Speaking of Facebook, this is on Mary Fultz's Wall today:
ACROSS MY DESK: GOD ONLY KNOWS WHY THIS IS HAPPENING ! THERE WAS A AUGUST 17, DATE. I HAD NO IDEA OF A JULY 13 COURT DATE. I'M NOT A ATTRONEY & I DON'T HAVE FUNDS FOR REPRESENTATION. OFFICIALLY SERVING ME WOULD OF BEEN MORE APPROPRIATE. I WORK SPECIALLY HARD ALONG/FOR/WITH THE KIDS. I WOULD OF NEVER JUST GAVE UP. THANK YOU KIDS & PARENTS FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE A PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY LOVE MARY FULTZ
She came late asked for donations after the meeting stopped the people leaving the meeting stood in the middle of the floor and said she is all about the kids
Well, in the case of Clayton, the rules don't apply. That's how he has run an illegal fraternity for years and discriminated against any kid who was not black or Hispanic.
Simple fact. Some cultures social code requires covering for each others actions, even if they are illegal. This is just one of the many reasons this districts reputation will always suffer.
I don't think culture or ethnicity has a lot to do with it. I think it's arrogance, pure and simple!
Another example of someone who doesn't think the rules/expectations apply to them is Steve Orland, who was by all accounts a good band director at West High for 20+ years. But he apparently thought it was o.k. to fool around with students--the rules didn't apply to him. ARROGANCE.
A considerable number of Clayton Muhammad's "friends" on his PERSONAL Facebook page (not the Boys II Men one) are current EHS students. This is WRONG.
It's one thing for students to be on public Facebook pages associated with a class or activity (such as the EHS theatre, band, or choir pages). But current students on an administrator's personal Facebook page? BAD idea.
First off, Clayton is not a real administrator, he only plays one in District 131.
Secondly, Steve Orland had no one covering for his illegal actions. He is being held accountable for his actions. This confirms my point. Certain cultures cover for each other while other expect accoutability for one's actions.
Personnel and Policy Lewis is a friend of his on FaceBook yet she is in a position of power and does nothing. That is because he is around promoting her grand children along with Hulls daughter
You keep picking white people doing illegal things and covering for themselves. You know their names because others did report them and they were held accountable. I am talking about people who have little or nothing to gain personally, know about another doing illegal things and cover it up simply because their racial social code requires it.
The Police in Chicago are on the news fairly regularly making the same statement in different words. The are constantly asking for community involvement in policing. They can't do their job if the community will not speak up and report the crimes they see. They are fighting the social code constantly.
What really complicates matters is when the people in authority are the ones who are commiting the cover up.
Hey amigo, lets talk about the truth. Mary Fultz, Hull,Turza and Hill were elected because of their surnames. The vote was anti Hispanic and so place blame where it belongs. If you were anti hispanic you know who you are. Who was going to vote for someone named Nacho. Mary Fultz was supported by the hispanic coalition of Art Velasquez, Juany Garza Monica Silva and Alex Arroyo. They were using Mary to take votes from Hull and Hill. She used them to get what she wanted and it backfired in everyones face who had malicious intentions including Fultz. Be careful what you ask for.
Let us not forget Arroyo is running for the new state house position so lets see when the tables are turned he filed Fultz petitions and they were all forged
Uh 4:51 Chicago PD is NOT a good example. Yeah, they want the community coming forward to help THEM, but if a cop does something wrong (no matter what race he/she is) they cover it up. If the security cam at that bar hadn't caught that big off duty cop beating the female bartender, the other cops there with him would have never done a thing. And the cops didn't like the last commissioner, Wies (sp?), because he didn't have their back. Because he turned a cop over to the feds after the internal procedures gave him a tiny slap on the wrist for beating a helpless person (can't remember specifics right now, it was either a guy in a wheelchair or a restrained prisoner).
And 5:13, making generalizations is always a mistake. I voted for Fultz AND Nacho. I didn't give a rat's rear end what color they were. I was looking for some new blood on the board.
So you agree with me. A social code that covers wrongdoing is never a good thing. It doesn't matter whether it happens for racial or professional reasons.
The simple fact is that our reputation is not going to change until this is addressed. It doesn't matter how much money we waste on PR people.
6:53 all I'm saying is everyone who cast one of those 900 plus votes for Fultz should fess up and quit whining. That same coalition is surely working behind the scene to have your second candidate shoved down our throats. If the voters wanted him in he would have won. Nacho thinks he can go and talk to students and teachers and come back to the board(clueless). I hope at least one of these bloggers that hates everyone thats not white will apply for the opening. Since we have a black tea bagger already we need a klansman to go with; the nut cycle will be complete.
It is sad that the last 2 Hispanics and the cureent 1 on the board were and are not good for it. Son't get me wrong as there are now a couple of whites that I think are not doing a good job and definitely one of color that so far appears to be worthless.
When Rayanne's schedule changed and she realized that she would have to miss a lot of meetings, she resigned (after having faithfully served on the School Board for a couple of years).
Carol Farnum also resigned from the Board, when she and her husband were making plans to move to Florida.
Now we have Robb Hill, who has missed several meetings in just a few months on the Board. Maybe HE should do the right thing and resign.
9:46 a.m., from your mouth to God's ears--this was just posted on the Beacon website this afternoon:
AURORA — The East Aurora School Board with have two vacancies to fill following Friday’s resignation of newly elected member Robb Hill.
School District spokesman Clayton Muhammad said that Hill’s resignation became effective immediately on Friday. He said scheduling conflicts were the reason for Hill’s departure.
Hill has missed three board meetings since he was elected in April, said board President Annette Johnson. Hill has also been absent at several committee meetings, she said.
“He felt that he just couldn’t commit the time necessary (to serving on the board),” Johnson said, noting that serving on the board is more than attending a few meetings.
“Our (school) board is extremely involved,” Muhammad said. “It’s really rare (for a board to be so involved), but it shows their depth of involvement in the district,”
Hill could not be reached for comment Friday.
The district is also looking to replace ousted board member Mary Fultz.
Of the seven residents looking to fill four board positions in April, Fultz, 45, received the second highest number of votes. Fultz, however, was never officially seated.
Last week, Kane County Judge Thomas Mueller determined that Fultz was not a registered voter at the time of the April 5 election, making her ineligible to run for the School Board position.
Fultz and Hill’s vacancies mark the first time in more than a decade that the board has had two open seats at one time, Muhammad said.
“Vacancies have been close in proximity… (but in the 10 years I’ve been here) it’s never happened where we have had two vacancies at once,” Muhammad said. “On the bright side, we can bring in someone who has the time to commit to the district.
“We have board members who are extremely active. This is a tight knit board that moves on with its agenda and will keep moving forward.”
Residents have until July 29 to apply for Fultz’s seat, and until Aug. 5 to apply for Hill’s seat.
“I’m hoping that we get a great response from the community,” Johnson said of recruiting candidates. “Maybe people will feel they have a better chance now that there’s two open spots... I just want to get the word out, get momentum going, and have more of a pool to chose from.”
For information on filling the board’s open positions, visit the board’s web page at www.d131.org/boardofeducation.asp.
It looks like all of Clayton's choices for the board are having issues. He is consistent. Every decision in his career shows his incompetence.
I am sure Clayton's other choice will be putting his hat in to the ring. Nacho wil want on the board. The question is, does the board need a wet behind the ears 18 year old who should be focusing his attention on his studies?
Qualifications for board membership should include more than being part of Clayton's illegal fraternity.
As long as Johnson is board president and Stella, Lewis, MaryAnn are on the board it won't do any good. Johnson will bully others to get what she wants so even if they get two that wants change it won't do any good. You can bet they are asking people they know to run for the board and they will talk about it among themselves before they even interview the candidates to make sure they are all on board on who to pick.
Yeah so put in your application get turned down and then you could complain. Johnson, Gonzalez, Hull, Lewis and Tursa all pay taxes and own property on the East Side so I think they should have a big voice in the school system. As a teacher I have been impressed by them they speak out on issues and go to district events and since I don't know your name I can't say the same for you. So great job Board
So do some of the parents in this districit pay taxes and have a right to be represented decently as do the students. If someone applies now for the board and tha board in not aware of how they feel(such as wanting to do what is right and the board staying out of certain buisness in the district that they should not have their nose in) they would be a plus for the district. But the one person is right, certain ones will tryto get someone in the can control. I am going to give Lewis credit for getting some backbone. Hull asks good questions, but seems to always vote with the flow. Stating facts as he does and pointing out certain things that are wrong does no good when he votes the way Johnson wants the puppets to do. Puppets now being everyone but Lewis at this point. Wonder If she feels how Weaver must have felt. Everyone can bet their bip that the 2 new school board members will be Johnson's puppets unless someone who applies does keep certain things to theirself until on the board. For the record, I would apply but at this point do not have the time to do be a school board member. I do go to meetings when I can and have spoke to the board in the pas5.
Lewis always votes with the other members and they all vote the way Johnson wants. Johnson does do the right thing most of the time but gives into Roberts to much
Lewis now does not always vote with the other members. She has really surprised those of us who go to the meetings. Johnson may do right most of some of the times, but it is the times she does not do right that concern me. Hope Lewis keeps up what she is doing and asking the right questions as she has been doing.
My concern with Johnson is that she doesn't go by board policy she seems to think because she is board president she can change them at times.
Last Nov. she let Wells go to that Title 1 conference and in the IL School Code and information ISBA administration and board members should only go IF it benefits the district not the person. It was also stated that those that went took Wells out for a farewell dinner with some of the spouses with is also wrong they are suppose to pay their own way. I also believe that the board doesn't pay attention on money administration spends. Look at the list of bills should food be under supplies and the curriculum committee sure gets a lot of stipends.
To blame Johnson is a bit much for that one. Blame her for getting Roberts his contract. Wells knew she would not be with the board and wasted the districts money unlike Weaver who just did not go. Let us not forget Wells and Hull encouraged Fultz to continue and sue the district. That speaks to their character but it was Wells who attacked the bank parents and kids as well about the Star Spangled Banner. Wells like Fultz is low life welfare trash along with Hill
Last performance of "The King and I" today at the Paramount Theatre! The show starts at 3. Tickets $8/$12
With 3 East Aurora High School students playing in the Orchestra, one East Aurora graduate, and a some West Aurora students as well, all under the direction of Mr. Liska.
Johnson could of refused to let her go she is the President and has a say how the district spends the money and she should of said no to the dinner also since rumor is the bill was over $2000.00.
Mauricio, thanks for posting about "King and I"--hope it went well! I was out of town, so couldn't see it, but I have seen many Park District shows in past years (including some with my own kids participating), and I think that the summer drama program is a wonderful way to keep kids busy and sharpen their acting and musical skills.
And in addition to the musicians in the pit mentioned by Mauricio, there were dozens of kids (adults, too!) on stage performing. Many were our own D131 students & alums.
Another GOOD thing happening in our city/district!
July 24, 12:54. You seem to have first hand knowledge of trash; you are a pathetic individual. Whats the matter your daddy didn't hug you as a child. Something tells me you look for a mate at the family reunion. What night does the Klan meet on.
This goes with July 25, 2011 7:58 AM It was posted but it is gone now.
Travel expenses School board members need to travel to educational meetings and the cost of such travel is a legitimate district expense — including the cost of registration or tuition fees at workshops and conferences. The School Code empowers your school board to reimburse members for expenses associated with educational meetings.
However, state law does not guarantee reimbursement for such expenses. The school board must authorize the reimbursement. Your board should have a policy that defines the kinds of meetings for which it will authorize travel and the process necessary to qualify for reimbursement, e.g., what vouchers and receipts are required.
The law requires that expenses be “actual and necessary” and directly associated with the meeting itself, including travel to and from the meeting. It specifically bars reimbursement of expenses for anyone other than the board member, meaning expenses for family members who accompany you are not reimbursable. Keep in mind that travel on behalf of your school district should not profit you. Neither should it cost you money. A good philosophy is that you won’t benefit at the expense of the district, and the district won’t benefit financially at your expense.
AFTER SPEAKING TO MR ROBERT HILL. I KNOW OF THE SCHEDULING CONFLICTS HE WAS HAVING WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD AGENDA. I'M SORRY ROBERT, HOWEVER I WOULD OF LOVED TO SEE YOU STAND IN THERE & FOR OUR EAST AURORA SCHOOL CHILDREN. [Thanks] FOR YOUR EFFORTS. I PRAY WHO EVER FILLS YOUR SEAT IS A GOOD FIT. EVEN THOUGH IT WASN'T MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE. I MARY FULTZ WILL BE FILING FOR MY SEAT THIS WEEK... THE SCHOOL BOARD FILES A MOTION & GOES TO COURT. I WAS NOT SERVED NOTIFICATION OF THE NEW/CHANGED COURT DATE. HOWEVER AT THE LAST SCHOOL BOARD MEETING I WAS TOLD I WAS SENT THE INFORMATION IN THE MAIL. I WAS ALWAYS JUST A PHONE CALL/TEXT/EMAIL AWAY ! AGAIN I DESERVE MY SEAT. TRULY I DO. [Thanks] AGAIN AURORA FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
Before you run for a School Board position you should check to see if you have the time for it. Take the time to see that there are two meetings a month and that there is things like the board packet that you need to read to be able to vote on. Being a board member takes time and you have a comment to the district to vote on things that make the district better and you have to follow the IL School Code.
Mary you should of made sure you where a registered voter before you ran and made sure you had all the right qualifications to run. Not knowing those things is not an excuse to not getting that position. Please don't take any more of the districts time with not doing your due diligence of not knowing these things. If you really cared about being on this board you would of kept of with the proceedings and that doesn't cost a dime.
