What's the difference between a teacher from West that has a physical relationship with a student and a teacher from East that has a physical relationship with a student? The teacher from West goes to prison and the one from East gets promoted to Assistant Superintendent.
Interesting today at the D131 opening rally--all teachers/staff had to sign a non-disclosure agreement. This is a first (at least in the 6 years I've worked for the district). Is this because someone in the central office doesn't want unpleasant news leaked?
Good luck with that; the days of being able to sweep stuff under the rug are over thanks to the Internet.
I believe Nestor was fired(asked to step down) after alegations of contact with students at east high by jerome in the 90's. He is now a AD in 131, probally looking for a new wife... LOOSER everyway around!!!!
Allegations are one thing; provable facts are another. The FACTS are: Nestor Garcia has been married for +10 years (his wife has a college degree, and was at least 23 or 24 when they married), and they have two elementary-school-aged children. I believe that Nestor also has an older daughter (30ish) from a previous marriage.
Far from being a "looser", he is a hard-working D131 employee and, as far as I can tell, an asset to our district and community.
It was actually a confidentiality agreement, along with an "Internet User Agreement" (staff may not e-mail students without written permission from parents).
"It was actually a confidentiality agreement, along with an "Internet User Agreement" (staff may not e-mail students without written permission from parents)."
That also did not happen for all staff at the opening rally. Maybe that happened at your individual building, but I was never asked to sign anything today.
Channel 2 news looked bad Rydland pulled off the mic and would not answer questions. They made the janitor look like a fool and now it shows a paper trail that the janitor told the truth.
Just made it back and need to dish the dirt. Before i went on vacation i saw Annette and Jerome cruising down Broadway in her car. I wonder where they had been.
There were teachers from Simmons Middle School who were commenting that they were forced by Mechelle Patterson and Wilson Morales to sign a confidentiality agreement. Essentially, they have been prohibited from revealing any of the illegal events going on at Simmons. I guess they didn't like the way that it was revealed when Wilson beat up a middle school student or how Mechelle did nothing as a special education student was harrassed, intimidated, bullied and beaten up daily.
Apparently, the teachers at Simmons are not aware of their First Amendment rights. Rights that are not lost when they join the school district. Personally, I would fire any person who signed such an agreement for being incompetent.
We listened today as Jerome Roberts and Annette Johnson said they have heard the teachers and assured the teachers that the administration would begin treating the staff in a professional and respectful manner and this is how they are starting the year, with more harrassment and intimidation.
The Union President now has full release to deal with Michelle and Wilson so as Madam President said yesterday speak up tell him. We have to start speaking up more. As Dr Roberts said everyone needs to be treated with respect.
They would have never formed the committees or listened to us. It is up to us to police ourselves and stop complaining.
Adam is not Craig Rhodes with his back room deals he is a problem solver. Talk to him.
Rumor is Leonard was successful in getting rid of Finaly or Scott one does not know which one. But the bet is Marty Feltes will get the new operations position.
East Aurora High School Choir Hi everyone. I have some news to share today. Due to a series of unexpected opportunities, I will not be returning to East this year. I've loved getting to know you all over the past couple of years, and I wish I could take you all with me! I don't know who the new director will be, but I'm confident you'll all take it in stride. Best of luck on the new year, and stay in touch! -Mr. S.
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Anybody know the backstory on this?? Like · · Share · 10 · 5 hours ago ·
The choir director never had the correct certification for teaching music in Illinois. He should never have been hired in the first place but the administration follows board and state policies only as it is convenient to them.
The real question is why they are getting rid of him now? Especially right before the school year is starting.
Excerpt from a letter to the editor of the VOICE. Written by a well respected retired educator. Cliff Pensyl. In case you don't get The Voice, he wrote: Presently, in East Aurora's District 131 a different model of leadership is tearing the district apart, tearing the morale apart, inflicting fear and uncertainty.
Certain school board members, I feel, lead by the my way or the highway theory of leadership. It results in bullying and intimidation. The administrative teams circle their wagons to protect themselves, much like the Congress in Washington, D.C.
Neither the administrators nor teachers know when they will be harassed or removed for raising questions, having a different perspective, or making a correctable mistake.
Voters: Start paying attention to what is really happening in District 131.
I think that cowards like Annette Johnson and Ignacio Cervantes need to post their names each time they have the backbone to comment on this blog. As leaders of the district, step up to the plate, sign your name when you comment, and show your true colors. Two losers who have no friends in life, and were dorks in high school and dorks now.
It sounds like someone is upset why don't you post your name. Could you be one of the maintenance department or Cams family. Your lucky the Board did not call the States Attorney and have them thrown in jail. They are guilty of the same thing that got administrators in Chicago jailed.
Home from the EastWest game, and while the Tomcats lost 19-59, I can't recall the last time they scored more than 7. They played much better than we're used to, and I believe we will see a win or two this season.
I know lots of people expected a turnaround overnight, but this ain't no Disney film, folks. There is still work to be done, but for now, let's celebrate the beginning of a new era.
About the choir director--this is SO disappointing, on many levels! The timing, especially, is horrible. Who dropped the ball on this?
If it was the administration, SHAME ON THEM. To leave the kids in the lurch while the district scrambles at the last minute to find a qualified choir director is definitely NOT in students' best interests--and especially when the accompanist/assistant, Mrs. Allen, retired last spring.
If it was Mr. Stellmacher who suddenly took another job 3 days before school started, then hopefully he has been helping to find a replacement if he truly cares about the students he has been teaching. Our ChoirCats deserve the best, not a last-minute desperation hire!
Well, the district hasn't listed the choir position as being open so maybe they're on top of it and have someone in place. I do think that students & parents deserve more than a couple of days notice but we all know this district is secretive. I hope this works out well for those who matter most: the STUDENTS.
Too bad about the choir. I agree that our kids deserve better than a last-minute, desperation hire. Let's hope the administration is on top of this and has someone waiting in the wings (two someones, actually--because Mrs. Allen also left).
Well written August 24, 2012 7:21 PM. This is a district that employees a Superintendent that doesn't run it. The board does not have faith in him so the President does and she is a bully. This board is into to much of the day to day running of the district which isn't part of there roles as board members. I believe Nacho stated he would like to run for Mayor so watch him how he acts as a board member and if he follows rules and you will see he has a long way before becoming a Mayor.
Then why were charges not pursued? So the District has employees breaking the law, and the "Board" legally does doing nothing about it? Great job "Board!!!!!!"
The Choir director never had the right certs to teach in Illinois he had one year to get them. After the District paid for him to get those which took all summer he put in his resignation. I am sure he had something lined up all summer. I say good he has no moral character
Anybody that was at the East/West game last night and did not see a HUGE improvement in the Tomcat squad, does not know football. I have been attending this rivalry game for many many years. Becker and his staff deserve a lot of credit. These kids played with discipline, dignity and tenacity. For the first time in a long time, they played the game without a bunch of foolish penalties. They did not play the game in a state of disarray. These kids are starting to understand the game of football and it will be a long process. I know there is nobody more disappointed, in the outcome of last nights game, than coach Becker. Believe me, the Tomcats are headed in the right direction.
At last night's varsity football game East had 28 players and 9 coaches. If we could get that kind of ratio in EA classrooms just imagine what we could do! The priorities are certainly out of whack.
Let me first say thank goodness Ledbetter stepped down. He favored the sports boosters because he would not stand up to his aunt and Pinky Zepeda. I am tried of Henry Cowherd being the only one recognized for his contributions. Many of us have worked a volunteers and never receive recognition. We also don't show up asking for it as well.
I am a band booster and have asked for years to be able to raise funds at games or large events and have been turned down by Leadbetter.
Our Soccer games have larger crowds than Football yet the concessions remain closed. Why, because the sports booster think they own all the equipment. We are here to benefit all children. The sports programs should be supported better than they are as well. Yes we lost to West last evening but sports booster on the west side pays for a youth league.
I don't think they are disbanded because some have asked if we could have the concessions and it was the same answer NO. That while the stands had standing room only when the home opener was played for soccer.
Please let's not worry about a few old men's egos and lets do something.
The choir department had the same frustrations under funded and not supported.
6:51 It is actually allowed for a certified teacher in one subject to teach other subjects they're NOT certified for, but I believe there's a certain period of time during which they have to complete the education and requirements to add that subject to their certification. If they haven't done that by the end of that time, they can no longer teach the class that's outside their subject matter. Maybe the choir teacher was at the end of that time period, and hadn't taken the classes he needed.
7:29 If you think certain people need to post their name, then maybe EVERYONE should be required to post their names. Of course, then the blog would hardly get any posts.
Leonard has overstepped his bounds and is telling the maintenance department what to do. However the maintenance department has been dirty for years and things are getting cleaned up. The Board may be hands on but they need to be.
I attended Red and Black and Johnson gave a speech about bring ideas to the Union President who needs to share throught many improvement committees. The District is headed in the right direction and sometimes it takes a bully.
I intend to vote yes. I also congratulate Coach Becker for trying but more money needs to goto the classroom. I do agree to much is made of old alumni this s not the same school district.
August 25, 2012 10:56 AM I wish you luck, this problem has gone on under a couple AD's not just Coach Leadbetter. The mention of 'foolish penalties' brings to mind watching pre-varsity football a number of years back, and hearing the refs talk about EA like it was the 'wrong side of the tracks' Many bad calls were made against East, when playing schools with a better rep (more money). I am glad to see Becker @ East. We have had good coaches, but Beckers clout will help our team get a little, long over due, respect.
According to the minutes from the August 6th School Board meeting, Mr. Stellmacher was recommended for recall (approved for rehiring), effective 8/23/12.
So it appears that it is NOT the district's decision, but totally Mr. Stellmacher's doing. Regardless of how it happened, the bottom line is that our EHS choir students are having to start the school year without either a choir director or accompanist/assistant in place (as of yesterday). This is SO SAD--and as usual in D131, it's the kids who bear the brunt of adults' poor choices.
sorry for all those getting excited about the points scored last night. when you combine poor conditioning, players going both ways, injuries and inexperience things will get worse not better. Take a look at what the Neaqua and waubonsee did to the naperville schools and try to figure how east can win in conference. West was not that good and east was just that bad. Their running back had 174 yards on 11 carries. Coach Becker is already making excuses about his numbers. Intelligent minds want to know ; didn't he know that when he took the job?
In response to the Band Booster of the Year's comment that "thank goodness that Ledbetter" stepped down...please let me say a few things.
Ledbetter was the Athletic Director and should have supported the Sports Boosters because he was the Athletic Director and they were the Sports Boosters. That is like saying Brian Liska should step down because he favors the "Band Boosters", "Hello McFly, think...think..., Liska should support the Band Boosters because he is the Band Director, and Ledbetter should have supported the Sports Boosters because he was the Athletic Director. Last time I checked, there were many clubs and organizations that have a representative for them.
How should Ledbetter have stood up to his aunt if their were no conflicts? Pinky was not at any of the meetings the last two years, and he was rarely seen at Athletic Events due to his health. What did Pinky dictate to Ledbetter that he did not resolve?
If you check the sports Boosters Meetings Minutes, Ledbetter and the Sports Boosters approved the Band Boosters of selling Ice Cream at home basketball games to benefit the band. Ledbetter and the Sports Boosters approved this, which was never done before. Were you at this meeting? If you were not, then that clearly shows the lack of communication in the "Band Boosters" which leads me to believe that this could be a reason that your program is under-funded.
Mr. or Mrs. Band Booster, there are formal procedures to get things accomplished. Did you ever attend a formal Sports Boosters Meeting, and ask for anything/ "help" in person. If you did not, then that is your fault.
The Sports Boosters do own their equipment, and should own their equipment; they worked hard for it. The O'Malleys, Debbie and Dennis Shamblin, Mr. and Mrs. Cowherd have been at it tirelessly the last 35 years, and have worked hard for the money in the Sports Boosters account. If you say you have worked just as hard, then you should also have the same amount of money. The fact is that you do not. Maybe you should step down for your failure as a Band Booster to figure out ways to raise funds to support the Band. Blaming it on the Athletic Director, and the Sports Boosters is weak, and only shows your failure to lead, which leads to my conclusion of why your Club is not supported. Hek, why not blame your failures due to the success of R.O.T.C. R.O.T.C. finds a way to get things done, and does not point fingers.
Also, get your facts straight regarding attendance at soccer and football games. Soccer fills up one side of the stadium, and football fills up two. Do the math! Maybe this is why you are a Band Booster, and not part of the Math Club, and also shows your inadequate skills of trying to raise money, and then blaming it on some other individual or organization.
Henry Cowherd is 88 years old, and judging by your comments on this blog, he has done more in a month, than you have in a year to get things accomplished for East Aurora, and deserves to be recognized every second somene sees him.
The Sports Boosters have opened up at Soccer Games, and barely cleared $50.00 for a night. The fact is, that Soccer games are not profitable. If you would like to try, go ahead and try. But first, put down the Cheetohs, hit the treadmill, and get a little blood running through the veins first; because your failed attempts in the past does not lead me to believe you will be successful in the future.
Also, look at what the Sports Boosters have spent per year on athletics? Do you know what the amount is? If you do not, then you should have not made the coment that "The Sports programs should be supported better than they are as well."
Madame President, did you also see the article in the Chicago Tribune about School Board Members breaking the law. Board Members sending direct emails to teachers, staff, and administrators throughout the district without the proper chain of command could be termed harassment, and should be reported to the Illinois School Board of Education. Be careful of your witch hunts, because Karma comes back two/fold.
@10:56a.m. Leadbetter should have favored the sports boosters because he was athletic director not band director. I do have to say I am at many different schools throughout the year at various events and very rarely see band fundraisers. I think you have some good points like having concessions at soccer games. You have to remember though no parents want to help. This has been an issue for a LONG time. I think if more people joined the sports boosters they wouldnt say no all the time to certain things. I think also you might have Leadbetter's aunt confused with someone else. She has been in the sports boosters for only the last 4 years. She is always saying yes to things that the coaches ask sports boosters to buy. I know that West Aurora does not pay for a youth league. West and East kids alike play for Superstars. Their teams are called Tomcats and Blackhawks. I do agree with you in saying everyone should work together. I think if more people got involved with things such as band boosters and sports boosters more ideas would come out and make those boosters better. Until that happens you will have small groups busting their butts and having a few old man egos.
Speaking of the game Friday night, the WAHS band was awesome! Great sound and moves, especially considering they only had a few days to prepare. I know this is an East Side blog but it's nice to acknowledge greatness happening throughout Aurora.
Why should the blog acknowledge great things at West the never can at East. If we had the scandle West had I can only imagine what this blog would e saying about those people. By now the Roberts, the Board and Conrad would all be made out to be child molesters.
Different school distrct more class than the grease monkey from Caterpiller.
If what is being said is true that Lenoard is telling the maintenance workers what to do and board members are emailing teachers then that is wrong. No one board member has the right to do that and you should file a complaint with the union and the State. Again the board hires a Superintendent to do their will and he is the go between for the teachers. This is why the district is in trouble with the board we have they don't follow the IL School Code but it is up to the workers that have evidence of this to do something.
I work at a high school in another district. The concession stands (inside and outside) are of course owned by the high school, but the booster club owns the equipment. The booster club supports ALL sports teams. It is manned primarily by parent/student volunteers from each team (there's a small group of "global" regulars, mainly high school kids, who serve as supervisors), and the team manning the booth that night gets the credit for the profits that night and the booster club will then spend that money on that team. They also have to cover the deficit if they lose money, but that never happens because the profit margins are so high just one or two sales means you break even. The stand is open for pretty much all varsity events, assuming there are enough volunteers to man the booth.
The same thing could be done at EAHS soccer games. The booster club should already be keeping an inventory anyway. A group of soccer parents should be allowed to open the booth, track what they sell, then the profits be spent by the boosters on the soccer program. Even if they only clear $50, that's more than $0, right?
Here's another option: authorize all teams to sell things like candy, pre-packaged popcorn, canned soda, bottled water, etc. themselves at any event the booster club booth isn't open. These are easily carried items, so you can have a few volunteers working the bleachers like at a Cubs game. By bringing the food to the people, you'll probably take in more money than you would have thru the booth.
