Is it possible for a school district to have a high degree of transparency and accountability, as well as maintain a positive image in the community? Can we "agree to disagree" on some issues, while having as our ultimate goal doing what's best for students?
And what questions would we ask those candidates who are hoping to represent us on the School Board this spring?
211 comments:
1 – 200 of 211 Newer› Newest»The following is part of the new rules for Internet use, to be presented at tomorrow's School Board meeting:
"Employees are to refrain from electronically posting in publicly accessible websites any statements, documents, or photographs that might cast the employee, students, or the District in a negative, scandalous, or embarrassing light. The effective education of our students depends in large part on the public's perception of the degree of professionalism and integrity demonstrated by our employees"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow--paranoid much?
Even if something is TRUE (able to be documented), people aren't supposed to mention it if it's negative or embarrassing?
Welcome to the nanny district. Or the Socialist Republic of East Aurora.
"...the public's perception..."
Isn't that the same as IMAGE?
The board should research court cases regarding public employees and their 1st Amendment rights before trying to consider such a policy. A public employee does not lose their 1st Amendment rights just because they are employed by a school district. Nor does a school board have the power to create their own laws or remove a persons constitutionally protected rights.
If the school board finds the actions of some of their employees negative, scandalous or embarrasing, perhaps they should deal with the employees commiting the acts instead of the employees who reveal it.
They may also want to look into Illinois' Whistleblower Law. A State Agency can not retaliate against any employee for exposing the wrongdoing, fraud, corruption and/or waste or illegal actions by their superiors. This is essential for a transparent and efficient government.
Simply put, a policy like this is illegal and should be rejected.
It will not be good for Clayton
Nothing legal is ever good for Clayton.
How about the district getting administration to get grade scores up?
This proposed policy is copied word-for-word from the Manatee County (Florida) School Board last September. It has resulted in a firestorm of legal debate (and generated many thousands of dollars in legal fees for attorneys on both sides of the issue). Here's just one example of a discussion on a Florida law firm's blog:
"...This blog provided information in September and October of 2010 about the Manatee County, Florida School District/School Board’s proposed imposition of a social media policy upon Manatee County School employees. The Manatee Education Association – the teacher’s union – filed an administrative action with the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings protesting the proposed policy. The case was scheduled for a hearing in January of 2o11.
In December of 2010, the Manatee School Board and School District entered into an agreement with Manatee Education Association – the teacher’s union in Manatee County – to “stay” the proceedings before the Department of Administrative Hearings. Based upon a Joint Motion filed by the parties, the case will be put on hold for a year because:
The parties have since conferred about the issues alleged in the Petition to Invalidate Proposed Rule and foresee that a resolution may be possible. However, settlement discussions between the parties may be ongoing for several months and, depending on whether the proposed rule is altered in the interim, the Petition may be mooted by subsequent changes"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Does our administration and School Board really think that enforcing this type of "nanny" policy would be a good use of our district's resources?
So under the proposed policy would it be prohibited to quote verbatim from the Chicago Tribune about Louis Farrakhan's support of Gadhafi & Hitler, if a district administrator publicly emulates Farrakhan?
The proposed policy mentions only EMPLOYEES. It says nothing about employees' family members, community members, or alumni.
Many times employees who have been mistreated by administration try to make the best of it & are just grateful to have a job. It's their spouses, friends, kids, etc. who keep speaking out and reminding the community.
And there's not a damn thing administrators can do to protect their precious "image".
There is something that the administrators could do to protect their precious "Image". They can quit doing illegal, immoral and ethically questionable actions.
It's not hard but it does require thinking of the children before themselves. I think it becomes more difficult for two reasons. 1) Sitting at the Central Office, it's hard to see the children and become personally involved in their lives and 2) They seem to only be interested in one thing, their large paychecks.
The day that a teacher / administrator stops putting the children first is the day they should resign.
Here's what the "Honorable" Louis Farrakhan said to radio host Cliff Kelley on WVON-AM 1690 Chicago this past Friday (they were discussing President Obama and the situation in Libya):
FARRAKHAN: "I warn my brother (Obama)--do you let these wicked demons move you in a direction that will absolutely ruin your future with your people in Africa and throughout the world...Why don't you organize a group of respected Americans and ask for a meeting with Qaddafi, you can't order him to step down and get out, who the hell do you think you are?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Farrakhan's friend Qaddafi is bombing cities in Libya, killing innocent civilians by the thousands. Yet Farrakhan remains outspokenly supportive of Qaddafi's regime.
And our Community Relations Director emulates Farrakhan.
What kind of effect does that have on our district's image?
WOW.....Look.....There goes the point.
moron.
10:31 must not understand the meaning of the word "image".
Or maybe they think our CRD's association with Farrakhan is a positive thing.
So, no talk about this.
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STATE RANKS D131 IN TOP FINANCIAL CATEGORY!
The Illinois State Board of Education has released its 2011 School District Financial Profile, which monitors the finances of school districts throughout Illinois.
For the second consecutive year, Aurora East School District 131 has received ‘Financial Recognition’ ranking, which is the highest category of financial strength. District 131 is one of only three school districts in Kane County to receive this status for two consecutive years.
The School District Financial Profile was developed with the invaluable assistance of school superintendents, school business administrators, financial advisors, lawyers, and bond brokers throughout the state. This system replaced the “Financial Watch List and Financial Assurance and Accountability System” that had been used for the assessment of a school district’s financial health.
The complete 2011 School District Financial Profile can be viewed at the Illinois State Board of Education’s website at http://www.isbe.state.il.us/sfms/p/combined_county.pdf
---------
I guess District 131 does not waste money as much as you all would like to claim.
When I asked for items for my classroom this year, I was told, there is no money. Every penny spent in my classroom came out of my own pocket this year. When we mention repairs that need to be done to the buildings, we are told the same thing, there is no money to do the repairs. There are areas of our buildings that have needed work for 20, 30, 40 years or more and they are not taken care of.
