Friday, September 23, 2011
Money makes the world go round...
...or at least it can seem that way! Whether it's fund-raising, petty cash, legal bills, referendums, pensions, fees, or taxes--money is a hot topic right now. Are we spending our money wisely? Are we getting maximum "bang for our buck"? And if not, what can we do differently?
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212 comments:
1 – 200 of 212 Newer› Newest»!!!!! Simmons Sucks !!!!!
Ok Mrs Kaisershot
Why would Mrs. Kaisershot say that Simmons sucks?
And why would you care, Mrs. Liska??
So how much of our district's precious money has been spent so far on the Robert Green debacle?
And will the corrupt ADMINISTRATORS who were responsible be paying any of it?
How much of the district money has been spent on Mary Fultz I understand she is still at it.
http://www.sd129.org/bandboosters/newsletter.asp
http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/7768987-418/donations-for-west-athletic-field-reach-1-million.html
West Aurora seems to always find a way.
The first three comments are exactly why this blog is a waste of time.
But so much more has kept some of us informed of what is happening. Good & bad. I see no mention of many of the fundraisers which go on in the district on the website. We have no newsletters like West Aurora.
On the bad side, campaigns for image improvement attempt to block our view while things are getting swept under the rug.
Speaking of referendums (in the original post), don't be surprised if this time next year there's a big push for a referendum, with "Vote Yes" signs littering our district.
After all, last time there was a Presidential election thousands of public housing residents turned out to vote, and while they were voting for President they also voted to help themselves to property tax money that they knew THEY wouldn't have to pay for. Too bad some of us figured out that was the main reason it passed.
Fool me (taxpayer) once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on ME.
Just because there are fools who write those things in the first three comments does not mean nor make this blog a waste of time. It is sad to state that there will always be people like that.
What a timely topic...I am surprised that there has not been an uprising of the teachers, administrators, assistants, secretaries, etc. about the decision to make Denean Adams an assistant superintendant. A $30,000+ raise...a raise for her secretary...a building to run... All this in spite of the fact that she doesn't respond to any emails, doesn't pay the districts bills on time, isn't seen at work for days on end, and doesn't give any direction to the staff. Her knowledge of curriculum is laughable. This is how we spend our money when there are classrooms of 36 children?????
Maybe all those wonderful teachers and secretaries need to leave or be fired they along with Conrad at the High School failed the students beyond belief. The real waste of money was Raquel Wilson who has pushed board member Hull's daughter and given her opportunities she does not deserve. Word is the District needed to get her away from teachers of face major discrimination lawsuits instead of firing her they promoted her.
What is up with serial bully Marin Gonzalez now only in charge of the middle schools.
I am not sure what is with Ms. Adams promotion, or if these statements are fact or speculation. I admittedly do not attend meetings nor read the 131 website. I have had communications with her and she seems to want to do right by the students/ district.
The main thing here is all of the 131 employees are guided by, the head of 131, the Supt. who is in turn guided by the Board.
Any short comings or failures in 131 rest on the shoulders of those positions. They have the power to make changes.
The people with the real power to make change are the parents. The administration almost always caves when parents speak up. Unfortunately, in this district, parents rarely use their power.
If she did not return emails that rests on the heads of the Data Processing department we have spent a month of non productive chasing around looking for lost emails why does the Board put up with this.
Chances are she never got the emails everyone knows if you did not hear from someone re email
The two who got promoted are part of Roberts inter-circle. Adams and Singh who is not capable Singh can not us a computer and needs special accomdations to do her job. Let us not forget Adams is the real High School adviser for Hull and has meetings often with him about his daughter's progress. Rumor is the teachers hand picked are ones known for issuing high grades. I think the Board President has a new work for that called mentoring it goes right along with her image.
Looks like the main pay-off for Hull is a free scholarship.
Who every posted the link to the D129 band booster newsletter thanks.
They have hundreds of members, (who pay) and members who volunteer.
The choice of music for Marching this year was "patriotic" fitting in this the 10th anniversary of 9-11 year.
Maybe if we had a stronger booster organization we could improve too. But anybody who reads this trashy blog would certainly not want to be involved. Including me. Why whould I want to be involved in all this drama
The band does not address the horrible education the children of this district receive it is good enough ( the Band) get off the topic Mrs Kaisershot
I totally agree with 7:39. Adams and Singh are a part of the inner circle...Roberts brought Adams in when he was hired. Adams hired Singh and even though many mistakes have been made, she is protected. Emails are ignored...not because of the system but because she is inept. This has been going on for years. Great facilitators have been treated poorly and have left for greener pastures. The people working at her new "office" don't see Adams. At all. Is this ok?? This is te leader of our curriculum dept?? This is who gets the credit for test scores going up? The district pays for her to go to conferences all over the country and she comes back with new outfits because she doesn't attend!!! She SHOPS on these trips! This is unacceptable. Teachers are being held accountable. Why aren't all of the administrators being held to the same standards? Marin was held accountable - got ripped a new one...now Denean is given the High School?? Aird and Joan G are working their asses off. Because Denean has a personal relationship w/ Roberts she can take vacations when school starts and its the busiest time of the year for her department? She doesn't have set hours? And a $30,000 raise??????????? It's disgraceful.
Parents don't know the inner workings of things like the curriculum department in order to ask questions...if Adams is in charge of the high school just grab some popcorn and watch. You think we are in bad shape now...wait until she is done. No wonder she now is interviewing for a Middle School / High School language arts facilitator after keeping people waiting for MONTHS. She needs to get someone who knows what they are doing to fix the HS for her. Leslie and the curriculum committee created the curriculum guide (which is a joke)...ask members how many meetings she attended. Bobette developed RAP and trained the program with no guidance from Adams. The entire curriculum was mapped at the High School...ask how many meetings she attended. None. That is her JOB and she is NOT doing it. And gets rewarded with a $30,000 raise. The only plus is that now if she is really in charge of the HS and the State does take over...she is out. Thank God.
Singh did not order the books properly and many classes at the high school and elementary schools did not have books to start the year. It was such a mess building principals and department chairs needed to call the book companies direct themselves.
Singh,Adams, Clayton, Ryan Ford, Issac Bridges, Patterson are part of a secret email club Roberts runs that offers inspirational quotes. The problem with this is all the staff knows they are black and Roberts favors them.
All of these people are also involved in major mistakes recently that have caused the district major work flow issues.
You are correct the emails are messed up Bridges lost thousands of emails when he did not know how to convert the server and did not run a proper back-up. However Adams never returns them anyway.
Ford was asked to monitor Face Book since Joe Harmon stopped doing it and a student/teacher had contact causing a teacher to be fired and the police called. It would have never gotten that far if Ford would have been doing his job.
Take a step back and look at all of this information. It looks like the Board is preparing Denean for a Superindendent job. The raise, the freedom, the praise for test scores, the highschool. Especially if they can't stand Roberts. The board needs to start asking the right questions or we are all in serious trouble. And the teachers bear the blame, when its the admin at the top who give mixed messages all day long.
And what about the administrators merit pay...for test scores. 1% bonus for making improvements in reading on the ISAT, 1% bonus for making improvements in Math. Do the math...big money for people with big salaries. Does the board knw some administrators sit in their offices all day? Some resource teachers from the SPED dept. don't service kids? Their IEP minutes aren't getting met. Illegal activities while Lattz sits on her ass giving directives. This district is totally top down now. The heart and soul of it are slowly disappearing. SAD.
The Board is Johnson the other members just say yes or take favors. Hull sat at the last Board meeting and praised Roberts for visiting a building. Gosh Mr Hull is that not the duty of the Superintendent. Hull has Adams as a adviser to his daughter so do you think he is not a bit biased. They say the Board members don't get paid but a free scholarship for four years looks pretty good to me.
Our football team has lost its last 26 games! Get rid of that coach!
The middle school teams are winning football games. A lot of them. Why can't the high school field a competitive team? And the high school is where 90% of the sports budget goes to.