Yeah Mary like the Board is going to appoint you loser. The Board gets to ask her questions she can't find the voters booth so do you think she will answer a question
If Mary Fultz can't take care of her own affairs in a competent manner, why should she be a board member with the responsibility of caring for this entire district?
At the July 5th board meeting, there was quite a discussion about the Quad County Urban League contract for the upcoming school year. Our district will be paying almost $150,000 more, and fewer students will be served.
Anita Lewis challenged both the cost increase and the procedure for approving the contract. The final vote was 4 to 1 to approve it, with Ms. Lewis casting the dissenting vote. To his credit, Ray Hull criticized the way the contract was presented to the Board (evidently it wasn't passed through the agreed-upon channels)--but he still voted yes.
THANK YOU, Anita Lewis, for having the guts to speak up and question the way our tax dollars are spent!
Generally, the Illinois School Code requires that a school board member be:
a United States citizen; 18 years of age or older; a resident of the state and territory of the district for at least one year before his or her election; a registered voter; not a school trustee or treasurer; and not a child sex offender.
Yes, thank you Anita. Johnson sure looked like the cat that ate the canary when this passed. Someone else needs to be president other than Johnson. That won't happen because she pulls the strings on the puppets and promises them things to keep her position. If someone else did become president, Johnson would pull again what she pulled on Weaver. Anita keep up the good work the way you are going. There are many of us behind you even though many know you was in with Johnson on what happened to Weaver.
There is an ongoing effort by West to send West Aurora's most troubled kids and ones who are on the bottom academically to all the East schools. Why is East not pushing back on this. The Schools are being ruined right in front of their eyes. Isnt there a way to check where these kids live
Roberts rent will now be covered for another year he lives in Theodia Gillespe's house and everyone at the service center knows his wife is taking him for a ride. Poor Jerome can't live in Shorewood but he has to pay the bills for Shorewood. He runs around the service center all day hoping by paying the bills she will let him back. So now the struggling tax payers of d131 have to pay his rent
So are you saying that The West Side administration has asked to send their bad students over here to go to school? If they did and I doubt it our school board would have to ok it so why don't you ask them.
Central Office seems to have a lot of spare time to be gossiping at work maybe they need to get rid of some. How would they know what Roberts gets or about an increase unless they are able to read some Board business that the board has not made public to the taxpayers and yes they do have to make public any changes to his contract.
If he is renting from Theodia Gillespe that could be an Ethic's issue since she runs the Alternative School and they just got more money out of this district but this board doesn't seem to care about things like that.
This blog is similar to most, in that there are some rumors & exaggerations here. A recent example is the concern over Dr. Roberts' health. I was one who took the rumor seriously, and prayed for Dr. Roberts--and I don't regret doing so, whether or not he was ill at the time.
It is always a good idea to be skeptical about what you read on a blog, and look for corroborating evidence from other sources.
It is a fact that Roberts is getting a divorce from his wife and probably she is living in the house and not with him. I haven't heard if the divorce is final and if they had to sell it but he is living somewhere else than in that house in Shorewood.
What big increase are you talking about? Where in the budget would it be or what was it put under? Roberts does not live in Shorewood to whomever thinks this.
And your comment will probably be deleted again because of the profanity as it should be. If you make your statement without the profanity it will be left.
Roberts has been back to work he has quoted in the newspaper. The fact is he does not live in Shorewood any longer he lives in Aurora who he rents from I am not sure but he has stated Aurora is know his home.
A simple check of Aurora Township Assessors website, shows Ms. Gillespie owns a home on Lincoln Ave. And Roberts was at the last board meeting. That proves he can be mobile at times; does not prove (disprove) anything else about his health. You cannot always judge someone's health (good or bad) on how they look.
I was having lunch the other day at m&d on farnworth and over heard an interesting discustion between some construction workers. They were talking about how they should have just gutted the new child center, and joking about how much mold was covered up wet dry wall there is and how thier bosses told not to talk about it. C&C knew about this problem but are covering thier buts, C&C = cover your crack well enough they won't see it.
Just remember that Johnson is going to get what she wants. She is the person who wanted this place. Should have gone with Root st. What is going to happen when the state no longer gives the grant for this. D131 is going to be responsible for it. There is already been mention of a new referendum. The last referendum which we did not need is for education(which the students are not getting the benefit of, just new admins & postions being created). That refenendum cannot be used for building so therefore, new referendum.
AURORA — Residents interested in becoming members of the East Aurora School Board will have until Friday to submit their applications, following the resignation of board member Robb Hill.
Hill’s resignation was effective July 22. He cited scheduling conflicts as reason for his departure.
The board decided on Monday evening that it will interview candidates at 6 p.m. on Aug. 16. Hill’s position is the second board vacancy this year. Mary Fultz, who had received the second highest number of votes in the April election, was ruled ineligible to sit on the board last month because she was not a registered voter in Kane County at the time of the election.
Currently serving members were anxious on Monday to have an interview date set in stone. New board members will be sworn in on Sept. 6. Their term will expire in 2013. Those interested should send a letter of intent to the East Aurora School District Administrative Office, 417 Fifth St., Aurora IL 60505, Attention Lisa Morales, by 4 p.m. Friday.
“I look forward to the interview process so we can make our board whole again,” said board member Raymond Hull.
In addition to welcoming new potential board members, the district will also welcome several new administrators come fall.
Board member Anita Lewis spoke of seven who were recently recommended.
East Aurora High School will be getting a new dean of students. There were also recommendations to appoint staffers to assistant principal positions at the Early Childhood Education Center and at O’Donnell, Johnson, Brady and Cowherd schools.
A new coordinator for evaluation and assessment was also recommended.
Lewis also announced the revival of the district’s elementary school gifted program which will make its way back into the schools come fall.
“I’m really, really excited about it,” she said, citing the work that administrators have done to implement the program. “I could go on and on and on about the positive things now affecting our district.”
Board President Annette Johnson had some cheering of her own to do. Johnson announced the kickoff of a new district-wide campaign that will help hundreds of kids throughout Aurora.
The Every Kid Can Play campaign was created to raise money to help pay camp fees for students who can’t otherwise afford the experience.
Johnson said that in light of the district’s 165th anniversary, the campaign will attempt to raise $165,000 to help fund camp costs for athletes, musicians and artists.
“This is really exciting, and I firmly believe that extracurricular activities do educate the whole child,” she said. “We will reach out to our alumni and our community to help put a lot of kids through camp.”
All those new administrators, when our hard-working TEACHERS desperately need relief from the overcrowding in their classrooms (and our KIDS deserve more individual attention).
I would rather see that $165,000 spent on teacher assistants than summer camps. That would be more bang for the buck, and more students actually helped.
If you would have bothered to come to the meeting you would have found these admin's replaced people who left. As far $165,000 it is a proven fact children who gets involved in band, sports and arts do beach better in school I think the district is doing great things funny how you can not comment on the positives like gifted. Stop bring the district down if you live here shame on you. If you teach here get another job.
Actually, 7:45 a.m., I am not a teacher. My perspective is that of a parent. My kids are now college graduates, who were involved in many extra activities throughout their school years such as music and sports (which we, their parents, paid for).
But I saw firsthand how kids in overcrowded classrooms "fell between the cracks" academically (especially in grade school) because teachers simply could not give them extra attention. Plus, so much of the teacher's time has to be taken up with paperwork, etc. (attendance, bathroom breaks, discipline) which cuts into time that COULD be spent actually teaching. A second adult in an overcrowded classroom would ease that pressure and help more actual learning take place.
And 7:45 a.m., making a constructive suggestion is NOT "bringing the district down".
To August 2, 2011 7:45 AM Some comments are not bring the district down like stating that the teachers need more help in the classroom. Just like in anything the top half is to heavy. I would think that an assistant for a teacher would benefit the student more than an assistant to a assistant principle.
Asst. Prin. assists in professional development of the staff as well as takes teachers places if they are out for a half day. The District already hired the teaching assistants and after enrollment will be adding more. If you know so much about the school I hope you put in your application.
This is nothing new to get excited about.There have been ocassions when extra curricular instructors/coaches have gone out of their way to make arrangements for students to get financial assistance. No one knows the effort these teachers put into arranging donations because these teachers are not looking for pats on the back or their name in the paper like the Board members.
As a paying parent, I know what we had to do without in order to pay for our children to be involved. It was worth the sacrifice for our children. Example: It was discouraging to see a student get a free ride to a summer event, because of a caring, hard working teacher felt sorry when the MOm cried "poor us." This student was the best dressed kid at the event for the week, and not very appreciative of the opportunity.
It will be interesting to see who gets the $165K. Like another said, I believe classrooms could use assistance before "camps."
Be innovative school board members. Educate our students to their fullest capability. Gifted is a start. The district acknowledging the arts & sports as having a place in our schools was a step in the right direction. Don't waste $$ helping a few, when so many can benefit on a classroom.
Board President Annette Johnson had some cheering of her own to do. Johnson announced the kickoff of a new district-wide campaign that will help hundreds of kids throughout Aurora. This means that they are going to help students in other districts why is that. Why should one district run a campaign for other districts to help for camp there are many agencies out there that help and who would be in charge of this money I hope not this district because they would have to use some of it for when they have meetings for Jimmy Johns.
I would love to know what band program is entirely funded by parents. I have been in the music field for decades and know many directors in this and many other states and I have never seen this phenomenon.
While we hope families can support their children in some substantial way, there are many students who simply can't afford it. There are also many instruments that no parent could afford. It's on thing to expect a parent to buy a flute for a few hundred dollars but who would expect a parent to shell out several thousand for a tuba or marimba.
It always amazes me at how ignorant people are as to how many of the wonderful experiences in their lives are really funded. They have no clue where their tax dollars are going.
Good video with Matt Damon. There are bad teachers but who gives the teachers what they are suppose to teach? The School Board, Superintendent and administration and if they don't give the teachers the right materials to do so or listen to the teachers about their students and might work better in the classroom then they need to take some blame and you don't hear anything about that. I will have to agree though that in some districts where they have money teachers get paid very good and not in some poorer districts but where do we get the scale of that and some of of it is in how they perform. I don't believe that administration alone should judge this since they tend to cater to the teachers that suck up to them and the ones that might question how they might make changes get pushed aside.
No one said it was just about band. There is football, dance, & cheer camps that I know EA students have attended. I am sure there are many camps many of us are unaware, such as debate, science & math. Why the comment about Band folks?
I think the kids can play is a great idea I already contacted the District to see how we can be involved this would pay for Music, Art, & Sports programs kids do need a extra activities and at least I can give the Board credit it is a way to try to make more parents/students vested into the community
There are already many summer arts & sports programs available for our kids. Some are offered through the park district, some through local churches, some through community programs such as Family Focus.
This "Every Kid Can Play" program looks like a grandstanding effort by certain administrators desperate for positive publicity. Our kids would be much better served by putting that money toward a better classroom experience (maybe technology equipment or teacher assistance).
For those of you who think the $165k could be used for something else, volunteer to start up and run a fundraising effort for whatever you think is a better use of the money. Johnson isn't announcing that the district is coming up w/ this money, just that the district is setting up a mechanism for people who CHOOSE to donate to this cause to do so. The fact is people are more likely to donate to a specific activity, cause, etc. than to something general and non-specific. Look at what happened on the west side; they raised a huge amount of money to redo the athletic field w/ artificial turf. The sad fact is if they'd set up the same effort asking for donations for more teachers's aides, books, etc., they probably would have never gotten as much money. That's not the schools' fault, that's the public's. Johnson announced a fund raising effort for a good cause. Just because there are other good causes, doesn't diminish this one.
The money that parents spend on cell phones, ipads and all those other things could go for these things. People who are low income and say they do not have money, but have these type of things is why I, personally do not want to donate. I know I will get alot of flack about this, but it just isn't right. I would rather contribute to someone I know really needs the help. What business do we have sticking our nose in other districts? We neewd to keep our nose on our side of the river in our own district. If the board president or members want to help out other districts, they need to run for Mayor. School board positions should not be political gain.
Instead of taking the negative approach do think that the Beacon could have printed the wrong thing. I am sure they have enough kids in our district to help. I will donate because I think this is important to kids
Several people have commented wondering why we should be trying to help kids in other districts attend camps. Read Johnson's statements again, either in the Beacon or as pasted in by 8/2/11 6:27 am. She says nothing about other districts. She's talking about a goal of raising $165k DISTRICT-WIDE. i.e. THIS district. No others.
And 8/2 11:30 pm I won't give you any flack for choosing not to contribute to this cause, even though I probably will. That's what it's all about -- setting up a mechanism to allow EACH member of the public to make THEIR OWN choice. The thing I don't like about some of the comments is it seems that some on this blog don't think I should have that choice.
I did read it again and it says kids through out Aurora which would mean students in other districts we have I believe four school districts through out Aurora.
Board President Annette Johnson had some cheering of her own to do. Johnson announced the kickoff of a new district-wide campaign !that will help hundreds of kids throughout Aurora.!
A New District Wide Campaign is what Johnson said. She said it was to rebuilt programs such as sports, music and art. Does our district not have a big need. If you are so concerned email her or is it possible the Beacon got it wrong. Give me a break
Johnson said that in light of the district’s 165th anniversary, the campaign will attempt to raise $165,000 to help fund camp costs for athletes, musicians and artists.
Maybe if this district gave up some of there eating out and paying for a dinner for a retiring board member and administration taking their family members on trips and paying for supplies like pizza they would have that money and that is where it should go first before the other things.
Many of our students' families are gone most (or all) of the summer; some even leave the country and go "south of the border" to spend time with relatives. Those kids would not get any of the benefits of the "Every Kid Can Play" program.
Why not offer tutoring, art programs, homework clubs, sports & music activities, etc. DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR when most kids can participate? People would be more likely to donate to that in a difficult economy, because more kids would be helped than in a summer program.