I understand that it looks good on paper and administrators like to brag about it but the question is; Are the children getting what they deserve?
If the district is wallowing in all this cash, perhaps they should be using it for the benefit of the kids. No one gets smarter looking at the districts bottom line.
We have buildings that are falling apart, roofs that leak, bricks falling off, molding ceiling tiles, parking lots strewn with pot holes and all other sorts of disrepair.
We have text books that are twenty years old, classrooms with out supplies, etc. etc. etc.
All these problems and the district is bragging about all the money they have in the bank?
When are we ever going to put the children first???
Hey 2:41 p.m., ever hear of Donors Choose?
To: March 23, 2011 4:18 PM
So I should go beg the public for money to run my classroom while the administration refuses to support the children and brag about all the cash they have?
Wow, you have a warped sense of values!
Or you can get done what you need to get done for the benifit of your students while trying to persuade the district to increase your funding.
Hmmmm. Maybe you should try to be a little more positive.
I've taught in other districts. In August, on the first day of school, I was always aware what my budget was for the year. None of the staff had to go beg anyone for the basics needed in their classrooms.
They didn't have to go to Donors Choose, the East Aurora Foundation or any other charity group. The district supported their children and classrooms.
As I'm sure can guess, in those districts, we had administrators who were competent and placed the welfare of the children ahead of their own "Image".
What a concept! A school district can plan the budget before the school year begins.
That referendum that was not needed and any extra monies go for helpers for Clayton, new postions for administration, administrations raises and health insurance and a sorry superintent, who is the one who messed up and said we needed that referendum. Whoops, forgot he wanted more money for basically doing nothing. He sure bambozzled Jonhson and Lewis who got his worthless contract thru.
@ anyone talking about teacher speech
Actually because of the Supreme Court's Garcetti decision in 2006, public employees can be terminated for comments they make if it can be proven that those comments were related to their position rather then as a private citizen.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garcetti_v._Ceballos
If you play that out to it's logical conclusion, then any time a public employee talks about their job they could be fired if the employer doesn't like it. The limits of this case have yet to be tested, but the possibility is there...I personally think this case sets a terrible president.
Garcetti is much more specific than a public employee speaking against their employer. It's about a public employee speaking "publicly" about their employer as "part of their official duties".
A couple of examples to help clarify.
A principal sitting in their office writes on a blog that their superintendent made a poor decision regarding a situation. This "is" constitutionally protected free speech.
The same principal speaking at a school event in front of the community makes the same comments that they made about their superintendent on the blog. This "is not" constitutionally protected free speech.
The simple difference is whether or not the actions by the principal were part of their official duties. If they were part of their official duties, their actions can be included by their employer in the employees evaluation.
Even this very specific difference is very controversial and 4 of the 9 Supreme Court Justices opposed it.
Just because a public employee is "AT" work doesn't mean that they give up their constitutionally protected rights. Their public actions can only be evaluated if they are done as part of their official duties.
to March 23, 2011 8:38 PM -
AMEN! Along with Gonzales & Turza.
Keep that in mind when voting, Turza is part of the present, following blindly, problem.
Don't forget Hull who gets all kind of favors from administration. Don't think he would have not voted along with them.
The only one who is not a insider is Cuderia and no one knows her. When Carlson & and now Weaver will be off the Board there will be no accountability
From today's Beacon News:
AURORA — The five West Aurora School Board candidates participated in a forum at Aurora University Wednesday evening, answering questions about the budget, discipline, bilingual education and the other challenges the district faces.
The forum was sponsored by the Superintendent’s Community Advisory Council and consisted of three segments. The first involved introductions, the second brought every candidate onto the stage independently to answer the same two questions; and in the third segment all five candidates had a chance to answer audience questions.
Amie Thompson, Allyson Herget, Robert Gonzalez, Maricela Perez and Angie Smith are vying for four open seats in the April 5 election. Candidates were asked one change they would like to see take place on the district level.
~~~~~~~~~~
Where's OUR School Board candidates' forum??
BTW, the "Robert Gonzalez" who is running for D129 School Board is married to none other than Marin Gonzalez.
Poor guy.
Did anybody see this in the beacon today???
AURORA — The five West Aurora School Board candidates participated in a forum at Aurora University Wednesday evening, answering questions about the budget, discipline, bilingual education and the other challenges the district faces.
The forum was sponsored by the Superintendent’s Community Advisory Council and consisted of three segments. The first involved introductions, the second brought every candidate onto the stage independently to answer the same two questions; and in the third segment all five candidates had a chance to answer audience questions.
Amie Thompson, Allyson Herget, Robert Gonzalez, Maricela Perez and Angie Smith are vying for four open seats in the April 5 election. Candidates were asked one change they would like to see take place on the district level.
---------------------
I wonder if East is going to have a candidates forum?
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date, Oh Enlightened One.
A candidates' forum--what a wonderful idea!
From your mouth to Allah's ears.
That is a very good article in the Beacon about the candidates. To think the Superintendents council made it happen goes to show how a good district works. I did find it interesting what Gonzalez's husband said maybe we should look into this also.
Gonzalez said he wants to “take a look at all the departments and make sure we’re spending money wisely.”
They did not have a forum for East central office was to concerned they would come off as the fools they are.
Last time they had some candidates they wanted to look bad this year they are all their candidates
I love how "all the east candidates are bad."
Just a question? Who stopped you from running? Did the central office rip up your application? Did Clayton tell you not to run?
Who knows if they're good, bad, or somewhere in the middle UNLESS there's some kind of public forum (or they're interviewed in the paper)?
But "Farrakhan's Disciple" must not think it's important enough to organize something like that. He must have "better" ways to use the time WE are paying for.
Robert Gonzalez is running for the West Aurora School Board.
I guess Marin's trying to stack the deck in her favor for when the East and West Side districts are merged into one.