The school board has started to figure out that to build the high school band program they need to invest in the middle school band programs first. Programs build like pyramids. You must have huge numbers in the younger levels if you want a decent number of talented individuals and program at the high school level.
The school board needs to invest in the sports programs at the younger level. They need to support the programs financially and they need to make sure the best coaches are available for our children.
Don't think of it as "losing".
Think of it as "coming in second".
After all, a second place is almost as good as a first.
It's all in how you spin it. And in this district, we spin it however we have to, to promote a positive IMAGE.
Because after all, the most important thing in D131 is IMAGE.
:)
11:23 says:
"...a student/teacher had contact causing a teacher to be fired and the police called. It would have never gotten that far if Ford would have been doing his job"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I remember a discussion last year about this time on THIS BLOG, about how teachers had no business being Facebook "friends" with their students. At that time, several teachers had current students on their Friends lists; fortunately, most of them saw the wisdom of keeping a professional distance and removed them from their personal Facebook friends list (although teachers & students can and should contact each other on public Facebook pages, such as choir, drama, and band).
Looks like at least one EHS teacher thought that the rules/expectations didn't apply to them; good for administration for holding that teacher accountable for the inappropriate contact.
So having a one sided discussion here about facebook justifies all of the libal that has been ignorantly typed?
Ford did not do his job the student/teacher horsed around on cell phone text messages other students found out about it on facebook this had been going around since the start of school. The teacher got more confident and flashed nude pictures of herself a student reported her not Ford if he would have been doing his job this could have been prevented. The police got called but the parents are letting it go. Unlike Nestor she resigned as she should have. Funny how the district looked the other way for Nestor
4:47 p.m., you make no sense whatsoever. Do you think it's a GOOD thing for teachers and their current students to be Facebook "friends"?
And I don't remember a "one sided" discussion. Seems to me there were a variety of opinions expressed on the subject.
And what the heck is "libal"?
Are we spending our money wisely I don't think so for years this district has been letting administration go on trips without checking is it is in the best interest of the district. How many times do they go to the Conference in November and take family members that don't pay which by IL State School Code they should. How many retreats do the administration go on in the summer that is for their benefit only not the district have they gone on. We as taxpayers just look the other way because we think there isn't anything we can do but the time is coming where it will stop.
To: September 24, 2011 4:14 PM
Don't hold your breath about seeing sports improve. A coach at Simmons told me that the reason their team doesn't have uniforms and plays so few games during the season is because the district hasn't increased the sports budget in over 20 years. Everything in the world costs more but the schools still have the same budget that they were getting back in the 1980's.
The schools also have more sports teams than they did back then but with the same amount of money for all, each team is getting half what they did back in the eighties.
Teachers and coaches can't do a great job without support from their school system. Like everything else in this district, it's ruined from the top.
Sports are not curricular, they should be cut.
Sorry - Libel - Libel is what this blog drips with. Randomly making up stories about people that you know have zero basis in reality.
Man, you guys are stupid.
Sports programs are one thing that parents look at when they are considering sending their child to a particular school, especially parents whose child shows an aptitude for a particular sport. Whether or not sports are "curricular", they are a big source of physical and psychological development for many kids. Also, kids who excel in a sport can get scholarships for college.
Savvy parents know that extracurricular activities like sports give good value for time & money invested.
"Randomly making up stories about people that you know have zero basis in reality"
...Care to give specific examples, 8:04 p.m.? Or is it just easier to make a generalized statement that has "zero basis in reality"?
I have heard the Board President at several events say they are rebuilding the sports program from the Elementary Schools up. They are starting with sports camps. So it seems like they are working on it but this blog will just be negative.
The Board president is attempting to get the community to cough up $165K in donations to give to our students for "camps."
They continue to campaign for "image" when a little improvement in academics may attract sponsors.
Yeah, here is an example from this summer.
Dr. Roberts has cancer and Marin Gonzalez is going to take over.
IS THAT SPECIFIC ENOUGH FOR YOU?
Lets see what you say to that
Oh, here is another example.
Mr. Liska gives free private lessons to Anita Lewis' grandkids.
I believe in leading by example. If the district expects the community to cough up $165,000 for elementary and middle sports, then the district should match those funds.
Of course, if the district had been supporting the programs properly in the first place, they wouldn't need to go to community for this money. They brag about the 65 million dollars they are sitting on. Put it where it will do the kids the most good.
Come on 8:19 - Do you like my examples?
Some idiot here stated "Sports are not curricular, they should be cut".
Teaching middle school in this district for years I have repeatedly heard our best students, sports and curricular, say "East High does not win games, my parents are looking to move so I can go to a program where I can succeed". I see our best move away all the time when they reach the high school level.
I have made analogies to them like, if you were to take the best 3 or 4 players away from the Chicago Bears, would they win many games? The high school needs players like you.
It's simple, when you win, everyone wants on the band wagon. When you have your choice of the best students, you will win more.
Success breads success.
So where are all the parents and concerned people when it comes to the meetigs? Stand before that board and state what is stated here. Johnson is just out to make herself look good.
When Adams first came to this district the position for her was created for her. Also, so was the position for the one that was hired when Adams was. The board skirted around the subject when asked.
"Mr. Liska gives free private lessons to Anita Lewis' grandkids"
That statement was quickly corrected, by people who knew it was not true.
Many other false statements on this blog have been refuted, often with specific evidence such as quotes from the newspaper. It is the nature of a blog to attract comments from people who have an "ax to grind" (or two, or three)--and those who dispute those comments or who have an opposing viewpoint are always free to do so.
BTW, if you want to see a REAL example of libel, look no further than Openline blog. That blog administrator starts threads about an Aurora alderwoman (including allegations of bizarre sexual behavior), and disables the comments.
Sports programs are good for the children and they learn team work and how to get along with others but in this district it has been said that if the player is good and wins games they also let them slide on grades and then they don't make it into college. If that is the case whose IMAGE does that help certainly not the player and what good did the district do the student if they can't go on the college.
You asked for examples, I gave you examples.
I see Nacho Cervantes was at the B2M kick off being given a award for getting on the Board. Clayton also had Ryan Ford working the event. Most good teachers and administrators have to put up with the double standard and that is why the negative comments.
I do think the Board is better but needs to look at who is doing the work.
So who is paying for Ryan working this event that is not a district one?
Stand before the board...good idea but not for employees. To stand up and "out" Adams for the wook she does not do will create a bad situation if you work for the district. I am praying that Annette Johnson reads this blog and starts asking the right questions...not just of Nestor - who is also not earning his salary. In fac t - If you are reading this Annette - PLEASE watch her. See when she gets to work and leaves, ask for minutes from meetings she attends, Stella please ask her curriculum questions, Ask why the programs for struggling students in our district havent started yet and ask for PROOF with the answers. Please!!
Stella can barely form a sentence and Johnson is to busy kissing up to the blacks look what she did for Clayton. The Board had a chance to get rid of Wilson after she bullied many teachers. Although the Board stopped her from working with teachers they folded when Hull put up a fuss and gave her a better title.
Stella, Hull and Johnson are all on Curriculum together look for Hull to defend her and Wilson neither of them know what they are doing.
Hull is on the Board for himself. Wilson gave his daughter a office job last year for community service well other students are forced to get their own. Then Hull had Adams do his daughter class assignments. Who does Hull protect Fultz, Wilson, Adams and now Roberts why because they are all black.
Roberts is Black??! Why hasn't someone pointed this out before? I have seen his wife, are you sure about this? Do not be fooled by appearances.
Johnson is trying very hard to fit in the circle that she despised only a few years ago. It is all about using others to gain public support. Beware Ward One.
Did you not mean success breeds success?
Sept 25, 3:35pm,
Surely you jest when you ask if Roberts is black or just where is it you are from? I am not fooled by appearances, if Roberts is not black then Johnson is not white( thou she does cater to certain ones in the district).
Yes, you are right ward one does need to watch out for Johnson as does this district. She is not what she appears to be. Appearance statement should be about her.
