Quoting from a post in the previous thread, we indeed have many voices and many choices--in both local and national arenas. One opportunity to express our opinion is at the polls; make sure you VOTE (and encourage others to do so, as well!)
To 11:33 PM You must be a racist or just plain ignorant. Being Mexican has nothing to do with the downfall of East Aurora. The soccer team again was very successful this year. This is just one of many successes still in the district. I to am an alumnus but intelligent to know better than to use the race card. The Board President is white and the Superintendent is black. Take the sheet off of your head and get a life. You are probably upset President Obama won the election again. Oh if you are interested for your information I am African American.
Rumor is Johnson got the District a $700,000 grant what did Kurt Becker do sounds like she is doing the job for free.
Announcement to follow.
No I am not Annette just one of her loyal supporters. She makes choices for excellence like not throwing money away on Becker.
Just talk to teachers at East and get a opinion on Becker. Talk to students 90 plus who left the Football program when they saw him for who he was. Talk to the 3 assistant coaches who quit in the middle of the program.
Do any of you have a clue???? Your scores are awful, the district is in chaos, and everytime you open the newspaper there is anothere scandal. There is no leadership and too many people are NOT acting professional.
The district needs new blood from the superintendent (who ultimately is responsible for the mess in the district) to many of the principals who are not moving forward and demanding more of their staff and students. God help them all when the state mandates take effect and their pay becomes tied directly to STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT. What will they do then??
Ask yourself -- is the district moving forward and getting better - or getting worse? The people who have been hired and could make a difference all leave due to the mess in leadership.
Has anyone heard of PLC's, SIOP Training, PBIS or any of the current things that are going on in education??? The district is so far behind it isn't funny and who knows how out of compliance they are from meeting state requirements.
For example, the 2012 state report cards were required to be posted to the district website by October 31, 2012, and they are still not posted. The administrative salaries were required to be posted to the website in October, and they are still not posted and current.
The high school has not made AYP (adequate yearly progress) for years. By federal law - they should be in reorganization (check out their school report card - even the old one) - yet nothing seems to have changed. They should have posted a new school improvement plan at the high school and it is 2 years old.
These are just a few examples of the mess that is in the district - who knows how many other areas the district is out of compliance with state requirements.
Demand more of your school board and leaders. The kids are the ones who are the victims of inept leadership.
There are some good people in the district and the schools who are trying to make positive changes -- they need to be elevated, rewarded, and supported ASAP - before they get discouraged and LEAVE.
The person that wrote the, "the teachers are happy with the insurance", appears to be speaking for all teachers. Please don't do that because I know of MANY teachers that are not happy with the insurance, union, salary increase, etc. First of all, the increase for the family HMO insurance is $850.00 A YEAR, which is almost half of the salary increase. Secondly ,the flexible spending account you mention is a program created by the IRS in the late 70s. It is an IRS program that large employers would be foolish not to offer to it's employees, since it costs the district a minimal amount to administer.. The interesting thing is, the district only allows district employees $2000 annually to be claimed for the Health Care Account. The IRS allows $2500 annually to be claimed, so the district is shorting the employees the $500 of eligible expenses. Why? It is ridiculous. While I am on a role, I may as well add in, the tuition reimbursement rate is a joke at $150.00 per semester hour. The rate on the contract hasn't been increased in over 15 years. Try asking the union representatives any questions and they are quick to answer. Answers usually consist of "I don't know" or "If you want to change something or be informed, you need to come to the meetings". YOU are the rep's., that is your role!
A teacher in the district said: Hopefully the progress you speak of will include teachers that know how to write a sentence which is grammatically correct. Stating you are a teacher and then writing on the blog with poor grammar is pathetic.
Thanks Annette for your wonderful perspective. Take a survey of all the faculty, teachers, and staff and ask them if they are happy with 131 and the Board that represents them. Then call Denise Crosby and have these results put in the newspaper for all to see. Guaranteed the survey will not be in the Boards favor.
If the accountant couldn't explain a purchase order then why was the accountant hired? Wouldn't that be a standard question in an interview for a finance position? More proof that 131 doesnt have a clue with Annette at the wheel.
No Annette couldn't explain a PO. She kept changing the rules so McClusky didn't know what was right from minute to minute. It is sad that someone who is a quality person is bullied and chased away from a place where she could have made a real difference and you people do nothing but tear her down. Put the blame where the blame belongs and that is on Johnson, Roberts and Glotzbach.
