The building administrators evaluations and bonuses are based on how well their students do on the ISAT.
The Central Office and Board already have the testing information for the Magnet School. That is the only way they can give the Magnet Administrators and other building principals their evaluations.
Ask yourself why the Board and Central Office want to keep the testing data a secret. Anybody should be able to go to the County or State Board of Education and demand the records. They sould also be able to FOIA them from the district (though there should be no need to go through all this trouble, it should already be public record).
District 131 is a public entity, taking public tax dollars. The board and administration have no right to keep this data a secret from the public.
The Think Link data for this year is out its been on the District Curriculum Committee for months. It shows how bad the programs Adams and Aird had the District is going to take a big dip because of no Common Core in the Curriculum and the State testing. Although other Districts will have the same problem, ours will be much worst.
Someone needs to pin Johnson down and make her fire Roberts. Roberts panicked and put Common Core workbooks in at the half way point. it is teaching to the test if you are a educator. Many teachers are upset by this, it should have been in our Curiculum.
We need new administrators and Dr Aird held back Common Core and Adams did not know enough about it.
I do not believe Strand or Montroy have any solutions. They only want to return to the past. They do support Dr Aird. The Committees the union formed will work but we need fresh blood to make them work.
Annette we all support you, but not Dr Roberts please you seem to like to change why not him!
It's a shame that Angela Rowley has to go begging the community to fund the new laptops for her students. This at the same time the board and administrators brag about the mountain of money they are just sitting on.
It's also a shame that we are not giving the same opportunities to all of our District 131 students. I guess the others just have to fend for themselves.
Kudos to Angela Rowley for doing what she can for her students in this broken system.
Did you notice how quickly Jerome jumped into the picture to assume credit for something he had nothing to do with. Annette has also talked about it on her campaign tour. It's sickening how they try to take credit for positives they had nothing to do with.
It's the same when students receive academic or sports awards. The next thing you know they are paraded with the board so the board can take a picture and as much credit as possible.
Ok good thing that the schools are getting computers, but so are many other school districts in the state. Palatine is giving every single student Ipads. This is what many districts are doing now. So its great that they are getting them but lets not say its the only one in the chicago area doing this. I would love to see some data too on this Magnet school. Why is there so much debate on the scores? Why can't people just call and get that information?
East needs to focus on getting rid of Jerome Roberts. If Johnson continues to support him she should be voted out. I think she is doing a great job, but I can no longer overlook her support for such an abismal superintendant. With my eyes shut I will have to vote for her opponents. Sorry Ms. Johnson.
The only negative person in the room today was Ray Hull. He just could not take it when the Dunham Funds and Rowley gave credit to he current board for having vision and innovative programs. They also thanked Johnson for helping make the connections to get the grant.
Sorry Mr Hull that the kids got computers today and that the board president does not talk in circles like you.
It starts with a great and appropriate first line:
"And now, for today’s drama-packed episode of the ongoing soap, “As the School Churns ...”."
Certain things are clear. This school district and community are in complete turmoil due to the lack of accountability and poor decisions being made by the school board and administration.
Talk to everyone in District 131 you know and get them out to the polls on April 9th. If a majority of the community makes themselves heard, no current members of the board will remain.
Feb. 19 what are you referring to? Your comment cannot be for the board meeting tonight as the time is to early. Was there a special meeting tonight that we are not aware of? Are you referring to the last meeting? If you are what circles was Hull talking in? Pleae explain.
Ms. Crosby asks, "Why was the assistant superintendent for finance allowed to step down with a comfortable retirement package"
Cronyism, pure & simple. The same cronyism that gave "Serial Bully" Radokovich a comfortable pension and cushy job at Aurora University after he alienated most of our community.
Denise Crosby is a personal friend of Kurt Beckers. how dare she tell us who to vote for from Naperville. A bunch of retired teachers complaining. They have insurance it is clear that these Retirees are with the Strand Montroy ticket and are looking for us to pay their insurance while they drive their Lexus back to Naperville.
GOOD for Annette Johnson that she told them off why did Denise not do her job and print all he comments tonight.
Johnson explained the finances and the computers she is the only one who has a grasp of the issues. Crosby looks like a fool or she is using reverse psychology to get Jonson votes clearly Jonson was. Winner of the night.
I attended last evenings meeting as a staff member and community member. I have watched this board change many things for the good of 131.