Personally I could care less about Johnson if she can get things done that is ok with me. This Board has got things done. The other Board Members should try to hold themselves to better standards.
I do care that Hull uses his position to help his family and I do care that Stella Gonzalez has a daughter that got a job with the district that is unethical
One should question Cervantes he already stated to the Beacon he would like to be Mayor or State Rep on day
The ward one alderman just got elected for another four years I am sure if Johnson was going to run she would have done it then. I am also sure Johnson will not give her day job to run for office. So what are the residents suppose to watch out for. I guess her only crime is to try to change the image of d131 while others on this blog try to rip it down.
Someone else runs her business for her so she does not have a day job.
What is wrong with Cervantes wanting to run for a political position one day?
So what would be wrong with Johnson wanting to run then. It shows the stupidity of this blog. She must be a great leader then if she can make someone do all her work for her. Maybe that is why she gets things done at the District
Johnsons family money bought a business that was already established. It has a mangaer and dedicated workers. She has no day job. Otherwise, how could she be coming to the service center hounding Roberts all the time.
On D131 FB-Congratulations to the D131 Community Relations Department for winning top awards at the Illinois School Public Relations Association Awards Ceremony last week! ... The awards are given to the top School PR Departments in the state for marketing initiatives ... Accepting the awards were Clayton Muhammad, Director of Community Relations/District Spokesman (l), and Tony Martinez Facilitator for Community Relations.
6:11 am sounds like ms. johnson.
self absorbed. she has no interest in the districts image, unless it can promote her own.
if hull & gonzales have used their position to get things for their children, again the board and supt. are to blame for allowing those things to happen. to keep nitpicking at those 2 people for those 2 things over and over, fixes nothing.
as for cervantes, i believe his youthful dreams of bigger and better for his future is admirable.
Well at least Johnson,Gonzalez or Hull never lied to get a bus drivers job.
Lied to get a bus driving job?
That's a new one.
I know ray going back to his first time on the board. I work in the school in the office area and this is the facts not fiction. There was a meeting in Ms Conrads office with Raquel Wilson, Ms. Adams, Shelia Conrad, Ray, his wife, daughter and another young lady. I know this because when the meeting broke up I saw everyone who came out. I talked to him and his wife as they were leaving. He told me he was thinking about letting his daughter go to east high. About two weeks later Ray, his wife and daughter returned.They went into Ms Morales office and registered his daughter and chose her classes, Ms adams was not with them. I spoke and joked around with him again. Whether you believe it or not he and his wife are intelligent enough to assist their daughter in choosing classes. I don't know how she got to work in the office but I do know that Ms. Adams had nothing to do with choosing her schedule. Ask Ms Conrad she should have the answer.
Why would they go to Ms. Morales office to register their daughter she has nothing to do with registration she is a secretary to the Superintendent and should have nothing to do with getting your child in school unless you are asking for favors so if you think you helped with the on going saga you are wrong you hurt it.
If you ever had the misfortune of sitting in a meeting with D. Adams and J Roberts present (I have) you would know exactly how Adams got her job and keeps getting promoted. She bats her eyes, smiles and openly flirts with the old fool. She knows how to work it and does. She is Jerome's special girl, and like I said I saw it for myself. It is enough to make you sick. Oh, Jerome, smile , bat, bat, smile some more. YUK!
She pays someone to do her work, or take care of her business.
I do not want someone in any posttion that has someone else do their work or job and take credit for it. The person can take credit for the good, but never for something that goes wrong.
WOW she really must be smart if she can get someone to do her work for her maybe that is why the district has improved because she gets Roberts to work. I think the Board is doing a great job some past Board members are the only ones who don't think so.
Adams was spotted at Basil's having a cozy lunch with Roberts it seems Roberts finally is dating someone black.
The real story is Adams n Roberts made up a story she was leaving and had 11 new employees starting to write a better lesson plan for the coming school year. She through Roberts told the Board on a Thursday this would happen by the Monday meeting the Board caved because their was no body for these people to report to. Aird at the time was on a extended vacation and Marin was not capable.
Adams was not ready to run the High School but the Board forced Roberts to make a change because the test score came in very low. The change needed to happen but it back fired on Adams n Roberts now Roberts is forced to run Secondary but the Board is holding him accountable.
I remember seeing Carol Farnum making cow eyes at "Serial Bully" Radakovich, back when she was School Board president. It looked like she had a schoolgirl crush on him.
Denean Adams' flirtatiousness is no big deal--many attractive young women learn early on that that kind of behavior often gets positive results in the business world, fair or not (and it certainly works for politicians such as Sarah Palin). As long as it's not overtly sexual, most people have no problem with it.
And why can't two colleagues have a business lunch in a public place such as Basil's without people like 10:27 p.m. assuming sexual overtones?
So being flirtatiousness in the work place is no big deal? Well maybe not in this district but in workplaces all over it can be and some end up being charge with sexual harassment. It looks like the district doesn't have any employees take a sexual harassment class like where I work they do every year. This puts women back forty years to when if you slept with the boss you moved up in the business. Ms. Adams if she does use that kind of behavior should not be around children and it makes you wonder if she is really qualified to do the job.
There's a HUGE difference between batting your eyes and smiling a lot, and sleeping with the boss! The fact is that a woman's being cute & friendly (without, of course, crossing the line into sexual overtures) gets a more positive reaction from males in the workplace. This is HUMAN NATURE, and does not have to have anything to do with sex.
I suppose women could all wear potato sacks and no makeup (or cover themselves in floor-length veils, like in some Arab countries) to avoid any accusations of favoritism based upon looks or flirtatious behavior. But in the REAL WORLD, a little bit of flattery and joking around makes the work day more pleasant, and can lead to camaraderie among employees.
My grandma used to say, "you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar"!
So what you are saying if a women wants to get a head in her job she should bat her eyes and smile to move forward in her career. There is no room in the work place for that because if you move forward in your job because you flirt with the bosses instead of your qualifications it is wrong. This kind of behavior would not be allowed outside of the public workforce and in this day and time there is no need for that kind of behavior.
But it's NOT either/or; it's both/and!
Again, look at someone like Sarah Palin. She has the qualifications and skills required to succeed in her political career--and she ALSO works her femininity. If a woman (or man, for that matter) does NOT have qualifications for a job and tries to get by on looks, charm, flirtation, etc. that's one thing. But in our looks-conscious society, the most successful women in the public eye use everything they have (short of sleeping with the boss or breaking the law) to succeed.
That's just the way the world works, like it or not.
A couple of excerpts from a LONG article in today's Beacon-News:
"...The Weed and Seed program in Aurora officially goes out of business on Friday.
Weed and Seed administrator Pam Bradley has spent the past week packing up boxes and paperwork that detailed the nearly $2 million Aurora’s site was awarded in the last nine years.
While none of the community efforts will close up shop when Weed and Seed disappears, many of the organizations worry how effective they’ll be.
“We won’t have the same voice,” Deuchler said.
...In 2003, Weed and Seed wrote the first check to a male student leadership group that East Aurora School District spokesman Clayton Muhammad had just started in the School District.
“Had we not had Weed and Seed, we might have been another fly-by-night initiative,” Muhammad said. “Those dollars were the meat that we built everything else around. We are forever grateful for that. It provided such a foundation. It provided a spot at the table.”
Initially, Weed and Seed provided 95 percent of the funding for the youth group Boys II Men. Weed and Seed’s funding allowed them to apply for other grants and find other partners, to the point where Weed and Seed only funds about 10 percent of the program today. Now, there are more than 75 young men in the Boys II Men Academy, which has branched out to other states. Every student who stayed in the program has graduated, Muhammad said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Interesting that the word "fraternity" is not used anywhere to describe Boys II Men. It is described as a "male student leadership group", a "youth group", and an "academy". Looks like "Farrakhan's Disciple" is backing away from the word he used for so many years to identify the group (fraternity).