Roberts is in charge. Johnson goes around bullying and berating everyone who is working hard to do a good job and Glotzbach doesn't do anything to protect employees because she is one of the biggest bullies. Everyone in HR is either retiring or looking for a job. HR employees are seen going home crying every week. Remember Joanie is in the middle of every major debacle in this district including the Bob Green mess that cost the district thousands in legal fees.
How can Annette say she doesnt' know what happened. Did anyone ask McClusky? Everyone knows what happened. She bullied the poor woman, called her stupid and incompetent. In meetings with vendors she insulted her and was rude to the vendors. That's why no one wants to work with East Aurora. Annette chases them away and Roberts and Joanie just let it happen so they can protect their salaries. Only kids suffer in the end.
They keep promises to no one in East Aurora. Not Becker, not teachers, not even other administrators. In March Joanie and Roberts called an emergency meeting to tell administrators they would start paying for insurance and lose days off. they told them that they would be up to 10% for insurance for the school year. Now in the middle of the school year Roberts sent a memo telling them they were not going to keep their promise and jack up their insurance rates on January 1 instead of July 1.
Everyone at centrol office is afraid to tell the truth because everyone is afraid they will be retaliated against. the central office admin bully anyone they can to save their own skin. They don't even care to protect each other. no one can be trusted. they will sell out their own mothers if it will benefit them.
Annette made the promise to Becker. Now you're saying she chose not to throw money away on him? Which is it? You better go back and calculate your numbers on kids who left football program because your math is off. Please tell me whose opinion matters the most, the players that stayed, played, and love Coach Becker, or one of the baby players that couldn't take the toughness of football because of soft parents like you.
Now you showed who you are a administrator who is on the chopping block. Only the administrators know they had to pay the same insurance as teachers. Sounds like sour grapes because the Board is finally cracking down.
I did talk to one of the assistant coaches who left East high and it wasn't because of the way Becker ran the football program, it was for personal reasons and his job. The teachers at East are afraid to speak up about anything because they don't want to get fired. The 90+ plus kids who left the football program didn't want to do what it takes. Why doesn't somebody write something constructive on this blog? What steps need to be taken to make changes on the board? If nobody likes Ms. Johnson, how do you replace her?
Looking into the football program showed the train wreck that was about to occur with Becker. The District spent $60,000 alone in coaches salaries at the High school not to mention the $40,000 that got spent on equipment for Becker. Buses and other costs come to $135,000 per year. This comes to $ 2045.00 per point with no Freshman team because Becker drove them away. I think the Board had to stop his train wreck The last coach had a budget of $52,000 total and a Freshman team. THis included busing, wages, and equipment.
The band is working on far less and Liska teaches all day. he has a record number of students out and changed many lives these are the programs we need to focus on.
Being this board makes tough decisions get rid of the Football program
6:49 said 3:53 couldn't be further from the facts. If you read the comment there was no mention of a promised position just that the position assigned in July could have been a possible fit for Becker. That was a new position and in the paper the excuse was "state funding was cut in July and administrative positions had to be cut. Unless you want to cut teachers." I wonder if Becker was considered? They had money for that position without cutting teachers. I bet it's worth two or three teachers. If I am getting my facts wrong than I should fit right in with this blog.
Your numbers about the cost of the band program are incorrect. The band does not function on far less than $52,000 a year.
Liska's salary alone is over $60,000 a year. Just last year, the board approved over $100,000 to the the middle and high school programs to purchase many large instruments that the programs lacked. This was on top of the band programs normal budgets. As much as this sounds like, it is a small fraction of what is spent on music programs in surrounding communities.
Programs cost money. If we want the children of District 131 to be able to compete in this world against the kids of these others communities, there need to be an investment from the administration and board to support these programs.
I can't believe that the district board and administration would pass up any grant opportunities to help replace the East High Stadium.
The bleachers have needed to be replaced for years. They are very unsafe, both structurally and the fact that the bleachers are covered in dangerous lead based paint.
It always makes me cringe in horror when I see little kids playing on the bleachers and then sticking their hands in their mouths. I've seen it happen at every event I've been to there and it infuriates me that district administrators know that there is this hazard but refuse to deal with it.
If situations like this were to occur in a Naperville or St. Charles, the community would demand resignations and remedies.
What does Nestor Garcia do? It seems like he makes a lot of money that "wasn't available" when Mr. Becker was hired. It would seem Mr. Becker might be qualified to help organize middle shool athletics into feeders for EAHS. Unless Mr. Garcia is doing an exceptional job at it already.
Wow, a lot of people talking about band, football and test scores and nobody knows anything about any of them. Nobody has any clue what is spent, where it is spent, or why it was spent.
These are the times where the most lies come out and your ignorance is shown.