The lies, finger pointing, slander, whining, back biting, back stabbing, name calling, vicious attacks on family, character and reputations says everything about east Aurora, its teachers, administrators,board of education , boosters, alumni, and parents. The teachers and administrators dont live in or send their kids to the schools. The board is as disfunctional as there is ; most boards are. The students reflect the environment they are in. Only 28% of the students meet or exceed state standards and some are bragging about improvement. I guess only 28% of the bloggers possess maturity, character, and integrity. To continue to attack reflects what you would do, how you would act , if you actually got involved in the process. If you are in the 72 % im sure we can expect some foolish reply, i cant wait.This blog is pathetic at best and acidic. The decent informative and helpful information is buried in the bovine excretion
"Why should the blog acknowledge great things at West"
Why NOT acknowledge great things happening throughout our city, especially when students are involved? Positive comments are in short supply on most blogs--let's mention the good whenever we can!
August 26, 2012 9:31 AM have given some good input. Let's see if the parents pick up on it and use it. No matter what district you go to, volunteers are in short supply. There are either a few that last the duration of their childrens attandance or you get a few like EA sports boosters that are like the energizer bunny. THis is great as long as they are open for new, fresh members and their ideas.
I am a teacher in D131 and I live in the district. My kids will go here. My kids will do well, because of how I, as a parent, raised them. Teachers are here to try and encourage and nurture children, but we cannot force them to do the right things, socially and academically. THAT is where the PARENT steps in, and that is the piece missing in the district.m
So what's going on with the EHS choir? My niece signed up for choir but everybody's telling her that there's no director or accompanyist. I went to the district website and it doesn't show a vacancy.
Many people have opinions on things they can not controll and don't want to. Many of you need to go to east and see day to day operations. Also remember east is one of the richest districts in Illinois. They owe very little not to mention the poverty level is one of the most. Parents do not care most don't go to parent teacher conferences, they do not communicate with teachers(even if they can), and tax payers pay for students to go to school when they are not supose to be here. Teachers not only teach our kids knowledge but teach student morals values and laws parents don't. As for coaches... They teach more discipline then most parents... And I thank them for volunteering there time. God bless
The maintenance department is upset that Leonard reviews all the bills which is the responsibility of the Board. Some things came to light and people are now being forced to do their jobs. Yes the Board should not have to be hands on but if the Superintendent and administrators dont do the job the Board needs too.
Most of the hateful remarks about Johnson being a bully are the same thing.
The scores are up more than they ever have been, changes are happening lets be positive. Try for one day bet this blog cant
Although I wish that the district had already posted the choir position, I don't think anyone should panic. It is true that there will be a delay at the beginning of the year. However, there are talented directors in the area and I'm sure it will work out.
As for Stellmacher, he did a great job while he was here. He was certified to teach, but life happens and he had to move. Bad timing, yes. But this happens all the time in schools. They just find someone else and move on.
Positive thinking mixed with realism will serve everyone better than pessimism. I think I may call the school and ask if there is something I can help with. If they say yes - great. If they so no - at least they know that someone is watching and wants the choir program to do well!
Ms. Nadel is enjoying her post-retirement life in North Carolina, so no she will not be returning to East High.
And I am optimistic that a new choir director & accompanist will be found fairly soon. It's just a shame that our choir kids will have a delayed start to their school year.
4:58 p.m., you are clueless--both about the spelling of Ms. Nadel's first name (it's "Lynne", not "Lynn") and about her coming back to East High.
She and her husband are now living in North Carolina. Last I heard, they are not millionaires with a private jet--so commuting from the East Coast is probably not going to happen.
The reason District 131 has such a large reserve of cash is because they have been screwing the teachers in salaries for decades. That is also why the district has such a large turn over rate of teachers. This year was one of the lowest turn over rates we've had in the past couple of decades and we still lost 10% of the teaching force. That's about 120 brand new teachers. We have had some years with a 25%-30% turn over rate.
Anyone who has taught will tell you that the first couple of years in a district are spent learning the curriculum, establishing relationships, learning who gets what done in the district. There is a huge learning curve that takes place and is when a teacher is the least effective. It also takes time away from veteran teachers who have to mentor the new teachers instead of focusing their time on their students.
That's a huge percentage of our kids who will have teachers that are at their least productive in their careers. Our kids deserve much better.
When you add it up, that's close to a million dollars the taxpayers are giving them for 52 students with an attendance rate of about 40%. That's an average of about 20 students showing up on a given day.
That's a sweet contract. How does someone go about getting a contract like that?
There is also an article in the Beacon about the 120 new teachers in District 131. It talks about all the excellent new teachers entering the district (How they can they call them excellent is beyond my understanding as they have accomplished nothing as yet).
I also question the policy of hiring every East Aurora Grad to teach in East Aurora. The district is in the bottom 5% of schools in the State of Illinois. If you want to improve education, do you want to look for teachers who have come from the bottom 5% of the State or do you want to start looking for teachers who have come from the top 5%.
It's not just in hiring East Aurora Grads but also in promoting and decision making. In this district it seems to be the most important factor for everything. Just look at the school board.
East Aurora has graduated many doctors, lawyers, business owners, teachers and just last year John Gerherd scored a prefect 36 on his ACT. His sister and brother teach in the District and are just as successful.
Leonard is on the Board and owned a successful business. Nacho is to young to tell and Johnson is the owner of two companies. The rest of the members did not graduate from East.
Central Office Admins Clayton and Childress are successful role models.
East Aurora football looked very promising as, Coach Becker held the team together when there was no chance of winning. The football program suffers because the parents of talented athletes leave the district to give their kid a fighting chance for a college scholarship. East Aurora problem is that nothing is published it's all hidden and smoke and mirrors. What the districts does is play smoke and mirrors about alot of things. If they didn't do nothing about Nestor marrying his student 20 years ago what's the problem now? I know who she is because when we were all in school everyone knew he was messing with here and also the teacher who sleeping with students. Some of the problem is we need to make things convenient for parents who work and care about the students education and future. I live in the district and no longer have relatives who go to schools in the district because of the fact that there is too much bs and not enough transparency going on. WE NEED TO STAND UP FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GET THOSE ADULTS, ADMINS, AND TEACHERS OUT WHO DON'T CARE. EACH ONE TEACH ONE
Excerpt from a letter to the editor of the VOICE. Written by a well respected retired educator. Cliff Pensyl. In case you don't get The Voice, he wrote: "Presently, in East Aurora's District 131 a different model of leadership is tearing the district apart, tearing the morale apart, inflicting fear and uncertainty.
Certain school board members, I feel, lead by the my way or the highway theory of leadership. It results in bullying and intimidation. The administrative teams circle their wagons to protect themselves, much like the Congress in Washington, D.C.
Neither the administrators nor teachers know when they will be harassed or removed for raising questions, having a different perspective, or making a correctable mistake.
Voters: Start paying attention to what is really happening in District 131."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I remember Mr. Pensyl--he was an outstanding coach at East High in the '90s, when my kids were in school. He has a good perspective, having worked & lived in our district for many years.
Pensyl lives on the West Side so hardly a tax payer. Another teacher who received a big pension and is listening to Craig Rhodes. I also worked at East and know that teachers like Rhodes or Pensyl buddy up to administration get a bunch of stipends and raise their pension. Then they get called back sub and make more money. The sub pool at East is hand picked and while the administration can brag we have 160 teachers in the sub pool only the favorites get called. Rhodes never defended the teachers and Roberts did what he wanted to many good teachers. expect a few Rhodes buddies. As far as Cam he was a good old boy (again protected) every shirt he ever owned came from the company he was pushing we all know. The Board should have never allowed another horrible teacher back into teaching kids. But they did because Roberts went to bat for him. Answer one question Board was it bid rigging or not. That is punishable by loss of your job.
The sad part is after Cam does not teach them a thing
It is funny Cliff Pensyl was celebrating after Marin was let go. Along many other teachers. Then the Board was just great.
Also Craig we know you are undermining Adam. Now the teachers have a fighting chance
Pensyl would not dare write the Beacon because it would bring attention to the dirty deals of the employees at d131 that the Board not the superintendent is cleaning up. So he writes to a Union News paper.
The EHS choir position is now posted on the district website. Meanwhile, our choir kids have to sit in study hall. Whatever the reason for the very abrupt departure of Mr. Stellmacher, the timing STINKS and the kids are the ones bearing the brunt of it.
Sounds like a disgruntled employee who was not liked by the staff or students. If you are happy to be retired, then there is a good chance the faculty, staff, and students are also happy that you are retired as well. So sorry no one liked you when you were at East!
Saw this in the Board Bits from last Monday's School Board meeting:
ISAT Scores are in … Congratulations to All! • Reading and Math scores have reached new highs. The scores are up about 9% across the district. The high school scores also seen positive gains. Details are given by grade showing positive growth across the board. Please refer to presentation the great news.
Since you can be anonymous lets see the emails sent to the teacher, staff, and administrators that are possible, harassment. If I were harassed that is exactly what I would do. I will refer you to an attorney who would love to go after a board member harassing a staff member.
Congratulations, Simmons on your rate of students meeting and exceeding. So much for the liars who claim things are not getting done. Ms. Patterson probably bullied the staff into doing a good job. Wilson beat up a few staff and made them work harder.
Other school districts publicly released their test scores months ago. So which is it? Were they hiding the scores or were the administrators simply incompetent?
Scores by law can not get released until Aug. At that point they had partial data in June. That was available, so you must be another talented East Aurora teacher who can't read or are tooooo lazy to look them up.
I am a teacher in East Aurora and can read very well, thank you very much. Here are some links for you to read as well.
Here is a link from the superintendent of the Indian Prairie School District showing an e-mail sent out to the community. It was released 6-14-12 and includes ISAT Data and a link to the newsletter that was sent out to the entire community.
http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/News.aspx?id=44000
Here is a link to the actual newsletter sent out to the community.
http://www.ipsd.org/Uploads/news_44000_1.pdf
As you can see, ISAT data as well as many other insights into the way District 204 works was included. District business is not a secret in Indian Prairie.
Perhaps you should have spent a little time to look things up.
Well Joan Glotzbach, Machelle Patterson and Wilson Morales tired to pull off the quick confidentiality agreement on Simmons staff on the first day of school. The other schools heard about it and not many signed it. I was informed the agreement came to East High on Monday afternoon, Glotzbach do you really think you can you can slip this by us teachers, were not stupid! The Simmons teachers signed it because they know what Patterson will do to them. The Union President is at East, do you think he won't hear of this! The confidentiality agreement is an open ended letter stating if teachers talk about anything the administration deems confidential, they can fire you. Patterson and Morales are just trying to try to stop the teachers from talking about the constant dumb, illegal and just plan incompetence that takes place at Simmons every day. It is one more way Patterson and Glotzbach can use to scare and intimidate the teaching staff at Simmons. If this agreement does not get those two fired nothing will, Come on Adam Harding and our Union, show some muscle and back Simmons. Does anyone think it strange that Simmons gets this on Thursday and everyone else in the district get it today? Ask yourself why, if it was district wide then all schools would have had it on the same day. Read before you sign!
Here's a cost cutting idea for the board and tax payers of EA. In the smaller elementary buildings like Krug, Johnson, Beaupre, and O'Donnell have the computer lab teacher cover the lab and the learning center. Only the classroom teachers take their classes to these activities one a week. These small buildings have about 20 classrooms @ 30 minutes a session is 10 hours computer lab and 10 hours Learning Center per week. That is still only 20 hours a week for one person. Why do they need two people for a 20 hour job? Even if the lab time is 45 minutes (which I heard is being reduced to 30) that is still only 25 hours per week. Most of these lab people have more down time then work and still cancel classes all the time. At one of these schools (Johnson) the teachers taught their computer time more often then the lab teacher. Just a thought on a big waste of money.
Why do the administrators in the buildings who increased their ISAT scores get rewarded with money? How about the teachers that did all the hard work? They need to be rewarded also. An answer from the board would be appreciated.
To the Idiot that knows nothing about the East Aurora Booster Club...In response to the Band Booster of the Year's statement.... Your.... Booster club is only for the Band while the booster Club has given money to any Club that is willing to sell programs... and any Athletic Club that will do the same... We give out 2 scholarships every year... pay for the 4 Banquets held at the end of each season... pay for achievement awards, and Letterman Jackets for each sports MVP...we just paid $16,000 for a new baseball score board... have given thousands of Dollars for the weight room... pay for the Hall of Fame just to say a few things that we do
We own all the Equipment we bought it all and will not allow every Joe sh-mow to use it ..We do this with the 88 year old Henry Cowherd his wife , Lorraine and her husband. Tammy and her Husband, Dennis And Debbie Shamblin, Myself and for you people that say I have not been there in 2 years you are Blind!! I am and have been involved with the booster Club for 35 yrs.. President the last 23-25 years I have forgotten...and have been there climbing up and down the Bleachers selling 50/50 on a bad knee that was replaced this year... We have never had a coach or parent come to a Meeting asking us to sell at Soccer Games so I dont know where you are getting your info... and yes your president came to a meeting asked if they could sell ice cream ,it does not affect what we sell and we said yes they could N are you a band member or just a parent .
I have tried to get people to join us so we can open at every event but when you have a hand full of workers the get tired let me know who you are I will get you to sign up and help us or are you just blowing hot air as usual... because it is come with a funny smell u must be blowing it out your ass!!!
and as for this statement ... I am tried of Henry Cowherd being the only one recognized for his contributions. Many of us have worked a volunteers and never receive recognition. We also don't show up asking for it as well....how dare you say that we ask for recognition and you get none what have you done to be recognized please list your accomplishments so we can do something about it ... 38 years coaching Baseball in the area 16 years Aurora youth football, 35 years helping Sports at East and not to blow my Bugle any more this Sept. I was nominated and will receive a HISPANIC SPORTS PIONEER AWARD which I did not ask for ... I am 61 years old so all I can say Idiot when you have given over half your life for EAST and the betterment of the Community then you can Speak and CAM Leadbetter is a Very Close friend of mine we could not stop him from doing what he wanted he is An School Administrator this man sweat RED AND BLACK and like me an ALUMNI OF EAST and was there for every athlete in that building.... Also we are not being Disband by the School Board we Started in 1964 and will continue on for the betterment of EAST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL
8/26 7:28 you become the mayor girlfriend. Then you both sucker the board president into supporting a shame outfit. Everyone else has pulled out of the Urban League and East just keeps throwing money into an empty hole. Johnson simply doesnt have the ability to stand up to the Mayor of Slumville.
Indian Prairie School Parents know how to read and have shared email addresses. They have a SIS that works. We cant even take attendance after two years. They also have a Parent Portal and share info that way.
Get real we will never be Indian Prairie and neither will are parents.
As a community member I would like to thank Pinky Zepeda for all her support for the students of EA. There a not a lot of parents that help with boosters.
204 teachers and administrators live in the district and are stakeholders. 131 teachers and administrators live in 129 and 308. They would never live or send their children to 131 schools. 131 simply helps pay bills and provide insurance. There is no buy in its business.
Alright, get rid of the current teachers and administrators, and then hire new people. Most likely, the new people would still live outside of District 131. Genius.
The reason we (Simmons) teaches signed the confidentiality agreement depended on the threat from Machelle Patterson stating; if you don't sign, something might happen. We are not stupid either but we want our jobs.
As a band parent I have had the pleasure of working with Pinky or should I say unpleasure. Pinky yells and uses foul language around the kids. He and his sports losers do not own the equipment . The got the money by selling to East Aurora fans at East Aurora so the tax payers own the equipment. Yes we can sell ice cream which on a cold fall night does not sell that well coupled with the freezer problems and not being able to sell in the gym presents a problem. The group can't get any members because they run them all off. Ms Cowherd is a nice lady. Her Husband that is another story he also uses foul language. The Shamblins are hard workers. The group needs to go. The sports awards banquets are not free. Two lunatics should not control the roost. Soccar games are a good idea but and th idea has been brought up but Cam never had the balls to make it work.
The teachers of d131 are paid well it is just because we are surrounded by so many wealthy districts wages are lower than the surrounding districts. I think the teachers should be paid on merit. I saw the article in the Suntimes and they are in the top 20% which I can say is not the residents they serve.
Enrollment numbers are very large this year at East because of the DACA Act. Many kids are re-enrolling. This district faces many challenges other districts do not. Listen to some of the stories, listen how hard the students have worked to get the $495 fee to have a better life. Adults should all be ashamed of yourselfs fighting back and forth well others struggle and realize we need to do the best for the students.
One other note, I host a club many of the kids can not afford the fees with different activies and do need different fund raising opportunities. For years many of us got turned down by Leadbetter for selling items at the game because sports boosters have the main concessions. That is not right. A group of a few should not hold down the entire school remember we are there for the kids. We have also offered community service to them and again turned down. Sports is only a part at East, clubs reach a larger population of students with many interest levels. It is nice for the District to run a activity night but really guys support is what we need in the form of money. Not more kids we can recruit plenty of our own. Get rid of the monopoly.