Where do the smart kids at East go? Are they left to rot while the administration spoon feeds the other hand? This board thinks its making a difference and in reality they have done nothing to imporve what East is suppose to do and that is educate children. The test scores prove it. Everything else is just smoke and mirrors.
A few board meetings ago Mr. Hull was lamenting how so few football players attended a FREE camp at Marmion, with an ex NFL player. I don't think FREE camps are necessarily the answer. I believe many parents just aren't involved, and unless you personally make the parent aware of the activity, pick the child up, feed and transport them, the student will not participate.
It's very simple, they are doing something positive for the kids, offering a means for students to receive assistance with summer programs.
Simply put, if you believe that the students should be receiving more assistance in other areas, perhaps you should create your own fundraiser and quit bashing others who are doing positive things for the students.
There was an article today about a new Missouri law. They are dubbing it the "FaceBook Law". I found it interesting in light of blog discussions about Clayton and the way he has handled the whole illegal fraternity mess. In part, the law reads:
"No teacher shall establish, maintain, or use a work-related internet site unless such site is available to school administrators and the child's legal custodian, physical custodian, or legal guardian.
No teacher shall establish, maintain, or use a nonwork-related internet site which allows exclusive access with a current or former student."
In short, private communications between school employees and students (current or former)is not allowed. All communication must be done in the light of day and open for others to see.
Under this law, Clayton would be in jail right now. Apparently, it's not just a few "Clayton Haters" who believe that the way Clayton handles students is very questionable.
Under this law Clayton couldn't run his web sites.
Communications with students could only be run on work related school sites. High School Fraternities are illegal and so Boys II Men can't be run on the district web site.
All non-related work sites are forbidden.
Only at the Central Office of District 131 does basic common sense get lost wheneve the name Clayton is brought up.
I actually think that's a good law. I work in a high school, and interact w/ students, parents, and other staff regularly via e-mail. None of them have my personal address, I use my school address. Every e-mail I send or receive via the school e-mail system gets archived. Better for me, better for them. Basically, if there's something in our communications I don't want in the archive -- that's a red flag that that communication shouldn't be taking place.
I agree that there should be no "Private Communications" between district employees and children. If what they are saying can't be said publicly, it shouldn't be happening.
The only "Private Conversations" that occur should include a parent or gaurdian. There is never an instance where a district adult should be communicating privately with a child, especially outside of school.
I also think we should do as Missouri has done and make the offical language of Illinois English. As in Missouri illegals(or undocumented as some call them) would not be eligible for any state services if they cannot speak the English language. Notice I stated illegals and not immigrants who are doing things the right way.
In case you haven't noticed, there is almost no illegal immigration any longer. As soon as the American Economy hit the skids, there are no longer jobs for Americans, let alone the illegals. That's the only reason they were here in the first place, they wanted to work.
I agree. Illinois should stick with it's original language "Native American" and all the illegals should leave including whites, blacks, hispanics, etc.
I find it amazing that Europeans came to this land, murdered and enslaved the indigenous population, enacted "LAWS" to keep out those they feel are undesirable and then act as though they are somehow morally or ethically superior. "They" are breaking the LAW.
It's just another form of racism and is a deplorable way to go through life.
Isn't the camps in the summer in the district free? So would this be for non district camps? If so why do they need this. If someone besides any administrator or board member was running this I might give but they misuse our money what makes you think they would use this money the way it should be and who would make sure it is fair.
9:50 p.m., FYI--that issue was discussed at length on this blog over a year ago. An example of a comment from back then:
Does our district have any policy about teachers and students being Facebook friends? I'm not talking about alumni "friending" their former teachers, or students joining Facebook pages run by teachers (such as drama, band, or athletics). I'm talking about a couple of EHS teachers who have 200+ students as Facebook friends, along with adult co-workers, college roommates, etc. These teachers make inappropriate comments (for example, one teacher called a student a "cougar" when that student made a flattering remark about a younger classmate)
Becoming Facebook friends with current students seems unprofessional, and could lead to trouble. It blurs the line between those in authority and those who look to teachers as role models. Many districts have clear guidelines about this sort of thing--why not us?
June 9, 2010 12:40 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~
To their credit, the D131 staff members who were criticized for this no longer have current students as "friends" on their Facebook pages.
Except, of course, for "Farrakhan's Disciple" Clayton Muhammad--but why should he be expected to follow the rules?
Even if we don't have an National Language hasn't English been taught in our schools since they started schools? Even other districts have found a way to teach the ELL and English together so it doesn't effect the teaching of all students. This district does it because there is money in it.
If you are so worried email Johnson or the Board. This District offers very few camps as compared to other Districts so no not all the activities or interests are being meet. Other Districts also offer after school camps why not ours
Here's what someone (I think it was an EHS student) said last summer about the Facebook situation:
I see nothing wrong with teachers being friends with their students on Facebook. It's a good way to keep in contact if you have a question, and i see it as an easier way to Facebook them than to e-mail them.
Also, i thought teachers were to be seen as someone you can trust. Yes, an adult with authority, but also as a friend, or someone to go to if you ever needed help with school problems, or maybe even family problems. I don't understand why teachers should be seen as people who you can't talk to if it doesn't involve class issues. I believe a great teacher is one who has a good relationship with their students, but can also take control of their class when needed. I see their teaching to be more effective that way.
8:13 (and 8:04) it isn't about publicity. After school camps would work for some kids, but for others it would end up interfering w/ the very extra-curricular activities the camps are meant to support. Does the kid who wants to do the baseball camp taking place in the fall have to quit the football team, because the camp is at the same time as FB practice? The school I work at runs into this problem a lot, w/ kids doing camps at colleges and other places (yeah, they've got the money to do that) for an out-of-season sport while they're playing on another school sport team. Last spring both the girls' soccer and lacrosse teams lost 4-5 of their best players (each) for a weekend to a field hockey camp at some college. Bad enough when other organizations do it to your teams, even worse when you do it to yourself.
Have to agree with you August 4, 2011 2:53 PM. That is the purpose of the board to make sure all of our students get a quality education but some on their are more concerned about PR then what kind of education we give our students. I have heard even from Hispanics that don't speak English that good that they would not move into out district because of how they teach the ELL.
There may not be any more illegal immigrants migrating here, but there still are the ones who are here and still getting things they are not entitled to and wanting to become citizens without having to do anything. Still not fair to the ones who are doing it right. I believe they are still coming here because supposedly they feel it is better here. This is meant for any ethnic grouop that are illegal not just pointing out one. But one of these ethnice groups are the ones going on television etc. and making spectacles of theirselves. That is why they are the ones pointed out.
12:44 p.m., the situation you describe with kids having to choose between after-school activities applies mostly just to high school students. Grade school & middle-school kids don't have nearly as many demands on their time, and after-school activities during the school year would sharpen the skills and develop the interests they're learning during the school day.
To August 3, 2011 11:51 PM You said "In case you haven't noticed, there is almost no illegal immigration any longer." Wikipedia seems to have a different opinion; "Illegal immigrants continue to outpace the number of legal immigrants—a trend that's held steady since the 1990s. While the majority of illegal immigrants continue to concentrate in places with existing large Hispanic communities, increasingly illegal immigrants are settling throughout the rest of the country." An estimated 13.9 million people live in families in which the head of household or the spouse is an illegal immigrant My opinion, one ILLEGAL immigrant is too many.
Many of the children in our district were brought here by their parents when they were too young to have any say in the matter. These children have learned English (many are fully bilingual), work hard in our schools, and have assimilated into American culture. What should happen to them, 7:48 p.m.?
It would be heartless and just plain wrong to penalize children for the decisions or circumstances of their parents!
Why don't these children that were brought here when they were young ask their parents why they have put them in this position? During this time they(children)have been here their parents have recieved things that people who are citizens and legal immigrants cannot get. Also, this is the reason that there are so many children in the ESL classes, as the parents will not learn the language. It is time to stop the nonsense. Again, these children need to confront their parents about this. If the parents were to be found out and sent back to the country they came from, do these children think they willbe able to stay-and don't forget about the ones who come here and have babies (called anchor babies)so they then think they have the right to stay.
The Native Americans (the only group of Americans who didn't come here from somewhere else) have a saying about not judging people until you've walked a mile in their moccasins.
10:17 p.m., turn on the news or pick up a copy of Newsweek, and find out what life is like for many families in Mexico today. Not only are there no jobs to be had in many areas of the country, there is very little opportunity for young people to better themselves through higher education. And worst of all, thugs and drug cartels rob and kill thousands of innocent people every year--and the Mexican legal authorities can do nothing about it.
Wouldn't YOU try to move yourself and your family away if you were "in their moccasins"? If YOU heard from your friends & relatives that there was a place where, if you worked hard, your children could have a chance at a safer and better life wouldn't you go there? I know I would--and I sympathize with and support the MANY Mexican immigrant families who are here working the tough jobs, learning our language, and contributing to making America great!
"this is the reason that there are so many children in the ESL classes, as the parents will not learn the language"
Wow--you must know different Hispanic immigrants than I do, 10:17! EVERY ONE of the immigrants I know personally (and I don't know or care whether they came here legally or not) is trying very hard to learn English. They go to classes at Waubonsee. They sign up for tutoring at the Dominican Literacy Center, at their job, or at one of the area churches that offers English classes. They watch English-language TV and read American magazines (along with their own Spanish-language ones). They study for citizenship tests so they can be full participants in their adopted country.
I'm sure there are a few immigrants who come here to take advantage of handouts, but I've never met one personally.
That is true for some but not all. Some that come don't want to learn our language and could care less about their children's education and we do have some of those in our district. There are some that do want their children to have a good education and they will send them to a private school where they know they will get one.
There are people now that have worked hard and lived here all there lives that are struggling and are looking for work and want their children to have a good education but with this public school system they can't because we have to spend do much time teaching ELL that the ones that don't get left behind and this district a tracks those families because they stay in the ELL for most of their schooling.
Pick any ethnic group, and there are a few "bad apples" and stereotypes.
Whites are embarrassed by trailer-trash rednecks.
Blacks dislike the stereotype of the ghetto rapper.
Native Americans resent their image being tarnished by the few who abuse alcohol.
German-Americans get upset when they're compared to Nazis, even jokingly.
And mention the Mafia to an Italian-American, and you're likely to see an obscene gesture.
So no surprise that there will be a few Hispanics who may fit the stereotypes this culture has. I just prefer to see the overwhelming positive qualities in the immigrants I've had the privilege to know personally.
So how many Jericho Circile people are now registered in the East school district? Is the administration tracking this? If not, Why? If so, why havent they come out publicly and revealed what is going on. A friend at the district says that the ones that moved out of JC have all moved to the east side school district. Since this will now increase vioence and lower test scores even further this Board of Education will go down in history as one of the worst on record. Why do they not speak out against this like the west school district. Is Johnson a mouthpiece for the mayor? She needst ot come out on all of this and tackle this head on.
@August 4, 2011 10:17 PM-I cannot believe the narrow mindedness of some people. People move to the "land of opportunity" in hopes of a better life for their families. From the first settlers to present day. We need to address why people don't become legal and have our government work to make change.
If you have been following the stories about Jericho Circle you would see that there are problems with some in the complex. Ryland and Rick Lawerence has addressed the issue with the Mayor and city council about the impact it had on their district. In fact a couple of years ago they rebuilt a recreation center that was in there with computers for the kids and in no time that was destroyed. There have been many times the police have gone in there to break up fights. There was a time when the police wouldn't even go in there because they would be attacked.
Yep and all that mess is coming to D131. Where is the Board president speaking out? Again she puts her head in the sand. She could rally the residents of 131 in her favor but she just does not know how to do it. All that mess is already infiltrating the east side and D131 is doing nothing.
The Board President did speak out about over-crowding at a housing meeting I was there she said the district had grown last year by 500 plus kids with no new housing development. She said they did not gain a dime of real estate revenue from it. She did tell them they can not afford any more children.
Kifowhit was at that meeting and choose not to say anything in fact praised Aurora Housing. I for one was amazed by those numbers. The city always dumps trash on the East Side and you all continue to elect horrible Alderman. It is interesting at lest Lawerance said the East side can not afford this either.
With all the foreclosures and you can drive down some of the streets on the East Side and even see apartments for rent that have not been rented in a couple of months you have to wonder where all the new students are coming from. Yes, some might move in with family members or friends but some must be leaving the district and that should be checked out.
Well then the Board pres is not making her point heard. Saying at a board meeting is one thing. How about an interview with the Beacon or better yet the Tribune. This is a perfect story that readers would love to see. This all falls back on terrible alderman and an even worse mayor. That does not excuse the Board of Education from not making this a bigger issue.
I also agree why on earth is the district not verifying addresses. This would show how many kids are living in one household and those that are being transported into the district and out of those who do not what low achieving hispanics and blacks.
I don't think it is about low achieving students of any race I think we need to show them they can. Every child learns at a different level and they should be able to learn at that level and even go beyond that. With NCLB the government has decided that all children learn at the same pace and should all be the same but that is not true we should be able to let every children learn at the pace they can and learn what they are best in. Like the song says All in All we are just another brick in the wall.
The West Side has made a district effort over the past couple of years to remove all students who can not prove residency on the West Side. The West Side has had administrators, police and even private investigators following students home to see where they are actually living. Hundreds of students were refused admission to the West Side last year. That is the reason we had an influx of 500+ students last year.
“The city always dumps trash on the East Side,” “ who do not what low achieving hispanics and blacks” What sort of low achieving, ignoramus would make such idiotic statements?