I guess it just shows that there is no limit to what an administrator will do to try and keep their job.
11:30
That is probably the dumbest thing I have ever heard. It does not even make any sense. You think the state moves so fast that districts would be combined within the next couple of years? And you think there woulnd't just be a whole new election.
Stifle your hatred before you post such stupidity. It's getting in the way.
Marin Gonzalez was one of the bullies from the band mess 6 years ago. She has a record of nastiness and vindictiveness towards teachers from way back when she was at Waldo.
And she and her husband have at least one son who has had serious trouble with the law.
Just the facts, like it or not!
There might be hope in Mary Fultz that is running for school board. She actually made sense and sounded good when speaking before the board at the last meeting. Turza is a joke. She really does not know anything at all yet. She is worse than a puppet on a string. Gonzales is still quite mad at Roberts for her daughter being fired so she is going against him. Hull is a time bomb waiting to explode. He is a wild card and will probably do more harm than good. Lewis is showing some backbone but for how long? Teachers now realize that Weaver has always been for them and wants to know why she is leaving. We all reap what we sow.
Why isnt our President Johnson calling for the referendum tax increase to be rescinded? That was the platform her mother ran on 4 years ago. remember that? No tax referendum. Now her daughter is going through the money it like a drunkin sailor and turing her back on all the people on the east side who are over the eyeballs in taxes and no retail base to offset it.
Central office gossip is Roberts & Johnson turned on one another. He used Central Office staff to oust her and that did not work because Johnson knows were all of Roberts bones are parked. Look for this one to turn interesting everyone is walking on egg shells. The latest is Roberts has got his henchman telling Central Office to lay off and let things quite down and wait for the new Board.
He is worried about Foltz he thought she was the new Wells. Clayton helped get money for Cervantez & Foltz so they could have signs. Roberts even had her in 2 times to help with the platform but now that is not working at least in the case of Foltz. Cervantes will always be B2M
The referendum can not be reversed the tax payer would have to vote on it. Considering nobody cares to even run or come to meetings and ask for this is one thing. The bonds to retire are building bonds. If that happens residents will see a tax decrease however some people want to build a new middle school. The Board just purchased one building to eliminate some overcrowding in the elementary schools they say they are looking at others just read the B&G reports most of this has been Johnson so I think in the long run the tax payers will win.
To say they are spending like drunk sailors is wrong they have gained money for the last two years everyone on the Board has watched that. The sad thing is the administration is trying to change the Board because they are all doing a good job except Wells who continues to fight Roberts battles.
Maybe you should run for the Board and come solve all the problems. Lets not cast stones until you walk a mile in any one of these peoples shoes
Central office gossip was Johnson started fighting with Roberts over Cordigan & Clark. Nestor got his back up and tried to set her up. Then best friend and loser secretary Morales got involved. Now all is quite because Johnson got Roberts and now Roberts is in full retreat with his adnin's. One can only imagine the ten possible things Johnson had on him and his incompetident admin's. As the world turns at d131 now there are bets on who is the bigger bully
Johnson might have the goods on them but she won't follow through she never does even though she know the wrong they are doing she just wants the " got you factor" and then does nothing.
Sad to say, but without a candidates' forum most people will vote on name recognition. That means that "Farrakhan's Disciple" protegee Nacho Cervantes will almost certainly be elected, because his signs are all over the place.
Maybe that's why no forum is planned--the administration doesn't want people to know how sadly unqualified their hand-picked candidates really are.
Our great pr guy did not even get the Beacon to do any coverage all I remember is a big article on Cervantes and a little mention of the other candidates. Funny how that works. West Aurora has had at least four articles in the paper about their candidates. I am sure at the instruction of Roberts Clayton was told to stop any article. Problem is they are all Clayton's candidates except Cudaria he just did not what you to know how unqualified they are
It is sad to say that this district can only get candidates now that are asked by administration or the PR person. With all the children we have in this district we can't get parents to run to make sure their children get the right education. What is going to happen when they can't get anyone to run. Most of the candidates don't even realize what their role as a board member should be or the time it takes to be a good one.
March 25, 11:07 said:
"Why isnt our President Johnson calling for the referendum tax increase to be rescinded? That was the platform her mother ran on 4 years ago. remember that? No tax referendum."
~~~~~~~~~~
Mothers and daughters, husbands and wives are NOT always similar in the way they see a particular situation, or what they choose to say or do! For example, Andre Salles (from the Beacon) recently interviewed Bob Gonzalez (Marin's husband, running for D129 School Board). Salles asked:
"What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?"
And Mr. Gonzalez's response was:
"Making sure that parents understand all the decisions that are being made and the reason why they are made."
WOW! Quite a difference from bully administrator Marin Gonzalez's famous mantra "no comment, personnel issue". Hundreds of parents were asking Ms. (now Dr.) Gonzalez for the simple courtesy of an explanation, to no avail. And now her husband is running for D129 School Board on a promise to keep parents informed about the reasons behind administration's decisions.
Maybe it's true that opposites attract. And maybe Bob Gonzalez would be a good addition to the D129 School Board. He can find a job for his wife somewhere in that district, since there's not a snowball's chance in hell she'll ever be superintendent after Dr. Roberts retires!
Here's what Juan Sifuentes said in his interview with Andre Salles:
(Salles): What is the primary reason you are running for this office?
(Sifuentes):I want to make sure that the board is fiscally responsible for the tax payer’s money and that every decision that is made is truly made with the students in mind.
(Salles): What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?
(Sifuentes):I would like to do additional research and see if we can implement all-day Kindergarten. I want the students to be mentally ready for first grade. We currently have students that are not ready for first grade and the teachers are trying to catch them up, while at the same time teaching students who area caught up.
(Salles): What sets you apart from the other candidates?
(Sifuentes): I feel that I can bring fresh ideas as well as making sure that the parents of District 131 are heard.