The school board should have the guts to adopt a turn around model that means the building principals get released with 50% of the teachers and everyone re applies for their jobs their jobs that weeds out the good from the bad
I have heard the stories well before the DACA Act. EA, for years, has had Hispanic students who excelled but were not given scholarship opportunities due to the immigration status they inherited as children/ babies.
This was a good thing to offer young people, thru no fault of their own, who were considered illegal in the only country they knew as their home.
I have heard there is a effort to oust Johnson going on way behind the scenes. The two issues that are going to be used 1. test scores, 2. fact that east has done nothing to work with Aurora to stop the overcrowding on the east side. I like Johnson but I think she may be in big trouble.
The board members are at it again at East High calling in favors. Hull had his daughter hand scheduled again by Deanne Adams. Stella Gonzalez complained about class size only for her grand daughter. Lewis's grand daughter changed her mind and needed her class schedule arranged to be with friends so everybody had to drop everything. Lets not forget to mention the special handling of Gillespe's niece. We all know the Urban League runs the district. Must be nice to be Jerome's free of charge landlord. That while the board never allowed more counselors that got proposed last year. Yes, the Dreams Act is good for students but it has put a strain on the resources. Kids are trying for a better life. Problem is we cant work with them to help because of the BOE. That is why they allow Johnson to run the Board because they are just there for favors. They really don't care what goes on. What for Leonard to get his friend a job Feltes will become the operations manager and rumor is Cervantes tried to get a paying job as coach but got turned down. Clayton is now out job hunting for him. This all goes on while Johnson feds her ego. As d131 turns.
It's so nice of the sports boosters to let you sell ice cream. There have been other organizations that wanted to sell something that WASN'T something the sports boosters sold, so it wasn't going to compete. But the sports boosters said no, stole the idea, and ordered the item to sell themselves.
Johnson white neighbors and Leonard's will vote for her and him in any day of the week. To blame her for over crowding is a joke the East Side elects the same Alderman and Mayor who really control over crowding.
Test Scores are up this year the biggest ever so your point is what.
On my way in today talk radio was a buzz about the States Attorney taking the case against West Aurora and the former Principal Dan Bridges now superintendent of D203. Napervilles Board President had to make a comment supporting Dan Bridges today. There are to problemed Boards, Naperville 203 and West Aurora. East Aurora cleaned up.
Rumor is started by a few disgruntled employees who have 30 days to improve or be terminated.
Come spring I hope voters educate themselves and I hope throughout the year teachers, D131 employees and parents alike spread the word on who should be voted for when new Board members run for office. I hope some people with heart for the district can get a majority of members on Board.
Certain secretaries and maintenance people making more than the teachers are stirring all the trouble. When the real dirt comes out about the way tax payers hard earned money was spent by maintenance and others certain people may end up sharing a room with Blago. The teachers have been made the fall guys. Because those so called people with heart like the Salinas family and former Board members like Wells mis-spent the money.
Don't have money to play sports or join clubs? While I know that is true of some, what about the kids who are broke, have their parents submit waiver forms, and then come to school wearing brand new Jordans and texting on their iPhones?
On the D129 situation, if the State's Attorney is considering charging Bridges, the janitor should also be considered for charges. The janitor is just as much a mandatory reporter as any one else at the school. The law doesn't say he has to report it just to his boss, the law says he has to report it to DCFS. Personally I'm not sure his story hasn't changed since he reported it to administration. Just like the Peterson situation -- nobody thought about him possibly killing Savio until Stacey disappeared. I find it interesting that after Orland has been caught and convicted, the janitor NOW says he saw actual physical contact and reported it.
I received a Private Facebook message last night telling me to check out the blog. There was an entry about my granddaughter yesterday at 10:26 am. I want to set the record straight. In April when the 8th graders register for school my granddaughter was in Band so she registered for Band in high school. Over the summer she decided she did not want to be in Band anymore so at registration in August my daughter asked how to get her schedule changed. She was told that during the first week of class the student simply needed to go to the counseling office and it would be taken care of. Tuesday my granddaughter went to the counselor’s office and was told she would not be allowed to change and that her mother would have to come and meet with the counselor. My granddaughter came home very upset because she felt the counselor was rude and my daughter was in tears. My daughter works days and to take off work would cause a financial hardship. I sent an email to the principal yesterday morning asking what the policy is and if she would take care of it. No favors so that my granddaughter could be with friends. She is switching out of band (where all her friends are) and into a PE class. On a side note, it was not my granddaughter’s counselor that gave her the attitude and false info. Her counselor was very helpful once it was brought to light. So that’s as exciting as the gossip is. But what bothers me is that there is a confidentiality leak somewhere. I sent an email privately to the principal, nobody else and within an hour a story was on this blog. So there must be somebody at the high school that has nothing to do that post on this blog instead of doing the job that you taxpayers are paying them to do. If that individual feels it is appropriate to gossip on an internet blog over a schedule change, just think what they might be saying in public about your child or grandchild.
Anita is correct in the fact no one should be doing internet surfing while on company time. But I have to question if possibly the granddaughter told others her grandma was going to take care of things. Or if Mom had emailed the school as the grandma did, maybe no attention would have been paid to the schedule change. I would venture to say if this change had been requested by anyone else, no one would be talking. I don't think anyone is talking about others children, only if you are an elected official.
The scheduling is so messed up kids are being told they can not change schedules. I know students who need to graduate and have been given multiple study halls. Maybe Ms Lewis would be nice enought to go over to the high school and hand out her board business card and help all the students. That seems to be the only people who get anything done for themselves are the Board Members children.
WBBM reported the Kane County States Attorney is looking at filing charges. Bridges and Rydlands names are mentioned. With hand written notes the janitor did his job he went to his boss. Roberts looks pretty good compared to those two.
Hull came in and complained about schedules and books as well. Gonzalez the same way. If the Board really cares why are they not taking a tour instead of worrying about their own. Does Ms Lewis think this is the only person that schedules was not changed or treated rudely. This happens all the time. They never listened or investigated last year when the student Board member brought is to their attention. Why? Because it did not effect them personally.,I know the student board member has yelled at by Conrad and never spoke up again.
8:14 The janitor did his job, BUT he DIDN'T FOLLOW THE LAW AS HE WAS REQUIRED TO. HE was required to report to DCFS and did not. The fact that he reported it to his boss (if he did) does NOT relieve HIM of the responsibility of reporting it. IF he really saw physical contact going on, and told his bosses that, HE was also required to tell DCFS about it. So if his current story is true, HE'S JUST AS GUILTY as his bosses.
8/29 10:26 You should go on tour with the circus because you are a clown. I must admit I was laughing so hard at your fantasy you have to be bi-polar or a psycho which is what your fellow teachers say about you. Take your meds and call me in the morning. You really should take advantage of the EAP. Look for me in the building tomorrow I'm going to give you a big hug. You obviously didn't get many from your mommy. Are you getting enough at home? I mean fiber because you are coming unglued. No really I do enjoy your monologue it helps me stay regular.
The Janitor turned the information into his boss the Beacon reported the Janitor story was true because hand written notes in Bridges name was found. The janitor may have not known he had to turn it in because he already did to his boss.
If the hint of a teacher doing the same in d131 and Roberts or Conrad would have not taken everyone here would be screaming for their heads along with the Board. What a double standard. It proves none of these people can do no write.
8:21 Hopefully you enjoyed your tours but you have to realize that your tours have not changed long standing past practice. When you have a child you will realize that as a parent or guardian it is up to you to stand in the gap for your child. You lack maturity and wisdom if you believe that our first priority is looking out for your child. Parents and grand parents have to be involved with their childs education. As teachers we appreciate involved parents. I can assure you that any teachers who does not want parental involvement is not doing their job. I have a secure job in this district and I reside on the westside for a reason, figure it out. You take care of home first, then you spread out from there.
8;14 Anonymous-- why do you want to pin this on the janitor? You and I know darn well that he was fearful for his job and still he did the right thing by reporting it to SOMEONE . WHAT THAT PERSON DID IS ON THEM. Many teachers don't even know who to report to. That still does not alleviate the situation in which 1 or more than one person, teacher, janitor etc. had to force a door open while he was sexually assaulting his own students in his workplace. What a pig. What a predator. And don't tell me no one knew this was happening. This is a similar situation, not as extreme, as Penn State. A culture of Silence. and who loses? the kids. and who gains? Those making $200,000 plus grand. Not just sad and sick, but Criminal as well.
Food for thought-- I understand that many of the comments are from parents and taxpayers of the district-- but how would you like when you went to work you had hundreds of people scrutinizing your every motivation, thought and action. I know that many of you, the majority of you, would crumble. I have two Ivy League degrees and choose to work with these kids. I am not a "loser teacher" but a decorated one. Instead of being welcomed, and thanked, I am excoriated for my efforts. Multiply this treatrment x20. Kind of explains our dilemma, does it not?
While I enjoy pointing out the many poor decisions that our administrators and board members make, this is not one of them. Any parent/relative should be advocating for their children.
The problem in this district is that we don't have enough adults speaking up for their kids. It's not just a priveledge for board members kids, most any parent who takes the time to show up at school and make a request for their kid gets what's best for their child.
The only real exception that I have seen to this rule was the complete mismanagement of the Special Ed. kid at Simmons. The problem there was that Mechelle Patterson and Wilson Morales completely dropped the ball in the early steps and instead of correcting the mistakes, they compouded the problem by trying to cover it up.
I agree, if Adam Harding would have stayed at Simmons his mouth would have dropped to the floor, getting first hand knowledge of the intimidation Patterson uses. What would have happened if Mr. Harding would have been given the confidentiality agreement that she tried to slip by the teachers. He would have gone straight to Patterson and confronted her. The teachers here can not even think of that for fear of retaliation. We work in fear for our jobs at Simmons and nothing is being done to help us. So we will keep silent and leave our truthful comments here and hope something gets done to help us.
Speaking of Simmons, I remember last year when a bullied child's family member (I believe it was an aunt) posted several times on this blog to give the family's side of the story. Thank God for this blog, because she couldn't tell her side anywhere else--the local paper is controlled by D131 administration ever since the editor got a sweetheart deal for his house back in 2005 or so.
The Aunt at Simmons was only looking to sue. She was offered many chances to improve his life and choose not to. Unlike West Aurora the Board got involved and had a independent investigator review the case. Because of the many interventions they said the district was correct. Before you claim her to be parent of the year one should look into her family--Not good--
By law the teachers need to sign a confidentiality agreement. If they are caught talking about a students records it is a class 3 offense. It is my understanding Administrators, All district staff and the Board needs to sign this. If you are not out gossiping them why a problem. Other Districts and businesses sign these all the time. Be a professional
Also, if Adam cant help you complain to the Board I remembering a teacher coming forward after being terminated and she was hired back. Or better yet sit down with Adam and give him a list of complaints. This blog will get you nowhere.
I don't think the bullied child's aunt was only looking to sue. She was probably trying to bring attention to the repeated bullying of her family member, and wanting to be heard by the community. Remember the old saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease".
"Cliff Pensyl had a drinking problem"--big deal. So did I, for many years, till I got to be a friend of Bill W. If everyone who used to have a problem with alcohol, gambling, drugs, etc. was gone from the district we would lose a lot of good people. Being able to deal with & kick an addiction builds character.
I dont think Laura Pencil is Mr. Cliff Pensyl's daughter. Notice the difference in spelling of last names. People should check the facts before commenting.
I am support staff in another school district. There is a specific form from DCFS that goes out to all school districts for the employees to sign acknowledging their mandated reporter status. I know everyone in our district signs it and it goes on file. I'll bet the janitor in D129 also signed one. Failure to report is a Class A misdemeanor. If he'd reported to DCFS at the time, maybe Orland would have been stopped sooner. I'm not putting it all on him, the chain continues all the way up for any supervisors who he told, BUT he is still included in the chain. Think of Penn State if the GA had gone straight to the real cops instead of to Paterno and the college administration. How many kids would Sanduskey not have gotten to?
The Daily Herald ran a article about Dan Bridges some of the d203 board members are starting to investigate. He and Rydland earn the Big Bucks they should have reported it. Why is Anie Thompson as a teacher not investigating Rydland. She sure has her nose in everyones business at Simmons
I heard at red & black pride day that nestor is now an a.d.., I bet the supervisors are sorry to see him go, cince they walked all over him for years as he did not know the diference between a nut and a screw (except teacher and student )
Why would D204 investigate it has nothing to do with them. Penn State is mentioned on here but there was another person that could of reported him also and that was the student that was with him. Or all the others that got passes from him not one of them stepped forward it took the district putting camera's up to find out what was going on. I'm not saying they might of dropped the ball but a bit but how do you fire a person when the one what saw this could not identify the victim and the victim didn't step forward you have a he said you said situation.
Central Office news is Augustines replacement will be announced at the next board meeting. Of course they will not say Augustine is leaving but that what he has told people around the water cooler.
His boys at Hill Ave had a rude awakening they actually have to work. The free ride gig is over all spending got stopped. Augustine does not like the changes. We heard if any running around now has to be done by the supervisors for parts. That means no more leaving the building and taking a half day off to look for parts by the district repair guys.
In other news the worthless Chuck Roberts resigned. We heard it was forced. The guy could not even repair a computer.
Sounds like a clean sweep of the good old boys club.
I will be happy when Nestor the molester and Clayton the half d131 employee and half B2m founder are gone. The other day he has printing out fliers for b2m.
Lewis has complaining again about her grandkids schedule and she never addressed my her grandson who was bullied at Waldo got placed in private school while other students get bullied everyday. Hull is another one again hand picked teachers for his daughter. Adams was in two weeks ago and did that.
The Head line reads D204 backs the Superintendent. While two board members have questions about policy it looks like he is staying. It also stated that the janitor was required by law to report it to DCFS. It also states that D129 has enhanced it's policy to say you have to report it to law enforcement and parents and that is for the person that saw the crime.
Mrs. Lewis and Mr. Hull I must defend my friend Amy who is being accused of blogging about you grand daughter and daughter on district time so let me share a secret with you about who has access to Ms. Conrad on a regular basis and has a bone to pick with the entire BOE. Lets begin with who is not leaking information nor would private information be shared with; Rita and Mary Ann . Kim has access to who calls, make appointments , has access to Ms. Conrad and her schedule. However she can be eliminated also. Heather Webb is constantly in Ms. Conrads office. As a matter of fact she was in her office within minutes of the 10:26 blog being posted. Check out her schedule and you will she that she was not teaching at that time. Inquire of Ms. Conrad and unless she is willing to fake amnesia she will confirm what I'm saying. Mr. Hull: Heather knows your daughter because she is in the office constantly not talking to the secretaries but going in to see Ms. Conrad. Think of all the comments about your daughter that are coming from someone with access. There have been posts concerning private directives given to Ms Lattz from Superintendent Roberts that only an individual in SPED should no about. Why would the director of SPED share that info with Rita, Mary Ann , Kim or Amy? She shares it with those who are either friends in the division and those who need to know. She certainly was not happy about being booted as a chair or at least that is what the rumor mill said. Also their was a post in May shortly after graduation by someone apparently quoting Mr. Hull as he introduced Ms Gillespe to Mr. Leonard at graduation. Mr. Hull, did you see Rita, Kim, Mary Ann or Amy in the room when that took place? I was in the room and in case you did not know it Heather Webb was the blonde lady sitting at the table next to you along with Ms. Willis and Ms. Smith. There were comments about each board member at your table.
I don't know why Augustine would be leaving since the board has not enforced the signing of a policy for credit cards and also how would the regular maintenance be able to go and but things without approval by the finance committee. This board has no checks and balances of what is being spent no one really looks at it. By law they are suppose to have someone who doesn't have a credit card look at the purchases and they don't. They still have no policy in place about the use of credit cards which is they are suppose to by law. This seems like a witch hunt to cover their mistakes. I do believe that Ms. Lewis knows of one time when the board did break the law with a purchase. In fact it wasn't only her other board members where involved.
Top Five Hobbies Annette Johnson can take up once she is voted out in April:
1) Ventriloquist
Annette Johnson rarely moves her lips when she talks, and barely looks at anyone. She would be perfect for this. Dr. Roberts could be the little puppet on her knee; she has controlled him and his decisions since she has been president.
2) Tomcat Football Player
Let's face it, left tackle and middle linebacker? Who could stop her? No one. She would be a beast on the field. Dr. Roberts could be the ticket manager at all the games. He is selling every district employee out to protect his job, and would have no problem selling this event out.