The Beacon News namely Crosby is very unfair and only reports on one side. What was interesting and the main comments of Johnson telling everyone she is more than happy to sit dwn and talk with anyone about the dustricts finances was left out. Great That is transparentcy The Retirees are being very unfair to the district. TRS is our insurance when we retire. Why the district kept them on as long as they did is what was wrong. They generate more claims which translate to higher rates for younger teachers. It was also interesting Johnson brought out our strong finances. Why does the Beacon not report on that. Thank you for finally defending the district Ms Johnson maybe your fellow board members need to do the same.
We would also like you to tell us why you continue to employee Dr Roberts and your commitment to finding us a new superintendent.
7:45 a.m., minutes are posted at administration's convenience, not when they should be. Evidently the administration thinks the community deserves to have information withheld, just like some of us are still waiting to see updated information posted on the EHS website, SEVEN months into the school year.
Something to mention at the School Board candidates' forum on March 7th.
What is the "settlement" referred to in the minutes (Dr. Roberts questioned what it was for, and was told it had been discussed in Finance--I downloaded the finance committee minutes & found no specific information)
How much of our hard-earned tax money is being spent on this? And who dropped the ball in the district, that we have to pay a settlement??
I think we should fire Roberts don't replace Clayton and let the district run. It does without them anyway. Johnson is really good at spinning all the district problems away anyways.
Why would I as a resident want to pay for a retiree living in Naperville their insurance. I am glad Crosby showed that Ralph Pardron works for the Strand Montroy campaign.
It show this board can make tough decisions. It also shows Strand and Montroy are working with teachers outside of the district to get elected.
I will support a life long Aurora person any day over them .
AURORA — He’s been gone for five months, but concerned citizens say questions still remain about Finance Director Jay Augustine’s abrupt retirement at the East Aurora School District.
At the East Aurora School Board meeting Tuesday night, Ralph Padron of Naperville, husband of retired East Aurora teacher Lorryl Denny, asked why Augustine was allowed to retire from the district after financial issues surfaced.
After a series of financial discrepancies — including insurance issues — were discovered, Augustine unexpectedly announced he would retire effective immediately in late September 2012. Earlier that month, Augustine submitted paperwork to retire in November 2012.
“The name Jay Augustine surfaces whenever the health insurance or utility bill issues are discussed. The fallout from all of this will be with us for years,” Padron said.
Padron asked why Augustine was allowed to retire instead of being put on administrative leave or fired from the post when finance secretary Penny Halvax, the district’s insurance coordinator, was fired from the district.
“Jay betrayed the trust of the taxpayers, district and the community and was rewarded with a retirement package,” Padron said.
East Aurora School Board President Annette Johnson said Augustine had a right to retire.
“That was his prerogative. Not mine, not the superintendent’s. He decided to retire, plain and simple,” Johnson said.
After the meeting, Johnson said that Augustine’s quick retirement was a surprise to Roberts.
“(On the day) that the insurance company called, (Augustine) by noon, he comes in and retires to Dr. Roberts. That was it,” Johnson said.
East Aurora School Board member Ray Hull disagreed Tuesday night.
“The superintendent gave Jay the option to retire. He was given the option to resign, and he resigned,” Hull said.
In September, then-East Aurora spokesman Clayton Muhammad said that it was mutually decided between Augustine and Roberts to accept his retirement.
Augustine has not returned calls for comment.
Retiree insurance
Although the School Board opted to delay a vote on a proposed revision that would have affected retiree insurance rates earlier this month, retired East Aurora teacher Lorryl Denny again Tuesday night asked why retired teachers only had two weeks to weigh their insurance options.
“Exactly what is the status of retirees for this current policy?” she asked.
Retired East Aurora teacher Alison King of Geneva asked that retired teachers be “grandfathered in” — that currently retired teachers be allowed to stay on the district’s plan despite the change in rules.
Johnson said that the district earlier this month received so many questions from retired teachers that they were unable to respond by this meeting. She said that no policy exists to dictate when the district must respond to questions asked at board meetings and that Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Joan Glotzbach has been inundated with Freedom of Information Act requests.
Johnson said the School Board should have an open session with retired teachers to address insurance questions, and that she is proud of the district’s transparency.
“The word ‘transparency’ — that is this board,” Johnson said.
And now, for today’s drama-packed episode of the ongoing soap, “As the School Churns ...”.