(Salles): How long have you lived in the school district?
(Sifuentes): I have lived in the district now for 6 years. As a child I attended elementary at Oak Park, middle school at Simmons and graduated from East Aurora High School. I did move out of the district in 2000 and moved back in 2005.
(Salles): What’s your favorite thing about the school district?
(Sifuentes): I like that the school administration and the school board is trying to lower class sizes. This really helps the students learn more with one on one attention.
(Salles): What’s the biggest problem in the school district?
(Sifuentes): Low test scores along with being on the State watch list for 7 years.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mr. Sifuentes is 30 years old, and has political experience as a precinct committeeman. He works in the legal field. He is clearly highly qualified for our School Board!
Sifentes could answer those questions better than other candidates his answers are prepared at the Central Office. He is friends with Lisa & Wilson Morales that is how his child got into the Preschool. The preschool is a program that is set up for single family homes and children who can not speak English. It volumes that he would put his child ahead of another child in need. Look for him to be another Hull or Lewis always getting favors
See all comments @
http://montgomery.patch.com/articles/election-2011-east-aurora-school-board
Anyone know anything about Lorena Cundari?
She had no comments in the candidate survey.
Good article:
How to Choose a School Board Candidate: What Every Voter Should Know
Before you vote, find out here what a school board does and what to look for in candidates.
http://www.greatschools.org/improvement/volunteering/school-board-candidates.gs?content=22
Here is what Ignacio "Nacho" Cervantes said:
Candidate Questions
(Salles): What is the primary reason you are running for this office?
(Cervantes):I am running to have more parent involvement in our school and be a voice for the students of District 131. Also I want to focus on the security and safety of the children.
(Salles): What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?
(Cervantes): My single most important priority would be getting parent involvement in the district. If we get parent involvement our district can flourish to be one of top the districts in the state of Illinois.
(Salles): What sets you apart from the other candidates?
(Salles): The thing that sets me apart from other candidates is that I recently graduated from District 131 in 2010. I know the problems that are happening there and being a former student board member it gives me more knowledge of what is happening.
(Salles): How long have you lived in the school district?
(Cervantes): I have lived in District 131 since I was born. I have gone through District 131 since elementary school. I have attended Oak Park Elementary, Hermes Elementary, Simmons Middle School, and East Aurora High School.
(Salles): What's your favorite thing about the school district?
(Cervantes): My favorite thing about the district is the atmosphere; in any school I go to people treat you with respect, from the custodians all the way to the principal.
(Salles): What is the biggest problem in the school district?
(Cervantes): The biggest problem in the district is our lack in parent involvement. Parents go to their kids’ events but not to the school board meetings. I hear a lot of parents criticizing the district, when they should take the initiative and go to the school board to talk about the problems.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mr. Cervantes is a teenaged college student. He is offering NO practical solutions for the lack of parental involvement, and he must be too young to remember when many, many parents did indeed "go to the school board to talk about" a problem, to no avail.
But Mr. Cervantes has the support of "Farrakhan's Disciple" Clayton Muhammad--and because of that support, dozens of lawn signs have been placed throughout the district. Unless we decide to vote for those candidates who deserve to be elected instead of those with the most central office support, we will be VERY disappointed!
Yup, tried it once, lost, quit. Good lesson
No--tried several times. Given the middle finger by bully admins & School Board from Hell.
Didn't "quit". On the contrary, continue to remind the community who was responsible.
:)
Deserved the middle finger. Did quit, because you remind on a blog, as opposed to the school board meetings.
HUNDREDS of students, parents, and community members were given that middle finger by a handful of bully administrators. Absolutely WRONG, absolutely UNDESERVED.
And some of us have reminded the community any way we are able: blogs (plural), letters to the editor, phone calls to media, face-to-face conversations with those we work or go to church with.
"Farrakhan's Disciple" had no idea what he was talking about when he said that the issue was over.
The candidates are all Central Office. Recently the old Board started to show some backbone but that will change. Cervantes will always be a B2M and do Clayton's bidding. Sifuentes shows bad taste because of Lisa. The only hope is that Johnson & Roberts continue to attack each other because she can bully the Board into doing what is right. Tursa is a do nothing and pro administration. Foulks is in every picture with Clayton not much choice. Only hope is Johnson and that is not saying much.
The only hope we have is if the current school board fires Jerome and Clayton before the next board is seated.
The board board is going to be loaded with Clayton cronies. We are going to see a whole new level of corruption once this administration receives their blind rubber stamp.
Remember most of the members of the current board enabled Clayton and Roberts to get as far as they have and their is no way any of us will know if it will change with new members. Rumor has it that the the superintendent gave a good party for Wells a while back on the districts dime. Some will always look away when money is not spent on the best interest of our children so old or new our students will be the last on the list in this district.
I have been pleasantly surprised by what Raymond Hull has done during his recent time on our School Board. The Building and Grounds committee has been very active under his leadership. I admit that I was skeptical about Mr. Hull at first (because of his possible involvement in the hiring of "Serial Bully" Radakovich), but he has shown himself to be working for the good of our kids & our district. He'll get my vote!
Is this the same Hull who thinks the Board should pay unlimited money on cost over-runs because of his bathroom.
I'll believe it when I start seeing some things actually repaired and not just temporarily patched up in our buildings. Our janitor replaced well over 100 ceiling tiles in our building just this year because of roof leaks. areas of the buildings haven't been maintained in decades. If the district multiplied the building and grounds budget by a factor of 10, it still wouldn't be enough to bring our buildings up to par.
If Hull is in charge, he needs to work with Nestof and do what's required.
Word has it the going away party for Juanita which took place in Chicago, cost over $5000.
Not all board members attended. Maybe not all were invited?!?
Who paid for the party? If it was financed by friends of Ms. Wells or the district's business partners, that's fine.
If taxpayers footed the bill, that's absolutely wrong.