3) Astronomer
Annette wouldn't even need a telescope. Her Coke bottle glasses would serve just fine. NASA here she comes.
4) Food Caterer at East High
Get out of the way Sodexho, here comes the Pasta.
5) Cheer on 204 High Schools to Victory.
Who will it be, the Metea Valley Mustangs, Neuqua Valley Wildcats,or the Waubonsie Valley Warriors.
Cliff Pensyl did not have a drinking problem, nor is his daughter Laura Pencil. Mr. Pensyl did not have any children and Pencil is Mrs. Pencil's married name.
Yes, there's plenty of gossip on the EA community blog, but compared with others it's pretty tame. And people can & do correct inaccuracies here, as well as tell their perspective on events in our district.
We know the blog post came from you Mr Hull. He attacked Heather with false accusations last year. Why? All because Heather was rude to his daughter last year. You can check the schedule she was teaching a class. There is a list a mile long of people who hate Hull and others on the Board.
Lewis was out of line demanding the schedule be changed right away. Students had been told Schedule changes would be made in two weeks. We had a new system plus 600 students show up not registered. Instead Lewis writes a letter she is going to strom the school. Everyone had to stop dealing with kids not even in the system and help her.
No different with Gonzalez same story.
Cervantes pleaded his help to he soccer program but needed to be paid.
Hull the list is so long, with his daugher and complaints there is not enought time to go into it. He is a bully and always after Shelia, Cam, numerous teachers counselors and Adams is always running interference.
Leonard is behind the maintenance mess he visits at least twice a week and orders everyone around. His friend Feltes works at the District every day under Zacosek Plumbing. He wants Scott fired to give Feltes the job. He hates the people in Maintenace and has made it clear he will get them fired. Why, because these same people never gave him a electrical job.
Johnson although never involved in direct bullying at the EHS she has Roberts wrapped around her finger. She has control of all the votes because when the board members complain she gets Roberts to jump like a trained dog. in turn they are only on the board for what they want and she can get it for them. Everyone knows one call to Roberts and he will not back you. In fact several people now have their jobs on the line and he has told them as much.
Sad part is they will all get re elected because the parents don't care. The parents are not the voters it is a bunch of white racist who even think your white Mr Hull.
Maybe it's time the board lists off all the foolish spending and waste of hard earned tax payer dollars. They are only guilty of one thing being to trusting. The Maintenace supervisors are stealing the district blind. They are the ones posting.
As far as the illegal dinner with Credit Cards the number of people divided into the bill makes it perfectly legal.
Changing the culture of mismanagement for decades is hard. One word of advice go with the flow or get out.
The funny part is all this complaining is done by people who don't live in d131 and can't vote.
9:08 your humor is clever and extremely on target.
To the person who said "This blog is getting to be a vicious gossip page." The 'blog' is made up of comments of many unique individuals, with a personal POV. Just like your opinion of the blog, everyone has one and is entitled to share.
I agree, the blog its negative. However, it is the current board that has made it that way. Everyone knows who runs this district and it is not Dr. Roberts. Most districts hire good teachers and help make them outstanding teachers. This district hires good teachers and reminds them everyday that they are replaceable. They point out their flaws and offer zero suggestions on how to improve. They are in classrooms the minimum amount required and never give feedback on informal evals. Administrators are worked to the bone and seem to be told to find the weak and get rid of them. Great examples we make for these kids.
Wow Annette Johnson must have stalker. The person has check out her every move. Must be one of those corrupt employees that the board members keep referencing. You need a life. I will pray for you today clearly the hate you have this individual makes me hope that you are not around kids.
Reading about West Aurora today looks like everyone dropped the ball. The police accounts are telling. I also seem to think the law firm gave poor advice. Are these not the same lawyers that 131 uses.
Teachers unions have a lot to do with why more things are not well run in schools. You can bet the union was all over this 2010 defending Ormond.
Recently a janitor got caught stealing at d131 on tape. His union is fighting to keep his job. Why?
A secretary resigned recently and our union was angry they did not have a chance to defend her.
It's time everyone starts looking at right from wrong and doing what is best for kids. That is why teachers get know respect any longer in the USA.
For all the recent attacks on the board I am happy with their progress. I know they would not have run a popularity contest like the West Aurora board. They would have protected the kids . I saw this with Leadbetter when the Board upheld a tough descision made by the superintendent. I also say Bravo to Roberts he could have easily looked the other way.
The angry comments are from Joan Koffenoefer she recently told all the Union Members she would target Johnson and the other board members. To bad she can try but has few friends.
The story is she wanted the secretaries to make the same as teachers and get the big raise. Many of the Secretaries already make over $55,000 a year like her. The District currently pays secretaries more than any other District around while the teachers are the lowest paid. In the past Board members had wives and relatives in these positions and worked out a favorable deal well letting the education of the kids go.
As far as the maintenance supervisors they are responsible for the mismanagement of over a million in savings per year.
Lets name a few
800 trips to Menards in a half of year but employees.
Allowing d131 repair people to drive around looking for parts while outside contractors came in and did their jobs.
$125,000 in no bid tree cutting contracts to a former wrestling coach to cut down trees that did not need to be cut down.
Multiple trips by outside electrical companies to come in and reset the electrical switches. A simple job we do in our homes all the time.
People may not like it but the superintendent with the support of the board is doing his job.
For the first time scape copper money will be returned to the District.
BTW Roberts lives in the District while the people doing the loudest complaining do not.
As a taxpayers we should FOIA the waste it will make you sick when you write out your taxes for the District.
I do not post much here any more, but I would like to support a comment here. I will not speak about what other board members may or may not do, but I do know when I was on the Board Annette Johnson was trying to encourage me to vote in favor of renewing Roberts contract. No matter what reasons I gave for my reluctance, she had "a deal" she wanted to offer me. I am not sure, at that time how she thought she was going to get these things done,but she offered them like she had strings. 1. She said she would see that my granddaughter would get in the district preschool. 2. or.....She would arrange for the band director (K) to get back to the high school. My vote was not up for "let's make a deal." I am mentioning this again because someone seems to think this doing- favors-atmosphere exists. The scenario sounds very familiar. I am not accusing anyone of accepting favors, but rather suggesting that someone else must be perpetuating this impression in some manner.
How is it that maintenance workers can go to Mernards and buy things? The district should have who can come and charge things on the account and who is responsible for doing that The Board. They have a finance committee and I believe Johnson is the chair don't they look at the bills. Maybe now they are looking but they have been on the board 3 years that is a lot of money they have over looked. How is the board didn't see the $125,000 in no bid tree cutting contracts since it is their policy I believe anything over $50,000 has to be bides taken and I believe that is an IL School Code rule also.
As far as the secretaries salaries some do make a lot but you have to look at how long they have been there compared to the lower paid teachers.
The you have the credit cards and they have been misused but there hasn't been anything said about them getting in trouble.
Why is the taxpayers paying for pre school bussing when that isn't mandated by the State?
Ok let's get this right. Many of the district secretaries might make more than $55,000 a year. Please don't include the school building secretaries. We don't even clear $25,000 or $30,000.
No stalker needed. Annette Johnson makes her presence known all over the district. Looks like every single employee in District 131 is corrupt, because no one likes her. Fact very well known. The Teacher Contract says it all. Stick to Pasta and Corvettes.
Thanks for speaking up Rayanne and I know what you say is true. The one thing I have to say is you stuck with how you felt and you probably know about more deals.
Dear Rayanne, I have seen the corruption going on by this board for a while and yes I knew they were corrupt ever since the Kevin Kisershop incident. Can you imagine hunderds of parents with signs picketing the service center, placing signs in front yards of families saying keep Kaisershot. One had to know that when the board didn't listen the fix was in. I feel Rayanne that you should have stayed, only because "we the taxpayers" could have had an honest person on the board. The board needs to be VOTED OUT! That means starting with Johnson and Roberts.
Rayanne ia a liar she hated Johnson because her deal was to get rid of Roberts for embarrassing her at Waldo. Johnson was not the Board President then. But when Rayanne attempted to lobby Anita and Annette both voted to give Roberts another contract. At the time Rayanne vote was not needed because Wells, Johnson, Gonzalez , Lewis and Turza supported him.
Rayanne felt Anita and Johnson had a good relationship and would go along. She turned to hate just like this blog she runs and quit.
No deal needed to be made with her grand daughter everyone is free to apply and it is first come first serve.
Rayanne has often said Kaisershot is happy at Simmons so why would he want to be moved.
I wonder if Rayanne will allow this post to go through if not her and this response will be reported on Openline.
I've known Rayanne for years and one thing she is not is a liar.
As far as the band issue it is water under the bridge & too late to change it back.
And all those complaining about the school board, pick up an information packet at the service center and run for the board. I think there are 5 seats up for re-election in April.
This Board did not get rid of Kaisershot that was the old Board, In fact we should all send Anita Lewis a thank you note for not hiring Ormond . She was on a committee as volunteer before she ran for the Board that interviewed Ormond. Unlike Rayanne! Anita had great follow up. She solved her problems by getting on committees and making a difference. Ormond was recommended by Marin Gonzalez. The committee found him to be not a good fit for he East Students
We should also thank this Board for getting rid of Marin. Something Rayanne could never do.
The old Board was corrupt this one is not. People on this blog are a small group of about 5 people of complainers mostly the old guard secretaries, relatives of the Maintenace supervisors and a few disgruntled employees who are bitter.
Rayanne account of why she does not like Johnson is interesting and a joke. Why would anyone need to make a deal if they did not need her support.
It shows her lack of follow up. Unlike Lewis who wanted to make a change and stuck with it either by volunteering or time on the Board. She quit and hides behind a anonymous name.
Of all the Board members, Mr. Hull is the most reasonable, rationale, and common sense thinker their is. He calls it like he sees it, and doesn't do it for friends, praise, or accolades. At least he stands up to Roberts. Annette thinks she has Roberts wrapped around her finger; true, but Roberts is laughing his way to the Bank with each paycheck. Rayanne has also always called things as she saw them. Annette Johnson is all about herself, and the entire District sees it and thinks she is a joke.
Rayanne never quit. She refused to be part of all the shady dealings that were going on with the Board. Rayanne has always been about the kids. If anyone has an ultra ego it is the current Board President. Look back at Rayanne's track record with volunteering in the district, it spans 25 plus years. No current Board member can say the same because they are all self centered and will be gone soon.
Rayanne account is pure fiction. what is true is she walked away after Roberts got a new contract. I remember her not being opened minded enough to come to a meeting that he detailed his accomplishments.
Johnson did not have to make any deals everyone but Weaver made it clear he was going to stay. He asked to have a second term since most of his first term was spent fixing the finances. His second term would improve test scores. So far he and the BOE have implemented a number of programs. The test scores under this board are up over 15%.
As far as preschool I believe Rayannes grandchild meets all the criteria the program was designed for. Kaisershot has made it clear he will never return even if the opportunity arose. He his a quite man that does not enjoy the spot light. When asked if he was happy to see Marin gone being the gentleman he is, he would not comment.
Joan K doesn't have many friends because she has spent a career gossiping and telling lies about her colleagues and former colleagues. That's specifically why Lisa got the job Joan interviewed for: secretary to the superintendent. Radakovich knew what a gossip she was and told everyone to steer clear of her. And, she continues to stir the sh**.
Why would anyone in their right mind want to take out a petition and run for the Board. It is my understanding that they are not paid. Not even mileage for the meeting and events they attend. Then they pay for their own campaign.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a child goto school, god help you if you have to complain. The professionals ??? post the board members kids records.
I have seen you people rip apart the grandchild and children of Board members. They are children.
How Johnson makes her living and the car she drives is her business. She pays her employees and that is a good thing.
Leonard is a neighbor of mine and a long respected person in the community. If he sees waste then there is waste. Leonard never had a complaint against his business and had a honorable reputation until you people got ahold of him.
Roberts compared to the last two how ran the District in the ground looks like a rocket scientist.
Would you want to run for this Board. You people claim you care you sure have a funny way of showing it.
Leonard was hand picked by Johnson to get the position of broad member the others that signed up didn't have a chance. If he is looking into things then good for him someone needs too.
Board members can get reimbursed for travel. This broad gets a nice stay in a hotel every November on the weekend Chicago has their Christmas Parade.
Roberts lets Johnson run this district and if it is true that he rents from the person that runs the Urban League doesn't look too good and that maybe he is giving them favors. Lewis has a daughter to take care of school things and even if she works nights she can call during the day or send emails like other parents have to do.
I believe Rayanne and have heard talk about how this board emails and talks about things before a vote which is illegal.
that is not what the current union president said of Johnson. He tells a story of her and Dr Roberts concern for change.
I have a very favorable opinion of this Board.
As for Carlson, she did volunteer but it seemed when the current contract got voted for Roberts she resigned. If she knew of shady dealings then why not report them.
Her account of Kevin is interesting he never wanted back to East. So why would someone promise that.
One thing, I was happy to see Marin go and I give credit to this Board. I was also happy to see Raquel Wilson go the teachers had less drama last year and it showed. They had the freedom to teach. That is why the scores are up. Wilson never allowed that. She also ruined the night school program by not taking corrective action.
Rayanne runs the blog so I except to see negative comments about Johnson. Johnson made a few emenies but the majority of the school district is happy. She had a great Red n Black speech and the over 21% the board has given us since they have been in office only shows how bad the other boards in the past had been.
Dr Roberts did do better than past Superintenents in put us in a place for better wages and more teachers.
They have challenges. This is not a easy district to run. We do have the right leadership.
215 comments:
1 – 200 of 215 Newer› Newest»Meanwhile, our neighbors to the west are starting the school year dealing with THIS:
chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/08/22/did-school-district-ignore-warning-about-band-teacher-fondling-students/
What's the difference between a teacher from West that has a physical relationship with a student and a teacher from East that has a physical relationship with a student? The teacher from West goes to prison and the one from East gets promoted to Assistant Superintendent.
Losers, EAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
@3:38. Whom are you speaking of? Nestor the malestor, or somebody else?
Is there somebody else?
Interesting today at the D131 opening rally--all teachers/staff had to sign a non-disclosure agreement. This is a first (at least in the 6 years I've worked for the district). Is this because someone in the central office doesn't want unpleasant news leaked?
Good luck with that; the days of being able to sweep stuff under the rug are over thanks to the Internet.
I believe Nestor was fired(asked to step down) after alegations of contact with students at east high by jerome in the 90's. He is now a AD in 131, probally looking for a new wife... LOOSER everyway around!!!!
No one signed a non-disclosure.
Allegations are one thing; provable facts are another. The FACTS are: Nestor Garcia has been married for +10 years (his wife has a college degree, and was at least 23 or 24 when they married), and they have two elementary-school-aged children. I believe that Nestor also has an older daughter (30ish) from a previous marriage.
Far from being a "looser", he is a hard-working D131 employee and, as far as I can tell, an asset to our district and community.
8:13 pm
You are absolutely correct. Preying on young impressionable teens is perfectly acceptable as long as you marry them.
It was actually a confidentiality agreement, along with an "Internet User Agreement" (staff may not e-mail students without written permission from parents).
30ish child from student....Chester is very eary 50s...Step down looser....
8:13pm
You need to find out what took place prior to college and marriage. Then YOU will feel like a "LOSER". Learn how to spell.
The real "looser" is the person who gossips anonymously, with the sole purpose of bearing false witness.
"It was actually a confidentiality agreement, along with an "Internet User Agreement" (staff may not e-mail students without written permission from parents)."
That also did not happen for all staff at the opening rally. Maybe that happened at your individual building, but I was never asked to sign anything today.
Channel 2 news looked bad Rydland pulled off the mic and would not answer questions. They made the janitor look like a fool and now it shows a paper trail that the janitor told the truth.
They need to resign
Too bad you're alone, no one would marry you . Nestor has a loving wife, beautiful children. Must be lonely nights.
Just made it back and need to dish the dirt. Before i went on vacation i saw Annette and Jerome cruising down Broadway in her car. I wonder where they had been.
Agree. Nobody signed a non-disclosure.
Hahaha! Too funny! Funny cause its true! She was a student when they hooked up, and everybody knows it!
There were teachers from Simmons Middle School who were commenting that they were forced by Mechelle Patterson and Wilson Morales to sign a confidentiality agreement. Essentially, they have been prohibited from revealing any of the illegal events going on at Simmons. I guess they didn't like the way that it was revealed when Wilson beat up a middle school student or how Mechelle did nothing as a special education student was harrassed, intimidated, bullied and beaten up daily.