I would try to move my family if I lived in a country where things can be as terrible as they are in Mexico or other countries. I would do it the right way though. I know things are terrible in certain places in Mexico, but how come so many go back for vacations, etc? I know people come here to the "land of opportunity" to make life better for their families, but they need to do it the right way and this goes for all ethnic groups, not just one. Just a question here, but why is the only other language that I see printed for many things just from one ethnic group? Also, why do I have to press one for English or 2 if I speak the other language? Why is this not done for all ethnic groups?
Yes, the West side did do that because they had respect for the taxpayer. This shows you have parents do not like our school system on this side and you can bet some of them where Hispanic that didn't like how they kept their children in the ELL program.
11:25 p.m., I think it has to do with economics. The fact is, American businesses want the Hispanics' dollars as well as everyone else's, so they go out of their way to market to them in their native language.
And the other language is Spanish (not German, French, Chinese or something else) because that's who is here in greatest numbers, spending their money. In certain Chicago neighborhoods, businesses are bilingual Polish or Russian because of demographics.
Since my husband's mother grew up in a small North Dakota town where another language (German) was spoken at home, church, and school I can sympathize to a certain extent. But it does bother me when native-born Americans are passed over for jobs for which they are otherwise highly qualified, just because they're not bilingual in Spanish. This happened to my teenaged son, and just seems WRONG.
500 new kids?????? Where are they coming from? This is a direct result of the City turning its head to overcrowding on the East side for years. Especially under Tom Weisner. He needs to be replaced as mayor as do many of hte alderman. How can the D131 community support such growth? This is just plain absurd!
I attended a neighborhood event Weisner & Johnson both attended she did give a speech about 530 kids from last school year to the one that just ended. Someone asked about Jerico Circle and if the East Side got any kids. Johnson said they had gotten some but that was before the vouchers were issued. She told the residents they could not handle any more from anywhere. That is when Weisner jumped up said it was a East/West and the Jerico parents do not want their kids attending 131 schools. Who is he kidding the Jerico parents could care less about the school district only as long as they are receiving free rent.
It is to bad she is the only one saying it were is our community spokesperson who takes money from Weisner for Boys 2 Men
It shouldn't be Clayton or Johnson doing the talking it should be the Superintendent like all other districts where the Superintendent look after the best interest of the school and taxpayers. Johnson says one thing one day and something else the next she can't be trusted.
This overcrowding of the east schools has got to stop. No more new schools, no more tax increases, not more 3-4 or more families to a house. Where is the City on all of this? Oh, yeah protecting the west side. Hell with everyone on the east side. The district should just not accomodate this anymore and go back to the State of Illinois and say enough is enough. Someone needs to contact 60 minutes as this would make for a great story.
I give her credit for speaking out but the board employs one person to look out for the district, students and taxpayers and that is the Superintendent. He should be out there just like the other ones that have went to the State when money was being cut back and when things go wrong. As far as bringing more students into the district the State has nothing to do with it that is up to the Superintendent to keep up with it and yes maybe getting the aldermen involved.
Central office news is Joe Harmon went back to teaching and Marin Gonzalez is no longer in charge of the High School. Marin also lost some other reports sounds like the Board told Roberts its her or you. Finally after her bullying of staff she got hers. Word has it Deanne Adams got the majority of her duties.
ah yes, the alderman. Let see Abby Schuler, Juany Garza, Stephanie Kifowit, Sheketa Hartburns. Now which one of these brainiacs are goint to help one ioto? Come on, really. That's why Weisner is such an idiot. He surrounds himself with people like this. He is in a corner now with the east overcrowding. Love to see how he gets himself up out of this one. All this stress on him cannot be good for his health. I wonder why he does it? Ego? I agree Roberts needs to be out there in the press talking this all up instead of Johnson.
I think everyone needs to be out talking about it the residents need to be the first. Remember Roberts does not care he is from Shorewood but at least Johnson has the courage to stand up
It is a big step forward that Joe Harmon is back in the class room and Marin is no longer in charge what is she in charge of now that she is going to destroy.
Why keep Marin if she is not in charge of anything. This is just like in the business world keep upper management even if they are not worth anything just shuffle them around. If she can't do her job get rid of her this is a waste of taxpayers money. This is an example of how the President and the board play games and don't do what they are suppose to.
Yes, I believe 8:55 is just playing on the hopes of people living and working in this district. It was a pleasant fantasy thought for a moment, that the district could finally be on the road to cleaning up. They blame NCLB, the process for testing, and the demographics in 131 for their failures to meet & exceed. Just maybe it is those controlling the means for accomplishing these goals within our own district that is the true cause for the failures.
The problem with 131 is that the City gives it no support whatsoever. They just keep letting the overcrowding happen. Moving all the Jericho Circle families over there is also going to make 131 an even bigger disaster. Why is Roberts not speaking out in a big way? Where the hell is he?
Hey, let's not forget the extra kids the Shodeen development will bring in IF it ever gets built (but I don't think that's ever going to happen). Roberts at least spoke against that. Plus the increase in students if Bigelow ever actually builds anything other than a weed-overgrown vacant lot on the Hi-Lite 30 property that just HAD to be torn down right away. Just think of the tax revenue the city could have been receiving all these years if they'd left the place open each summer until the land was really needed to build on.
There has been a shake up at the High School and I am glad to see it after 4 years of no leadership. I would guess Marin had a contract for the new school year and when the test scores came in the Board got involved. I had heard the Board workshop was not pleasant. I also heard Johnson was very to the point. Roberts said nothing
Teaching in this District at the High School for 12 years I have seen many changes but the teachers have been upset that year after year with Marin in charge nothing changed. Roberts may not be a bully but he is also no leader either. I don't know Deanne Adams but at least she is a new set of eyes.
Keep up the good work Board members we do see change
The land deal with the movie theater has always been a problem, and the economy taking a dive a couple years after it, leaving it undeveloped is sad. You're right, leaving it operating and collecting tax revenue would have been excellent. But, like the River Street development, plans made in 2006 look very different in 2011.
Johnson does get to the point sometimes but she rarely follows through. I believe it is a game to her to see if she can control things but that isn't her job. If Marin is not doing a good job she should be let go and someone else brought in not moved someplace else.
I agree. What is the Board doing about getting this message out about overcrowding and low test scores. Where has Weisner been for the past 10 years he has been in office on the state of the Aurora schools. East is terrible and West is about just as bad. Where has he been? He had moles like Dan Barrerio and now Ray Hull to infiltrate the Board so he can control it and get daily updates. Both these guys work for the city. I give it to Dan B. though at least he continued to send his daughter to private school and did not use the system to his benefit which Hull is doing with his own kid who he pulled out of Private school and put into East just so she would get scholarship money for college. I guess thats difference between a latino and a black. One served the schools the other is a leech on the system.
For those hoping that Denean Adams is better. Sorry, she isn't. She is articulate, friendly, well dressed but no more knowledgable than Marin. She is incompetent.
Joe Harmon did the honorable thing he resigned Marin on the other hand is always another story at least they recognized they had a problem which is more than I can say for Boards of the past.
3:23, because Joe Harmon has been listed for the past SEVERAL YEARS on the East High website (under Administration), as "Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction". The job posting says: "Assistant Principal C & I". The job description says it is at East High.
There are no other people in our district who have held a position with this title or description at East High School for several years.
The position posted clearly seems to be what Joe Harmon's been doing the past several years. It remains to be seen whether it indeed is Joe's position, and whether he's been reassigned or left. This also may or may not reflect any kind of shake-up; Joe's been fighting leukemia for a while now. Regardless of whether you want him in the job or not, any decent human being will agree that we hope his medical condition hasn't turned for the worse.
The Board demoted Marin she will spend the next school year teaching conversational English to Spanish speaking parents and conversational Spanish to the staff she lost all her direct reports they are now shared by Deanne Adams & Christy Aird. I heard Christy got Bilingual back and Deanne got Secondary. Deanne was appointed last month Asst Superintendent.
Roberts told the staff he had no say so in the matter
5:21 p.m., I will include Joe Harmon in my prayers. Thank you for posting this--I had no idea he had leukemia.
Of course, it's possible that Joe is actually in good health and 5:21 is just spreading rumors. But I believe that no prayer is ever wasted, and I would want Joe to know that even though I disagree with certain decisions he supported in the past, I still wish him good health and well-being.
Is there any admin that lives in D131 other than Roberts? Bigelow claimed bankruputcy on Home Town from what I heard. So therefore no more building. Also, I believe we do not get that land that was promised us as that time frame has expired.
Who cares where D131 admins (or teachers, or secretaries, or custodians, or aides...) live? As long as they're doing their job, it's none of my concern.
The superintendent and School Board members are the only ones who are required to live in the district.
And speaking of School Board, does anyone know who has applied for the vacancies?
If Roberts has come from the projects and made it where he has made it, good for him. It does prove it can be done and quit coddling people from these places. Give a hand up and not a hand out as we do. One person I can think of who is admin and certainly has not been a benefit to this district is Marin Gonzales. She is from D129. I wonder if D129 would have put up with the things she has or has not done? Also if they do not live in this district their money goes for the taxes where they live, and I really would like to see due to the money they make that their tax money would be for thie district. It also makes me wonder that if it is good enough to work for D131 why it isn't good enough fortheir children to go to school here, which they cannot, if they live in another district. Just a thought on my part.
Of course, it's possible that Joe is actually in good health and 5:21 is just spreading rumors.
I know it's out of character for this blog, but I'm pretty sure (short of reading his medical records) that this is true, otherwise I wouldn't have posted it. A combination of a very reliable source, and the last couple of times I saw him I could see that he was fighting an illness, looked like he might have been on corticosteroids or chemo.
I see the whole West Aurora Board is going down to speak at the city meeting with their superintendent. You can bet Clayton will hide because he gets money for B2M. Hull is employed by the Mayor and will lie that the school district is not over-crowded. Roberts will be hiding and does not care because until his wife dumped him for a white boy he lived in Shorewood. Turza and Gonzalez will be off at cocktail party. That leaves Johnson who lately seems to be the only one who does speak up.
Joe, if you're reading this please know that people are praying for you. I know that you're Catholic (as am I), and I also want to tell you that I have a Catholic musician friend in his 60s who had leukemia more than 15 years ago and is still in remission and enjoying an active retirement. Hopefully you, too, will be one of the many who fight leukemia and WIN!
As for Clayton speaking he doesn't need to he is just a PR person for the district the one that should be up there is our Superintendent and some of the alder persons of this district and the community. The West Side gets a lot of support from their community members and that is why they can get results sometimes. It is a shame the Board lets this Superintendent hide behind the PR person and the board president. The West Side Superintendent is the one running this over there and that is the job of the superintendent to be the leader in things like this.
224 comments:
1 – 200 of 224 Newer› Newest»If this was Facebook, I would "like" the new post.
Speaking of Facebook, this is on Mary Fultz's Wall today:
ACROSS MY DESK: GOD ONLY KNOWS WHY THIS IS HAPPENING ! THERE WAS A AUGUST 17, DATE. I HAD NO IDEA OF A JULY 13 COURT DATE. I'M NOT A ATTRONEY & I DON'T HAVE FUNDS FOR REPRESENTATION. OFFICIALLY SERVING ME WOULD OF BEEN MORE APPROPRIATE. I WORK SPECIALLY HARD ALONG/FOR/WITH THE KIDS. I WOULD OF NEVER JUST GAVE UP. THANK YOU KIDS & PARENTS FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE A PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY LOVE MARY FULTZ
And God only knows why she is choosing to dig in her heels and cause the district to pay many thousands of dollars in legal costs.
So, did Mary Fultz show up and speak at the board meeting last night?
She came late asked for donations after the meeting stopped the people leaving the meeting stood in the middle of the floor and said she is all about the kids
If Mary Fultz can't take care of her own affairs (legal and otherwise) why should the community trust her to take care of ours.
At this point if we redid the vote, she probably wouldn't even get one vote (since she's not registered to vote for herself!).
Why do some people act as though the rules and expectations don't apply to them?
Two examples in our district: Mary Fultz and Clayton Muhammad.
Well, in the case of Clayton, the rules don't apply. That's how he has run an illegal fraternity for years and discriminated against any kid who was not black or Hispanic.
Simple fact. Some cultures social code requires covering for each others actions, even if they are illegal. This is just one of the many reasons this districts reputation will always suffer.
I don't think culture or ethnicity has a lot to do with it. I think it's arrogance, pure and simple!
Another example of someone who doesn't think the rules/expectations apply to them is Steve Orland, who was by all accounts a good band director at West High for 20+ years. But he apparently thought it was o.k. to fool around with students--the rules didn't apply to him. ARROGANCE.
A considerable number of Clayton Muhammad's "friends" on his PERSONAL Facebook page (not the Boys II Men one) are current EHS students. This is WRONG.
It's one thing for students to be on public Facebook pages associated with a class or activity (such as the EHS theatre, band, or choir pages). But current students on an administrator's personal Facebook page? BAD idea.
Making choices for ARROGANCE.
First off, Clayton is not a real administrator, he only plays one in District 131.
Secondly, Steve Orland had no one covering for his illegal actions. He is being held accountable for his actions. This confirms my point. Certain cultures cover for each other while other expect accoutability for one's actions.
I've seen plenty of Caucasians cover for each other, too--just look at politicians like John Edwards and our own Rod Blagojevich.
But the underlying issue is usually an attitude of arrogance. As in, being above having to meet the standards expected of "ordinary people".
Personnel and Policy Lewis is a friend of his on FaceBook yet she is in a position of power and does nothing. That is because he is around promoting her grand children along with Hulls daughter
You keep picking white people doing illegal things and covering for themselves. You know their names because others did report them and they were held accountable. I am talking about people who have little or nothing to gain personally, know about another doing illegal things and cover it up simply because their racial social code requires it.
The Police in Chicago are on the news fairly regularly making the same statement in different words. The are constantly asking for community involvement in policing. They can't do their job if the community will not speak up and report the crimes they see. They are fighting the social code constantly.