Well if you could do more than "blog" and search for porn on the internet you would have found this in the last board agenda. It is a 5 year plan for buildings and grounds for those of you who can't read.
https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/
PublicItemDownload.
aspx?ik=31082702
I am 9:35 p.m., and I did read the 5-year plan for Buildings & Grounds improvement; it's one reason why I'm voting for Mr. Hull to retain his seat on the School Board.
But thanks, 7:54 a.m., for providing this link!
:)
Yeah, 9:35, that porn thing was not directed at you. It was directed at all the other people who can't seem to see anything good.
No you the tax payer did pay it was a private party in Chicago. Also Central Office news is the big party is at Paytons's this is for admin's only maybe Hull.
If we're paying for expensive private parties, that's a good reason to vote for Sifuentes. He said:
"I want to make sure that the board is fiscally responsible for the tax payer’s money and that every decision that is made is truly made with the students in mind"
I'm willing to overlook his possibly finagling his daughter into the preschool program, to bring his attitudes & expertise onto our Board. There are no perfect candidates in this election--but there are definitely some who are better than others.
And those who are backed by "Farrakhan's Disciple" Clayton Muhammad will NOT be getting my vote!
So you are willing to over look Sifuentes taking a spot away from a financially challenged family or educational challenged family you certainly don't care for children. Or you must be Lisa because you are willing to turn the other cheek with Wilson the secretary and his coffee runs
People can say alot of things and promise alot of things I am sure Johnson & Lewis who did support the referendum or trips on the district dime said those things as well to get elected.
Yes only Lisa could spin that tail about Sifuentes.
The fools on this blog are the reason we have no good candidates. I respect Mr Hull and Ms Tursa for even wanting to run. Who would want to subject themselves to the hateful remarks on this blog.
When new teachers or administrators google the District this pops up. Who would want to be under the attack Clayton, Lisa & Roberts get.
You think this blog helps the kids it hurts them. If you think your bring issues forward why not email the board member of choice or come to a meeting.
You people are downright hateful and that is why your lives are so bitter
Someone needs to show Rayanne Carlson what respect really means. She like to talk and talk but does nothing at all, just run away like when she left the board. She really cares about the district!! Quite a few people on this website are really trying to make the candidates look bad and say that they are backed by certain people, when they are truly not. I am upset that this is truly going on, but just wait. I will see Rayanne again and will give her a piece of my mind in person. I give all of the candidates credit for trying to make the district better. My vote is for Ignacio Cervantes and Juan Sifuentes. No matter what others say not everything is true as old lady Carlson is trying to play it out.
Vote Rayanne Carlson, oh wait she quit like the quitter she is.
Dont vote for Mary Fultz, she has a criminal record.
I am not sure how someone can presume to know what I am doing or who I am. I have not campaigned for or against any candidates.
If you care to know why I "resigned" or what I think, rather than giving me a piece of your mind, ask me about what you assume is something I have said/done.
You may be surprised, not all you see on this blog is my opinion. Rarely do I comment and I have not been administering it since November.
You do not have to wait until you see me, again, feel free to call. I have not been "play(ing)it out" as you imply.
Somehow nobody believes a quitter.
There you have it. Old Lady Carlson says "I am not sure how someone can presume to know what I am doing or who I am".
Thats exactly what I am trying to prove. Nobody really knows the candidates. Like Carlson said nobody really knows who she is. If you really want to get to know them call them. They have their contact information at http://montgomery.patch.com/articles/election-2011-east-aurora-school-board.
Carlson doesnt like to be called out on lies nor do the candidates. Do your research and make sure its right before you start making up lies.
Charma is a bitch. Old lady carlson wants to talk. Hmmm. Somebody must have made enemies. I would like to be there when the two meet.
The only reason Carlson said that is because she knows that all you people on this blog are spinless and won't do a damn thing.
So now it comes out. Carlson really did say that. I thought she said she hasnt said anything on this website since November. What a liar.
So she apparantly quit the website in November? Quitter!!
Why dont you just pay her a visit. She lives on Parker.
To 4:40 pm comment.
Apperantly you also spinless since you cant even leave your name. Come on jerk.
Here's what Juan Sifuentes said in his interview with Andre Salles:
(Salles): What is the primary reason you are running for this office?
(Sifuentes):I want to make sure that the board is fiscally responsible for the tax payer’s money and that every decision that is made is truly made with the students in mind.
(Salles): What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?
(Sifuentes):I would like to do additional research and see if we can implement all-day Kindergarten. I want the students to be mentally ready for first grade. We currently have students that are not ready for first grade and the teachers are trying to catch them up, while at the same time teaching students who area caught up.
(Salles): What sets you apart from the other candidates?
(Sifuentes): I feel that I can bring fresh ideas as well as making sure that the parents of District 131 are heard.
(Salles): How long have you lived in the school district?
(Sifuentes): I have lived in the district now for 6 years. As a child I attended elementary at Oak Park, middle school at Simmons and graduated from East Aurora High School. I did move out of the district in 2000 and moved back in 2005.
(Salles): What’s your favorite thing about the school district?
(Sifuentes): I like that the school administration and the school board is trying to lower class sizes. This really helps the students learn more with one on one attention.
(Salles): What’s the biggest problem in the school district?
(Sifuentes): Low test scores along with being on the State watch list for 7 years.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mr. Sifuentes is 30 years old, and has political experience as a precinct committeeman. He works in the legal field. He is clearly highly qualified for our School Board!
Oh, because you left your name moron.
12:47 p.m., how is it "hateful" to point out our Community Relations Director's connection to Louis Farrakhan? Farrakhan is the hateful one; just read some of his most famous speeches where he defends his pal Gadhafi and calls Hitler a great man.
Our country is perilously close to sending our soldiers to Libya to fight against Gadhafi's murderous regime--and yet Clayton Muhammad refuses to distance himself from one of Gadhafi's strongest supporters.