Worst of it is Adams threats to leave with Thursday with new employees showing up on a Monday. Roberts and her cooked this up everyone at the service center knows she is Roberts girl. Pay back is hell now her and Roberts have to work for the first time by trying to fix the East High.
I am a female who has worked with Ms. Adams. From the first time I saw her at work she has been quick to smile. Many people do this to communicate friendship, appproval, etc.
I would not "assume" anything is going on with her & Dr. Roberts.
Dr Roberts takes care of a select group of employees Adams, Clayton, Ford, Bridges, Singh, Patterson, Morales and Gonzalez at one time had been on that exclusive list they could do no wrong. Augustine, Goltzbach and Aird are the worker bees. Since the board put their foot down everyone is at each others back. Things needed to change and they did but Roberts had to have someone do his dirty work for him when the board demoted Marin. Adams is now that person. Adams is looking to go the top that is all that is going on.
8:20 I meant Ms Mereno, and she is a counselor who no longer works at the high school. I hope I spelled the name right or you will find a problem there. Believe what you want and by the way there are other staff members name Morales that are not secretaries.
What the hell is Sarah Palin qualified for? Are there any qualifications to be a politician? Did she go to school to be a politician? Does she have a law degree? She is a perfect example of a Bimbo who has gotten by only on her looks.
What a coincident that since Marin Gonzalez had her responsibilities reduced now family secrets are coming out. Let it go it will only cause you more pain ; life goes on. Roberts promoted Marin and she should thank him for allowing her to rob the district for six years without a mask on.This is the height of stupidity to jump to Ms. Adams is sleeping with the Superintendent. Is that how Marin got her job? The HR director was given a promotion to Assistant superintendent and no one accused her of sleeping with her boss. Raquel Wilson was not accused of sleeping with him and btw she is a nut case. First of all she is not his type; he prefers blondes. Secondly she has a level of integrity that you can't comprehend. She is not a part of Marins crew therefore this response is not surprising. The best part is if she is not qualified it only takes someone not qualified to recognize it. One other thing, I bet when some one ask if you get enough you think they mean fiber.
Posted on the Beacon-News website a couple of hours ago:
AURORA — Aurora police are investigating allegations that a former East Aurora teacher e-mailed inappropriate pictures to a student, city spokesman Dan Ferrelli said Tuesday.
The teacher resigned from the School District last week, according to East schools spokesman Clayton Muhammad. The teacher was employed at East Aurora High School, he said.
“The staff member resigned. The whole matter is under investigation by the Aurora Police Department,” Muhammad said.
Ferrelli said because the investigation is ongoing, police could not comment further.
Neither Ferrelli nor Muhammad would say whether the teacher was male or female.
Muhammad would not say if the School District brought the matter to the attention of police.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Of course, the readers of this blog found out about this on Saturday morning.
So much for IMAGE. The walls of Jericho are falling down and there will be more of this from this dysfunctional district and they will keep for what reason no one knows the Superintendent.
No one knows the board president either.Going to the meetings is entertaining. There is one Monday, but of cours only the regulars will be there, unless, of course, there is some kind of award given away. Those people wll not stay for the whole meeting, though.
Looking on the district's Employment website today, there is only ONE POSITION available, and that is for a high school science teacher, needed ASAP.
So it looks like it was a female science teacher who sent inappropriate pictures to an EHS student.
Blog readers with EHS students: Have any of your kids had a sub in science class these past several days?
If so, BINGO.
I check this blog from time to time and after reading the article in today's Beacon it prompted me to see what is going on. First let me say I am one of the more than 30% of the staff who left last year many of us had been teaching more than 10 years. Moral was down and the kids suffered last year. It is very hard to stand in front of a class when you don't want to be there. Think of your own jobs when you can't stand the place you work Do you do your best job? The problem with teaching is much the same not willingly but subconsciously you put out a bad product but has lasting consequences
That said, the climate that existed produced a poor education or very little education last year. Dr Wilson was in charge of the school, Joe Harmon was in charge of the schedules, Shelia Conrad was non existent. It became such a toxic environment many of us just quit. We had looked into filing discrimination charges and the like. Many of us just gave up.
Looking back we gave up to soon. By moving Dr Wilson out of the High School and moving Dr Gonzalez aside those who stayed have new hope. Many do not know Ms Adams but it seems her ideas are well thought out. Dr Roberts has been walking the halls and many years ago he was considered a great educator. Shelia Conrad is out and about and listening to idea's.
The teachers know this would not have been done with out the current leadership of the Board of Education. Ms Johnson spoke at the spring Red n Black and listed a number of things the Board is working on or has reinstated. She has been the first Board President in years that communicates well and is articulate I just wish some of us would have stayed long enough to see the changes that occurred in August. Give this Board a chance and communicate to them they listen.
The thing is that Ms. Johnson should not be the one out doing those things it is the job of the Superintendent to do them. Also I think Johnson is now listening to the other board members thoughts because I believe some of them have spoke out about some of these things. Why keep administrators that do nothing or you move out because they are not doing a good job and put someone else in while the they moved still gets a paycheck for doing nothing. The Board and Ms. Johnson has a long way to go there are many layers in a district and they have just started dealing with them.
Then what should Johnson be doing out voting yes like Farnum and listening to the administrators like Marin. Let us not forget Marin bullied many teachers like Kaisershot the only difference is this board did not let her continue. Wilson is a nuts.
She should be acting like a board member and she needs to realize no one member stands alone. It should be the Superintendent doing these things with the directions from the board.
At least the Board is doing something
The Homecoming parade is today at 4:00 p.m. at East High.
Come support our Tomcats, and enjoy a grEAt parade!!
:)
Just posted on the Beacon-News website:
AURORA — A former East Aurora High School science teacher has been charged with sexual exploitation of a child, police said Wednesday.
Kelly K. Miller, 32, of the 2700 block of Oak Drive, West Dundee, allegedly included two inappropriate photos of herself during texts with one of her 15-year-old male students in late May or June 2011.
City spokesman Dan Ferrelli said Miller turned herself in to Aurora police. According to Ferrelli, Miller bonded out on the misdemeanor charge Tuesday night by posting 10 percent of a $10,000 bail.
Aurora police received a tip about Miller’s alleged behavior on Sept. 19 and immediately launched an investigation, Ferrelli said.
East Aurora School District spokesman Clayton Muhammad said the teacher resigned last week.
Muhammad would not say if the School District brought the matter to the attention of police.
Miller’s next court date is set for 9 a.m. Nov. 18 at Aurora Branch Court, 1200 E. Indian Trail.
So it looks like the folks on this blog were absolutely correct--it was a female science teacher.
What about Nestor
About the same a before they just moved the non performing administrators around. I will say it is nice they brought the Gifted Program back I think Lewis was the one that pushed for that.
1:20 p.m., what ABOUT Nestor?
I know Nestor's wife, Georgina. She is in her early-to-mid 30's. She and Nestor have been married for about 11 years (she would have been at least 21 or 22 when they married), and have a daughter in 3rd grade and a son in first or second grade. And I believe that Nestor also has a grown daughter from his previous marriage.
So it is just NOT TRUE that Nestor was fooling around with an EHS student, got her pregnant, and her family forced him to marry her. The FACTS show otherwise.
You really should apologize for making allegations like that--but I doubt that you will. That would require a certain amount of class & integrity, neither of which you appear to possess.
See that is what Rayanne's blog is about providing a place for hate and lies. Yes some things do go wrong and every school district has bad teachers last year, Indian Prairie, Plainfield and West Aurora had problems. All this blog represents is one woman's hate along with several individuals with a ax to grind.
Thanks for the facts on Nestor. I will also say Ms Adams was recently and very happily married. I am also a supporter of the current Board they have done great things. Dr Roberts is also a honorable and fair individual.
"See that is what Rayanne's blog is about providing a place for hate and lies"
WRONG.
Sometimes this blog is about providing a place to set the record straight and CORRECT lies, as in the case of Nestor Garcia. And sometimes this blog is about providing information to the public in a timely manner that they are unlikely to get elsewhere (such as the moldy band uniforms).