Lies, Stupidity and morons stating them. It is pointless to refute anything to morons who refuse to accept it anyway. Nobody wants the facts they just want to bitch. So please continue morons.
How sad to see what the east side has become. It really does feel like I am lost in Mexico. No wonder the scores are in such decline with such an illiterate illegal immigrant group.
8:56's definition of "lies" is verifiable FACTS that he/she cannot refute--but it bothers him/her that the negative stuff can't be swept under the rug so instead of presenting their own evidence, they just call the other side stupid, morons, or liars.
11:45 p.m., I feel sorry for someone with your attitude!
I am privileged to know MANY Hispanic immigrant families, and I can say that I've never known a lazy immigrant! The Mexican immigrants I've met personally have all been hard-working, strong family people. I doubt that I could adapt as quickly to another culture as my immigrant friends have.
How sad that some of us who have been lucky enough to grow up in a place where our own ancestors were immigrants cannot show a bit of hospitality and welcome!
I am not a relative of Cam nor Beckers wife but I am proud of what Coach Becker brings to East High. His program has rules and guidelines which our students are not used to. He does not just allow the students to walk all over him and play regardless of eligibility. He focuses on academics and participation at practices. Today's kids have no discipline at home so they chose not to listen to a coach who made them follow the rules. I for one would be very sad to see Coach Becker leave.
People want to drop football becase they have not had a winning season. Our academic scores have been horrible for years but we don't drop English, Math, or any other subject. We keep pushing our students to do better. That is exactly what Coach Becker is trying to do!!!
Lies and stupidity. People refusing to go to meetings. People refusing to ask those who know the answers to their questions. They just post on a blog hoping to ruin peoples reputations.
They defend the lazy teachers and demonize the ones trying to make a difference.
10:49, I doubt that FACTS posted on a blog can ruin someone's reputation. And the teacher that one person calls "lazy" is described by others as inspiring and even legendary.
As for "refusing to go to meetings", how do YOU know why people are unable to attend? In the case of School Board meetings, the community should not have to physically attend; the district should join the 21st century and put meetings online, as neighboring disticts do.
November 22, 2012 8:40 AM...you clearly ignored what I am talking about. Then again perhaps your reading comprehension is simply not up to par. That can be excusable if you went to public school.
I am talking about a group of people who have come here and chose TO NOT ASSIMILATE. Why do you think I made the comment that parts of Aurora resemble more like Mexico?
And yes, a large part of them have little in the way of education. Do you deny that academic performance has diminished all across 131 with all the Mexicans that are here? What is the dropout rate for Mexicans at East Aurora?
Of course they work hard. They are good at menial work that does not require much in the way of intelligence. So at least they have that going for them. I am sure they will be quite happy as a semi-permanent underclass. And I am sure Aurora will be quite happy to see them drain the financial and social resources of the city. And I am also sure that 131 will be quite happy at the ever increasing amounts of money spent on ESL classes in exchange for low test scores, high dropout rates and low graduation rates.
If you are satisfied to see East Aurora's average ACT score in the mid-teens then God bless you.
2:20 a.m., I am in my sixth year as a volunteer tutor at the Dominican Literacy Center here on the east side of Aurora, and I can tell you that the Mexican immigrants I know personally definitely want to assimilate! My students have dragged themselves into class after having worked the night shift. They have walked two miles to class in the rain when their car wouldn't start. Many DLC students spend thousands of dollars and several years preparing for citizenship tests. I know of several other literacy programs in the area (Waubonsee, various churches)--they all have waiting lists of immigrants who are eager to learn our language and customs, and become productive American citizens. 2:20 a.m., what are YOU doing to make a positive difference??
Assimilation does take time, however. Sometimes it's the second generation who truly fit in to our culture (like the middle and high school students who come with their parents to conferences, to interpret). Yes, there are places in Aurora that look like "Little Mexico", but there are places in Chicago that look like "Little Poland" or "Little Manila". As time goes by and the younger generation grows up those neighborhoods become more Americanized.
And about the ACT scores: it's not just immigrant kids who are dragging them down. We had an African-American basketball standout a couple of years ago who got a 12 or 13 on his ACT. And on the opposite end of the spectrum, the top 10% of last year's graduating class was overwhelmingly kids of Mexican heritage.
Give kids (of any ethnicity or background) some support and a chance, and many of them will succeed and even excel!
Republicans underestimated the importance of the hispanic vote at the last election. It cost them many seats, most noticibly, the presidency. Hispanics are assimilating (and voting), in ever increasing numbers. Ignore this at your own peril.
You are not showing intelligence, just bigotry and hatred. I suggest you move down to Mississippi or Alabama where your views are more mainstream.