What really complicates matters is when the people in authority are the ones who are commiting the cover up.
Hey amigo, lets talk about the truth. Mary Fultz, Hull,Turza and Hill were elected because of their surnames. The vote was anti Hispanic and so place blame where it belongs. If you were anti hispanic you know who you are. Who was going to vote for someone named Nacho. Mary Fultz was supported by the hispanic coalition of Art Velasquez, Juany Garza Monica Silva and Alex Arroyo. They were using Mary to take votes from Hull and Hill. She used them to get what she wanted and it backfired in everyones face who had malicious intentions including Fultz. Be careful what you ask for.
Let us not forget Arroyo is running for the new state house position so lets see when the tables are turned he filed Fultz petitions and they were all forged
Uh 4:51 Chicago PD is NOT a good example. Yeah, they want the community coming forward to help THEM, but if a cop does something wrong (no matter what race he/she is) they cover it up. If the security cam at that bar hadn't caught that big off duty cop beating the female bartender, the other cops there with him would have never done a thing. And the cops didn't like the last commissioner, Wies (sp?), because he didn't have their back. Because he turned a cop over to the feds after the internal procedures gave him a tiny slap on the wrist for beating a helpless person (can't remember specifics right now, it was either a guy in a wheelchair or a restrained prisoner).
And 5:13, making generalizations is always a mistake. I voted for Fultz AND Nacho. I didn't give a rat's rear end what color they were. I was looking for some new blood on the board.
To: July 21, 2011 6:53 PM
So you agree with me. A social code that covers wrongdoing is never a good thing. It doesn't matter whether it happens for racial or professional reasons.
The simple fact is that our reputation is not going to change until this is addressed. It doesn't matter how much money we waste on PR people.
6:53 all I'm saying is everyone who cast one of those 900 plus votes for Fultz should fess up and quit whining. That same coalition is surely working behind the scene to have your second candidate shoved down our throats. If the voters wanted him in he would have won. Nacho thinks he can go and talk to students and teachers and come back to the board(clueless). I hope at least one of these bloggers that hates everyone thats not white will apply for the opening. Since we have a black tea bagger already we need a klansman to go with; the nut cycle will be complete.
It is sad that the last 2 Hispanics and the cureent 1 on the board were and are not good for it. Son't get me wrong as there are now a couple of whites that I think are not doing a good job and definitely one of color that so far appears to be worthless.
So why are you not on the Board if you can solve all the problems or did you also sell out the voters who voted for you by resigning Rayanne
When Rayanne's schedule changed and she realized that she would have to miss a lot of meetings, she resigned (after having faithfully served on the School Board for a couple of years).
Carol Farnum also resigned from the Board, when she and her husband were making plans to move to Florida.
Now we have Robb Hill, who has missed several meetings in just a few months on the Board. Maybe HE should do the right thing and resign.
Rayanne was a quitter.
Sometimes resigning (call it "quitting" if you prefer) is the honorable thing to do.
Since he misses most of the meetings, Robb Hill should resign--IF he is interested in doing the honorable thing.
9:46 a.m., from your mouth to God's ears--this was just posted on the Beacon website this afternoon:
AURORA — The East Aurora School Board with have two vacancies to fill following Friday’s resignation of newly elected member Robb Hill.
School District spokesman Clayton Muhammad said that Hill’s resignation became effective immediately on Friday. He said scheduling conflicts were the reason for Hill’s departure.
Hill has missed three board meetings since he was elected in April, said board President Annette Johnson. Hill has also been absent at several committee meetings, she said.
“He felt that he just couldn’t commit the time necessary (to serving on the board),” Johnson said, noting that serving on the board is more than attending a few meetings.
“Our (school) board is extremely involved,” Muhammad said. “It’s really rare (for a board to be so involved), but it shows their depth of involvement in the district,”
Hill could not be reached for comment Friday.
The district is also looking to replace ousted board member Mary Fultz.
Of the seven residents looking to fill four board positions in April, Fultz, 45, received the second highest number of votes. Fultz, however, was never officially seated.
Last week, Kane County Judge Thomas Mueller determined that Fultz was not a registered voter at the time of the April 5 election, making her ineligible to run for the School Board position.
Fultz and Hill’s vacancies mark the first time in more than a decade that the board has had two open seats at one time, Muhammad said.
“Vacancies have been close in proximity… (but in the 10 years I’ve been here) it’s never happened where we have had two vacancies at once,” Muhammad said. “On the bright side, we can bring in someone who has the time to commit to the district.
“We have board members who are extremely active. This is a tight knit board that moves on with its agenda and will keep moving forward.”
Residents have until July 29 to apply for Fultz’s seat, and until Aug. 5 to apply for Hill’s seat.
“I’m hoping that we get a great response from the community,” Johnson said of recruiting candidates. “Maybe people will feel they have a better chance now that there’s two open spots... I just want to get the word out, get momentum going, and have more of a pool to chose from.”
For information on filling the board’s open positions, visit the board’s web page at www.d131.org/boardofeducation.asp.
So, 8:32 a.m., is Robb Hill a quitter, too??
It looks like all of Clayton's choices for the board are having issues. He is consistent. Every decision in his career shows his incompetence.
I am sure Clayton's other choice will be putting his hat in to the ring. Nacho wil want on the board. The question is, does the board need a wet behind the ears 18 year old who should be focusing his attention on his studies?
Qualifications for board membership should include more than being part of Clayton's illegal fraternity.
How can Hill "quit" when he really never even started?
According to "Farrakhan's Disciple" Clayton Muhammad, Hill didn't quit; he resigned.
In this district, it's all in the "spin".
Maybe Robb Hill stepped aside so the Boys II Men kid can be appointed.
Let's see what happens next in the soap opera that is D131.
You can bet Lisa's friend Sifuentes who has his daughter in the Preschool illegally and Nacho will apply
You are already bitching about who is going to apply...what is stopping you?
So why don't any of the complainers on this blog apply if you feel you can do better
As long as Johnson is board president and Stella, Lewis, MaryAnn are on the board it won't do any good. Johnson will bully others to get what she wants so even if they get two that wants change it won't do any good. You can bet they are asking people they know to run for the board and they will talk about it among themselves before they even interview the candidates to make sure they are all on board on who to pick.
Yeah, so don't even try. That can be your excuse to make you feel better. That's the good message, because you KNOW what is already going to happen.
Yeah so put in your application get turned down and then you could complain. Johnson, Gonzalez, Hull, Lewis and Tursa all pay taxes and own property on the East Side so I think they should have a big voice in the school system. As a teacher I have been impressed by them they speak out on issues and go to district events and since I don't know your name I can't say the same for you. So great job Board
So do some of the parents in this districit pay taxes and have a right to be represented decently as do the students. If someone applies now for the board and tha board in not aware of how they feel(such as wanting to do what is right and the board staying out of certain buisness in the district that they should not have their nose in) they would be a plus for the district. But the one person is right, certain ones will tryto get someone in the can control. I am going to give Lewis credit for getting some backbone. Hull asks good questions, but seems to always vote with the flow. Stating facts as he does and pointing out certain things that are wrong does no good when he votes the way Johnson wants the puppets to do. Puppets now being everyone but Lewis at this point. Wonder If she feels how Weaver must have felt. Everyone can bet their bip that the 2 new school board members will be Johnson's puppets unless someone who applies does keep certain things to theirself until on the board. For the record, I would apply but at this point do not have the time to do be a school board member. I do go to meetings when I can and have spoke to the board in the pas5.
Whoops hit the 5 instead of the t. Shame on me for not reading what I posted before posting. Am not going to point out other mistakes I may have made.
Lewis always votes with the other members and they all vote the way Johnson wants. Johnson does do the right thing most of the time but gives into Roberts to much
Lewis now does not always vote with the other members. She has really surprised those of us who go to the meetings. Johnson may do right most of some of the times, but it is the times she does not do right that concern me. Hope Lewis keeps up what she is doing and asking the right questions as she has been doing.
My concern with Johnson is that she doesn't go by board policy she seems to think because she is board president she can change them at times.
Last Nov. she let Wells go to that Title 1 conference and in the IL School Code and information ISBA administration and board members should only go IF it benefits the district not the person. It was also stated that those that went took Wells out for a farewell dinner with some of the spouses with is also wrong they are suppose to pay their own way. I also believe that the board doesn't pay attention on money administration spends. Look at the list of bills should food be under supplies and the curriculum committee sure gets a lot of stipends.
To blame Johnson is a bit much for that one. Blame her for getting Roberts his contract. Wells knew she would not be with the board and wasted the districts money unlike Weaver who just did not go. Let us not forget Wells and Hull encouraged Fultz to continue and sue the district. That speaks to their character but it was Wells who attacked the bank parents and kids as well about the Star Spangled Banner. Wells like Fultz is low life welfare trash along with Hill
Last performance of "The King and I" today at the Paramount Theatre!
The show starts at 3.
Tickets $8/$12
With 3 East Aurora High School students playing in the Orchestra, one East Aurora graduate, and a some West Aurora students as well, all under the direction of Mr. Liska.
Johnson could of refused to let her go she is the President and has a say how the district spends the money and she should of said no to the dinner also since rumor is the bill was over $2000.00.
Mauricio, thanks for posting about "King and I"--hope it went well! I was out of town, so couldn't see it, but I have seen many Park District shows in past years (including some with my own kids participating), and I think that the summer drama program is a wonderful way to keep kids busy and sharpen their acting and musical skills.
And in addition to the musicians in the pit mentioned by Mauricio, there were dozens of kids (adults, too!) on stage performing. Many were our own D131 students & alums.
Another GOOD thing happening in our city/district!
:)
I agree July 24, 2011 5:20 PM.
July 24, 12:54. You seem to have first hand knowledge of trash; you are a pathetic individual. Whats the matter your daddy didn't hug you as a child. Something tells me you look for a mate at the family reunion. What night does the Klan meet on.
The url didn't show up on the last post here it is.
http://www.iasb.com/askthestaff/ma11.cfm
This goes with July 25, 2011 7:58 AM It was posted but it is gone now.
Travel expenses
School board members need to travel to educational meetings and the cost of such travel is a legitimate district expense — including the cost of registration or tuition fees at workshops and conferences. The School Code empowers your school board to reimburse members for expenses associated with educational meetings.
However, state law does not guarantee reimbursement for such expenses. The school board must authorize the reimbursement. Your board should have a policy that defines the kinds of meetings for which it will authorize travel and the process necessary to qualify for reimbursement, e.g., what vouchers and receipts are required.
The law requires that expenses be “actual and necessary” and directly associated with the meeting itself, including travel to and from the meeting. It specifically bars reimbursement of expenses for anyone other than the board member, meaning expenses for family members who accompany you are not reimbursable.
Keep in mind that travel on behalf of your school district should not profit you. Neither should it cost you money. A good philosophy is that you won’t benefit at the expense of the district, and the district won’t benefit financially at your expense.
Mary Fultz posted the following yesterday:
AFTER SPEAKING TO MR ROBERT HILL. I KNOW OF THE SCHEDULING CONFLICTS HE WAS HAVING WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD AGENDA. I'M SORRY ROBERT, HOWEVER I WOULD OF LOVED TO SEE YOU STAND IN THERE & FOR OUR EAST AURORA SCHOOL CHILDREN. [Thanks] FOR YOUR EFFORTS. I PRAY WHO EVER FILLS YOUR SEAT IS A GOOD FIT. EVEN THOUGH IT WASN'T MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE. I MARY FULTZ WILL BE FILING FOR MY SEAT THIS WEEK... THE SCHOOL BOARD FILES A MOTION & GOES TO COURT. I WAS NOT SERVED NOTIFICATION OF THE NEW/CHANGED COURT DATE. HOWEVER AT THE LAST SCHOOL BOARD MEETING I WAS TOLD I WAS SENT THE INFORMATION IN THE MAIL. I WAS ALWAYS JUST A PHONE CALL/TEXT/EMAIL AWAY ! AGAIN I DESERVE MY SEAT. TRULY I DO. [Thanks] AGAIN AURORA FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
Before you run for a School Board position you should check to see if you have the time for it. Take the time to see that there are two meetings a month and that there is things like the board packet that you need to read to be able to vote on. Being a board member takes time and you have a comment to the district to vote on things that make the district better and you have to follow the IL School Code.
Mary you should of made sure you where a registered voter before you ran and made sure you had all the right qualifications to run. Not knowing those things is not an excuse to not getting that position. Please don't take any more of the districts time with not doing your due diligence of not knowing these things. If you really cared about being on this board you would of kept of with the proceedings and that doesn't cost a dime.
Yeah Mary like the Board is going to appoint you loser. The Board gets to ask her questions she can't find the voters booth so do you think she will answer a question
If Mary Fultz can't take care of her own affairs in a competent manner, why should she be a board member with the responsibility of caring for this entire district?
Vote NO
Isn't one of the qualifications to be on the Board, even by appointment, to be a registered voter for a year or in the district for a year?
At the July 5th board meeting, there was quite a discussion about the Quad County Urban League contract for the upcoming school year. Our district will be paying almost $150,000 more, and fewer students will be served.
Anita Lewis challenged both the cost increase and the procedure for approving the contract. The final vote was 4 to 1 to approve it, with Ms. Lewis casting the dissenting vote. To his credit, Ray Hull criticized the way the contract was presented to the Board (evidently it wasn't passed through the agreed-upon channels)--but he still voted yes.
THANK YOU, Anita Lewis, for having the guts to speak up and question the way our tax dollars are spent!
Generally, the Illinois School Code requires that a school board member be:
a United States citizen;
18 years of age or older;
a resident of the state and territory of the district for at least one year before his or her election;
a registered voter;
not a school trustee or treasurer; and
not a child sex offender.