But I do agree with 4:33 p.m. that Dr. Roberts is an honorable and fair individual, especially compared with his predecessor, "Serial Bully" Radakovich.
Rayann and Dee ran for the school board because of personal agenda's. If I remember correctly Jerome Roberts was over secondary and Marin was principal when the band teacher was moved. He made choices that facilitated that move. That's life, we all make decisions. If you step into a fast moving stream you will be swept away. The band instructor was not larger than the district and bully Radokavich did as much as he could without firing him. Dee ran because her child was not allowed to march with her graduating class because she was caught defacing school property as a prank; nothing violent. Did the district overreact ? yes but a rule is a rule.They hoped that Jerome Roberts contract would not be renewed, Marin Gonzalez would be fired as well and any programs like the Magnet Academy and anything else the two of them initiated would be dismantled. Dee may have moved on but Rayann is still sucking on lemons.
School Board members do not elect themselves, so there must have been MANY community members who also supported those personal agendas, 5:55 p.m.!
And you mentioned the band instructor. He may not have been "larger than the district" as you said, but that issue certainly brought out certain administrators' true colors--and continues to be brought up years afterwards.
Why do some people assume it's true or false when someone says they were a teacher and saw the events with Nestor. Also, why do others assume the first statement was a lie just because someone anonymously posts that they know the Garcia's and they think she is somewhere in her thirties?
This story, just like every story on here should be evaluated by it's credibility level. The only ones who should really act on it, is the board. They have the ability to check the personnel records and they have the responsibility to act if it's true.
Dee and Rayanne won because their last names had a American sound to them case in point Mary Fultz. The community could care less that is why the school is the way it is.
The reason Dee was against the Magnet School is the way it was instated. The school was also not suppose to cost the district any money. True it was the old board and Roberts who did the sneaking of the school in without informing tht board members, but it also now is costing this district money.
The reason Rayanee and Dee ran for the board was because of the referendum that the district wanted. Yes, I believe that Rayanne had a thing about band, rules are rules when students do things they shouldn't, but the rules did not apply to all students who did things the year that Dee's daughter did and they did get to walk in their graduation. The police was involved in some incidents that the students did and her daughter was not apart of that at all. Iagree rules are rules, but they should be for everyone.
I think that it was that Weaver and Carlson won is because they went out and talked to people not their last names. I was at a third ward meeting that they spoke at and some of the people that where there talked to them after the meeting. There where also people from the schools that knew them that voted for them and yes some of them did because of the k situation. But that is old history now we have some people on the board that has never took the time to talk at ward meeting or say why they really wanted on the board. On the whole none of them have followed rules of board members and only chose to follow the IL School Code when it suits them.
WHO CARES!!!!
WHO CARES why they were elected
WHO CARES about any of this stupid garbage?
This mindless banter is just a waste of time.
Get a LIFE.
You are misusing my taxpaying dollars and many others so I think we have a right to speak up.
YOU ARE NOT SPEAKING UP.
I wish I could feel like I was accomplishing something when I am actually doing nothing.
6:23 p.m., it is very difficult for anyone to lie about or conceal their age nowadays. Or, for that matter, their address.
I went to the Zabasearch website and found Nestor and Georgina Garcia listed, with an address on Downer Place in Aurora. According to several records posted, Nestor was born in October 1959 and Georgina in May 1977. That makes her 34 years old. You do the math--she would have been about 23 when they got married and about 26 when she gave birth to her oldest child, who is now in third grade.
So you can "assume that it's true or false" if you want, but there are actual records easily accessible online that clearly prove the FACTS.
Check out the Photo Gallery on the D131 site. Thanks to the Board each school now has a WebMaster who has been armed with a camera. Pictures are posted from Brady's 2nd grade swimming lessons, Johnson's Exotic Animal assembly and more.
Great way to highlight the buildings and our wonderful kids.
Thanks Ms. Johnson and the Board
9:47 p.m., THANK YOU.
Now maybe the imbecile who keeps trying to accuse Mr. Garcia of something he clearly did not do will finally shut up.
Wouldn't things like that be done by the PR person and not the Board or Ms. Johnson. If that all this board thinks they should be concerned about is pictures then we are in trouble. I think it is a nice thing but don't see why the board or johnson should get credit .
Sometimes the credit can go to more than one person. In the case of the webmasters and pictures, it looks like this was a team effort, in our students' best interests.
So take a bow: Mr. Ford, Ms. Johnson, School Board, elementary principals, Mr. Muhammad, and anyone else I'm forgetting to mention!
:)
Now if Ms. Johnson and the board could get down to real business and get the test scores up and pay attention to how the district misuses our tax money that would be something to praise about.
Great, first we pay Clayton(BIG BUCKS) to do the PR, then we hire webmasters for each building to do the PR. I guess Clayton is too busy to do his own work, so let's make him a central office admin. Oh,speaking of pictures, wasn't that a nice picture of the sexting science teacher from East High? It's all about the image and that said it all. Really, who is responsible for hiring these loosers? Someone should be explaining that decision.
Clayton is to busy doing boys2men to do his job. How many other districts has a PR person that has assitants like Clayton does?
What I'd like to know is, in how many other districts is EVERY TINY PIECE OF INFORMATION supposed to be filtered through ONE PERSON before it's released to the press?
Seems like I'm constantly reading direct quotes by Dr. O'Donnell (Oswego superintendent) or Dr. Rydland (West superintendent) in the local papers. But our district is so protective of our precious IMAGE that everything has to be approved by "Farrakhan's Disciple".
Maybe that's one reason people read this blog. It's sometimes the only timely source of information (and, occasionally, misinformation!) about our district.
About the sexting teacher--every school district (especially big ones like ours) is going to hire a few bad apples. And usually there's no way to tell in advance who they will be, so it's not the fault of the district that hired them.
Look at West High and Steve Orland. Orland taught at West for almost 20 years and now it's been discovered that he had sex with students. Very often people are not who they appear to be, and everyone (including their employer) are totally taken by surprise when the "dark side" shows itself.
Dr O'donnell may talk pr but I live in Oswego and the scores are declining, we pay the highest taxes in the area and student bulling is out of control. He is a horrible Superintendent. To top it off the district gave him a rent free house
I agree with September 30, 2011 8:24 AM. Also as parents and district seem to think it is fine in these days for teachers to be so close to the students these things will happen. Teachers should be there to help the children not to be a friend and parents need to monitor children's Facebook and texting on their phones. That goes for administration and PR people even though you might think they are saving kids they could also be doing other things with them also.
Central Office news this week while Dr Roberts works on his post career as a consultant to low income financially strapped school districts after retirement (which he is now) Adams was left in charge. She does not even have Superintendents endorsements like Aird & Gonzalez but she was in charge. This has caused tension between Augustine, & Glotzbach because they never had their turn. Someone has a new pet and she is not blond anymore. Poor Doc maybe the blonds in his life are to bossy. One thing for Adams she sure knows how to smile and flirt.
Simmons had a near riot today with Clayton's B2M boys the Weltons A student got trampled fractured a wrist and came away with several cuts and bruises. These are the same Weltons that mother got a English job at East with no background. Yep that is the way it works at East Aurora. This all happened as Patterson was no even at the assembly.
Mechelle Patterson was definitely at the assembly, although maybe not as obviously visible as all the "celebrities" and honored guests. She was behind the scenes making sure the program ran smoothly.
I hear that the pool at East High is going to be shut down by the Health Department, because of failure to comply with federal drain regulations.
According to the Sun-Times, several local pools are being shut down; they each had SIX CHANCES to modify the drains, over about a two-year period. Most pools at suburban high schools have been modified--East High was the ONLY school pool on the shutdown list.
Two questions:
--Who (repeatedly) dropped the ball on this?
--What is "Plan B" for our students?