9am, I am happy you replied to 2:20am. I believe that person to be from the City of Little Tolerance. So many of the immigrants are NOT even from Mexico. Volunteering at the Dom. Lit. Ctr. you know first hand how hard people work to have the "Amercian dream." Some people are eager to believe ELL are all ignorant or lack education, when in many cases these people/children excell or are gifted and are being held back by the programs and processes in place to 'educate & test' them.
It is true the Hispanic community was not the one holding EA state rank on the low side. A few years back we had an interim principal at EAHS. He was not trying to make any points with anyone and told it like it was. Black students were scoring lowest. He was a Black retired principal from Elgin and I think he was one of few that could have turned the current at EA. He had to leave and we got Marin :(
9 am your point was well taken until the end. NCAA minimum ACT requirement to be eligible for Div.I sports is 16 / Div.II 14. The ACT scores are based upon the 90 plus percent of Hispanic students and no one else. The east side resembled little Romania at one point as well. You can respect the American culture without turning into a coconut. Assimilation should never be the goal because you will never be mistaken for an Anglo.
1:10 don't fool yourself. I know a little about the south and bigotry. The difference between a southern and northern bigot is simple. In the south the bigot does not mind if you live near him as long as you don't possess more than him (material wealth, education etc.. The northern bigot does not care how much make, know or own ; just don't move next door to him. Approximately Sheffer Rd. to the city boundaries is the bigots last stronghold.
10:37 you missed another reason the district should fully support the spending accounts. The district pays none of the money that goes in the account (that's deducted from the employee's pay), and any money left in the account at the end of the year is forfeited -- TO THE EMPLOYER. So if an employee misjudges and has $2k taken out, but only uses $1500 of it, the school collects $500.
Of course they work hard. They are good at menial work that does not require much in the way of intelligence.
2:20 AM your racism is showing big time. There's a big difference between intelligence and knowledge. There are people out there digging ditches that are more intelligent than you or me or even college professors. What they may not have is the knowledge gained thru education. Hispanics (including many illegal immigrants) have just as much intelligence as white guys like me.
I just had an interesting conversation w/ a Republican at Thanksgiving dinner, bemoaning the fact that his party keeps turning off the hispanic voters. By nature, the majority of hispanics are probably on the conservative side and could easily be drawn to the Republican party if the party smartened up.
The numbers that characterize d131 are number that you will not see in the surrounding districts. 1. Low income: 131: 79% / 129: 60% / 204: 14% / 203: 11% 2. Limited English : 131: 36% / 129: 15% / 204: 5% / 203: 3% 3. SPED : 131: 13% / 129: 11% / 204: 9% / 203: 9%
D131 students in general are poor, hungry, are not proficient in English, migrant and in need of lots of special services. They also are resilient, tough, conservative , polite,humble, survivors and the final chapter has yet to written. I don't want the right wing nuts to get excited by conservative. Low income students are conservative by nature because they do not have resources to be liberal with.
11/21 11:45 you can thank Tom Weisner and his girlfriend over at the Urban League for making the east side a mess. I wish Stover was back, at least he was trying to make Aurora a more high class place to live. Weisner is just the opposite. The lower the better. So next time you drive anywhere in town and see the decline Aurora is going through you can thank the current alderman and Tom Weisner.
I'm definitely not related to ANYbody, but calling out someone and not putting YOUR name on it is a b**ch move. Talk abt him in front of me and id smack your a** 1974 style!!!
253 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 253 of 253To 11:33 PM You must be a racist or just plain ignorant. Being Mexican has nothing to do with the downfall of East Aurora. The soccer team again was very successful this year. This is just one of many successes still in the district. I to am an alumnus but intelligent to know better than to use the race card. The Board President is white and the Superintendent is black. Take the sheet off of your head and get a life. You are probably upset President Obama won the election again. Oh if you are interested for your information I am African American.
Rumor is Johnson got the District a $700,000 grant what did Kurt Becker do sounds like she is doing the job for free.
Announcement to follow.
No I am not Annette just one of her loyal supporters. She makes choices for excellence like not throwing money away on Becker.
Just talk to teachers at East and get a opinion on Becker. Talk to students 90 plus who left the Football program when they saw him for who he was. Talk to the 3 assistant coaches who quit in the middle of the program.
Do any of you have a clue???? Your scores are awful, the district is in chaos, and everytime you open the newspaper there is anothere scandal. There is no leadership and too many people are NOT acting professional.
The district needs new blood from the superintendent (who ultimately is responsible for the mess in the district) to many of the principals who are not moving forward and demanding more of their staff and students. God help them all when the state mandates take effect and their pay becomes tied directly to STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT. What will they do then??