Yes, thank you Anita. Johnson sure looked like the cat that ate the canary when this passed. Someone else needs to be president other than Johnson. That won't happen because she pulls the strings on the puppets and promises them things to keep her position. If someone else did become president, Johnson would pull again what she pulled on Weaver. Anita keep up the good work the way you are going. There are many of us behind you even though many know you was in with Johnson on what happened to Weaver.
There is an ongoing effort by West to send West Aurora's most troubled kids and ones who are on the bottom academically to all the East schools. Why is East not pushing back on this. The Schools are being ruined right in front of their eyes. Isnt there a way to check where these kids live
Roberts rent will now be covered for another year he lives in Theodia Gillespe's house and everyone at the service center knows his wife is taking him for a ride. Poor Jerome can't live in Shorewood but he has to pay the bills for Shorewood. He runs around the service center all day hoping by paying the bills she will let him back. So now the struggling tax payers of d131 have to pay his rent
To July 28, 2011 6:20 AM
if this is true, East only needs to verify residency of their students to eliminate the problem.
So are you saying that The West Side administration has asked to send their bad students over here to go to school? If they did and I doubt it our school board would have to ok it so why don't you ask them.
Prove Roberts rent is being paid by the district. Where would we look to find this? Inquiring minds want to know.
You would never tell that got put into that big increase at least that is Central Office News
Central Office seems to have a lot of spare time to be gossiping at work maybe they need to get rid of some. How would they know what Roberts gets or about an increase unless they are able to read some Board business that the board has not made public to the taxpayers and yes they do have to make public any changes to his contract.
If he is renting from Theodia Gillespe that could be an Ethic's issue since she runs the Alternative School and they just got more money out of this district but this board doesn't seem to care about things like that.
Another lie on the blog Dr Roberts lives in Shorewood the Board never made him move
Another lie that morons get all worked up over to find out that it isn't true on any level.
Guess what will happen next week?
Somebody else will lie, and the morons here will believe it again.
This blog is similar to most, in that there are some rumors & exaggerations here. A recent example is the concern over Dr. Roberts' health. I was one who took the rumor seriously, and prayed for Dr. Roberts--and I don't regret doing so, whether or not he was ill at the time.
It is always a good idea to be skeptical about what you read on a blog, and look for corroborating evidence from other sources.
It is a fact that Roberts is getting a divorce from his wife and probably she is living in the house and not with him. I haven't heard if the divorce is final and if they had to sell it but he is living somewhere else than in that house in Shorewood.
Has Roberts been back to work yet or is he still on "VACATION"?
"nothing wrong"--
What part of NO F-BOMBS don't you understand, 7:09 p.m.?
And 7:09 p.m., Dr. Roberts' marital status is none of my concern. Unnecessary expenditures, however, should be very much a concern for every taxpayer.
We should find out tomorrow night at the Board meeting whether or not Dr. Roberts is still on vacation.
Dr. Roberts was at the last board meeting. The July 5 one Marin ran due to his absence. Whether that proves him healthy, is everyone's own opinion.
What big increase are you talking about? Where in the budget would it be or what was it put under? Roberts does not live in Shorewood to whomever thinks this.
And your comment will probably be deleted again because of the profanity as it should be. If you make your statement without the profanity it will be left.
Roberts has been back to work he has quoted in the newspaper. The fact is he does not live in Shorewood any longer he lives in Aurora who he rents from I am not sure but he has stated Aurora is know his home.
Roberts lives on Lincoln Ave not in Shorewood he is divorced. As far as his health he was at the last board meeting
A simple check of Aurora Township Assessors website, shows Ms. Gillespie owns a home on Lincoln Ave. And Roberts was at the last board meeting. That proves he can be mobile at times; does not prove (disprove) anything else about his health. You cannot always judge someone's health (good or bad) on how they look.
I was having lunch the other day at m&d on farnworth and over heard an interesting discustion between some construction workers. They were talking about how they should have just gutted the new child center, and joking about how much mold was covered up wet dry wall there is and how thier bosses told not to talk about it. C&C knew about this problem but are covering thier buts, C&C = cover your crack well enough they won't see it.
Just remember that Johnson is going to get what she wants. She is the person who wanted this place. Should have gone with Root st. What is going to happen when the state no longer gives the grant for this. D131 is going to be responsible for it. There is already been mention of a new referendum. The last referendum which we did not need is for education(which the students are not getting the benefit of, just new admins & postions being created). That refenendum cannot be used for building so therefore, new referendum.
AURORA — Residents interested in becoming members of the East Aurora School Board will have until Friday to submit their applications, following the resignation of board member Robb Hill.
Hill’s resignation was effective July 22. He cited scheduling conflicts as reason for his departure.
The board decided on Monday evening that it will interview candidates at 6 p.m. on Aug. 16. Hill’s position is the second board vacancy this year. Mary Fultz, who had received the second highest number of votes in the April election, was ruled ineligible to sit on the board last month because she was not a registered voter in Kane County at the time of the election.
Currently serving members were anxious on Monday to have an interview date set in stone. New board members will be sworn in on Sept. 6. Their term will expire in 2013. Those interested should send a letter of intent to the East Aurora School District Administrative Office, 417 Fifth St., Aurora IL 60505, Attention Lisa Morales, by 4 p.m. Friday.
“I look forward to the interview process so we can make our board whole again,” said board member Raymond Hull.
In addition to welcoming new potential board members, the district will also welcome several new administrators come fall.
Board member Anita Lewis spoke of seven who were recently recommended.
East Aurora High School will be getting a new dean of students. There were also recommendations to appoint staffers to assistant principal positions at the Early Childhood Education Center and at O’Donnell, Johnson, Brady and Cowherd schools.
A new coordinator for evaluation and assessment was also recommended.
Lewis also announced the revival of the district’s elementary school gifted program which will make its way back into the schools come fall.
“I’m really, really excited about it,” she said, citing the work that administrators have done to implement the program. “I could go on and on and on about the positive things now affecting our district.”
Board President Annette Johnson had some cheering of her own to do. Johnson announced the kickoff of a new district-wide campaign that will help hundreds of kids throughout Aurora.
The Every Kid Can Play campaign was created to raise money to help pay camp fees for students who can’t otherwise afford the experience.
Johnson said that in light of the district’s 165th anniversary, the campaign will attempt to raise $165,000 to help fund camp costs for athletes, musicians and artists.
“This is really exciting, and I firmly believe that extracurricular activities do educate the whole child,” she said. “We will reach out to our alumni and our community to help put a lot of kids through camp.”
All those new administrators, when our hard-working TEACHERS desperately need relief from the overcrowding in their classrooms (and our KIDS deserve more individual attention).
I would rather see that $165,000 spent on teacher assistants than summer camps. That would be more bang for the buck, and more students actually helped.
If you would have bothered to come to the meeting you would have found these admin's replaced people who left. As far $165,000 it is a proven fact children who gets involved in band, sports and arts do beach better in school I think the district is doing great things funny how you can not comment on the positives like gifted. Stop bring the district down if you live here shame on you. If you teach here get another job.
Actually, 7:45 a.m., I am not a teacher. My perspective is that of a parent. My kids are now college graduates, who were involved in many extra activities throughout their school years such as music and sports (which we, their parents, paid for).
But I saw firsthand how kids in overcrowded classrooms "fell between the cracks" academically (especially in grade school) because teachers simply could not give them extra attention. Plus, so much of the teacher's time has to be taken up with paperwork, etc. (attendance, bathroom breaks, discipline) which cuts into time that COULD be spent actually teaching. A second adult in an overcrowded classroom would ease that pressure and help more actual learning take place.
And 7:45 a.m., making a constructive suggestion is NOT "bringing the district down".
To August 2, 2011 7:45 AM Some comments are not bring the district down like stating that the teachers need more help in the classroom. Just like in anything the top half is to heavy. I would think that an assistant for a teacher would benefit the student more than an assistant to a assistant principle.
Asst. Prin. assists in professional development of the staff as well as takes teachers places if they are out for a half day. The District already hired the teaching assistants and after enrollment will be adding more. If you know so much about the school I hope you put in your application.
Yawn
This is nothing new to get excited about.There have been ocassions when extra curricular instructors/coaches have gone out of their way to make arrangements for students to get financial assistance. No one knows the effort these teachers put into arranging donations because these teachers are not looking for pats on the back or their name in the paper like the Board members.
As a paying parent, I know what we had to do without in order to pay for our children to be involved. It was worth the sacrifice for our children. Example: It was discouraging to see a student get a free ride to a summer event, because of a caring, hard working teacher felt sorry when the MOm cried "poor us." This student was the best dressed kid at the event for the week, and not very appreciative of the opportunity.
It will be interesting to see who gets the $165K. Like another said, I believe classrooms could use assistance before "camps."
Be innovative school board members. Educate our students to their fullest capability. Gifted is a start. The district acknowledging the arts & sports as having a place in our schools was a step in the right direction. Don't waste $$ helping a few, when so many can benefit on a classroom.
Board President Annette Johnson had some cheering of her own to do. Johnson announced the kickoff of a new district-wide campaign that will help hundreds of kids throughout Aurora. This means that they are going to help students in other districts why is that. Why should one district run a campaign for other districts to help for camp there are many agencies out there that help and who would be in charge of this money I hope not this district because they would have to use some of it for when they have meetings for Jimmy Johns.
I would love to know what band program is entirely funded by parents. I have been in the music field for decades and know many directors in this and many other states and I have never seen this phenomenon.
While we hope families can support their children in some substantial way, there are many students who simply can't afford it. There are also many instruments that no parent could afford. It's on thing to expect a parent to buy a flute for a few hundred dollars but who would expect a parent to shell out several thousand for a tuba or marimba.
It always amazes me at how ignorant people are as to how many of the wonderful experiences in their lives are really funded. They have no clue where their tax dollars are going.
http://front.moveon.org/dear-cameraman-who-attacked-teachers-in-front-of-matt-damon-and-his-mom/?rc=fb.fan
From a D131 parent, I believe our teachers are among the best. It is our Board and it's employee that need help.
Good video with Matt Damon. There are bad teachers but who gives the teachers what they are suppose to teach? The School Board, Superintendent and administration and if they don't give the teachers the right materials to do so or listen to the teachers about their students and might work better in the classroom then they need to take some blame and you don't hear anything about that. I will have to agree though that in some districts where they have money teachers get paid very good and not in some poorer districts but where do we get the scale of that and some of of it is in how they perform. I don't believe that administration alone should judge this since they tend to cater to the teachers that suck up to them and the ones that might question how they might make changes get pushed aside.
It isn't all about the band folks it should be what ever extra the students want to do and what they feel they can excel in.
No one said it was just about band. There is football, dance, & cheer camps that I know EA students have attended. I am sure there are many camps many of us are unaware, such as debate, science & math. Why the comment about Band folks?
I think the kids can play is a great idea I already contacted the District to see how we can be involved this would pay for Music, Art, & Sports programs kids do need a extra activities and at least I can give the Board credit it is a way to try to make more parents/students vested into the community
There are already many summer arts & sports programs available for our kids. Some are offered through the park district, some through local churches, some through community programs such as Family Focus.
This "Every Kid Can Play" program looks like a grandstanding effort by certain administrators desperate for positive publicity. Our kids would be much better served by putting that money toward a better classroom experience (maybe technology equipment or teacher assistance).
For those of you who think the $165k could be used for something else, volunteer to start up and run a fundraising effort for whatever you think is a better use of the money. Johnson isn't announcing that the district is coming up w/ this money, just that the district is setting up a mechanism for people who CHOOSE to donate to this cause to do so. The fact is people are more likely to donate to a specific activity, cause, etc. than to something general and non-specific. Look at what happened on the west side; they raised a huge amount of money to redo the athletic field w/ artificial turf. The sad fact is if they'd set up the same effort asking for donations for more teachers's aides, books, etc., they probably would have never gotten as much money. That's not the schools' fault, that's the public's. Johnson announced a fund raising effort for a good cause. Just because there are other good causes, doesn't diminish this one.
The money that parents spend on cell phones, ipads and all those other things could go for these things. People who are low income and say they do not have money, but have these type of things is why I, personally do not want to donate. I know I will get alot of flack about this, but it just isn't right. I would rather contribute to someone I know really needs the help. What business do we have sticking our nose in other districts? We neewd to keep our nose on our side of the river in our own district. If the board president or members want to help out other districts, they need to run for Mayor. School board positions should not be political gain.
Instead of taking the negative approach do think that the Beacon could have printed the wrong thing. I am sure they have enough kids in our district to help. I will donate because I think this is important to kids
Isn't all the camps during the summer free in this district?
Several people have commented wondering why we should be trying to help kids in other districts attend camps. Read Johnson's statements again, either in the Beacon or as pasted in by 8/2/11 6:27 am. She says nothing about other districts. She's talking about a goal of raising $165k DISTRICT-WIDE. i.e. THIS district. No others.
And 8/2 11:30 pm I won't give you any flack for choosing not to contribute to this cause, even though I probably will. That's what it's all about -- setting up a mechanism to allow EACH member of the public to make THEIR OWN choice. The thing I don't like about some of the comments is it seems that some on this blog don't think I should have that choice.
I did read it again and it says kids through out Aurora which would mean students in other districts we have I believe four school districts through out Aurora.
Board President Annette Johnson had some cheering of her own to do. Johnson announced the kickoff of a new district-wide campaign !that will help hundreds of kids throughout Aurora.!
A New District Wide Campaign is what Johnson said. She said it was to rebuilt programs such as sports, music and art. Does our district not have a big need. If you are so concerned email her or is it possible the Beacon got it wrong. Give me a break
This is what she also said.
Johnson said that in light of the district’s 165th anniversary, the campaign will attempt to raise $165,000 to help fund camp costs for athletes, musicians and artists.