Last week we saw more unrest in the East Aurora School District, with the sudden departures of two principals. Those included the resignation of Sheila Conrad, who is stepping down after more than six years as East High principal to go back into the classroom; and the more mysterious case of Joseph Talluto, who resigned from Waldo Middle School effective immediately after being put on administrative leave pending an investigatThen there’s the increasingly hard-nosed questions that were to be asked — yet again — at Tuesday night’s School Board meeting regarding the sudden resignation of finance chief Jay Augustine last fall after it was revealed the district’s finances had fallen into chaos under his watch.
Most of the tough questions are being fired by a group called CORE (Committee of Retired Educators) whose members are up in arms over the sudden and costly changes to their health insurance policies. But according to Ralph Padron, CORE is also appalled at the many other controversies rocking the district. Padron, a former purchasing and production manager from Naperville whose wife is a retired East Aurora teacher, says the growing group is also reaching out to community members, as well as active teachers who are upset with the board but too afraid to speak out for fear of losing their jobs.
Among the answers CORE wants: What are the exact dollar amounts for insurance losses and late utility fees that occurred under Augustine’s watch. Why was the assistant superintendent for finance allowed to step down with a comfortable retirement package when his assistant Penny Halvax was fired over the insurance debacle; and why was Assistant Superintendent Christie Aird, who wrote the board-approved transgender policy, disciplined after a nasty, headline-grabbing backlash forced the board to reverse the policy.
Padron’s wife Lorryl Denny has plenty of questions of her own about the board’s revision of its retired teachers insurance policy that will cost teachers twice as much money; and challenges the board’s statement that East Aurora was the only school district that offered the previous package. Also, retired teacher Alison King questions the $600,000 savings the district claims will be made from these policy changes.
Padron, who says he now does consulting work as an auditor, has even offered his services to the board free of charge to provide “answers to put these issues to rest.”
Padron said after he and Denny spoke at the board meeting two weeks ago, they received letters from East Superintendent Jerome Roberts that indicated answers to their questions would come as soon as possible. But Padron, who throws his support behind School Board candidates Zachary Montroy and Kirsten Strand, is convinced these questions are “only the tip” of the iceberg” — and they will continue to apply pressure to the board.
In the meantime, there is positive news coming out of the district. On Tuesday it was announced the Dunham Fund will present a $660,000 grant to the East Aurora School District to purchase a computer device for every student in the district’s Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy. Any time you can put technology into the hands of students in an impoverished district is truly cause for celebration — and certainly kudos to those who made it possible.
Another bit of good news: Also announced Tuesday, there will be a forum for candidates running for the East Aurora School Board at 6:30 p.m. March 7 at Hawks Auditorium at East Aurora High School.
Hopefully the event will be well attended by a community that deserves more answers and less drama. ion.
It is shocking that someone from Geneva or Naperville are even allowed the time of day. It is not like they don't have insurance, are they kidding many people don't have insurance in our district at all. I am assuming if the Teachers system is good enough for other teachers in Illinois then it's good enough for them. Then there is the comment that they keep asking the same questions and wasting everyone's time. Go back to Naperville Mr Padron and support your wife and stop living off us
She's reporting the drama, not creating it! Ms. Crosby has been writing about our district for 10 years (or longer). I have articles she wrote from the Beacon back in 2005. She knows a lot about what happens in this community, and isn't shy about calling a spade a spade.
Hey! April is drawing near. Time to come out of hiding. Get in those schools. Get some photo ops. Hug a first grader. Smile! Pretend your always in the schools you represent. Pretend you're there for the kids. Maybe the newspaper that district employees were told not to believe (you remember the infamous only believe me or Dr. Roberts not the Beacon) yeah, that paper, maybe they'll print the pictures of the school visits and kid hugging. Pretend all the chaos and embarrassment that has plagued this district never happened or is someone else's fault. People are dropping like flies. Why? Clayton? Principals? Where are the answers from our transparent board? Why has there been so much complete chaos under "YOUR WATCH!" We (staff, students, community) never see you! Will you show up now that April is looming? Treat us all like idiots as if we never deal with all the embarrassment that has come to our district. The kids in East Aurora deserve better. Change in April is a must! Out with Johnson! Out with Roberts! Teachers start spreading the word to voters. You need a fresh start so you can help our kids. Don't let the campaign visits fool you. Change is coming!
What does Nestor do? Just curious. I looked up his salary. Wow! Nice! What would that be??? Three new teachers? I mean, if he is really making a difference, great. Is he? I talk to coaches and teachers at the various schools and no one ever sees him and some don't know who he is. I'm assuming that he did an incredible job with B&G and so now he is the savior of sports? How's that going? Is he helping Coach Becker out with the needs of the football program? Just wondering.