If Mechelle was not in the room, I'm not sure you can classify it as being there behind the scenes. And if Mechelle was there and let things deteriorate to a near chaos condition, is she really fit to lead Simmons. Of course, don't forget Wilson Morales. Wilson is supposed to be the administrator in charge of discipline at Simmons. The kids don't sound very disciplined to me. If the situation was that bad and someone did get injured, you just know another lawsuit will follow.
Why doesn't anyone when these near riots go on film it on their cell phones like other things that way you have proof and you can send it to someone who might do something about these things. As long as people just complain nothing will happen.
The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.
Albert Einstein
Michelle was part of a production
that was getting ready back stage.
She had no idea kyle Welton was going to do that
Things did get out of control because of the performers. He jumped off stage and encouraged the kids to all run up to him. That when the girl went down. There were to many kids in the gym not enough police and only John Young as a administrator. John did get the kids under control quickly but the damage was done
I work at Simmons an attended the event and did not the feel the Welton's performance was done in the best taste. But I wonder about the school board the board president did speak and that seemed in keeping with the school's message. Welton is a performer and sometimes things get carried away. Simmons could have told him what their expectations are.
The major concern I had was with the actions of the youngest board member as he called himself. He acted like he was at a rap performance. He needs to grow up and not act like the a student board members his maturity level showed. I am concerned how he feels he can make adult decisions. It is clear the adults tell him on the board what to do and he has only been put their as a side act.
Is he your Image d131
So Johnson was there and saw this it proves yet again she is a bully and only wants him to vote yes
Why was Johnson there it is not normal practice for a school board member being president or not to get that involved in school functions.
Johnson has a honored guess because graduated from Simmons along with Cervantes and Chapa the State Rep.
Cervantes is controlled by Clayton his performance was like Clayton he acted like he was at a All Star wrestling event but that is how Clayton acts as well. I guess we could say he learns at the masters feet.
Backstage or not, it was Mechelle's responsibility to 1) know the contents of an assembly before approving it. 2) regulate the crowd size at school assemblies and 3) ensure that there is enough supervision at events to guarantee student safety.
It sounds to me like she was too busy backstage having fun to do her job properly and a child was injured because she did not conduct her job adequately. A lawyer is going to have a field day over this incident.
When it comes to Curriculum Adams is not it. She never put one program in place it was all Aird but now Adams gets credit for it. She has become the new favorite girl pal of Roberts leaving Marin and Joanie in the dust. Childress is not happy either before maturity leave she said she would spend her time working on her resume.
Now the latest she sent out several demanding emails blaming everyone for her problems. Roberts supported her my making her a two day boss something he usually does not do for a two day trip. Aird & Gonzalez are furious.
Augustine keeps his month shut because he and Roberts are going into a business helping out troubled schools financially. Roberts also went to Utah to set up the Curriculum part he will be the Midwest Director of Sales for Imagination Learning
That is the latest at Central Office
What a bunch of stupid garbage. Do you really think anyone believes that ranting?
What a harsh response to some simple personal opinions and/or observances. To call it garbage & rantings is a bit over reacting. Was a nerve struck or a secret leaked?
Job for tutor posted on 131 site.
"Elementary Schools to be determinated"
Say what? :)
Patterson does not run Simmons. It is well known by the faculty. It is hard to find her in the building on any given day. The faculty run Simmons. Mechelle is quick to take credit for test scores, etc. She gives zero direction to the school and definitely has nothing to do with the performance of the staff or students. Another person getting paid to do nothing.
To 10 2 9:09. I believe this "garbage". It sounds like someone didn't want this info to get out and now that it has, he/she (he) is trying to discredit it.
If "terminated" means "ended", does "determinated" mean "begun"?
Actually it does basically mean that. Once a determination has been made, a new path can be begun.
Exactly what is Adams being credited for? Nothing has happened to give her credit for accept having integrity. She should have a chip on her shoulder but she goes about her assigned duties. Other administrators have been in charge in Roberts absence and no one cared until Ms Adams, I wonder why. Dr. Roberts is eventually going to flush all the sour grapes out and its working, look at how you react to little things. Those that are losing sleep over this are not capable of larger tasks. You don't need a degree or certificate to be an effective leader. How many of our past presidents have doctor degrees? Raquel Wilson has her doctorate and she has no leadership skills at all. The same is true for Marin Gonzalez no leadership skills and secondary was an academic mess with the two of them in charge, you read the comment last week from the teacher. All the rest except Jay Augustine and Dr.Aire were promoted from within by Roberts. Based on performance everyones qualifications are questionable. Why does it matters who plays super for a few days if it does not affect their checks, just do what you are paid to do. Everyone who hates their job should resign and see if the district stops functioning. That is probably the best thing that could happen. D 131 needs new faces, new passion, new ideas. This is what happens when everyone is buddy buddy and an outsider who is not apathetic steps in; they get accused of being a suck up. Ms Adams is a good start if it will cause some overpaid , under achieving individuals to resign. If she does not succeed then we are right where we are now, but she will succeed. She has already won because the weak are beginning to feel pressure. Watch and see it won't be Dr. Aird leaving and those like her. Dr. Aird is a class act and very professional. If she left that would be a huge loss but not the end. The district is larger than every administrator, teacher and superintendent. No matter how much sugar goes on a lemon its still a lemon. Central office is going to be so much better when you and your poor attitude are gone. You know who you are and so do we.
What Adams is being credited for is the rise in test scores, and she does NOT deserve it. Ahw was promoted to Asst. Super and got a $30,000 raise. She does not deserve it, and it's true that people are being driven out of the district - but its the hard working people who are tired of people like Denean getting rewarded for things they didn't do who are leaving.
We have no presidents in the administration. Just what president are you referring to when you mention doctors degree.
Hit a bad button somewhere, did someone?
Adams is Roberts pet and it is so apparent. We also know who is giving her the good postings just like they say they know who is doing the other postings.
How is it that according to The Beacon article about swimming pools needing to have drains fixed and they have been notified since 2009 about this did ours not get fixed? We bought a building for preschool and did other things why couldn't this?
It's simple. Building and grounds is given just enough money to barely function. Nestor is rewarded for keeping costs within budget. What's not evaluated is the condition of the buildings. That's why problems are not fixed but just patched. That's why there is the same mold and leaks year after year and why the pool is not repaired.
Nestor knows where the problems are but without the budget, some things just can't be fixed.
Hey, is there any update on Green returning to his job? Just wondering how that went.
The district administration has jerked Mr. Green around as long as they could. The district had 35 days to challenge the state abiter's decision. They have waited 35 days and are now bringing Mr. Green back to work. Mr. Green is supposed to show for work at Cowherd tomorrow. Mr. Green should be looking at a very large check to compensate him for the year and a half of hell the administrators have put him through.
So everyone that received a raise or promotion deserved it except Ms. Adams? Explain the HR Director , the director of alternative programs and the director for public relation promotion. Exactly what did each one do to earn their raise? The truth is you get what the market bares.
I wonder how the Board President felt about being attacked in Spanish only tonight. I looks like young Mr Cervantes has a campaign going to turn the District Spanish speaking only a Ms Cervantes maybe related complained the Board should spend more money on interpreters at all the building before they worry about additional programs for the students.
It seems young Mr Cervantes was talking it up after the meeting.
HOw about the students learning the English language. This is getting out of hand. It was very rude of the person who spoke before the board as she does speak English. Everyone needs to quit coddling people who speak English as a second language. How about community members volunteering to help out? What about the students that speak other languages? Oh, they learn the English language and do not expect to coddled!!!!!!!
Her name is Elizabeth Cervantes and she is listed as a Social Worker at East. She acted like she did not speak English when Johnson asked her for her address. It was curious when she said Sugar Grove then I knew she was not a parent what a poor example for our students. As a Social Worker she needs to encourage kids to speak English
Here's an idea for interpreters--
VOLUNTEERS, perhaps from East High School.
Many EHS students are fully bilingual, and have been acting as translators for their parents since they were in grade school. I see this happening all the time, in stores, school functions, and the community in general.
