers.
Shouldn't we be getting maximum value for our money? Why are some teachers being coddled and paid full-time salaries for considerably less actual work than others?
That's why there is that clause in the contract. If there are going to be more than three preps they have to be distributed evenly amongst teachers. You don't have one teacher with two preps and another with five preps.
Through scheduling, the administration can create an equitable system. Of course, we know that some administrators have difficulty with scheduling like Wilson Morales at Simmons. The place is a mess because he can't do a basic schedule.
There are an inequitable number of preps for teachers and classes that are way to large or small, at times dangerously so.
Unfortunately, as we all know, there are administrators with personal vendetta's against teachers and the administrators pets. Simmons is just the extreme example of this.
If the schedule was basic I don't think there would be a problem. Now, I'm not saying that it should be as bad as it is, but let's not call scheduling a school "basic" because it isn't.
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