Apparently, the teachers at Simmons are not aware of their First Amendment rights. Rights that are not lost when they join the school district. Personally, I would fire any person who signed such an agreement for being incompetent.
We listened today as Jerome Roberts and Annette Johnson said they have heard the teachers and assured the teachers that the administration would begin treating the staff in a professional and respectful manner and this is how they are starting the year, with more harrassment and intimidation.
Some things will never change in District 131.
The Union President now has full release to deal with Michelle and Wilson so as Madam President said yesterday speak up tell him. We have to start speaking up more. As Dr Roberts said everyone needs to be treated with respect.
They would have never formed the committees or listened to us. It is up to us to police ourselves and stop complaining.
Adam is not Craig Rhodes with his back room deals he is a problem solver. Talk to him.
"Here we are at the beginning of a brand new school year; let's make it a grEAt one!"
Yes, I agree!
Let's show our East Side Pride!
GO TOMCATS!
Is it true that the board disbanded the sports boosters today??
Rumor is Leonard was successful in getting rid of Finaly or Scott one does not know which one. But the bet is Marty Feltes will get the new operations position.
Just saw this on Facebook:
East Aurora High School Choir
Hi everyone. I have some news to share today. Due to a series of unexpected opportunities, I will not be returning to East this year. I've loved getting to know you all over the past couple of years, and I wish I could take you all with me! I don't know who the new director will be, but I'm confident you'll all take it in stride. Best of luck on the new year, and stay in touch! -Mr. S.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anybody know the backstory on this??
Like · · Share · 10 · 5 hours ago ·
The choir director never had the correct certification for teaching music in Illinois. He should never have been hired in the first place but the administration follows board and state policies only as it is convenient to them.
The real question is why they are getting rid of him now? Especially right before the school year is starting.
Excerpt from a letter to the editor of the VOICE. Written by a well respected retired educator. Cliff Pensyl. In case you don't get The Voice, he wrote:
Presently, in East Aurora's District 131 a different model of leadership is tearing the district apart, tearing the morale apart, inflicting fear and uncertainty.
Certain school board members, I feel, lead by the my way or the highway theory of leadership. It results in bullying and intimidation. The administrative teams circle their wagons to protect themselves, much like the
Congress in Washington, D.C.
Neither the administrators nor teachers know when they will be harassed or removed for raising questions, having a different perspective, or making a correctable mistake.
Voters: Start paying attention to what is really happening in District 131.
I think that cowards like Annette Johnson and Ignacio Cervantes need to post their names each time they have the backbone to comment on this blog. As leaders of the district, step up to the plate, sign your name when you comment, and show your true colors. Two losers who have no friends in life, and were dorks in high school and dorks now.
East is getting their butts kicked by West.
It sounds like someone is upset why don't you post your name. Could you be one of the maintenance department or Cams family. Your lucky the Board did not call the States Attorney and have them thrown in jail. They are guilty of the same thing that got administrators in Chicago jailed.
I dont think the board can disband the boosters.
Sportsboosters are a big part of the support for athletics at East. Why would the board want to disband a source of income for the athletes?
Before the Negative Nancys show up.....
Home from the EastWest game, and while the Tomcats lost 19-59, I can't recall the last time they scored more than 7. They played much better than we're used to, and I believe we will see a win or two this season.
I know lots of people expected a turnaround overnight, but this ain't no Disney film, folks. There is still work to be done, but for now, let's celebrate the beginning of a new era.
And as always, GO TOMCATS!
About the choir director--this is SO disappointing, on many levels! The timing, especially, is horrible. Who dropped the ball on this?
If it was the administration, SHAME ON THEM. To leave the kids in the lurch while the district scrambles at the last minute to find a qualified choir director is definitely NOT in students' best interests--and especially when the accompanist/assistant, Mrs. Allen, retired last spring.
If it was Mr. Stellmacher who suddenly took another job 3 days before school started, then hopefully he has been helping to find a replacement if he truly cares about the students he has been teaching. Our ChoirCats deserve the best, not a last-minute desperation hire!
Well, the district hasn't listed the choir position as being open so maybe they're on top of it and have someone in place. I do think that students & parents deserve more than a couple of days notice but we all know this district is secretive. I hope this works out well for those who matter most: the STUDENTS.
The board did not disband sports boosters. I asked, I talked with Conrad. Stop spreading lies.
Too bad about the choir. I agree that our kids deserve better than a last-minute, desperation hire. Let's hope the administration is on top of this and has someone waiting in the wings (two someones, actually--because Mrs. Allen also left).
Well written August 24, 2012 7:21 PM. This is a district that employees a Superintendent that doesn't run it. The board does not have faith in him so the President does and she is a bully. This board is into to much of the day to day running of the district which isn't part of there roles as board members. I believe Nacho stated he would like to run for Mayor so watch him how he acts as a board member and if he follows rules and you will see he has a long way before becoming a Mayor.
Then why were charges not pursued? So the District has employees breaking the law, and the "Board" legally does doing nothing about it? Great job "Board!!!!!!"
The Choir director never had the right certs to teach in Illinois he had one year to get them. After the District paid for him to get those which took all summer he put in his resignation. I am sure he had something lined up all summer. I say good he has no moral character
Anybody that was at the East/West game last night and did not see a HUGE improvement in the Tomcat squad, does not know football. I have been attending this rivalry game for many many years. Becker and his staff deserve a lot of credit. These kids played with discipline, dignity and tenacity. For the first time in a long time, they played the game without a bunch of foolish penalties. They did not play the game in a state of disarray. These kids are starting to understand the game of football and it will be a long process. I know there is nobody more disappointed, in the outcome of last nights game, than coach Becker. Believe me, the Tomcats are headed in the right direction.
At last night's varsity football game East had 28 players and 9 coaches. If we could get that kind of ratio in EA classrooms just imagine what we could do! The priorities are certainly out of whack.
Let me first say thank goodness Ledbetter stepped down. He favored the sports boosters because he would not stand up to his aunt and Pinky Zepeda. I am tried of Henry Cowherd being the only one recognized for his contributions. Many of us have worked a volunteers and never receive recognition. We also don't show up asking for it as well.
I am a band booster and have asked for years to be able to raise funds at games or large events and have been turned down by Leadbetter.
Our Soccer games have larger crowds than Football yet the concessions remain closed. Why, because the sports booster think they own all the equipment. We are here to benefit all children. The sports programs should be supported better than they are as well. Yes we lost to West last evening but sports booster on the west side pays for a youth league.
I don't think they are disbanded because some have asked if we could have the concessions and it was the same answer NO. That while the stands had standing room only when the home opener was played for soccer.
Please let's not worry about a few old men's egos and lets do something.
The choir department had the same frustrations under funded and not supported.
Why does East even bother with a football team? I say disband the football program and use the money to improve education.
The only problem, where to start?
6:51 It is actually allowed for a certified teacher in one subject to teach other subjects they're NOT certified for, but I believe there's a certain period of time during which they have to complete the education and requirements to add that subject to their certification. If they haven't done that by the end of that time, they can no longer teach the class that's outside their subject matter. Maybe the choir teacher was at the end of that time period, and hadn't taken the classes he needed.
7:29 If you think certain people need to post their name, then maybe EVERYONE should be required to post their names. Of course, then the blog would hardly get any posts.
No then the blog would get NO posts.
It is really amazing how much stuff is made up here.
Leonard has overstepped his bounds and is telling the maintenance department what to do. However the maintenance department has been dirty for years and things are getting cleaned up. The Board may be hands on but they need to be.
I attended Red and Black and Johnson gave a speech about bring ideas to the Union President who needs to share throught many improvement committees. The District is headed in the right direction and sometimes it takes a bully.
I intend to vote yes. I also congratulate Coach Becker for trying but more money needs to goto the classroom. I do agree to much is made of old alumni this s not the same school district.
August 25, 2012 10:56 AM I wish you luck, this problem has gone on under a couple AD's not just Coach Leadbetter.
The mention of 'foolish penalties' brings to mind watching pre-varsity football a number of years back, and hearing the refs talk about EA like it was the 'wrong side of the tracks' Many bad calls were made against East, when playing schools with a better rep (more money). I am glad to see Becker @ East. We have had good coaches, but Beckers clout will help our team get a little, long over due, respect.
According to the minutes from the August 6th School Board meeting, Mr. Stellmacher was recommended for recall (approved for rehiring), effective 8/23/12.
So it appears that it is NOT the district's decision, but totally Mr. Stellmacher's doing. Regardless of how it happened, the bottom line is that our EHS choir students are having to start the school year without either a choir director or accompanist/assistant in place (as of yesterday). This is SO SAD--and as usual in D131, it's the kids who bear the brunt of adults' poor choices.
sorry for all those getting excited about the points scored last night. when you combine poor conditioning, players going both ways, injuries and inexperience things will get worse not better. Take a look at what the Neaqua and waubonsee did to the naperville schools and try to figure how east can win in conference. West was not that good and east was just that bad. Their running back had 174 yards on 11 carries. Coach Becker is already making excuses about his numbers. Intelligent minds want to know ; didn't he know that when he took the job?
In response to the Band Booster of the Year's comment that "thank goodness that Ledbetter" stepped down...please let me say a few things.
Ledbetter was the Athletic Director and should have supported the Sports Boosters because he was the Athletic Director and they were the Sports Boosters. That is like saying Brian Liska should step down because he favors the "Band Boosters", "Hello McFly, think...think..., Liska should support the Band Boosters because he is the Band Director, and Ledbetter should have supported the Sports Boosters because he was the Athletic Director. Last time I checked, there were many clubs and organizations that have a representative for them.
How should Ledbetter have stood up to his aunt if their were no conflicts? Pinky was not at any of the meetings the last two years, and he was rarely seen at Athletic Events due to his health. What did Pinky dictate to Ledbetter that he did not resolve?
If you check the sports Boosters Meetings Minutes, Ledbetter and the Sports Boosters approved the Band Boosters of selling Ice Cream at home basketball games to benefit the band. Ledbetter and the Sports Boosters approved this, which was never done before. Were you at this meeting? If you were not, then that clearly shows the lack of communication in the "Band Boosters" which leads me to believe that this could be a reason that your program is under-funded.
Mr. or Mrs. Band Booster, there are formal procedures to get things accomplished. Did you ever attend a formal Sports Boosters Meeting, and ask for anything/ "help" in person. If you did not, then that is your fault.
The Sports Boosters do own their equipment, and should own their equipment; they worked hard for it. The O'Malleys, Debbie and Dennis Shamblin, Mr. and Mrs. Cowherd have been at it tirelessly the last 35 years, and have worked hard for the money in the Sports Boosters account. If you say you have worked just as hard, then you should also have the same amount of money. The fact is that you do not. Maybe you should step down for your failure as a Band Booster to figure out ways to raise funds to support the Band. Blaming it on the Athletic Director, and the Sports Boosters is weak, and only shows your failure to lead, which leads to my conclusion of why your Club is not supported. Hek, why not blame your failures due to the success of R.O.T.C. R.O.T.C. finds a way to get things done, and does not point fingers.
Also, get your facts straight regarding attendance at soccer and football games. Soccer fills up one side of the stadium, and football fills up two. Do the math! Maybe this is why you are a Band Booster, and not part of the Math Club, and also shows your inadequate skills of trying to raise money, and then blaming it on some other individual or organization.
Henry Cowherd is 88 years old, and judging by your comments on this blog, he has done more in a month, than you have in a year to get things accomplished for East Aurora, and deserves to be recognized every second somene sees him.
The Sports Boosters have opened up at Soccer Games, and barely cleared $50.00 for a night. The fact is, that Soccer games are not profitable. If you would like to try, go ahead and try. But first, put down the Cheetohs, hit the treadmill, and get a little blood running through the veins first; because your failed attempts in the past does not lead me to believe you will be successful in the future.
Also, look at what the Sports Boosters have spent per year on athletics? Do you know what the amount is? If you do not, then you should have not made the coment that "The Sports programs should be supported better than they are as well."
Madame President, did you also see the article in the Chicago Tribune about School Board Members breaking the law. Board Members sending direct emails to teachers, staff, and administrators throughout the district without the proper chain of command could be termed harassment, and should be reported to the Illinois School Board of Education. Be careful of your witch hunts, because Karma comes back two/fold.
To: August 25, 2012 8:12 PM
If you intend to vote YES on the contract without having seen it yet, you are an idiot.
@10:56a.m.
Leadbetter should have favored the sports boosters because he was athletic director not band director. I do have to say I am at many different schools throughout the year at various events and very rarely see band fundraisers.
I think you have some good points like having concessions at soccer games. You have to remember though no parents want to help. This has been an issue for a LONG time. I think if more people joined the sports boosters they wouldnt say no all the time to certain things. I think also you might have Leadbetter's aunt confused with someone else. She has been in the sports boosters for only the last 4 years. She is always saying yes to things that the coaches ask sports boosters to buy. I know that West Aurora does not pay for a youth league. West and East kids alike play for Superstars. Their teams are called Tomcats and Blackhawks. I do agree with you in saying everyone should work together. I think if more people got involved with things such as band boosters and sports boosters more ideas would come out and make those boosters better. Until that happens you will have small groups busting their butts and having a few old man egos.
Speaking of the game Friday night, the WAHS band was awesome! Great sound and moves, especially considering they only had a few days to prepare. I know this is an East Side blog but it's nice to acknowledge greatness happening throughout Aurora.
GO AURORA--East or West, our kids are the BEST!
Why should the blog acknowledge great things at West the never can at East. If we had the scandle West had I can only imagine what this blog would e saying about those people. By now the Roberts, the Board and Conrad would all be made out to be child molesters.
Different school distrct more class than the grease monkey from Caterpiller.
If what is being said is true that Lenoard is telling the maintenance workers what to do and board members are emailing teachers then that is wrong. No one board member has the right to do that and you should file a complaint with the union and the State. Again the board hires a Superintendent to do their will and he is the go between for the teachers. This is why the district is in trouble with the board we have they don't follow the IL School Code but it is up to the workers that have evidence of this to do something.
I work at a high school in another district. The concession stands (inside and outside) are of course owned by the high school, but the booster club owns the equipment. The booster club supports ALL sports teams. It is manned primarily by parent/student volunteers from each team (there's a small group of "global" regulars, mainly high school kids, who serve as supervisors), and the team manning the booth that night gets the credit for the profits that night and the booster club will then spend that money on that team. They also have to cover the deficit if they lose money, but that never happens because the profit margins are so high just one or two sales means you break even. The stand is open for pretty much all varsity events, assuming there are enough volunteers to man the booth.
The same thing could be done at EAHS soccer games. The booster club should already be keeping an inventory anyway. A group of soccer parents should be allowed to open the booth, track what they sell, then the profits be spent by the boosters on the soccer program. Even if they only clear $50, that's more than $0, right?
Here's another option: authorize all teams to sell things like candy, pre-packaged popcorn, canned soda, bottled water, etc. themselves at any event the booster club booth isn't open. These are easily carried items, so you can have a few volunteers working the bleachers like at a Cubs game. By bringing the food to the people, you'll probably take in more money than you would have thru the booth.
The lies, finger pointing, slander, whining, back biting, back stabbing, name calling, vicious attacks on family, character and reputations says everything about east Aurora, its teachers, administrators,board of education , boosters, alumni, and parents. The teachers and administrators dont live in or send their kids to the schools. The board is as disfunctional as there is ; most boards are. The students reflect the environment they are in. Only 28% of the students meet or exceed state standards and some are bragging about improvement. I guess only 28% of the bloggers possess maturity, character, and integrity. To continue to attack reflects what you would do, how you would act , if you actually got involved in the process. If you are in the 72 % im sure we can expect some foolish reply, i cant wait.This blog is pathetic at best and acidic. The decent informative and helpful information is buried in the bovine excretion
6:52 a.m. says:
"Why should the blog acknowledge great things at West"
Why NOT acknowledge great things happening throughout our city, especially when students are involved? Positive comments are in short supply on most blogs--let's mention the good whenever we can!
:)
9:31 a.m., that makes a lot of sense. And yes, $50 is better than $0.
Sounds like you have it figured out; go to EA and take it over!!!!
August 26, 2012 9:31 AM have given some good input. Let's see if the parents pick up on it and use it. No matter what district you go to, volunteers are in short supply. There are either a few that last the duration of their childrens attandance or you get a few like EA sports boosters that are like the energizer bunny. THis is great as long as they are open for new, fresh members and their ideas.