Ask yourself -- is the district moving forward and getting better - or getting worse? The people who have been hired and could make a difference all leave due to the mess in leadership.
Has anyone heard of PLC's, SIOP Training, PBIS or any of the current things that are going on in education??? The district is so far behind it isn't funny and who knows how out of compliance they are from meeting state requirements.
For example, the 2012 state report cards were required to be posted to the district website by October 31, 2012, and they are still not posted. The administrative salaries were required to be posted to the website in October, and they are still not posted and current.
The high school has not made AYP (adequate yearly progress) for years. By federal law - they should be in reorganization (check out their school report card - even the old one) - yet nothing seems to have changed. They should have posted a new school improvement plan at the high school and it is 2 years old.
These are just a few examples of the mess that is in the district - who knows how many other areas the district is out of compliance with state requirements.
Demand more of your school board and leaders. The kids are the ones who are the victims of inept leadership.
There are some good people in the district and the schools who are trying to make positive changes -- they need to be elevated, rewarded, and supported ASAP - before they get discouraged and LEAVE.
LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET THE HECK OUT OF THE WAY.
The person that wrote the, "the teachers are happy with the insurance", appears to be speaking for all teachers. Please don't do that because I know of MANY teachers that are not happy with the insurance, union, salary increase, etc. First of all, the increase for the family HMO insurance is $850.00 A YEAR, which is almost half of the salary increase.
Secondly ,the flexible spending account you mention is a program created by the IRS in the late 70s. It is an IRS program that large employers would be foolish not to offer to it's employees, since it costs the district a minimal amount to administer.. The interesting thing is, the district only allows district employees $2000 annually to be claimed for the Health Care Account. The IRS allows $2500 annually to be claimed, so the district is shorting the employees the $500 of eligible expenses. Why? It is ridiculous.
While I am on a role, I may as well add in, the tuition reimbursement rate is a joke at $150.00 per semester hour. The rate on the contract hasn't been increased in over 15 years.
Try asking the union representatives any questions and they are quick to answer. Answers usually consist of "I don't know" or "If you want to change something or be informed, you need to come to the meetings". YOU are the rep's., that is your role!
8:17 am
I'm sure whoever wrote that meant it as a joke!
This message is for 5:28 am.
A teacher in the district said:
Hopefully the progress you speak of will include teachers that know how to write a sentence which is grammatically correct. Stating you are a teacher and then writing on the blog with poor grammar is pathetic.
Thanks Annette for your wonderful perspective. Take a survey of all the faculty, teachers, and staff and ask them if they are happy with 131 and the Board that represents them. Then call Denise Crosby and have these results put in the newspaper for all to see. Guaranteed the survey will not be in the Boards favor.
If the accountant couldn't explain a purchase order then why was the accountant hired? Wouldn't that be a standard question in an interview for a finance position? More proof that 131 doesnt have a clue with Annette at the wheel.
No Annette couldn't explain a PO. She kept changing the rules so McClusky didn't know what was right from minute to minute. It is sad that someone who is a quality person is bullied and chased away from a place where she could have made a real difference and you people do nothing but tear her down. Put the blame where the blame belongs and that is on Johnson, Roberts and Glotzbach.
Roberts is in charge. Johnson goes around bullying and berating everyone who is working hard to do a good job and Glotzbach doesn't do anything to protect employees because she is one of the biggest bullies. Everyone in HR is either retiring or looking for a job. HR employees are seen going home crying every week. Remember Joanie is in the middle of every major debacle in this district including the Bob Green mess that cost the district thousands in legal fees.
How can Annette say she doesnt' know what happened. Did anyone ask McClusky? Everyone knows what happened. She bullied the poor woman, called her stupid and incompetent. In meetings with vendors she insulted her and was rude to the vendors. That's why no one wants to work with East Aurora. Annette chases them away and Roberts and Joanie just let it happen so they can protect their salaries. Only kids suffer in the end.
They keep promises to no one in East Aurora. Not Becker, not teachers, not even other administrators. In March Joanie and Roberts called an emergency meeting to tell administrators they would start paying for insurance and lose days off. they told them that they would be up to 10% for insurance for the school year. Now in the middle of the school year Roberts sent a memo telling them they were not going to keep their promise and jack up their insurance rates on January 1 instead of July 1.
Everyone at centrol office is afraid to tell the truth because everyone is afraid they will be retaliated against. the central office admin bully anyone they can to save their own skin. They don't even care to protect each other. no one can be trusted. they will sell out their own mothers if it will benefit them.