It's not at all "hateful" to point this out!
Why if a board member knew they where not running for another term and it was coming up in April of the next year would you go to seminars for board members the year before you retired? The seminar was in Chicago. I would think that is a waste of board money and then going out after and inviting people for a dinner on the district dimes. The board members that went know this and so does the superintendent from the rumors your hear and so did Lisa. You need to go back the the check register after there trip and see what the district paid for that trip.
I'm not sticking up for Rayanne but if she wanted to post she would do it under he account and the heading would be in blue not black.
Because Juanita Wells has been a waste to 20 years are you going to Peytons for the party that will be out of your taxes as well. I hear it a lunch on April 18th and the Board is not invited well maybe Hall
March 29 at 12:47 p.m. said:
"When new teachers or administrators google the District this pops up"
And that's a GOOD thing! Everyone should know the recent history of this district (good and bad), and who was responsible for disastrous decisions.
Only morons would think that it is a good thing.
No, only morons would think that withholding information and rewriting history are good things.
Knowledge is power!
I guess you are pretty weak then.
No, those without knowledge are weak.
Moron.
:)
What. I don't get it. Can you explain it to me?
Candidates for the Oswego school board were interviewed in the Beacon today.
The election is next Tuesday. When will OUR School Board candidates be interviewed in the Beacon-News?
There you go again. Deleting things that have no negative affect on anybody but the blog administrator.
Rumer at the central office is that this blog does not matter.
Get a life.
I have, knowingly, only had one person in my life call me the names that have appeared on this blog and that was Annette Johnson, when I would not be a campaign partner with her mom for school board. Either I have PO'd someone else or she is holding a very long grudge.
~Rayanne
You could be absolutely right, March 30, 2011 4:07 PM.
But Annette was the only one that has ever spoken to me directly about her feelings towards me. I can only surmise what someone "thinks", thus the reason I stated "knowingly" called me those names.
When I attended Dieterich, 50 years ago, is when I learned a little poem about sticks and stones.
That childs poem is my reply to your infantile comment.
Rayanne "old lady" Carlson lol
Those who say knowledge is power. Make sure the knowledge you have is correct. Half of the people on here are spreading lies. Come on people remember what goes around comes around. You all beleive that Mrs. Carlson is is right about everything when she herself beleives her own lies. Find out the right information first.
So, 4:43, if half the people on here are spreading lies the other half must be spreading the truth.
It's up to each of us to decipher which is which--and provide examples or evidence.
Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely. Look no further than the central office to see this maxim in action.
I "beleive" that 4:43 p.m. needs to learn how to spell.
If old lady Carlson believes only one person has called her names she lives in a fantasy land. Many people who have had there personnel lives attacked and lied about call her plenty of names. She is a bitter old women period. It sounds like she is the one that is carrying one long grudge against everyone who lives in this District by keeping this blog going
I have known Rayanne for more than 20 years. Our kids went to D131 schools together. She has always impressed me as being a woman of high integrity, who is not afraid to speak out for doing what is in students' best interests.
Far from carrying a grudge, she has been very active in promoting dialogue among the diverse viewpoints and backgrounds in our district.
I'm sure it bothers some that events and decisions of the recent past are mentioned here. But history is what it is, and it's better to discuss things openly than try to brush the less-pleasant things under the rug.
What are the lies that Rayanne has said? Let us know so those of us that might know the truth can comment.
She said that Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny aren't real.
Too bad, she is probably the one saying good things about herself. Rayanne is one ugly lady. She needs Botox and a lot more. :)
7:07 comment "What are the lies that Rayanne has said? Let us know so those of us that might know the truth can comment".
Did we hurt someone's feelings? That is exactly what she does when she talks about other people before knowing the truth. She tries to teach value and yet she likes to talk behind people's back and thinks its okay.
She is a scumbag. I am glad she quit. Who needs her anyways. Nobody likes a quitter.
You know my mom told me that the easter bunny and Santa wasn't real when I was 8 years old I didn't need Rayanne to tell me.
Most of the current board, superintendent, administration and central office has been lying to this district for a long time. That group only care about their own personal agenda's and their pocket books. They have lost site of what community members voted them in for and that is to educate the children of this district. I will say that it isn't easy but most are working on their needs not the districts.
There is a lot to talk about behind people's back in this district and they just don't like it when the truth comes out or someone stands up and says what is going on in this district isn't ok. Again what are the lies she is telling?
Nope it isn't Rayanne saying some of the things on here and I might not agree with her all the time but I don't have to be nasty about it. I would quit also being on the board has to be like having a nail stuck in your head with all the egos going on there and it isn't for the best of the students of the district.
to 7:32. No when you run for a position that means you stick with it and do the best you can. You dont quit in the middle of it. Come on.
Rayanne is ugly.
Whatever you feel about Rayanne I must say you are childlike in you comments at least she can comment on a adult level.
Why no mention of Carol Farnum's quitting the School Board? Could it be because Ms. Farnum was one of the old-guard secretive School Board From Hell?
People, People lets concentrate on the candidates for school board. You guys are correct Cundari and that is the way it is spelled not Cundaria. She is in no way connected with the Admin, she ran for office, I believe a year ago and I will tell you she came pretty close to a victory! I looked up the name because I remembered when it was mentioned in the Beacon News, and Daily Herald. I do remember conversing with Cundari when running for office. She has the best interest of the people, she's intelligent, she is not going to be anyone's push over. She will stand up for the needs of our children. Lets get her in!!!
All I have to say is if you want the mother of gang bangers to be on the board then elect Mary Fultz. She is not able to control her kids and wants to control the districts kids.
Yeah okay. She is definetly not getting my vote.
Oh my gosh!! I remember Cundari she came to my house and addressing the needs of our community, and how we can work together to make a difference. I like her very nice lady!
I want facts not lies. What do you really know about the candidates? All of them.