I am a teacher in D131 and I live in the district. My kids will go here. My kids will do well, because of how I, as a parent, raised them. Teachers are here to try and encourage and nurture children, but we cannot force them to do the right things, socially and academically. THAT is where the PARENT steps in, and that is the piece missing in the district.m
So what's going on with the EHS choir? My niece signed up for choir but everybody's telling her that there's no director or accompanyist. I went to the district website and it doesn't show a vacancy.
Many people have opinions on things they can not controll and don't want to. Many of you need to go to east and see day to day operations. Also remember east is one of the richest districts in Illinois. They owe very little not to mention the poverty level is one of the most. Parents do not care most don't go to parent teacher conferences, they do not communicate with teachers(even if they can), and tax payers pay for students to go to school when they are not supose to be here. Teachers not only teach our kids knowledge but teach student morals values and laws parents don't. As for coaches... They teach more discipline then most parents... And I thank them for volunteering there time. God bless
Your niece is stupid.
The maintenance department is upset that Leonard reviews all the bills which is the responsibility of the Board. Some things came to light and people are now being forced to do their jobs. Yes the Board should not have to be hands on but if the Superintendent and administrators dont do the job the Board needs too.
Most of the hateful remarks about Johnson being a bully are the same thing.
The scores are up more than they ever have been, changes are happening lets be positive. Try for one day bet this blog cant
Although I wish that the district had already posted the choir position, I don't think anyone should panic. It is true that there will be a delay at the beginning of the year. However, there are talented directors in the area and I'm sure it will work out.
As for Stellmacher, he did a great job while he was here. He was certified to teach, but life happens and he had to move. Bad timing, yes. But this happens all the time in schools. They just find someone else and move on.
Positive thinking mixed with realism will serve everyone better than pessimism. I think I may call the school and ask if there is something I can help with. If they say yes - great. If they so no - at least they know that someone is watching and wants the choir program to do well!
Mr. Stellmacher is taking time off, and playing the lead role in Mr. Holland's Opus Part Two.
What does "bovine" mean?
Someone told me Lynne Nadel is coming back as the sub? Does anyone know if this is true?
Ms. Nadel is enjoying her post-retirement life in North Carolina, so no she will not be returning to East High.
And I am optimistic that a new choir director & accompanist will be found fairly soon. It's just a shame that our choir kids will have a delayed start to their school year.
"Bovine" means resembling a cow.
Yes it is true. Lynn Nadel is going to sub until a replacement is hired.
4:58 p.m., you are clueless--both about the spelling of Ms. Nadel's first name (it's "Lynne", not "Lynn") and about her coming back to East High.
She and her husband are now living in North Carolina. Last I heard, they are not millionaires with a private jet--so commuting from the East Coast is probably not going to happen.
;)
To: August 26, 2012 3:13 PM
The reason District 131 has such a large reserve of cash is because they have been screwing the teachers in salaries for decades. That is also why the district has such a large turn over rate of teachers. This year was one of the lowest turn over rates we've had in the past couple of decades and we still lost 10% of the teaching force. That's about 120 brand new teachers. We have had some years with a 25%-30% turn over rate.
Anyone who has taught will tell you that the first couple of years in a district are spent learning the curriculum, establishing relationships, learning who gets what done in the district. There is a huge learning curve that takes place and is when a teacher is the least effective. It also takes time away from veteran teachers who have to mentor the new teachers instead of focusing their time on their students.
That's a huge percentage of our kids who will have teachers that are at their least productive in their careers. Our kids deserve much better.
It official, we have a contract with the Uban League for this school year:
http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/14618930-417/east-extends-contract-for-alternative-ed-program.html
When you add it up, that's close to a million dollars the taxpayers are giving them for 52 students with an attendance rate of about 40%. That's an average of about 20 students showing up on a given day.
That's a sweet contract. How does someone go about getting a contract like that?
Maybe I'm not clueless - Maybe we will find out tomorrow if Lynn Nadel is coming back or not.
And maybe you're not only clueless but ignorant and disrespectful, repeatedly misspelling Ms. Nadel's first name.
Maybe you are just stupid and should shut up.
...maybe not...
:P
There is also an article in the Beacon about the 120 new teachers in District 131. It talks about all the excellent new teachers entering the district (How they can they call them excellent is beyond my understanding as they have accomplished nothing as yet).
I also question the policy of hiring every East Aurora Grad to teach in East Aurora. The district is in the bottom 5% of schools in the State of Illinois. If you want to improve education, do you want to look for teachers who have come from the bottom 5% of the State or do you want to start looking for teachers who have come from the top 5%.
It's not just in hiring East Aurora Grads but also in promoting and decision making. In this district it seems to be the most important factor for everything. Just look at the school board.
I love all the stupid adults on this blog who act like children. Good job guys, you truly are the bottom 5%
Agree!
East Aurora has graduated many doctors, lawyers, business owners, teachers and just last year John Gerherd scored a prefect 36 on his ACT. His sister and brother teach in the District and are just as successful.
Leonard is on the Board and owned a successful business. Nacho is to young to tell and Johnson is the owner of two companies. The rest of the members did not graduate from East.
Central Office Admins Clayton and Childress are successful role models.
So what is your point.
EAST AURORA ROCKS
East Aurora football looked very promising as, Coach Becker held the team together when there was no chance of winning. The football program suffers because the parents of talented athletes leave the district to give their kid a fighting chance for a college scholarship. East Aurora problem is that nothing is published it's all hidden and smoke and mirrors.
What the districts does is play smoke and mirrors about alot of things. If they didn't do nothing about Nestor marrying his student 20 years ago what's the problem now? I know who she is because when we were all in school everyone knew he was messing with here and also the teacher who sleeping with students.
Some of the problem is we need to make things convenient for parents who work and care about the students education and future.
I live in the district and no longer have relatives who go to schools in the district because of the fact that there is too much bs and not enough transparency going on.
WE NEED TO STAND UP FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GET THOSE ADULTS, ADMINS, AND TEACHERS OUT WHO DON'T CARE. EACH ONE TEACH ONE
the truth will come out
8/24 7:21 p.m. said:
Excerpt from a letter to the editor of the VOICE. Written by a well respected retired educator. Cliff Pensyl. In case you don't get The Voice, he wrote:
"Presently, in East Aurora's District 131 a different model of leadership is tearing the district apart, tearing the morale apart, inflicting fear and uncertainty.
Certain school board members, I feel, lead by the my way or the highway theory of leadership. It results in bullying and intimidation. The administrative teams circle their wagons to protect themselves, much like the
Congress in Washington, D.C.
Neither the administrators nor teachers know when they will be harassed or removed for raising questions, having a different perspective, or making a correctable mistake.
Voters: Start paying attention to what is really happening in District 131."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I remember Mr. Pensyl--he was an outstanding coach at East High in the '90s, when my kids were in school. He has a good perspective, having worked & lived in our district for many years.
Thanks for posting this, 8/24 7:21 p.m.!
Pensyl lives on the West Side so hardly a tax payer. Another teacher who received a big pension and is listening to Craig Rhodes. I also worked at East and know that teachers like Rhodes or Pensyl buddy up to administration get a bunch of stipends and raise their pension. Then they get called back sub and make more money. The sub pool at East is hand picked and while the administration can brag we have 160 teachers in the sub pool only the favorites get called.
Rhodes never defended the teachers and Roberts did what he wanted to many good teachers. expect a few Rhodes buddies.
As far as Cam he was a good old boy (again protected) every shirt he ever owned came from the company he was pushing we all know.
The Board should have never allowed another horrible teacher back into teaching kids. But they did because Roberts went to bat for him.
Answer one question Board was it bid rigging or not. That is punishable by loss of your job.
The sad part is after Cam does not teach them a thing
It is funny Cliff Pensyl was celebrating after Marin was let go. Along many other teachers. Then the Board was just great.
Also Craig we know you are undermining Adam. Now the teachers have a fighting chance
Happy to be retired!!!!!
Pensyl would not dare write the Beacon because it would bring attention to the dirty deals of the employees at d131 that the Board not the superintendent is cleaning up. So he writes to a Union News paper.
The EHS choir position is now posted on the district website. Meanwhile, our choir kids have to sit in study hall. Whatever the reason for the very abrupt departure of Mr. Stellmacher, the timing STINKS and the kids are the ones bearing the brunt of it.
Sounds like a disgruntled employee who was not liked by the staff or students. If you are happy to be retired, then there is a good chance the faculty, staff, and students are also happy that you are retired as well. So sorry no one liked you when you were at East!
Agreed, and if you were indeed a teacher at East, or any other high school; it is a shame because your grammar is terrible.
Saw this in the Board Bits from last Monday's School Board meeting:
ISAT Scores are in … Congratulations to All!
• Reading and Math scores have reached new highs. The scores are up about 9% across the district. The high school scores also seen positive gains. Details are given by grade showing positive growth across the board. Please refer to presentation the great news.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GrEAt news--way to go, Tomcats!
:)
One schools ceiling is another schools floor.
Since you can be anonymous lets see the emails sent to the teacher, staff, and administrators that are possible, harassment. If I were harassed that is exactly what I would do. I will refer you to an attorney who would love to go after a board member harassing a staff member.
Yup, those scores are hidden from the public.
The scores are attached to Board Bits and Board Book that is what a liar and troublemaker you are. Shows you someone is just stirring up trouble
Only if the attorney is like Tom Cruise in a , "Few Good Men." Promise?
Congratulations, Simmons on your rate of students meeting and exceeding. So much for the liars who claim things are not getting done. Ms. Patterson probably bullied the staff into doing a good job. Wilson beat up a few staff and made them work harder.
Other school districts publicly released their test scores months ago. So which is it? Were they hiding the scores or were the administrators simply incompetent?
Scores by law can not get released until Aug. At that point they had partial data in June. That was available, so you must be another talented East Aurora teacher who can't read or are tooooo lazy to look them up.
I am a teacher in East Aurora and can read very well, thank you very much. Here are some links for you to read as well.
Here is a link from the superintendent of the Indian Prairie School District showing an e-mail sent out to the community. It was released 6-14-12 and includes ISAT Data and a link to the newsletter that was sent out to the entire community.
http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/News.aspx?id=44000
Here is a link to the actual newsletter sent out to the community.
http://www.ipsd.org/Uploads/news_44000_1.pdf
As you can see, ISAT data as well as many other insights into the way District 204 works was included. District business is not a secret in Indian Prairie.
Perhaps you should have spent a little time to look things up.
Well Joan Glotzbach, Machelle Patterson and Wilson Morales tired to pull off the quick confidentiality agreement on Simmons staff on the first day of school. The other schools heard about it and not many signed it. I was informed the agreement came to East High on Monday afternoon, Glotzbach do you really think you can you can slip this by us teachers, were not stupid! The Simmons teachers signed it because they know what Patterson will do to them. The Union President is at East, do you think he won't hear of this! The confidentiality agreement is an open ended letter stating if teachers talk about anything the administration deems confidential, they can fire you. Patterson and Morales are just trying to try to stop the teachers from talking about the constant dumb, illegal and just plan incompetence that takes place at Simmons every day. It is one more way Patterson and Glotzbach can use to scare and intimidate the teaching staff at Simmons. If this agreement does not get those two fired nothing will, Come on Adam Harding and our Union, show some muscle and back Simmons. Does anyone think it strange that Simmons gets this on Thursday and everyone else in the district get
it today? Ask yourself why, if it was district wide then all schools would have had it on the same day.
Read before you sign!
Here's a cost cutting idea for the board and tax payers of EA. In the smaller elementary buildings like Krug, Johnson, Beaupre, and O'Donnell have the computer lab teacher cover the lab and the learning center. Only the classroom teachers take their classes to these activities one a week. These small buildings have about 20 classrooms @ 30 minutes a session is 10 hours computer lab and 10 hours Learning Center per week. That is still only 20 hours a week for one person. Why do they need two people for a 20 hour job? Even if the lab time is 45 minutes (which I heard is being reduced to 30) that is still only 25 hours per week. Most of these lab people have more down time then work and still cancel classes all the time. At one of these schools (Johnson) the teachers taught their computer time more often then the lab teacher. Just a thought on a big waste of money.
Why do the administrators in the buildings who increased their ISAT scores get rewarded with money? How about the teachers that did all the hard work? They need to be rewarded also. An answer from the board would be appreciated.
To the Idiot that knows nothing about the East Aurora Booster Club...In response to the Band Booster of the Year's statement.... Your.... Booster club is only for the Band while the booster Club has given money to any Club that is willing to sell programs... and any Athletic Club that will do the same... We give out 2 scholarships every year... pay for the 4 Banquets held at the end of each season... pay for achievement awards, and Letterman Jackets for each sports MVP...we just paid $16,000 for a new baseball score board... have given thousands of Dollars for the weight room... pay for the Hall of Fame just to say a few things that we do
We own all the Equipment we bought it all and will not allow every Joe sh-mow to use it ..We do this with the 88 year old Henry Cowherd his wife , Lorraine and her husband. Tammy and her Husband, Dennis And Debbie Shamblin, Myself and for you people that say I have not been there in 2 years you are Blind!! I am and have been involved with the booster Club for 35 yrs.. President the last 23-25 years I have forgotten...and have been there climbing up and down the Bleachers selling 50/50 on a bad knee that was replaced this year...
We have never had a coach or parent come to a Meeting asking us to sell at Soccer Games so I dont know where you are getting your info... and yes your president came to a meeting asked if they could sell ice cream ,it does not affect what we sell and we said yes they could N are you a band member or just a parent .
I have tried to get people to join us so we can open at every event but when you have a hand full of workers the get tired let me know who you are I will get you to sign up and help us or are you just blowing hot air as usual... because it is come with a funny smell u must be blowing it out your ass!!!
and as for this statement ... I am tried of Henry Cowherd being the only one recognized for his contributions. Many of us have worked a volunteers and never receive recognition. We also don't show up asking for it as well....how dare you say that we ask for recognition and you get none what have you done to be recognized please list your accomplishments so we can do something about it ... 38 years coaching Baseball in the area 16 years Aurora youth football, 35 years helping Sports at East and not to blow my Bugle any more this Sept. I was nominated and will receive a HISPANIC SPORTS PIONEER AWARD which I did not ask for ... I am 61 years old so all I can say Idiot when you have given over half your life for EAST and the betterment of the Community then you can Speak and CAM Leadbetter is a Very Close friend of mine we could not stop him from doing what he wanted he is An School Administrator this man sweat RED AND BLACK and like me an ALUMNI OF EAST and was there for every athlete in that building.... Also we are not being Disband by the School Board we Started in 1964 and will continue on for the betterment of EAST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL
What have you done!!!!!!!!
8/26 7:28 you become the mayor girlfriend. Then you both sucker the board president into supporting a shame outfit. Everyone else has pulled out of the Urban League and East just keeps throwing money into an empty hole. Johnson simply doesnt have the ability to stand up to the Mayor of Slumville.
Indian Prairie School Parents know how to read and have shared email addresses. They have a SIS that works. We cant even take attendance after two years. They also have a Parent Portal and share info that way.
Get real we will never be Indian Prairie and neither will are parents.
Looks like some still have their credit cards.
CARDMEMBER SERVICE
10-00-2410-00-699-00 GEN BLDG MISC CLEARING ACCOUNT AMOUNT DUE 32000957JUL 94479 16,571.28
** 178647 ** CHECK AMOUNT....: $16,571.28
Pinky for School Board President! He gets things done!
As a community member I would like to thank Pinky Zepeda for all her support for the students of EA. There a not a lot of parents that help with boosters.
204 teachers and administrators live in the district and are stakeholders. 131 teachers and administrators live in 129 and 308. They would never live or send their children to 131 schools. 131 simply helps pay bills and provide insurance. There is no buy in its business.
6:24 could you actually provide data to support your stupidity.
Alright, get rid of the current teachers and administrators, and then hire new people. Most likely, the new people would still live outside of District 131. Genius.
YAY Pinky! FYI to previous commentor Pinky is a nickname for a man named Pedro not a 'her'.
The reason we (Simmons) teaches signed the confidentiality agreement depended on the threat from Machelle Patterson stating; if you don't sign, something might happen. We are not stupid either but we want our jobs.
As a band parent I have had the pleasure of working with Pinky or should I say unpleasure. Pinky yells and uses foul language around the kids. He and his sports losers do not own the equipment . The got the money by selling to East Aurora fans at East Aurora so the tax payers own the equipment. Yes we can sell ice cream which on a cold fall night does not sell that well coupled with the freezer problems and not being able to sell in the gym presents a problem.
The group can't get any members because they run them all off. Ms Cowherd is a nice lady. Her Husband that is another story he also uses foul language. The Shamblins are hard workers. The group needs to go.