Annette made the promise to Becker. Now you're saying she chose not to throw money away on him? Which is it? You better go back and calculate your numbers on kids who left football program because your math is off. Please tell me whose opinion matters the most, the players that stayed, played, and love Coach Becker, or one of the baby players that couldn't take the toughness of football because of soft parents like you.
Word of advice, if you really are a loyal supporter, I recommend you find new friends to hang out with. Or, maybe you are Autistic just like Annette.
Now you showed who you are a administrator who is on the chopping block. Only the administrators know they had to pay the same insurance as teachers. Sounds like sour grapes because the Board is finally cracking down.
I did talk to one of the assistant coaches who left East high and it wasn't because of the way Becker ran the football program, it was for personal reasons and his job. The teachers at East are afraid to speak up about anything because they don't want to get fired. The 90+ plus kids who left the football program didn't want to do what it takes. Why doesn't somebody write something constructive on this blog? What steps need to be taken to make changes on the board? If nobody likes Ms. Johnson, how do you replace her?
Looking into the football program showed the train wreck that was about to occur with Becker. The District spent $60,000 alone in coaches salaries at the High school not to mention the $40,000 that got spent on equipment for Becker. Buses and other costs come to $135,000 per year. This comes to $ 2045.00 per point with no Freshman team because Becker drove them away. I think the Board had to stop his train wreck The last coach had a budget of $52,000 total and a Freshman team. THis included busing, wages, and equipment.
The band is working on far less and Liska teaches all day. he has a record number of students out and changed many lives these are the programs we need to focus on.
Being this board makes tough decisions get rid of the Football program
6:49 said 3:53 couldn't be further from the facts. If you read the comment there was no mention of a promised position just that the position assigned in July could have been a possible fit for Becker. That was a new position and in the paper the excuse was "state funding was cut in July and administrative positions had to be cut. Unless you want to cut teachers." I wonder if Becker was considered? They had money for that position without cutting teachers. I bet it's worth two or three teachers. If I am getting my facts wrong than I should fit right in with this blog.
2:58 p.m., percentage wise there are no more kids in the band program now than under the previous director.
And last spring the ratings at Solo & Ensemble contest were the worst they've ever been.
Wow $60,000 for this loser and his fiends glad to see Becker go.
To: November 21, 2012 2:58 PM
Your numbers about the cost of the band program are incorrect. The band does not function on far less than $52,000 a year.
Liska's salary alone is over $60,000 a year. Just last year, the board approved over $100,000 to the the middle and high school programs to purchase many large instruments that the programs lacked. This was on top of the band programs normal budgets. As much as this sounds like, it is a small fraction of what is spent on music programs in surrounding communities.
Programs cost money. If we want the children of District 131 to be able to compete in this world against the kids of these others communities, there need to be an investment from the administration and board to support these programs.
I can't believe that the district board and administration would pass up any grant opportunities to help replace the East High Stadium.
The bleachers have needed to be replaced for years. They are very unsafe, both structurally and the fact that the bleachers are covered in dangerous lead based paint.
It always makes me cringe in horror when I see little kids playing on the bleachers and then sticking their hands in their mouths. I've seen it happen at every event I've been to there and it infuriates me that district administrators know that there is this hazard but refuse to deal with it.
If situations like this were to occur in a Naperville or St. Charles, the community would demand resignations and remedies.
Johnson loves our current insurance and she is the reason we switched FROM blue cross blue shield. I doubt she is the reason we're switching back.
What does Nestor Garcia do? It seems like he makes a lot of money that "wasn't available" when Mr. Becker was hired. It would seem Mr. Becker might be qualified to help organize middle shool athletics into feeders for EAHS. Unless Mr. Garcia is doing an exceptional job at it already.
No matter what our difference are HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE. Enjoy family and friends on this day.
Wow, a lot of people talking about band, football and test scores and nobody knows anything about any of them. Nobody has any clue what is spent, where it is spent, or why it was spent.
These are the times where the most lies come out and your ignorance is shown.
8:28 p.m., what lies are you talking about?
Be specific, IF you can. Or is it just easier to make blanket generalizations because you have no evidence or examples to refute others' claims?
Lies, Stupidity and morons stating them. It is pointless to refute anything to morons who refuse to accept it anyway. Nobody wants the facts they just want to bitch. So please continue morons.
To Cams relatives have a Happy Thanksgiving. The only people who blog for Becker is his wife and Leadbetters loser relatives
Not only that, we are given money as per our contract that we can't even use for what we really need for our classroom because they say we can't.
Thanks again Annette. You're not fooling anyone.