Ms. Cundari doesn't stand a chance unless she puts herself out there with yard signs, interviews, etc. I'm seeing a LOT of publicity for that teenaged college student, Nacho Cervantes--could a certain Community Relations Director be behind him??
Other candidates have volunteered for the community in different levels. Mary Fultz has worked for our local community to help the kids. Juan Sifuentes has volunteered for Big Brother and at church and local events in the community. Ray Hull has been a public servant and has volunteered in many areas as well. And so on.... They have all volunteered but who really has the experience? What do we need to look for? Who cares who they may know or not know. What we should be asking ourselves is who do we want to vote for? Who is really going to look at the problems and make the best decisions for the district?
Go to http://montgomery.patch.com/articles/election-2011-east-aurora-school-board
They have the candidates listed. Sign up and ask the questions you want to know. Dont spread lies and rumors. I bet no one will sign up because you are all chickens. No one has the guts to ask the questions openly.
That is terrible the Mary Fultz would run for office knowing that she can't even control her own!! I would be ashamed, to have put my name on a ballot. Nacho, is a B2M and will always be. He will have Clayton's Agenda, Hull, Sifuentes ect. I guess the only new face and not connected will be Cundari. We need to elect people that don't owe any favors!!
There you go with owing favors. Stop the lies. How do you know for sure Cundari does not owe favors? She is too scared to fill out a questionnaire. What does she have to hide?
I know nothing about her and that scares me. I will not vote for Cundari.
Cundari has been out there and has spoken to the people. She is more qualified than the other candidates. Cervantes has the district running and helping with his signs, anyone can put signs out when you don't have to pay out of your own pocket. Sifuentes another one that is in the district's pocket. Gee people I thought living here you would know it by now!!
I never even knew about her until recently. What has she done for the community?
What do you mean to elect people that don't owe anyone favors there are people sitting on this board that owe people favors so how is it ever going to stop without getting them all out.
I looked at the check register for November of last year and I do believe that is when board members and the superintendent and administration went to the seminar in Chicago and it looks like this is the amount that the district payed for it.
003380 CARDMEMBER SERVICE 00097930-001 168779 11/15/10 11/10 19,427.8
2 VENDOR TOTAL..: 19,427.8
3
That is a lot for a day and maybe they stayed over night but how many went to get that total. Is what they say is true about the party for Wells in Chicago?
Do you know for sure that the two candidates mentioned are in the Districts pockets?
This blog is a joke. Keep talking about the candidates. Cundari really doesnt stand a chance.
I hope she loses.
I want to know what Cundari's background is that she is so qualified.
Everyone can talk to people.
Tell me more, other than talk to people. I believe all of the candidates can talk to people.
Cundari filled out many questionnaires and as I recall she was interviewed by the Daily Harald when she ran for Kane County Board District 7th. I googled her name and remember all the articles on that particular Kane County Board Race!! I tell you that was History!! That woman has character, and is a hard worker, to have come so close to victory!! She is transparent!!
Other than losing that race what are her qualifications?
How do you know that the other candidates are not hard workers?
In the article of Montgomery Patch it says one is a two year term which one is it?
Yeah, I also want to know about Cundari. Where does she do for a living? Has she volunteered, and where?
The Montgomer Patch is incorrect. They must beconfused. They are all 4, four year terms.
Wow for you to say that you want Cundari to lose, I bet you never met her, or talked to her. I bet you are running for the board on Tuesday! That is the only way you would say something like that! I live in the district, and I made it my business to make informed decisions regarding the Candidates for Tuesday's Election. Cundari is qualified and is transparent.
Rayanne is probably the one saying bad things about Cundari.
Please losing what race? Please how many people that I know ran for that same position and never came as close as Cundari to an incumbent of 19 plus years! Lets be realistic how can you possibly call that a lose! I call that a major Victory!!
All I want to know is what are Cundari's qualifications. Where has she volunteere and what does she do for a living?
Cundaria got my vote I know she is not a Clayton want a be. She ran against Jones who is on the Board of the Urban League Clayton's favored organization.
Wow, over 30 comments in under two hours and absolutely NOTHING was said. How is that possible?
So in order for me to contact one of the canidates I would have to do MORE than just post on this blog?
That's too much, why can't everything just center around people posting anonymously on a stupid blog?
Like you're doing, 7:30 a.m.?
:)
7:19, interesting definition of "nothing".
7:43 you are a stupid moron. You don't get it do you.
I have contacted each candidate by email, asked them what I wanted to know about and have made my decision.
You have posted on a blog "wondering" about everything.
No, I have posted interviews from some of the candidates. Only a moron (like you) would characterize each & every person on this blog as "wondering about everything".
only me, Only Me, ONLY ME.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo
There again, now I know I am arguing with the blog administrator. The only person who really posts on this blog on a regular basis.
Does anybody actually think there is a NEW blog administraor? I think it is just rayanne trying to hide herself.
To 7:53, I am a candidate running for school board.
You can honestly say that you have contacted each candidate by email and asked your questions. You are a liar.. Is this what you teach your kids?
This blog is sad especially the comment left at 7:53.
Well which one are you. Come on. Don't you want your opinions known?
That school board "canadiate" will not reveil themself. They are either NOT a real canadiate or they are embarassed to even be associated with this stupid blog.
1:25 p.m., what's a "canadiate"?
Your mom.
Why are you so goddamn stupid that all you worry about is my spelling.
Why are you so stupid that you misspell the most important word in your post TWICE??
:)
Did I spell it the same way wrong twice
It's the most important word. Who decides the importance of words.
Amazing how so many posts critical of this blog are full of spelling & grammatical errors. Maybe because the people writing those posts are stupid, illiterate, or both.
How many. Please count. I would like to know the exact percentage of people critical of this blog vs people in support of this blog and the spelling mistakes that happen.
I await your results.
Or you just just a picky bitch that can't see past a little mistake and get to the real point of a conversation. Hmmmmm which one sounds right.