Its about time they started getting rid of many do nothing administrators and deserving teachers. Hats off to the Board of Education on making such sweeping changes. It is soooooooooooooooooo long overdue. THANK YOU!!!!!!
Look at the Administration turnover the last 30 years, it is very high. Has it worked yet? Maybe this time finding new administrators will work. Right? Keep walking in circles D131. Laughing stock of state.
Who the heck arranged for Stedman Graham to come speak today at Cowherd. I’m guessing it had something to do with Clayton Muhammad or Sheketa Hart Burns as they were both there to introduce him. I’ve never heard a more worthless and insulting speaker come to a school. First, we at Cowherd were only told of his coming yesterday and had to make all the last minute arrangements. Students had to miss class to listen to somebody who’s only real accomplishment in life was to first date WFLD’s Robin Robinson and later have a “Spiritual Union” with Oprah Winfrey (correct, not married). This is exactly what’s wrong with District 131, all flash and no substance.
The man literally told the students that if you hold a Monday-Friday job/career, you are a slave, a nobody, you don’t think. To free yourself, you must be part of the 1% that run the system. He further told the students that school is a waste. He stated that they listen to their teachers who are only preparing them to pass a test and they will forget everything they learned within two weeks.
He then asked the students what the most powerful word in the world was. His answer: LOVE. According to him you can travel the world with love. Try telling that to the ticket agent when you try to board a plane. However, love apparently worked for him. That and a 100 million dollar prenuptial agreement with Oprah.
While I do agree that the powers that be in this district are only concerned with the test scores, the rest of his statements are very offensive to all working people in the world. His mindset does seem to be shared by the folks in charge of this district. The administration and board are the only ones who matter. The teachers, students and community are worthless.
Hey, 7:57 it's even worse than you think. YOU as a taxpayer paid for him to be there. That's right, this was Sheketa Hart-Burns idea. She used her ward funds to pay his fees -- approved by THE ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL, INCLUDING LAWRENCE.
Yes but who, in District 131 approved Stedman Graham as a speaker in the district schools? The city council can't approve someone to enter the schools. Who approved the message he was going to give to the students?
Christine Warren was the highest ranking administrator from the district in attendance and she is the Director of Secondary Programs for the district. Was Christine Warren the administrator who approved Stedman Graham to spew his hate of the common working man?
I haven't been this insulted for at least a month when Annette Johnson shared her views of our community members at a meeting. Is this really the way those in power feel about the poor and the hard working people of this country?
The problem has become Clayton for years doing what he wants. I was happy o see him go. The entire administration needs to be fired and someone needs to ask that question of the candidates. While I would suspect Johnson is our best hope of doing that. I want to know what the others think not just words. A plan.
For Johnson she needs to explain why she keeps Roberts.
news from the Illinois state Senate, where a state senator has introduced a bill that "would require anonymous website comment posters to reveal their identities if they want to keep their comments online." From the article (warning — obnoxious ads with sound): "The bill, called the Internet Posting Removal Act, is sponsored by Illinois state Sen. Ira Silverstein. It states that a 'web site administrator upon request shall remove any comments posted on his or her web site by an anonymous poster unless the anonymous poster agrees to attach his or her name to the post and confirms that his or her IP address, legal name, and home address are accurate.' This could be the death of Slashdot: No more ACs."
Why does the Beacon News not like Hispanic people. It is the only reason that writer over there keeps pounding on the East school district. Why isnt she writing anything about the problems over at West which are much much bigger. She clearly does not like hispanics and is going after our culture.
Interesting take on the Beacon. Crosby needs to report on West but she won't because of her good friend Mike Chapin. Why, no coverage on Ormond it took CBS to break the story the Beacon sat on for 8 months. Some interesting things are about to pop at West Aurora as the teachers union looks at how Rydland spent his money. You will see resignations at the Beacon over this one. Real journalist are going to be getting involved. To much East Autora, To much unfair one sided coverage.
Remember folks West had 94 million in the bank 5 years ago. DCFS is after them and Rydland got a contract extension before all this broke when his contract was not up.
The story is being dubbed the tale of two school districts. Another CBS story coming to a theater near you. It will also destroy the Rick Lawerance campaign.
It is not Hispanics Crosby hates its Afro Americans. She never exposed Ryland or Bridges. She reported story after story on Adams and Roberts. She is after the EA Board for keeping them.