How sad to see what the east side has become. It really does feel like I am lost in Mexico. No wonder the scores are in such decline with such an illiterate illegal immigrant group.
8:56's definition of "lies" is verifiable FACTS that he/she cannot refute--but it bothers him/her that the negative stuff can't be swept under the rug so instead of presenting their own evidence, they just call the other side stupid, morons, or liars.
Denial and distraction, as always.
11:45 p.m., I feel sorry for someone with your attitude!
I am privileged to know MANY Hispanic immigrant families, and I can say that I've never known a lazy immigrant! The Mexican immigrants I've met personally have all been hard-working, strong family people. I doubt that I could adapt as quickly to another culture as my immigrant friends have.
How sad that some of us who have been lucky enough to grow up in a place where our own ancestors were immigrants cannot show a bit of hospitality and welcome!
I am not a relative of Cam nor Beckers wife but I am proud of what Coach Becker brings to East High. His program has rules and guidelines which our students are not used to. He does not just allow the students to walk all over him and play regardless of eligibility. He focuses on academics and participation at practices. Today's kids have no discipline at home so they chose not to listen to a coach who made them follow the rules. I for one would be very sad to see Coach Becker leave.
People want to drop football becase they have not had a winning season. Our academic scores have been horrible for years but we don't drop English, Math, or any other subject. We keep pushing our students to do better. That is exactly what Coach Becker is trying to do!!!
I am not Johnson just someone who knows the facts.
Lets see the excuses
Had 90 kids only 28 finished. now the excuse is they are a bunch of lazy Mexicans.
Said he had loads of volunteers now it comes out they got paid. Gee Matt don't you make enought money ripping off the fire department.
Said he was going to earn 3 wins. Scored less than Bryant. Did not win a game.
Made up lies about the first trainer.
Got his friend hired in the counseling department. He was a volunteer too.
Played kids that had not been legible all year.
Claimed he ran recruitment at middle schools. Yet we did not have a freshman team
Berated students that they faked injuries.
Tried to shake down the school district for a job
The legacy of Becker. No I am not a board member, but a staff member who could see through him.
Lies and stupidity. People refusing to go to meetings. People refusing to ask those who know the answers to their questions. They just post on a blog hoping to ruin peoples reputations.
They defend the lazy teachers and demonize the ones trying to make a difference.
BTW the students did not leave sports they left Becker they joined Cross County , Soccer and a new start up Boys Volleyball team.
The volleyball team practiced three days a week most of the time without a coach. That's commitment.
10:49, I doubt that FACTS posted on a blog can ruin someone's reputation. And the teacher that one person calls "lazy" is described by others as inspiring and even legendary.
As for "refusing to go to meetings", how do YOU know why people are unable to attend? In the case of School Board meetings, the community should not have to physically attend; the district should join the 21st century and put meetings online, as neighboring disticts do.
Some of us could say that YOU'RE the liar, 10:49!
Some of you could say that I am the liar, but that wouldn't be the TRUTH :)
Like the country song says, truth comes out a little at a time ;)
November 22, 2012 8:40 AM...you clearly ignored what I am talking about. Then again perhaps your reading comprehension is simply not up to par. That can be excusable if you went to public school.
I am talking about a group of people who have come here and chose TO NOT ASSIMILATE. Why do you think I made the comment that parts of Aurora resemble more like Mexico?
And yes, a large part of them have little in the way of education. Do you deny that academic performance has diminished all across 131 with all the Mexicans that are here? What is the dropout rate for Mexicans at East Aurora?
Of course they work hard. They are good at menial work that does not require much in the way of intelligence. So at least they have that going for them. I am sure they will be quite happy as a semi-permanent underclass. And I am sure Aurora will be quite happy to see them drain the financial and social resources of the city. And I am also sure that 131 will be quite happy at the ever increasing amounts of money spent on ESL classes in exchange for low test scores, high dropout rates and low graduation rates.
If you are satisfied to see East Aurora's average ACT score in the mid-teens then God bless you.
2:20 a.m., I am in my sixth year as a volunteer tutor at the Dominican Literacy Center here on the east side of Aurora, and I can tell you that the Mexican immigrants I know personally definitely want to assimilate! My students have dragged themselves into class after having worked the night shift. They have walked two miles to class in the rain when their car wouldn't start. Many DLC students spend thousands of dollars and several years preparing for citizenship tests. I know of several other literacy programs in the area (Waubonsee, various churches)--they all have waiting lists of immigrants who are eager to learn our language and customs, and become productive American citizens. 2:20 a.m., what are YOU doing to make a positive difference??