BITCH
Count for yourself, if you can.
Or are you as incapable of counting as you are of spelling?
;)
Aparently you are the one who can't do it.
Just another example of people posting their "facts" with NOTHING to back them up.
You won't win with me because as "stupid" as I am, I am still better at arguing my point than you are. The reason for that is simple. I'm not lying, you are.
I love old people who barely know how to use a computer typing all the little smiley faces.
:)
;)
:O
:P
>:|
:/
0:)
2:23 is a legend in their own mind.
Oh, but wait--that can't be true, because I must be lying.
:)
So glad you love my smileys, 2:30 p.m.--but then, it doesn't take much to keep an ignorant moron happy!
:)
It isn't true, you are lying. I'm not a legend in my own mind. I just know that my mind is better than yours. Again, you will try to have the last word, but it won't work. It takes you too long to process the information. You also don't even understand half of the insults because you cannot grasp sarcasim.
Let's see how "happy" our district's Community Relations Director will be when some of his Boys II Men join our military and get sent to Libya. They'll be fighting against the brutal dictator Gadhafi--the same Gadhafi who gave Louis Farrakhan a $5 million interest-free loan in the '90s. The same Gadhafi who honored Farrakhan with a "Humanitarian Award" a few years ago.
2:34 p.m., what is "sarcasim"?
If you don't know then you are too stupid to live.
Hey 2:42 - What is your "life."
Hey 2:42 the question mark should be INSIDE the quotation marks. Since we are trying to be proper here.
Are you finished with this "battle of wits" yet? Your minor attacks at my spelling are both sad and disappointing. The point of all this is that if you are running for school board you are a loser and a coward for not posting as yourself. The truth is that you are nothing but a liar and are not running for school board. You don't have the guts to stand up for your opinion let alone know what is good for any student. You are blinded by hate a lies and will therefore never truly contribute anything positive to anything.
Go on, do a word check to see if my spelling is correct. Don't truly process anything that was said; just superficially pick at the grammar mistakes. Thanks for trying to focus for longer than 5 seconds.
Who said you spelled anything wrong? I just asked the meaning of two words ("canadiate" and "sarcasim"). Since you claim that your mind is better than mine, I was simply requesting that you enlighten those of us who may not have been familiar with the erudite vocabulary of a genius such as yourself.
Never said genius. That's how the lies start. A half truth, turns into an exaggeration, which turns into a lie.
You are the perpetrator of all that is wrong.
Keep avoiding the point and you will never have to think.
"You are the perpetrator of all that is wrong"--
Gee, 3:33, it's nice to know that Satan himself (or herself) reads this blog! This blog must be WAY more important than most of us thought!
Yours truly,
Beelzebub AKA The Evil One
Well, since I don't believe in Satan, your comment is stupid.
I love people who take everything literally on a blog. Their simple minds can't infer or process beneath what is typed.
Nobody like that here!
:P
"God is the simplest of all"
--Leonard Bernstein
Thank you, Amen!
PRAISE JESUS
That going away party cost D131 $7000.00. It was put on the districts charge card by the superintendant, then was approved by Johnson and Lewis. The superintendant is now holding this over Johnson's head. Lewis said she would just apologize if this got out. Not all the board members were invited and there were others there that this districit paid for. Must have been one heck of a dinner for that price. Wonder if they will have another one when she does leave and take that ipod that we paid for. Hope those ones going to Spain are enjoying themselves. Wrong impression at last meeting as those attending thought the trip to Spain was no spuelced.
Hull is a time bob waiting to explode and Turza really does not understand what is going on and am afraid she never will.
They already have a lunch for her at Peytons on the 16th none of the board has invited but Hull was invited and the entire central office is going. They are having a very expensive clock engraved for her. I am willing to bet Weaver will not be getting anything. The dinner for her was only about $800 but they all stayed at hotels downtown and took their families to the parade. The new bookkeeper was throwing a fit because the Board made her record the bill to the right account.
Roberts got Tursa to go along with him and Joanie and her husband are going to Spain. Childress is going by herself and will be doing all the work well Joanie sight-sees.
By the way Board members Lisa sent Tursa flowers for her voting with Roberts
If you look at the check register for November when the board, superintendent and others went to that conference the bill is 19,000.00 on the credit card and that is for a day and night stay at a hotel. Don't you think that is a little high so my guess they did have a dinner for Wells. This is our taxpaying dollars and you would not hear of another district doing this for a long sitting board member except if they did what they want. Think of this most of these people don't even live in the district do you think this goes on where they live. For those that are pointing fingers at each other you are all to blame because you allowed it and should know better. I wonder how may school supplies that would have gotten teachers for their classrooms?
For the new candidates you talk about watching the spending do you think this is right and for the sitting board members shame on you you shouldn't even be on the board.
Another big lie by Rayanne and the blog that destroyed the District. Does anyone really believe they spent $19,000 in Chicago. This is another example of starting a story. This is one check to one credit card company do you think that the gas for all the snowplowing would not also be a charge. The District also pays the teacher christmas party along with other things. Look at all the school districts they are all the same. Sounds like since Rayanne retired she has nothing better to do than start trouble. Just like the story there is another blog administrator.
The check register was from November. That was before Christmas and before any snow hit the ground. Try again.
I for one will miss this Board they got a lot done. Ms Weaver w lose will be a big loss. Anyone going to a meeting today can see the change. They have debate about real issues. I already voted for Tursa and Hull along with Fultz and Sifentes they have been the only ones that come to meetings.
FOIA an itemized list of expenses. They spent $7000. for Wells guests to stay and eat in Chicago.
That's absolutely amazing. The district can throw a $7,000 party for Juanita, board members and administration but couldn't give Kate Keilty a piece of paper to thank her for her 30 years of service as a teacher.
It really shows the community what the administration values in District 131.
!!!!!SIMMONS SUCKS!!!!!
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