Maybe if this district gave up some of there eating out and paying for a dinner for a retiring board member and administration taking their family members on trips and paying for supplies like pizza they would have that money and that is where it should go first before the other things.
Many of our students' families are gone most (or all) of the summer; some even leave the country and go "south of the border" to spend time with relatives. Those kids would not get any of the benefits of the "Every Kid Can Play" program.
Why not offer tutoring, art programs, homework clubs, sports & music activities, etc. DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR when most kids can participate? People would be more likely to donate to that in a difficult economy, because more kids would be helped than in a summer program.
Where do the smart kids at East go? Are they left to rot while the administration spoon feeds the other hand? This board thinks its making a difference and in reality they have done nothing to imporve what East is suppose to do and that is educate children. The test scores prove it. Everything else is just smoke and mirrors.
A few board meetings ago Mr. Hull was lamenting how so few football players attended a FREE camp at Marmion, with an ex NFL player. I don't think FREE camps are necessarily the answer. I believe many parents just aren't involved, and unless you personally make the parent aware of the activity, pick the child up, feed and transport them, the student will not participate.
It's very simple, they are doing something positive for the kids, offering a means for students to receive assistance with summer programs.
Simply put, if you believe that the students should be receiving more assistance in other areas, perhaps you should create your own fundraiser and quit bashing others who are doing positive things for the students.
There was an article today about a new Missouri law. They are dubbing it the "FaceBook Law". I found it interesting in light of blog discussions about Clayton and the way he has handled the whole illegal fraternity mess. In part, the law reads:
"No teacher shall establish, maintain, or use a work-related internet site unless such site is available to school administrators and the child's legal custodian, physical custodian, or legal guardian.
No teacher shall establish, maintain, or use a nonwork-related internet site which allows exclusive access with a current or former student."
In short, private communications between school employees and students (current or former)is not allowed. All communication must be done in the light of day and open for others to see.
Under this law, Clayton would be in jail right now. Apparently, it's not just a few "Clayton Haters" who believe that the way Clayton handles students is very questionable.
Under this law Clayton couldn't run his web sites.
Communications with students could only be run on work related school sites. High School Fraternities are illegal and so Boys II Men can't be run on the district web site.
All non-related work sites are forbidden.
Only at the Central Office of District 131 does basic common sense get lost wheneve the name Clayton is brought up.
Well, this isn't Missouri so that law wouldn't apply to "Farrakhan's Disciple" Clayton Muhammad.
Who cares whether what he does is legal or not? The rules & expectations that apply to everyone else do NOT apply to him.
"Get over it".
I actually think that's a good law. I work in a high school, and interact w/ students, parents, and other staff regularly via e-mail. None of them have my personal address, I use my school address. Every e-mail I send or receive via the school e-mail system gets archived. Better for me, better for them. Basically, if there's something in our communications I don't want in the archive -- that's a red flag that that communication shouldn't be taking place.
I agree that there should be no "Private Communications" between district employees and children. If what they are saying can't be said publicly, it shouldn't be happening.
The only "Private Conversations" that occur should include a parent or gaurdian. There is never an instance where a district adult should be communicating privately with a child, especially outside of school.
It's an arrest and lawsuit waiting to happen.
This is just another example of Clayton's terrible decision making ability.
It's amazing how many poor decisions can be made by someone without them being terminated.
I also think we should do as Missouri has done and make the offical language of Illinois English. As in Missouri illegals(or undocumented as some call them) would not be eligible for any state services if they cannot speak the English language. Notice I stated illegals and not immigrants who are doing things the right way.
In case you haven't noticed, there is almost no illegal immigration any longer. As soon as the American Economy hit the skids, there are no longer jobs for Americans, let alone the illegals. That's the only reason they were here in the first place, they wanted to work.
I think you should just "Get Over It"
I agree. Illinois should stick with it's original language "Native American" and all the illegals should leave including whites, blacks, hispanics, etc.
I find it amazing that Europeans came to this land, murdered and enslaved the indigenous population, enacted "LAWS" to keep out those they feel are undesirable and then act as though they are somehow morally or ethically superior. "They" are breaking the LAW.
It's just another form of racism and is a deplorable way to go through life.
Isn't the camps in the summer in the district free? So would this be for non district camps? If so why do they need this. If someone besides any administrator or board member was running this I might give but they misuse our money what makes you think they would use this money the way it should be and who would make sure it is fair.
9:50 p.m., FYI--that issue was discussed at length on this blog over a year ago. An example of a comment from back then:
Does our district have any policy about teachers and students being Facebook friends? I'm not talking about alumni "friending" their former teachers, or students joining Facebook pages run by teachers (such as drama, band, or athletics). I'm talking about a couple of EHS teachers who have 200+ students as Facebook friends, along with adult co-workers, college roommates, etc. These teachers make inappropriate comments (for example, one teacher called a student a "cougar" when that student made a flattering remark about a younger classmate)
Becoming Facebook friends with current students seems unprofessional, and could lead to trouble. It blurs the line between those in authority and those who look to teachers as role models. Many districts have clear guidelines about this sort of thing--why not us?
June 9, 2010 12:40 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~
To their credit, the D131 staff members who were criticized for this no longer have current students as "friends" on their Facebook pages.
Except, of course, for "Farrakhan's Disciple" Clayton Muhammad--but why should he be expected to follow the rules?
Even if we don't have an National Language hasn't English been taught in our schools since they started schools? Even other districts have found a way to teach the ELL and English together so it doesn't effect the teaching of all students. This district does it because there is money in it.
If you are so worried email Johnson or the Board. This District offers very few camps as compared to other Districts so no not all the activities or interests are being meet. Other Districts also offer after school camps why not ours
8:04 a.m., the after school camps would serve many more students in our district than summer camps would.
But maybe they wouldn't provide as much positive publicity for administration, which may be a big reason the summer program is being pushed.
In the Montgomery Patch there is an article about the board vacancy's and Johnson stated they had seven that applied does anyone know who they are?
The deadline is tomorrow afternoon, so they'll probably say who all the applicants are this weekend.
Here's what someone (I think it was an EHS student) said last summer about the Facebook situation:
I see nothing wrong with teachers being friends with their students on Facebook. It's a good way to keep in contact if you have a question, and i see it as an easier way to Facebook them than to e-mail them.
Also, i thought teachers were to be seen as someone you can trust. Yes, an adult with authority, but also as a friend, or someone to go to if you ever needed help with school problems, or maybe even family problems. I don't understand why teachers should be seen as people who you can't talk to if it doesn't involve class issues. I believe a great teacher is one who has a good relationship with their students, but can also take control of their class when needed. I see their teaching to be more effective that way.
June 10, 2010 11:38 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A lawsuit just waiting to happen?
8:13 (and 8:04) it isn't about publicity. After school camps would work for some kids, but for others it would end up interfering w/ the very extra-curricular activities the camps are meant to support. Does the kid who wants to do the baseball camp taking place in the fall have to quit the football team, because the camp is at the same time as FB practice? The school I work at runs into this problem a lot, w/ kids doing camps at colleges and other places (yeah, they've got the money to do that) for an out-of-season sport while they're playing on another school sport team. Last spring both the girls' soccer and lacrosse teams lost 4-5 of their best players (each) for a weekend to a field hockey camp at some college. Bad enough when other organizations do it to your teams, even worse when you do it to yourself.
@August 4, 2011 8:04 AM
Other districts offer a quality education for all students. Why not ours?
Have to agree with you August 4, 2011 2:53 PM. That is the purpose of the board to make sure all of our students get a quality education but some on their are more concerned about PR then what kind of education we give our students. I have heard even from Hispanics that don't speak English that good that they would not move into out district because of how they teach the ELL.
There may not be any more illegal immigrants migrating here, but there still are the ones who are here and still getting things they are not entitled to and wanting to become citizens without having to do anything. Still not fair to the ones who are doing it right. I believe they are still coming here because supposedly they feel it is better here. This is meant for any ethnic grouop that are illegal not just pointing out one. But one of these ethnice groups are the ones going on television etc. and making spectacles of theirselves. That is why they are the ones pointed out.
12:44 p.m., the situation you describe with kids having to choose between after-school activities applies mostly just to high school students. Grade school & middle-school kids don't have nearly as many demands on their time, and after-school activities during the school year would sharpen the skills and develop the interests they're learning during the school day.
Motto of the blog:
Every thing the district does is wrong, my way is better.
You are ask cynical ass holes
To August 3, 2011 11:51 PM
You said "In case you haven't noticed, there is almost no illegal immigration any longer."
Wikipedia seems to have a different opinion;
"Illegal immigrants continue to outpace the number of legal immigrants—a trend that's held steady since the 1990s. While the majority of illegal immigrants continue to concentrate in places with existing large Hispanic communities, increasingly illegal immigrants are settling throughout the rest of the country."
An estimated 13.9 million people live in families in which the head of household or the spouse is an illegal immigrant
My opinion, one ILLEGAL immigrant is too many.
Many of the children in our district were brought here by their parents when they were too young to have any say in the matter. These children have learned English (many are fully bilingual), work hard in our schools, and have assimilated into American culture. What should happen to them, 7:48 p.m.?
It would be heartless and just plain wrong to penalize children for the decisions or circumstances of their parents!
Why don't these children that were brought here when they were young ask their parents why they have put them in this position? During this time they(children)have been here their parents have recieved things that people who are citizens and legal immigrants cannot get. Also, this is the reason that there are so many children in the ESL classes, as the parents will not learn the language. It is time to stop the nonsense. Again, these children need to confront their parents about this. If the parents were to be found out and sent back to the country they came from, do these children think they willbe able to stay-and don't forget about the ones who come here and have babies (called anchor babies)so they then think they have the right to stay.
The Native Americans (the only group of Americans who didn't come here from somewhere else) have a saying about not judging people until you've walked a mile in their moccasins.
10:17 p.m., turn on the news or pick up a copy of Newsweek, and find out what life is like for many families in Mexico today. Not only are there no jobs to be had in many areas of the country, there is very little opportunity for young people to better themselves through higher education. And worst of all, thugs and drug cartels rob and kill thousands of innocent people every year--and the Mexican legal authorities can do nothing about it.
Wouldn't YOU try to move yourself and your family away if you were "in their moccasins"? If YOU heard from your friends & relatives that there was a place where, if you worked hard, your children could have a chance at a safer and better life wouldn't you go there? I know I would--and I sympathize with and support the MANY Mexican immigrant families who are here working the tough jobs, learning our language, and contributing to making America great!
10:17 p.m. says:
"this is the reason that there are so many children in the ESL classes, as the parents will not learn the language"
Wow--you must know different Hispanic immigrants than I do, 10:17! EVERY ONE of the immigrants I know personally (and I don't know or care whether they came here legally or not) is trying very hard to learn English. They go to classes at Waubonsee. They sign up for tutoring at the Dominican Literacy Center, at their job, or at one of the area churches that offers English classes. They watch English-language TV and read American magazines (along with their own Spanish-language ones). They study for citizenship tests so they can be full participants in their adopted country.
I'm sure there are a few immigrants who come here to take advantage of handouts, but I've never met one personally.
That is true for some but not all. Some that come don't want to learn our language and could care less about their children's education and we do have some of those in our district. There are some that do want their children to have a good education and they will send them to a private school where they know they will get one.
There are people now that have worked hard and lived here all there lives that are struggling and are looking for work and want their children to have a good education but with this public school system they can't because we have to spend do much time teaching ELL that the ones that don't get left behind and this district a tracks those families because they stay in the ELL for most of their schooling.
Pick any ethnic group, and there are a few "bad apples" and stereotypes.
Whites are embarrassed by trailer-trash rednecks.
Blacks dislike the stereotype of the ghetto rapper.
Native Americans resent their image being tarnished by the few who abuse alcohol.
German-Americans get upset when they're compared to Nazis, even jokingly.
And mention the Mafia to an Italian-American, and you're likely to see an obscene gesture.
So no surprise that there will be a few Hispanics who may fit the stereotypes this culture has. I just prefer to see the overwhelming positive qualities in the immigrants I've had the privilege to know personally.
So how many Jericho Circile people are now registered in the East school district? Is the administration tracking this? If not, Why? If so, why havent they come out publicly and revealed what is going on. A friend at the district says that the ones that moved out of JC have all moved to the east side school district. Since this will now increase vioence and lower test scores even further this Board of Education will go down in history as one of the worst on record. Why do they not speak out against this like the west school district. Is Johnson a mouthpiece for the mayor? She needst ot come out on all of this and tackle this head on.
I am no fan of the Board or Johnson, but how in the heck are they responsible for tracking the moves of specific city residents?
"will now increase vioence and lower test scores" Say what!?!
since when does being low income make you violent and less intelligent?
@August 5, 2011 8:44 AM-you sound a little bit hostile and lacking education to make such a statement. Do you live in low income housing?
@August 4, 2011 10:17 PM-I cannot believe the narrow mindedness of some people. People move to the "land of opportunity" in hopes of a better life for their families. From the first settlers to present day.
We need to address why people don't become legal and have our government work to make change.
If you have been following the stories about Jericho Circle you would see that there are problems with some in the complex. Ryland and Rick Lawerence has addressed the issue with the Mayor and city council about the impact it had on their district. In fact a couple of years ago they rebuilt a recreation center that was in there with computers for the kids and in no time that was destroyed. There have been many times the police have gone in there to break up fights. There was a time when the police wouldn't even go in there because they would be attacked.
Yep and all that mess is coming to D131. Where is the Board president speaking out? Again she puts her head in the sand. She could rally the residents of 131 in her favor but she just does not know how to do it. All that mess is already infiltrating the east side and D131 is doing nothing.