East High students could earn their service hours this way, and also sharpen their translation (language arts) skills.
A win-win situation!
:)
Bob Green is back at Cowherd teaching today, just like he never left. Except for the big grin on his face because of the big check he'll be receiving, six figures+.
He's a living, breathing reminder to certain administrators in our district that their bullying does NOT always work.
"Competence before color"--
Right, Clayton??
It has been one month since the September 6th board meeting, and the minutes are still not posted.
Other districts in our area broadcast their School Board meetings live, as they actually happen. But here in good old D131, we taxpayers have to wait more than a month for information we deserve to have and are PAYING FOR.
You are right the September 6th approved minutes are not there and if they where approved they should be on line by law in seven days.
Email Anita Lewis that is her job and the Board President Johnson should also make sure it gets done.
Lewis is probably to busy brown nosing to get favors and Johnson is to busy with the image that does not exist to worry about the tax payers
If the board approved the minutes then call the States Attorney if you dare. I bet they get on there real fast after that.
Rumor at the district is Laura Spang a teacher at Waldo and a relation to Dr Roberts was out showing picture of her pregnant belly on facebook and school. It was brought to the board they did nothing so do you really thing Lewis or Johnson will get the minutes posted
Maybe one reason the minutes from over a month ago haven't been posted is because certain people want to delay informing taxpayers how their money is being spent.
Specifically, the many thousanbds of dollars of LEGAL EXPENSES relating to cases like Mary Fultz and Bob Green.
After all, the district is trying to get people to donate $165,000.00 for "Helping Our Pupils Excel" (And when was the last time you heard the word "pupil" used in regular conversation, except discussing someone's eyes? This was a desperate stretch by someone in the central office searching for an acronym).
If word gets out about the way thousands of tax dollars have been wasted, it will be difficult to convince people in the community to donate to Help Our Students Excel (H.O.S.E.--as in "we've been hosed" or duped).
That is a REALLY good one 6:17 am.
Sadly, it is true about the waste. The districts EA Education Foundation mismanaged $$. I can only imagine what they truly have planned for H.O.S.E. $$. Who is going to manange this money and decide who is worthy recipients?
(that was a rhetorical question:)
There wasn't to much they could do about the Mary Fultz situation she brought that on by not following rules and don't say it was the district's responsibility to check that is not true if you look into it all the material out there says they don't check those things it is on the candidate to do it.
As far as Bob Green that happens in a lot of districts and yes they made mistakes these things will happen.
As far as the board minutes don't just sit there do something report it to The States Attorney if the minutes where approved they are in violation of The Open Meetings Act you can go the States Attorney website and find the form to fill out.
This district waste a lot of money and turns there heads on how some of it is spent. Just this summer the IL School Board took over District 189 in East Saint Louis because of low test scores and misuse of taxpayers money. This was because of all the complaints the States Attorney got form taxpayers and the coverage from a News Station. The State removed the Superintendent and replaced him with someone else. So all you out there if you want change do something and you can start with the board minutes.
Here is the article about D189. If enough of you do this it might happen here which would be a good thing and yes I have talked to The States Attorney.
http://www.isbe.state.il.us/news/2011/july22.htm
I am vehemently opposed to the situation in East Saint Louis. You have a superintendent that has been replaced due to allegations (NOT Proof) of wrongdoing. Every faculty member, consultant, contract etc. will be investigated, regardless of an allegation made or not.
The article stated that they would be investigating "all employees of the district, including their personnel files and all documents relating to their hiring, their qualifications and credentials". It also stated this would be done with current and former employees.
What has happened to the "fourth amendment"? What has happened to "presumed innocent"? What has happened to "resonable suspicion"?
The teachers, janitors and secretaries are not making the financial decisions for a school district, they are following orders and they are supervised by their administrators.
I would have no problem if in the course of an investigation and if evidence was found, that particular employees were further investigated but to investigate everyone simply because they work for a school district is ridiculous.
If I was an employee for that district I would 1) expect my union to intervene. If they couldn't/wouldn't 2) hire my own attorney. And if it is determined thay I lose all rights when becoming a teacher, I would 3)resign from the profession.
Our government has overstepped is bounds on many occasions. This is just another abuse of power. The legal system is supposed to be there to ensure fairness and justice. How can they do this when they begin the process by trampling everyones rights?
Oh, and whose paying the bills? The taxpayers of that community. To the tune of $100,000 a year.
Centrals office news is Roberts spent the week at the Marriott $189.00 per night in Chicago because his vision was to bad to drive back to Aurora. I does not seem his vision is to bad when it comes to checking out the new young blond teachers
Johnson allows Roberts to do whatever he wants. The Laura Spang thing is a problem because everyone has their pictures monitored Joanie has made several complaints or write up of staff members but when it came to Laura a pass was given because Roberts is afraid he will not be able to visit the grand children. That is how d131 runs.
As for the other members Lewis can't keep up with the minutes. Turza and Gonzalez has been on vacation over a month. Not that they are always on vacation. Hull is to busy attacking teachers at East because of his daughters poor grades. Means Adams could not even pick the correct classes. Leonard is so misinformed he has not had a comment at the Board meeting in over a month. Cervantes is to busy growing a political career with Clayton as campaign manger. Johnson is the only one now who speaks for the Board and the district not sure why we need Clayton. But the Board is so under her thumb they don't even make Board comments anymore. Johnson is Hitler
If you Google that you will see that the Superintendent used taxpayers money for Christmas Parties at his house, bought sky-box seats at a ball park with taxpayers money which is illegal. He also didn't watch how the employees with credit cards where using taxpayers money and using the cards for personal use. Employees where going to conferences and taking spouses which they can do if the spouse pays there own way and that goes for hotels even if they get a single.
It is a little much to look into everyone but they are checking to make sure that the teachers are qualified and to do that they have to look into their files and there is nothing wrong with that since part of the problem in the district is that the schools have been on the watch list for 10 years and with NCLB the State can do that.
That article from the State doesn't give the whole story about this district and the misuse of taxpayers money. There is a video of a news station asking a board member about all the trips that some where taking and if it really was for the benefit of the district which they weren't is was for their own benefit just like a board member of ours did last November going to a Conference when they where not re running for the board and getting a nice dinner and three nights stay at a hotel on taxpayers money.
I thought Hulls daughter was there to get scholarships. She has failing grades already, how quickly things change. I bet Roberts will make the teachers all change her failing grades. Since you have access to her grades please share them. Who was attacked ? Welcome back !!!! I missed you like the cramps.
Administrators can not legally make a teacher change a grade. They are official state records. What he can do is make an administrative change to the grade. The administrator changes the grade and must submit a letter in the file, to the teacher and to the parents of the child indicating what the real grade is and that the change was made by an administrator.
If it is done in any other way, he needs to be reported to the Illinois State Board of Education.
Lauren Spang review was changed just ask Bobette Dobson. Lauren was being recommended not to come back but Marin at the time was kissing butt and had it changed anything is possible in that District.
Hull and Lewis child or grandchild may fail today but by the end of the year it will all be taken care of.
That is the way things work at d131
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Thanks mommy for telling me the rules :)
I didn't go to the 9/19/2011 board meeting but for those that did was the minutes for 9/6/2011 approved?
Usually approving the minutes of the previous meeting is one of the first items on the agenda of School Board meetings. Why wouldn't the September 6th minutes have been approved on September 19th?
And assuming that they were, they should have been published within 7 days, according to Illinois law.
Ok, so is anyone up to contacting the States Attorney and filling a violation of the open meetings act or is everyone afraid to?
Here is where you can file about a violation of the Open Meeting Act.
http://foia.ilattorneygeneral.net/pdf/How%20to%20Submit%20a%20Request%20for%20Review.pdf
http://foia.ilattorneygeneral.net/pdf/How%20to%20Submit%20a%20Request%20for%20Review.pdf
The last post didn't give the whole url.
Did you just ask if anybody on this blog is actually "doing something."