Assimilation does take time, however. Sometimes it's the second generation who truly fit in to our culture (like the middle and high school students who come with their parents to conferences, to interpret). Yes, there are places in Aurora that look like "Little Mexico", but there are places in Chicago that look like "Little Poland" or "Little Manila". As time goes by and the younger generation grows up those neighborhoods become more Americanized.
And about the ACT scores: it's not just immigrant kids who are dragging them down. We had an African-American basketball standout a couple of years ago who got a 12 or 13 on his ACT. And on the opposite end of the spectrum, the top 10% of last year's graduating class was overwhelmingly kids of Mexican heritage.
Give kids (of any ethnicity or background) some support and a chance, and many of them will succeed and even excel!
To: November 23, 2012 2:20 AM
Republicans underestimated the importance of the hispanic vote at the last election. It cost them many seats, most noticibly, the presidency. Hispanics are assimilating (and voting), in ever increasing numbers. Ignore this at your own peril.
You are not showing intelligence, just bigotry and hatred. I suggest you move down to Mississippi or Alabama where your views are more mainstream.
9am, I am happy you replied to 2:20am. I believe that person to be from the City of Little Tolerance. So many of the immigrants are NOT even from Mexico. Volunteering at the Dom. Lit. Ctr. you know first hand how hard people work to have the "Amercian dream." Some people are eager to believe ELL are all ignorant or lack education, when in many cases these people/children excell or are gifted and are being held back by the programs and processes in place to 'educate & test' them.
It is true the Hispanic community was not the one holding EA state rank on the low side. A few years back we had an interim principal at EAHS. He was not trying to make any points with anyone and told it like it was. Black students were scoring lowest. He was a Black retired principal from Elgin and I think he was one of few that could have turned the current at EA. He had to leave and we got Marin :(
9 am your point was well taken until the end. NCAA minimum ACT requirement to be eligible for Div.I sports is 16 / Div.II 14. The ACT scores are based upon the 90 plus percent of Hispanic students and no one else. The east side resembled little Romania at one point as well. You can respect the American culture without turning into a coconut. Assimilation should never be the goal because you will never be mistaken for an Anglo.
1:10 don't fool yourself. I know a little about the south and bigotry. The difference between a southern and northern bigot is simple. In the south the bigot does not mind if you live near him as long as you don't possess more than him (material wealth, education etc.. The northern bigot does not care how much make, know or own ; just don't move next door to him. Approximately Sheffer Rd. to the city boundaries is the bigots last stronghold.
10:37 you missed another reason the district should fully support the spending accounts. The district pays none of the money that goes in the account (that's deducted from the employee's pay), and any money left in the account at the end of the year is forfeited -- TO THE EMPLOYER. So if an employee misjudges and has $2k taken out, but only uses $1500 of it, the school collects $500.
Of course they work hard. They are good at menial work that does not require much in the way of intelligence.
2:20 AM your racism is showing big time. There's a big difference between intelligence and knowledge. There are people out there digging ditches that are more intelligent than you or me or even college professors. What they may not have is the knowledge gained thru education. Hispanics (including many illegal immigrants) have just as much intelligence as white guys like me.
I just had an interesting conversation w/ a Republican at Thanksgiving dinner, bemoaning the fact that his party keeps turning off the hispanic voters. By nature, the majority of hispanics are probably on the conservative side and could easily be drawn to the Republican party if the party smartened up.
The numbers that characterize d131 are number that you will not see in the surrounding districts.
1. Low income: 131: 79% / 129: 60% / 204: 14% / 203: 11%
2. Limited English : 131: 36% / 129: 15% / 204: 5% / 203: 3%
3. SPED : 131: 13% / 129: 11% / 204: 9% / 203: 9%
4. Mobility : 131: 15% / 129: 11% / 204: 7% / 203: 4%
D131 students in general are poor, hungry, are not proficient in English, migrant and in need of lots of special services.
They also are resilient, tough, conservative , polite,humble, survivors and the final chapter has yet to written. I don't want the right wing nuts to get excited by conservative. Low income students are conservative by nature because they do not have resources to be liberal with.
11/21 11:45 you can thank Tom Weisner and his girlfriend over at the Urban League for making the east side a mess. I wish Stover was back, at least he was trying to make Aurora a more high class place to live. Weisner is just the opposite. The lower the better. So next time you drive anywhere in town and see the decline Aurora is going through you can thank the current alderman and Tom Weisner.
I'm definitely not related to ANYbody, but calling out someone and not putting YOUR name on it is a b**ch move. Talk abt him in front of me and id smack your a** 1974 style!!!
sorry... i live in the real world. Go hug a tree dummy.
how is a player "legible"? ......you mean they can read or what???
well said.
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