The sports awards banquets are not free. Two lunatics should not control the roost. Soccar games are a good idea but and th idea has been brought up but Cam never had the balls to make it work.
The teachers of d131 are paid well it is just because we are surrounded by so many wealthy districts wages are lower than the surrounding districts. I think the teachers should be paid on merit. I saw the article in the Suntimes and they are in the top 20% which I can say is not the residents they serve.
Enrollment numbers are very large this year at East because of the DACA Act. Many kids are re-enrolling. This district faces many challenges other districts do not. Listen to some of the stories, listen how hard the students have worked to get the $495 fee to have a better life. Adults should all be ashamed of yourselfs fighting back and forth well others struggle and realize we need to do the best for the students.
One other note, I host a club many of the kids can not afford the fees with different activies and do need different fund raising opportunities. For years many of us got turned down by Leadbetter for selling items at the game because sports boosters have the main concessions. That is not right. A group of a few should not hold down the entire school remember we are there for the kids. We have also offered community service to them and again turned down. Sports is only a part at East, clubs reach a larger population of students with many interest levels. It is nice for the District to run a activity night but really guys support is what we need in the form of money. Not more kids we can recruit plenty of our own. Get rid of the monopoly.
The school board should have the guts to adopt a turn around model that means the building principals get released with 50% of the teachers and everyone re applies for their jobs their jobs that weeds out the good from the bad
I have heard the stories well before the DACA Act. EA, for years, has had Hispanic students who excelled but were not given scholarship opportunities due to the immigration status they inherited as children/ babies.
This was a good thing to offer young people, thru no fault of their own, who were considered illegal in the only country they knew as their home.
Well, let's quit focusing on the old and start with the new. There have been two home soccer games so far; has anyone sold anything yet?
Also, obvious that you are a Band Booster, and not part of the English Club; your grammar is horrible.
I have heard there is a effort to oust Johnson going on way behind the scenes. The two issues that are going to be used 1. test scores, 2. fact that east has done nothing to work with Aurora to stop the overcrowding on the east side. I like Johnson but I think she may be in big trouble.
The board members are at it again at East High calling in favors. Hull had his daughter hand scheduled again by Deanne Adams. Stella Gonzalez complained about class size only for her grand daughter. Lewis's grand daughter changed her mind and needed her class schedule arranged to be with friends so everybody had to drop everything. Lets not forget to mention the special handling of Gillespe's niece. We all know the Urban League runs the district. Must be nice to be Jerome's free of charge landlord. That while the board never allowed more counselors that got proposed last year.
Yes, the Dreams Act is good for students but it has put a strain on the resources. Kids are trying for a better life. Problem is we cant work with them to help because of the BOE. That is why they allow Johnson to run the Board because they are just there for favors. They really don't care what goes on.
What for Leonard to get his friend a job Feltes will become the operations manager and rumor is Cervantes tried to get a paying job as coach but got turned down. Clayton is now out job hunting for him.
This all goes on while Johnson feds her ego. As d131 turns.
It's so nice of the sports boosters to let you sell ice cream. There have been other organizations that wanted to sell something that WASN'T something the sports boosters sold, so it wasn't going to compete. But the sports boosters said no, stole the idea, and ordered the item to sell themselves.
Johnson white neighbors and Leonard's will vote for her and him in any day of the week. To blame her for over crowding is a joke the East Side elects the same Alderman and Mayor who really control over crowding.
Test Scores are up this year the biggest ever so your point is what.
On my way in today talk radio was a buzz about the States Attorney taking the case against West Aurora and the former Principal Dan Bridges now superintendent of D203. Napervilles Board President had to make a comment supporting Dan Bridges today. There are to problemed Boards, Naperville 203 and West Aurora. East Aurora cleaned up.
Rumor is started by a few disgruntled employees who have 30 days to improve or be terminated.
A new sheriff is soon in town.
Come spring I hope voters educate themselves and I hope throughout the year teachers, D131 employees and parents alike spread the word on who should be voted for when new Board members run for office. I hope some people with heart for the district can get a majority of members on Board.
Certain secretaries and maintenance people making more than the teachers are stirring all the trouble. When the real dirt comes out about the way tax payers hard earned money was spent by maintenance and others certain people may end up sharing a room with Blago. The teachers have been made the fall guys. Because those so called people with heart like the Salinas family and former Board members like Wells mis-spent the money.
I wish Adam Harding would have remained at Simmons....he certainly would have kept busy with the corruption that CONTINUES to go on there
Don't have money to play sports or join clubs? While I know that is true of some, what about the kids who are broke, have their parents submit waiver forms, and then come to school wearing brand new Jordans and texting on their iPhones?
On the D129 situation, if the State's Attorney is considering charging Bridges, the janitor should also be considered for charges. The janitor is just as much a mandatory reporter as any one else at the school. The law doesn't say he has to report it just to his boss, the law says he has to report it to DCFS. Personally I'm not sure his story hasn't changed since he reported it to administration. Just like the Peterson situation -- nobody thought about him possibly killing Savio until Stacey disappeared. I find it interesting that after Orland has been caught and convicted, the janitor NOW says he saw actual physical contact and reported it.
I received a Private Facebook message last night telling me to check out the blog.
There was an entry about my granddaughter yesterday at 10:26 am. I want to set the record straight.
In April when the 8th graders register for school my granddaughter was in Band so she registered for Band in high school. Over the summer she decided she did not want to be in Band anymore so at registration in August my daughter asked how to get her schedule changed. She was told that during the first week of class the student simply needed to go to the counseling office and it would be taken care of.
Tuesday my granddaughter went to the counselor’s office and was told she would not be allowed to change and that her mother would have to come and meet with the counselor. My granddaughter came home very upset because she felt the counselor was rude and my daughter was in tears. My daughter works days and to take off work would cause a financial hardship.
I sent an email to the principal yesterday morning asking what the policy is and if she would take care of it. No favors so that my granddaughter could be with friends. She is switching out of band (where all her friends are) and into a PE class.
On a side note, it was not my granddaughter’s counselor that gave her the attitude and false info. Her counselor was very helpful once it was brought to light.
So that’s as exciting as the gossip is. But what bothers me is that there is a confidentiality leak somewhere. I sent an email privately to the principal, nobody else and within an hour a story was on this blog. So there must be somebody at the high school that has nothing to do that post on this blog instead of doing the job that you taxpayers are paying them to do. If that individual feels it is appropriate to gossip on an internet blog over a schedule change, just think what they might be saying in public about your child or grandchild.
Anita is correct in the fact no one should be doing internet surfing while on company time. But I have to question if possibly the granddaughter told others her grandma was going to take care of things. Or if Mom had emailed the school as the grandma did, maybe no attention would have been paid to the schedule change. I would venture to say if this change had been requested by anyone else, no one would be talking. I don't think anyone is talking about others children, only if you are an elected official.
The scheduling is so messed up kids are being told they can not change schedules. I know students who need to graduate and have been given multiple study halls. Maybe Ms Lewis would be nice enought to go over to the high school and hand out her board business card and help all the students. That seems to be the only people who get anything done for themselves are the Board Members children.
WBBM reported the Kane County States Attorney is looking at filing charges. Bridges and Rydlands names are mentioned. With hand written notes the janitor did his job he went to his boss. Roberts looks pretty good compared to those two.
Hull came in and complained about schedules and books as well. Gonzalez the same way. If the Board really cares why are they not taking a tour instead of worrying about their own. Does Ms Lewis think this is the only person that schedules was not changed or treated rudely. This happens all the time. They never listened or investigated last year when the student Board member brought is to their attention. Why? Because it did not effect them personally.,I know the student board member has yelled at by Conrad and never spoke up again.
8:14 The janitor did his job, BUT he DIDN'T FOLLOW THE LAW AS HE WAS REQUIRED TO. HE was required to report to DCFS and did not. The fact that he reported it to his boss (if he did) does NOT relieve HIM of the responsibility of reporting it. IF he really saw physical contact going on, and told his bosses that, HE was also required to tell DCFS about it. So if his current story is true, HE'S JUST AS GUILTY as his bosses.
8/29 10:26
You should go on tour with the circus because you are a clown. I must admit I was laughing so hard at your fantasy you have to be bi-polar or a psycho which is what your fellow teachers say about you. Take your meds and call me in the morning. You really should take advantage of the EAP. Look for me in the building tomorrow I'm going to give you a big hug. You obviously didn't get many from your mommy. Are you getting enough at home? I mean fiber because you are coming unglued. No really I do enjoy your monologue it helps me stay regular.
The Janitor turned the information into his boss the Beacon reported the Janitor story was true because hand written notes in Bridges name was found. The janitor may have not known he had to turn it in because he already did to his boss.
If the hint of a teacher doing the same in d131 and Roberts or Conrad would have not taken everyone here would be screaming for their heads along with the Board. What a double standard. It proves none of these people can do no write.
8:21
Hopefully you enjoyed your tours but you have to realize that your tours have not changed long standing past practice. When you have a child you will realize that as a parent or guardian it is up to you to stand in the gap for your child. You lack maturity and wisdom if you believe that our first priority is looking out for your child. Parents and grand parents have to be involved with their childs education. As teachers we appreciate involved parents. I can assure you that any teachers who does not want parental involvement is not doing their job. I have a secure job in this district and I reside on the westside for a reason, figure it out. You take care of home first, then you spread out from there.
8;14 Anonymous-- why do you want to pin this on the janitor? You and I know darn well that he was fearful for his job and still he did the right thing by reporting it to SOMEONE . WHAT THAT PERSON DID IS ON THEM. Many teachers don't even know who to report to. That still does not alleviate the situation in which 1 or more than one person, teacher, janitor etc. had to force a door open while he was sexually assaulting his own students in his workplace. What a pig. What a predator. And don't tell me no one knew this was happening. This is a similar situation, not as extreme, as Penn State. A culture of Silence. and who loses? the kids. and who gains? Those making $200,000 plus grand. Not just sad and sick, but Criminal as well.
Food for thought-- I understand that many of the comments are from parents and taxpayers of the district-- but how would you like when you went to work you had hundreds of people scrutinizing your every motivation, thought and action. I know that many of you, the majority of you, would crumble. I have two Ivy League degrees and choose to work with these kids. I am not a "loser teacher" but a decorated one. Instead of being welcomed, and thanked, I am excoriated for my efforts. Multiply this treatrment x20. Kind of explains our dilemma, does it not?
While I enjoy pointing out the many poor decisions that our administrators and board members make, this is not one of them. Any parent/relative should be advocating for their children.
The problem in this district is that we don't have enough adults speaking up for their kids. It's not just a priveledge for board members kids, most any parent who takes the time to show up at school and make a request for their kid gets what's best for their child.
The only real exception that I have seen to this rule was the complete mismanagement of the Special Ed. kid at Simmons. The problem there was that Mechelle Patterson and Wilson Morales completely dropped the ball in the early steps and instead of correcting the mistakes, they compouded the problem by trying to cover it up.
I agree, if Adam Harding would have stayed at Simmons his mouth would have dropped to the floor, getting first hand knowledge of the intimidation Patterson uses. What would have happened if Mr. Harding would have been given the confidentiality agreement that she tried to slip by the teachers. He would have gone straight to Patterson and confronted her. The teachers here can not even think of that for fear of retaliation. We work in fear for our jobs at Simmons and nothing is being done to help us. So we will keep silent and leave our truthful comments here and hope something gets done to help us.
Speaking of Simmons, I remember last year when a bullied child's family member (I believe it was an aunt) posted several times on this blog to give the family's side of the story. Thank God for this blog, because she couldn't tell her side anywhere else--the local paper is controlled by D131 administration ever since the editor got a sweetheart deal for his house back in 2005 or so.
The Aunt at Simmons was only looking to sue. She was offered many chances to improve his life and choose not to. Unlike West Aurora the Board got involved and had a independent investigator review the case. Because of the many interventions they said the district was correct. Before you claim her to be parent of the year one should look into her family--Not good--
By law the teachers need to sign a confidentiality agreement. If they are caught talking about a students records it is a class 3 offense. It is my understanding Administrators, All district staff and the Board needs to sign this. If you are not out gossiping them why a problem. Other Districts and businesses sign these all the time. Be a professional
Also, if Adam cant help you complain to the Board I remembering a teacher coming forward after being terminated and she was hired back. Or better yet sit down with Adam and give him a list of complaints. This blog will get you nowhere.
No its Laura Pencil and Craig Rhodes who do nothing all day and have access to the blog at East High.
I don't think the bullied child's aunt was only looking to sue. She was probably trying to bring attention to the repeated bullying of her family member, and wanting to be heard by the community. Remember the old saying "the squeaky wheel gets the grease".
Besides this blog or Openline, people can go to the Voice newspaper with their concerns (like Mr. Pensyl did).
Certain people in this district would prefer that dirty laundry not be aired--too bad.
Cliff Pensyl had a drinking problem for years and was a another example why the District got so bad. Now we are stuck with his daughter.
"Cliff Pensyl had a drinking problem"--big deal. So did I, for many years, till I got to be a friend of Bill W. If everyone who used to have a problem with alcohol, gambling, drugs, etc. was gone from the district we would lose a lot of good people. Being able to deal with & kick an addiction builds character.
9:26 a.m., who is Bill W.?
Bill Wilson was the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Someone who says they're a "friend of Bill W" is a recovering alcoholic.
I've been one for +20 years now. There are millions of us worldwide; chances are good there are AA members in your family, church, and workplace.
I dont think Laura Pencil is Mr. Cliff Pensyl's daughter. Notice the difference in spelling of last names. People should check the facts before commenting.
I am support staff in another school district. There is a specific form from DCFS that goes out to all school districts for the employees to sign acknowledging their mandated reporter status. I know everyone in our district signs it and it goes on file. I'll bet the janitor in D129 also signed one. Failure to report is a Class A misdemeanor. If he'd reported to DCFS at the time, maybe Orland would have been stopped sooner. I'm not putting it all on him, the chain continues all the way up for any supervisors who he told, BUT he is still included in the chain. Think of Penn State if the GA had gone straight to the real cops instead of to Paterno and the college administration. How many kids would Sanduskey not have gotten to?
The Daily Herald ran a article about Dan Bridges some of the d203 board members are starting to investigate. He and Rydland earn the Big Bucks they should have reported it.
Why is Anie Thompson as a teacher not investigating Rydland. She sure has her nose in everyones business at Simmons
Annie is back on the blog! How fun!
I heard at red & black pride day that nestor is now an a.d.., I bet the supervisors are sorry to see him go, cince they walked all over him for years as he did not know the diference between a nut and a screw (except teacher and student )
Why would D204 investigate it has nothing to do with them. Penn State is mentioned on here but there was another person that could of reported him also and that was the student that was with him. Or all the others that got passes from him not one of them stepped forward it took the district putting camera's up to find out what was going on. I'm not saying they might of dropped the ball but a bit but how do you fire a person when the one what saw this could not identify the victim and the victim didn't step forward you have a he said you said situation.
Central Office news is Augustines replacement will be announced at the next board meeting. Of course they will not say Augustine is leaving but that what he has told people around the water cooler.
His boys at Hill Ave had a rude awakening they actually have to work. The free ride gig is over all spending got stopped. Augustine does not like the changes. We heard if any running around now has to be done by the supervisors for parts. That means no more leaving the building and taking a half day off to look for parts by the district repair guys.
In other news the worthless Chuck Roberts resigned. We heard it was forced. The guy could not even repair a computer.
Sounds like a clean sweep of the good old boys club.
I will be happy when Nestor the molester and Clayton the half d131 employee and half B2m founder are gone. The other day he has printing out fliers for b2m.
Lewis has complaining again about her grandkids schedule and she never addressed my her grandson who was bullied at Waldo got placed in private school while other students get bullied everyday.
Hull is another one again hand picked teachers for his daughter. Adams was in two weeks ago and did that.
Here is the URL for the Daily Herald article.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120829/news/708299567/
The Head line reads D204 backs the Superintendent. While two board members have questions about policy it looks like he is staying. It also stated that the janitor was required by law to report it to DCFS. It also states that D129 has enhanced it's policy to say you have to report it to law enforcement and parents and that is for the person that saw the crime.