The Board President did speak out about over-crowding at a housing meeting I was there she said the district had grown last year by 500 plus kids with no new housing development. She said they did not gain a dime of real estate revenue from it. She did tell them they can not afford any more children.
Kifowhit was at that meeting and choose not to say anything in fact praised Aurora Housing. I for one was amazed by those numbers. The city always dumps trash on the East Side and you all continue to elect horrible Alderman. It is interesting at lest Lawerance said the East side can not afford this either.
With all the foreclosures and you can drive down some of the streets on the East Side and even see apartments for rent that have not been rented in a couple of months you have to wonder where all the new students are coming from. Yes, some might move in with family members or friends but some must be leaving the district and that should be checked out.
Well then the Board pres is not making her point heard. Saying at a board meeting is one thing. How about an interview with the Beacon or better yet the Tribune. This is a perfect story that readers would love to see. This all falls back on terrible alderman and an even worse mayor. That does not excuse the Board of Education from not making this a bigger issue.
I also agree why on earth is the district not verifying addresses. This would show how many kids are living in one household and those that are being transported into the district and out of those who do not what low achieving hispanics and blacks.
I don't think it is about low achieving students of any race I think we need to show them they can. Every child learns at a different level and they should be able to learn at that level and even go beyond that. With NCLB the government has decided that all children learn at the same pace and should all be the same but that is not true we should be able to let every children learn at the pace they can and learn what they are best in. Like the song says All in All we are just another brick in the wall.
The West Side has made a district effort over the past couple of years to remove all students who can not prove residency on the West Side. The West Side has had administrators, police and even private investigators following students home to see where they are actually living. Hundreds of students were refused admission to the West Side last year. That is the reason we had an influx of 500+ students last year.
“The city always dumps trash on the East Side,” “ who do not what low achieving hispanics and blacks”
What sort of low achieving, ignoramus would make such idiotic statements?
I would try to move my family if I lived in a country where things can be as terrible as they are in Mexico or other countries. I would do it the right way though. I know things are terrible in certain places in Mexico, but how come so many go back for vacations, etc? I know people come here to the "land of opportunity" to make life better for their families, but they need to do it the right way and this goes for all ethnic groups, not just one. Just a question here, but why is the only other language that I see printed for many things just from one ethnic group? Also, why do I have to press one for English or 2 if I speak the other language? Why is this not done for all ethnic groups?
Yes, the West side did do that because they had respect for the taxpayer. This shows you have parents do not like our school system on this side and you can bet some of them where Hispanic that didn't like how they kept their children in the ELL program.
11:25 p.m., I think it has to do with economics. The fact is, American businesses want the Hispanics' dollars as well as everyone else's, so they go out of their way to market to them in their native language.
And the other language is Spanish (not German, French, Chinese or something else) because that's who is here in greatest numbers, spending their money. In certain Chicago neighborhoods, businesses are bilingual Polish or Russian because of demographics.
Since my husband's mother grew up in a small North Dakota town where another language (German) was spoken at home, church, and school I can sympathize to a certain extent. But it does bother me when native-born Americans are passed over for jobs for which they are otherwise highly qualified, just because they're not bilingual in Spanish. This happened to my teenaged son, and just seems WRONG.
8/5 6:54
500 new kids?????? Where are they coming from? This is a direct result of the City turning its head to overcrowding on the East side for years. Especially under Tom Weisner. He needs to be replaced as mayor as do many of hte alderman. How can the D131 community support such growth? This is just plain absurd!
I attended a neighborhood event Weisner & Johnson both attended she did give a speech about 530 kids from last school year to the one that just ended. Someone asked about Jerico Circle and if the East Side got any kids. Johnson said they had gotten some but that was before the vouchers were issued. She told the residents they could not handle any more from anywhere. That is when Weisner jumped up said it was a East/West and the Jerico parents do not want their kids attending 131 schools. Who is he kidding the Jerico parents could care less about the school district only as long as they are receiving free rent.
It is to bad she is the only one saying it were is our community spokesperson who takes money from Weisner for Boys 2 Men
It shouldn't be Clayton or Johnson doing the talking it should be the Superintendent like all other districts where the Superintendent look after the best interest of the school and taxpayers. Johnson says one thing one day and something else the next she can't be trusted.
Trust Johnson or not what is wrong with speaking up against over-crowding no matter who does what they are always wrong on this blog.
This overcrowding of the east schools has got to stop. No more new schools, no more tax increases, not more 3-4 or more families to a house. Where is the City on all of this? Oh, yeah protecting the west side. Hell with everyone on the east side. The district should just not accomodate this anymore and go back to the State of Illinois and say enough is enough. Someone needs to contact 60 minutes as this would make for a great story.
I give her credit for speaking out but the board employs one person to look out for the district, students and taxpayers and that is the Superintendent. He should be out there just like the other ones that have went to the State when money was being cut back and when things go wrong. As far as bringing more students into the district the State has nothing to do with it that is up to the Superintendent to keep up with it and yes maybe getting the aldermen involved.
Central office news is Joe Harmon went back to teaching and Marin Gonzalez is no longer in charge of the High School. Marin also lost some other reports sounds like the Board told Roberts its her or you. Finally after her bullying of staff she got hers. Word has it Deanne Adams got the majority of her duties.
ah yes, the alderman. Let see Abby Schuler, Juany Garza, Stephanie Kifowit, Sheketa Hartburns. Now which one of these brainiacs are goint to help one ioto? Come on, really. That's why Weisner is such an idiot. He surrounds himself with people like this. He is in a corner now with the east overcrowding. Love to see how he gets himself up out of this one. All this stress on him cannot be good for his health. I wonder why he does it? Ego? I agree Roberts needs to be out there in the press talking this all up instead of Johnson.
8:55 p.m., from your mouth to God's ears.
Roberts just needs to be out.
I think everyone needs to be out talking about it the residents need to be the first. Remember Roberts does not care he is from Shorewood but at least Johnson has the courage to stand up
No, Dr. Roberts doesn't need to be out--he doesn't have a reputation for bullying.
Joe Harmon and Marin Gonzalez, on the other hand, do.
Joe Harmon needs to be "out" in more ways than one.
If 8:55 p.m. is correct, then nobody will be out.
They will be reassigned.
Big difference!
:)
It is a big step forward that Joe Harmon is back in the class room and Marin is no longer in charge what is she in charge of now that she is going to destroy.
Why keep Marin if she is not in charge of anything. This is just like in the business world keep upper management even if they are not worth anything just shuffle them around. If she can't do her job get rid of her this is a waste of taxpayers money. This is an example of how the President and the board play games and don't do what they are suppose to.
There you morons go again, taking everything on this stupid blog as fact and never checking out anything for yourself.
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, three, four, five, six, seven, eight times shame on me, for believing in this stupid blog.
Yes, I believe 8:55 is just playing on the hopes of people living and working in this district. It was a pleasant fantasy thought for a moment, that the district could finally be on the road to cleaning up. They blame NCLB, the process for testing, and the demographics in 131 for their failures to meet & exceed. Just maybe it is those controlling the means for accomplishing these goals within our own district that is the true cause for the failures.
The problem with 131 is that the City gives it no support whatsoever. They just keep letting the overcrowding happen. Moving all the Jericho Circle families over there is also going to make 131 an even bigger disaster. Why is Roberts not speaking out in a big way? Where the hell is he?
Hey, let's not forget the extra kids the Shodeen development will bring in IF it ever gets built (but I don't think that's ever going to happen). Roberts at least spoke against that. Plus the increase in students if Bigelow ever actually builds anything other than a weed-overgrown vacant lot on the Hi-Lite 30 property that just HAD to be torn down right away. Just think of the tax revenue the city could have been receiving all these years if they'd left the place open each summer until the land was really needed to build on.
There has been a shake up at the High School and I am glad to see it after 4 years of no leadership. I would guess Marin had a contract for the new school year and when the test scores came in the Board got involved. I had heard the Board workshop was not pleasant. I also heard Johnson was very to the point. Roberts said nothing
Teaching in this District at the High School for 12 years I have seen many changes but the teachers have been upset that year after year with Marin in charge nothing changed. Roberts may not be a bully but he is also no leader either. I don't know Deanne Adams but at least she is a new set of eyes.
Keep up the good work Board members we do see change
The land deal with the movie theater has always been a problem, and the economy taking a dive a couple years after it, leaving it undeveloped is sad. You're right, leaving it operating and collecting tax revenue would have been excellent. But, like the River Street development, plans made in 2006 look very different in 2011.
Johnson does get to the point sometimes but she rarely follows through. I believe it is a game to her to see if she can control things but that isn't her job. If Marin is not doing a good job she should be let go and someone else brought in not moved someplace else.
I agree. What is the Board doing about getting this message out about overcrowding and low test scores. Where has Weisner been for the past 10 years he has been in office on the state of the Aurora schools. East is terrible and West is about just as bad. Where has he been? He had moles like Dan Barrerio and now Ray Hull to infiltrate the Board so he can control it and get daily updates. Both these guys work for the city. I give it to Dan B. though at least he continued to send his daughter to private school and did not use the system to his benefit which Hull is doing with his own kid who he pulled out of Private school and put into East just so she would get scholarship money for college. I guess thats difference between a latino and a black. One served the schools the other is a leech on the system.
For those hoping that Denean Adams is better. Sorry, she isn't. She is articulate, friendly, well dressed but no more knowledgable than Marin. She is incompetent.
7:53 a.m., at least part of the rumors about Joe Harmon and Marin Gonzalez being reassigned can be verified.
Joe Harmon's position (Assistant Principal C & I) is listed on the district's website under "Employment Opportunities: Administrative".
No nit isn't
http://www.applitrack.com/d131/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?category=Administration
How does anyone know that is Harmons job?
Joe Harmon did the honorable thing he resigned Marin on the other hand is always another story at least they recognized they had a problem which is more than I can say for Boards of the past.
There is no job posted.
Check the link that was posted. I looked, the job is there.
3:23, because Joe Harmon has been listed for the past SEVERAL YEARS on the East High website (under Administration), as "Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction". The job posting says: "Assistant Principal C & I". The job description says it is at East High.
There are no other people in our district who have held a position with this title or description at East High School for several years.
Any more questions, 3:23 p.m.?
The position posted clearly seems to be what Joe Harmon's been doing the past several years. It remains to be seen whether it indeed is Joe's position, and whether he's been reassigned or left. This also may or may not reflect any kind of shake-up; Joe's been fighting leukemia for a while now. Regardless of whether you want him in the job or not, any decent human being will agree that we hope his medical condition hasn't turned for the worse.
The Board demoted Marin she will spend the next school year teaching conversational English to Spanish speaking parents and conversational Spanish to the staff she lost all her direct reports they are now shared by Deanne Adams & Christy Aird. I heard Christy got Bilingual back and Deanne got Secondary. Deanne was appointed last month Asst Superintendent.
Roberts told the staff he had no say so in the matter
5:21 p.m., I will include Joe Harmon in my prayers. Thank you for posting this--I had no idea he had leukemia.
Of course, it's possible that Joe is actually in good health and 5:21 is just spreading rumors. But I believe that no prayer is ever wasted, and I would want Joe to know that even though I disagree with certain decisions he supported in the past, I still wish him good health and well-being.
Is there any admin that lives in D131 other than Roberts? Bigelow claimed bankruputcy on Home Town from what I heard. So therefore no more building. Also, I believe we do not get that land that was promised us as that time frame has expired.
Who cares where D131 admins (or teachers, or secretaries, or custodians, or aides...) live? As long as they're doing their job, it's none of my concern.
The superintendent and School Board members are the only ones who are required to live in the district.
And speaking of School Board, does anyone know who has applied for the vacancies?
When is roberts going to speak out about the overcrowding in the schools? When are they going to hold Weisner and the City accountable?
Roberts comes from the projects himself why would he care about Jerico Circle
If Roberts has come from the projects and made it where he has made it, good for him. It does prove it can be done and quit coddling people from these places. Give a hand up and not a hand out as we do.
One person I can think of who is admin and certainly has not been a benefit to this district is Marin Gonzales. She is from D129. I wonder if D129 would have put up with the things she has or has not done? Also if they do not live in this district their money goes for the taxes where they live, and I really would like to see due to the money they make that their tax money would be for thie district. It also makes me wonder that if it is good enough to work for D131 why it isn't good enough fortheir children to go to school here, which they cannot, if they live in another district. Just a thought on my part.
Of course, it's possible that Joe is actually in good health and 5:21 is just spreading rumors.
I know it's out of character for this blog, but I'm pretty sure (short of reading his medical records) that this is true, otherwise I wouldn't have posted it. A combination of a very reliable source, and the last couple of times I saw him I could see that he was fighting an illness, looked like he might have been on corticosteroids or chemo.
I see the whole West Aurora Board is going down to speak at the city meeting with their superintendent. You can bet Clayton will hide because he gets money for B2M. Hull is employed by the Mayor and will lie that the school district is not over-crowded. Roberts will be hiding and does not care because until his wife dumped him for a white boy he lived in Shorewood. Turza and Gonzalez will be off at cocktail party. That leaves Johnson who lately seems to be the only one who does speak up.
10:48, thanks for posting that.
Joe, if you're reading this please know that people are praying for you. I know that you're Catholic (as am I), and I also want to tell you that I have a Catholic musician friend in his 60s who had leukemia more than 15 years ago and is still in remission and enjoying an active retirement. Hopefully you, too, will be one of the many who fight leukemia and WIN!
As for Clayton speaking he doesn't need to he is just a PR person for the district the one that should be up there is our Superintendent and some of the alder persons of this district and the community. The West Side gets a lot of support from their community members and that is why they can get results sometimes. It is a shame the Board lets this Superintendent hide behind the PR person and the board president. The West Side Superintendent is the one running this over there and that is the job of the superintendent to be the leader in things like this.
Post a Comment