Are you that stupid? Nobody on this blog does anything, they just bitch and moan about subjects that they know nothing about.
8:31 p.m., how are YOU doing anything?
Seems to me you're bitching & moaning yourself.
8:40, 8:31 is right that bitching and moaning and not doing is the primary activity of this blog. And of course, you're right that 8:31 is bitching and moaning about other people bitching and moaning, which is pretty funny.
But here is the difference , which you probably won't understand.
I am "bitching and moaning" about something that I can do nothing about...this stupid blog.
Others bitch and moan here when they should GO to a board meeting, or file a complaint with the state, or actually email the person they have a problem with. But you see, you can't do any of those without revealimg who you are.
By the time you file the complaint nobody will do nothing all the government agencies work together.
Here is a though why not email the Board I am sure they will take care of it.
The board should take the time to make sure they are posted it only takes a minute and this isn't the first time it has happened and we all know Johnson reads the blog so she should of taken care of it.
By the way The States Attorney will make sure that they get posted if you complain.
Lewis is the Secretary of the Board and should do her job. Johnson is a ass that if she does read it and the blog tells her to do something she will not. The States Attorney is a big friend of Clayton's will not do a thing. I really does not matter if you get them to post or not nothing happens at the meetings Johnson is the only one who speaks during Board comments now the rest of the members just sit their and say where they go or "I have nothing to say" or in the case of Hull talk about what a great job the school is doing. He sure changed his attitude. Must be getting favors from the school with his daughter
They have all the attachments on their Board Doc's it now appears Johnson not only does the speaking for the Board and Clayton but she answers the letters for Dr Roberts as well. In the past everyone addresses the Board and Dr Roberts answers. Johnson has turned into Hitler you can also see how full of herself she is
Dear Mr. Montroy:
At the last board of education meeting you asked the following:
“How will the Board Of Education demonstrate positive, unconditional support all year long to the teachers, staff, and administration through actions and verbalization instead of stressful, concentrated attention when the once a year scores are reported?”
The Board has supported the teachers with many programs and teaching tools you may not be aware of. Some of the programs or additional support include the following: support of technology through the installation of smart boards, providing teaching tutors to help with class size and instruction, additional counselors to reduce student loads, additional teachers for class size reduction, return of the in school suspension rooms, purchase of the Virtual 20/20 system, new programs for credit recovery, increase in the text book budget, return of the gifted program, increase in the curriculum department, increase in building budgets and many more programs too numerous to mention.
As far as the once a year test scores, this is not the only focus of this Board but it is a guide that helps determine whether or not schools are progressing. It is also a requirement of the State and Federal government and cannot be overlooked. The District is required by law to file school improvement plans based on these scores. I will also direct you to look at the monthly Board discussion and committee notes and can assure you that this is not a once a year discussion. The improvement of student reading levels and high expectations is top priority to this Board.
Please feel free to contact me as I am more than happy to discuss this with you further.
Sincerely,
Annette M Johnson
Board of Education President
I'm not sticking up for Johnson by no means but Mr. Montroy directed his question to the board and the board president is the spoke person for the board.
That letter had many half-truths. Many of the buildings have large classes, but no tutors. So only some have tutors. There are meetings for some teachers to go to learn about the gifted program, but no implementation. So there is no return of the gifted program. If there has been an increase in building budgets it is not filtering down to the classrooms and students needs. Teachers have seen no increase and most a decrease in teacher budgets. So either no increase or principals are using the increase on what they want, not what the teachers need. Increased technology, yes. Support in how to use it and integrate it into instruction, no. Most teachers are floundering on how to make this technology an asset and not just one more thing to deal with. I don't know any elementary building with an in-school suspension room. In our building students are passed from one classroom to another during the day and just become another student for the classroom teacher to deal with in addition to his/her own class. Who is being punished there? Increase in the curriculum budget, how does that help the classroom teacher? That was D. Adams' raise.
The public has no idea the hell the teachers are dealing with and I'm afraid as soon as the job market changes East Aurora will see a mass exodus and they will only have themselves to blame.
You want to talk about Hell, below is the response we got from our principal about the HOURS teachers are spending after school and at home every day trying to complete the list of things she wants us to do. She tells us, well you have 30 minutes here a couple of times a WEEK and 15 minutes here and there, and don't forget you have a lunch break you could be using. Our preps are supposed to be for planning for OUR STUDENTS!She just doesn't get it! If we were to try to take control of our time and only use the times she mentions we could not get a fraction of the stuff done she wants us to do. If that happened she would be calling us in and yelling, a no win situation for the teachers. Yes, when the job market opens up I will be one of the teachers leaving and so will most of the other teachers in this building and district.
Her email:
Last, remember the other times you have: 8-8:30 except for Wednesdays. If you're a problem-solving member, then you lose Thursdays. You also have four plan periods, and everyday from 2:45-3:15 except for the new teachers who do not have that option on Thursdays. If you have duty, then you only have 3-3:15 everyday. Teachers have 40 minute lunch breaks, and you can use that time any way you choose. If you're like me, you are struggling to try to balance your family and work life. I have come to the conclusion, that ultimately, I control my life and time! Therefore, when you see my office door closed, that means I either am in a meeting, or I am working (controlling my time). I suggest you do the same. If you do not want to be disturbed during certain times because you need to get your work done, create a sign, or close your door....the key...communicate when you need to do your work. We should not be offended when you ask us to see you at a different time.
Maybe the teachers need to email Ms Johnson and tell her she is full of shit. If the Board did approve all these things I have not seen it. My school does have tutors and we all have smart boards but nobody is helping us learn about the new technology. Building budget have not seen a increase in fact they penalize us for using the copy machine.
I at East and it seems she is talking about High School programs there is nobody to manage the Virtual 20/20 system in fact a test was run on the program and few students completed it or received any teaching support. The in school suspension room is back does not seem to be helping. We have also received no help with the new technology a few development programs did get offered by to many signed up and we needed small groups to learn. We don't have tutors. We are still short counselors we have had so many come and go not sure if we ever got a extra one. The board may think things are great but the school is coming unglued. There is nobody in charge and Conrad has told many she will not be back
Johnson doesn't care if the teachers know how to use the smartboards or if they have to use their lunch time to do work that the principle gives them she only cares about image. She feels she did her job in getting the new technology for the schools but has no idea of how to make it work. You can't put all the blame on her because there are other board members that could stand up for the teacher but they won't for what ever reason, maybe because they are afraid of the wrath she will give them, but what ever reason there is this board is lacking in the one thing they should be doing and that is what is best for our students.
It is not up to the Board members to make the smart boards work. The Board gave the teachers the technology they need to make it work if not there are plenty in line looking to replace them. It is about time the teachers and administrators start having high expectations for the students. The Board is not paid the administrators and teachers are. It looks like the Board brought back many programs. The people who are writing for the teachers concern me they can't form a clear sentence.
To October 9 @9:23. Did you stop to look at your sentence structure? It was pretty poor. It is a common practice for people to write quickly on internet chat sites without checking sentence structure or grammar. As much as this bothers me, as an educator, I have learned to accept it without being an ass. Why don't you try it? I will explain this in very simple terms, as I do to my students. The complaint wasn't getting the technology; it was getting the time and proper support to learn how to use the technology. Using technology is not intrinsic (opps, sorry) does not come naturally to everyone. Also, it is important that the technology is being utilized (sorry there I go again) used properly and effectively in the classrooms. As educators we want to be as effective as we possibly can when delivering instruction. We weren't just complaining, as you were doing, we were asking for the proper and expected support. Did you get it this time or do I need to dumb it down some more?
Board of Education President? What happened to School board President?
Oct 9 @ 9:23pm is a board member and you might have to dumb it down some more. NO it is not the boards job to teach the teachers or whomever how to use the new technology, but it is their job to see that their one employee does his job and have his employees teach the teachers. So their one employee is not doing his job and should be fired. You teachers should vacate this district. How about a blue flu day? Think that would help?
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