Mrs. Lewis and Mr. Hull I must defend my friend Amy who is being accused of blogging about you grand daughter and daughter on district time so let me share a secret with you about who has access to Ms. Conrad on a regular basis and has a bone to pick with the entire BOE. Lets begin with who is not leaking information nor would private information be shared with; Rita and Mary Ann . Kim has access to who calls, make appointments , has access to Ms. Conrad and her schedule. However she can be eliminated also. Heather Webb is constantly in Ms. Conrads office. As a matter of fact she was in her office within minutes of the 10:26 blog being posted. Check out her schedule and you will she that she was not teaching at that time. Inquire of Ms. Conrad and unless she is willing to fake amnesia she will confirm what I'm saying. Mr. Hull: Heather knows your daughter because she is in the office constantly not talking to the secretaries but going in to see Ms. Conrad. Think of all the comments about your daughter that are coming from someone with access. There have been posts concerning private directives given to Ms Lattz from Superintendent Roberts that only an individual in SPED should no about. Why would the director of SPED share that info with Rita, Mary Ann , Kim or Amy? She shares it with those who are either friends in the division and those who need to know. She certainly was not happy about being booted as a chair or at least that is what the rumor mill said. Also their was a post in May shortly after graduation by someone apparently quoting Mr. Hull as he introduced Ms Gillespe to Mr. Leonard at graduation. Mr. Hull, did you see Rita, Kim, Mary Ann or Amy in the room when that took place? I was in the room and in case you did not know it Heather Webb was the blonde lady sitting at the table next to you along with Ms. Willis and Ms. Smith. There were comments about each board member at your table.
They must not have the good o'l boys club at your minimum wage job. Get an education, and then you can run your mouth.
I don't know why Augustine would be leaving since the board has not enforced the signing of a policy for credit cards and also how would the regular maintenance be able to go and but things without approval by the finance committee. This board has no checks and balances of what is being spent no one really looks at it. By law they are suppose to have someone who doesn't have a credit card look at the purchases and they don't. They still have no policy in place about the use of credit cards which is they are suppose to by law. This seems like a witch hunt to cover their mistakes. I do believe that Ms. Lewis knows of one time when the board did break the law with a purchase. In fact it wasn't only her other board members where involved.
Top Five Hobbies Annette Johnson can take up once she is voted out in April:
1) Ventriloquist
Annette Johnson rarely moves her lips when she talks, and barely looks at anyone. She would be perfect for this. Dr. Roberts could be the little puppet on her knee; she has controlled him and his decisions since she has been president.
2) Tomcat Football Player
Let's face it, left tackle and middle linebacker? Who could stop her? No one. She would be a beast on the field. Dr. Roberts could be the ticket manager at all the games. He is selling every district employee out to protect his job, and would have no problem selling this event out.
3) Astronomer
Annette wouldn't even need a telescope. Her Coke bottle glasses would serve just fine. NASA here she comes.
4) Food Caterer at East High
Get out of the way Sodexho, here comes the Pasta.
5) Cheer on 204 High Schools to Victory.
Who will it be, the Metea Valley Mustangs, Neuqua Valley Wildcats,or the Waubonsie Valley Warriors.
Jay Augustine is retiring at the end of the school year.
Cliff Pensyl did not have a drinking problem, nor is his daughter Laura Pencil. Mr. Pensyl did not have any children and Pencil is Mrs. Pencil's married name.
This blog is getting to be a vicious gossip page.
Wanna see a real example of a vicious gossip page? Go here:
http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8854980&postID=859942971385512832
Yes, there's plenty of gossip on the EA community blog, but compared with others it's pretty tame. And people can & do correct inaccuracies here, as well as tell their perspective on events in our district.
We know the blog post came from you Mr Hull. He attacked Heather with false accusations last year. Why? All because Heather was rude to his daughter last year. You can check the schedule she was teaching a class. There is a list a mile long of people who hate Hull and others on the Board.
Lewis was out of line demanding the schedule be changed right away. Students had been told Schedule changes would be made in two weeks. We had a new system plus 600 students show up not registered. Instead Lewis writes a letter she is going to strom the school. Everyone had to stop dealing with kids not even in the system and help her.
No different with Gonzalez same story.
Cervantes pleaded his help to he soccer program but needed to be paid.
Hull the list is so long, with his daugher and complaints there is not enought time to go into it. He is a bully and always after Shelia, Cam, numerous teachers counselors and Adams is always running interference.
Leonard is behind the maintenance mess he visits at least twice a week and orders everyone around. His friend Feltes works at the District every day under Zacosek Plumbing. He wants Scott fired to give Feltes the job. He hates the people in Maintenace and has made it clear he will get them fired. Why, because these same people never gave him a electrical job.
Johnson although never involved in direct bullying at the EHS she has Roberts wrapped around her finger. She has control of all the votes because when the board members complain she gets Roberts to jump like a trained dog. in turn they are only on the board for what they want and she can get it for them. Everyone knows one call to Roberts and he will not back you. In fact several people now have their jobs on the line and he has told them as much.
Sad part is they will all get re elected because the parents don't care. The parents are not the voters it is a bunch of white racist who even think your white Mr Hull.
Maybe it's time the board lists off all the foolish spending and waste of hard earned tax payer dollars. They are only guilty of one thing being to trusting. The Maintenace supervisors are stealing the district blind. They are the ones posting.
As far as the illegal dinner with Credit Cards the number of people divided into the bill makes it perfectly legal.
Changing the culture of mismanagement for decades is hard. One word of advice go with the flow or get out.
The funny part is all this complaining is done by people who don't live in d131 and can't vote.
The students have a phrase about the staff I
It is EA OK.
Translated the people we have as teachers , administrators and support staff do as little as they can to get by.
9:08 your humor is clever and extremely on target.
To the person who said "This blog is getting to be a vicious gossip page." The 'blog' is made up of comments of many unique individuals, with a personal POV. Just like your opinion of the blog, everyone has one and is entitled to share.
I agree, the blog its negative. However, it is the current board that has made it that way. Everyone knows who runs this district and it is not Dr. Roberts. Most districts hire good teachers and help make them outstanding teachers. This district hires good teachers and reminds them everyday that they are replaceable. They point out their flaws and offer zero suggestions on how to improve. They are in classrooms the minimum amount required and never give feedback on informal evals. Administrators are worked to the bone and seem to be told to find the weak and get rid of them. Great examples we make for these kids.
Wow Annette Johnson must have stalker. The person has check out her every move. Must be one of those corrupt employees that the board members keep referencing. You need a life. I will pray for you today clearly the hate you have this individual makes me hope that you are not around kids.
Reading about West Aurora today looks like everyone dropped the ball. The police accounts are telling. I also seem to think the law firm gave poor advice. Are these not the same lawyers that 131 uses.
Teachers unions have a lot to do with why more things are not well run in schools. You can bet the union was all over this 2010 defending Ormond.
Recently a janitor got caught stealing at d131 on tape. His union is fighting to keep his job. Why?
A secretary resigned recently and our union was angry they did not have a chance to defend her.
It's time everyone starts looking at right from wrong and doing what is best for kids. That is why teachers get know respect any longer in the USA.
For all the recent attacks on the board I am happy with their progress. I know they would not have run a popularity contest like the West Aurora board. They would have protected the kids . I saw this with Leadbetter when the Board upheld a tough descision made by the superintendent. I also say Bravo to Roberts he could have easily looked the other way.
The angry comments are from Joan Koffenoefer she recently told all the Union Members she would target Johnson and the other board members. To bad she can try but has few friends.
The story is she wanted the secretaries to make the same as teachers and get the big raise. Many of the Secretaries already make over $55,000 a year like her. The District currently pays secretaries more than any other District around while the teachers are the lowest paid. In the past Board members had wives and relatives in these positions and worked out a favorable deal well letting the education of the kids go.
As far as the maintenance supervisors they are responsible for the mismanagement of over a million in savings per year.
Lets name a few
800 trips to Menards in a half of year but employees.
Allowing d131 repair people to drive around looking for parts while outside contractors came in and did their jobs.
$125,000 in no bid tree cutting contracts to a former wrestling coach to cut down trees that did not need to be cut down.
Multiple trips by outside electrical companies to come in and reset the electrical switches. A simple job we do in our homes all the time.
People may not like it but the superintendent with the support of the board is doing his job.
For the first time scape copper money will be returned to the District.
BTW Roberts lives in the District while the people doing the loudest complaining do not.
As a taxpayers we should FOIA the waste it will make you sick when you write out your taxes for the District.
More coming!!!!
I do not post much here any more, but I would like to support a comment here. I will not speak about what other board members may or may not do, but I do know when I was on the Board Annette Johnson was trying to encourage me to vote in favor of renewing Roberts contract. No matter what reasons I gave for my reluctance, she had "a deal" she wanted to offer me.
I am not sure, at that time how she thought she was going to get these things done,but she offered them like she had strings.
1. She said she would see that my granddaughter would get in the district preschool.
2. or.....She would arrange for the band director (K) to get back to the high school.
My vote was not up for "let's make a deal."
I am mentioning this again because someone seems to think this doing- favors-atmosphere exists. The scenario sounds very familiar. I am not accusing anyone of accepting favors, but rather suggesting that someone else must be perpetuating this impression in some manner.
How is it that maintenance workers can go to Mernards and buy things? The district should have who can come and charge things on the account and who is responsible for doing that The Board. They have a finance committee and I believe Johnson is the chair don't they look at the bills. Maybe now they are looking but they have been on the board 3 years that is a lot of money they have over looked. How is the board didn't see the $125,000 in no bid tree cutting contracts since it is their policy I believe anything over $50,000 has to be bides taken and I believe that is an IL School Code rule also.
As far as the secretaries salaries some do make a lot but you have to look at how long they have been there compared to the lower paid teachers.
The you have the credit cards and they have been misused but there hasn't been anything said about them getting in trouble.
Why is the taxpayers paying for pre school bussing when that isn't mandated by the State?
Ok let's get this right. Many of the district secretaries might make more than $55,000 a year. Please don't include the school building secretaries. We don't even clear $25,000 or $30,000.
No stalker needed. Annette Johnson makes her presence known all over the district. Looks like every single employee in District 131 is corrupt, because no one likes her. Fact very well known. The Teacher Contract says it all. Stick to Pasta and Corvettes.
Thanks for speaking up Rayanne and I know what you say is true. The one thing I have to say is you stuck with how you felt and you probably know about more deals.
Dear Rayanne, I have seen the corruption going on by this board for a while and yes I knew they were corrupt ever since the Kevin Kisershop incident. Can you imagine hunderds of parents with signs picketing the service center, placing signs in front yards of families saying keep Kaisershot. One had to know that when the board didn't listen the fix was in. I feel Rayanne that you should have stayed, only because "we the taxpayers" could have had an honest person on the board. The board needs to be VOTED OUT! That means starting with Johnson and Roberts.
Rayanne ia a liar she hated Johnson because her deal was to get rid of Roberts for embarrassing her at Waldo. Johnson was not the Board President then. But when Rayanne attempted to lobby Anita and Annette both voted to give Roberts another contract. At the time Rayanne vote was not needed because Wells, Johnson, Gonzalez , Lewis and Turza supported him.
Rayanne felt Anita and Johnson had a good relationship and would go along. She turned to hate just like this blog she runs and quit.
No deal needed to be made with her grand daughter everyone is free to apply and it is first come first serve.
Rayanne has often said Kaisershot is happy at Simmons so why would he want to be moved.
I wonder if Rayanne will allow this post to go through if not her and this response will be reported on Openline.
Just keeping Rayanne or her ultra ego honest.
I've known Rayanne for years and one thing she is not is a liar.
As far as the band issue it is water under the bridge & too late to change it back.
And all those complaining about the school board, pick up an information packet at the service center and run for the board. I think there are 5 seats up for re-election in April.
This Board did not get rid of Kaisershot that was the old Board, In fact we should all send Anita Lewis a thank you note for not hiring Ormond . She was on a committee as volunteer before she ran for the Board that interviewed Ormond. Unlike Rayanne! Anita had great follow up. She solved her problems by getting on committees and making a difference. Ormond was recommended by Marin Gonzalez. The committee found him to be not a good fit for he East Students
We should also thank this Board for getting rid of Marin. Something Rayanne could never do.
The old Board was corrupt this one is not. People on this blog are a small group of about 5 people of complainers mostly the old guard secretaries, relatives of the Maintenace supervisors and a few disgruntled employees who are bitter.
Rayanne account of why she does not like Johnson is interesting and a joke. Why would anyone need to make a deal if they did not need her support.
It shows her lack of follow up. Unlike Lewis who wanted to make a change and stuck with it either by volunteering or time on the Board. She quit and hides behind a anonymous name.
Of all the Board members, Mr. Hull is the most reasonable, rationale, and common sense thinker their is. He calls it like he sees it, and doesn't do it for friends, praise, or accolades. At least he stands up to Roberts. Annette thinks she has Roberts wrapped around her finger; true, but Roberts is laughing his way to the Bank with each paycheck. Rayanne has also always called things as she saw them. Annette Johnson is all about herself, and the entire District sees it and thinks she is a joke.
Rayanne never quit. She refused to be part of all the shady dealings that were going on with the Board. Rayanne has always been about the kids. If anyone has an ultra ego it is the current Board President. Look back at Rayanne's track record with volunteering in the district, it spans 25 plus years. No current Board member can say the same because they are all self centered and will be gone soon.
Rayanne account is pure fiction. what is true is she walked away after Roberts got a new contract. I remember her not being opened minded enough to come to a meeting that he detailed his accomplishments.
Johnson did not have to make any deals everyone but Weaver made it clear he was going to stay. He asked to have a second term since most of his first term was spent fixing the finances. His second term would improve test scores. So far he and the BOE have implemented a number of programs. The test scores under this board are up over 15%.
As far as preschool I believe Rayannes grandchild meets all the criteria the program was designed for. Kaisershot has made it clear he will never return even if the opportunity arose. He his a quite man that does not enjoy the spot light. When asked if he was happy to see Marin gone being the gentleman he is, he would not comment.
Those are the facts.
Joan K doesn't have many friends because she has spent a career gossiping and telling lies about her colleagues and former colleagues. That's specifically why Lisa got the job Joan interviewed for: secretary to the superintendent. Radakovich knew what a gossip she was and told everyone to steer clear of her. And, she continues to stir the sh**.
Why would anyone in their right mind want to take out a petition and run for the Board. It is my understanding that they are not paid. Not even mileage for the meeting and events they attend. Then they pay for their own campaign.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a child goto school, god help you if you have to complain. The professionals ??? post the board members kids records.
I have seen you people rip apart the grandchild and children of Board members. They are children.
How Johnson makes her living and the car she drives is her business. She pays her employees and that is a good thing.
Leonard is a neighbor of mine and a long respected person in the community. If he sees waste then there is waste. Leonard never had a complaint against his business and had a honorable reputation until you people got ahold of him.
Roberts compared to the last two how ran the District in the ground looks like a rocket scientist.
Would you want to run for this Board. You people claim you care you sure have a funny way of showing it.
10:30 p.m., get the names correct.
The former WAHS band director who is serving time for molesting students is Steve ORLAND, not ORMOND.
Mr. Neal ORMOND is a longtime D129 School Board member and also announces athletic events.
Huge difference!
Leonard was hand picked by Johnson to get the position of broad member the others that signed up didn't have a chance. If he is looking into things then good for him someone needs too.
Board members can get reimbursed for travel. This broad gets a nice stay in a hotel every November on the weekend Chicago has their Christmas Parade.
Roberts lets Johnson run this district and if it is true that he rents from the person that runs the Urban League doesn't look too good and that maybe he is giving them favors. Lewis has a daughter to take care of school things and even if she works nights she can call during the day or send emails like other parents have to do.
I believe Rayanne and have heard talk about how this board emails and talks about things before a vote which is illegal.
that is not what the current union president said of Johnson. He tells a story of her and Dr Roberts concern for change.
I have a very favorable opinion of this Board.
As for Carlson, she did volunteer but it seemed when the current contract got voted for Roberts she resigned. If she knew of shady dealings then why not report them.
Her account of Kevin is interesting he never wanted back to East. So why would someone promise that.
One thing, I was happy to see Marin go and I give credit to this Board. I was also happy to see Raquel Wilson go the teachers had less drama last year and it showed. They had the freedom to teach. That is why the scores are up. Wilson never allowed that. She also ruined the night school program by not taking corrective action.
Rayanne runs the blog so I except to see negative comments about Johnson. Johnson made a few emenies but the majority of the school district is happy. She had a great Red n Black speech and the over 21% the board has given us since they have been in office only shows how bad the other boards in the past had been.
Dr Roberts did do better than past Superintenents in put us in a place for better wages and more teachers.
They have challenges. This is not a easy district to run. We do have the right leadership.
Thank you Board and Doc have a great Labor Day.
Hull reasonable what a joke. Only wish some of his daughters teachers would post the berating emails he sends them abou how to run a classroom.
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