Denis Crosby dose not like Mexicans,this is obvious, she likes Kurt Becker. Who would bash your own town and ask advertisers to support you and people to buy your paper. No wonder their moving out of town. Their best writes have left. She always has something good to say about west high but not east, their only poor Mexicans on the east side.
I am glad we have a transparent board seems like a lot of problems at West, from financial, to suicides attempted to the band director. Maybe it's time Crosby visit the side of the river
Kline also spoke of an incident involving a school principal, but Rydland cut her, saying she would not be able to reference personnel in public session. She was invited to speak at the executive session before the board meeting, but wanted to speak in public session
It's been said before and it will be said many many more times. What's the difference between East High and West High when a teacher is caught having inappropriate relations with a student? The West teacher is canned and the East teacher is promoted to an administrative position in charge of B & G.
You are right. It is much worse than I thought. Not only did the city council approve the deal for Sheketa Hart Burns to use ward funds to bring in Stedman Graham but his bill for speaking to the kids for 1 hour was $12,000.00.
$12,000.00 for Stedman to come in and tell everybody that they are nobody because they are not part of the 1%.
How many hours did our childrens parents have to work to pay this SOB to come in and tell them that they, their parents, their teachers and everyone else they know are worthless. Will nothing ever change on the East Side???
This at the same time the city and the state keep talking about the cuts they want to make to schools, pensions, social services, etc. It should be a crime.
That should have been listed in the elections section of the Beacon. That is nothing more than Annette Johnson using her position on the school board to give an election speech. It should have been labeled as such.
Why are they bashing our school board ? Theyhave no family members working for the district. Their is no financial gain. This job cost them money. Unlike two of the candidates (strand & montroy) who have spouses who work for the district, they have plenty to gain. This board has worked tirelessly to root out mismanagement and non-productive administrators. This board is cleaning out the dead wood. This helps our teachers and our tax payers. I think the smarter teachers understand this. Look at the complainers, their usually the worst teachers (strand & montroy) in the building. When I said the board, I've been told Mr Hull was not included. It's bees said he has been an obstructionist. He does not work will with others. Sources have said he was promised the board presidency from strand, montroy & lou if he would help them get elected. ( GOD HELP THE TAX PAYERS ) Hull has been running around the district on city of AURORA time looking for trouble, but can't find any. It's driving him nuts. This poor man is being played like a fiddle by montroy & company. How does it feel to be a flunky Ray? Wake up Ray your not going to be president, these people are using you. Get out now. We're praying for you Ray.
I am glad Johnson responded to the community. I talked with her at one of the breakfasts at Bardwell.
It is clear she understands the issues and cares for the District. It also is clear that she does work well with our Union. Serveral of us are represented on the teacher committees and the work we do will fix the District.
We know you read this Ms Johnson. This is why we don't respect the Broad.
Your one employee Dr Roberts and Cenral Office needs to be replaced. Not once has Dr Roberts sat in on a committee meeting. I understand he can not attend all, but at least once. He would get a good idea of what is wrong.
He is also absent at improvement meetings. We have all heard he never attends a DIP meeting. That stands for District Improvement.
Changes in Bilingual, Common Core, RTI, PBIS and PLC models have been around for years. Other Districts have had these for years.
The teachers are frustrated because it is to much at once. Couple that with all the text book adoptions, large class sizes and the ever changing evaluation, that shows you, why we are frustrated.
This all rests at Dr Roberts, Dr Aird and Deanne Adams door. At least Childress works at it, but with no clear direction.
Please, Ms Johnson to regain creditability Dr Roberts needs to go replaced along with Aird, Adams and do nothing Garcia.
We do need the most knowledgeable person and a person not afraid of change. That is you. Keeping Dr Roberts makes you look like a joke!
It is not the job of the board president or members to go around and talk at schools. Take the time to read about the responsibilities of a board member their most important role is to hire a Superintendent to follow the policies they make and the ones of the IL School Code.
Johnson has said how one employee did not pay for her health insurance for some time and they fired her. That is called fraud and she should be prosecuted. How about the story about the credit cards and how some charges where paid even though they didn't have the original receipts. That all so fraud and is STEALING FROM TAXPAYERS.
Should the district sit on 82 million or should they be using the money to fix our schools. As a taxpayer I think they should be fixing the schools and I do believe the State doesn't like it when they hold that much. Years ago the board had to spend 20 million because the State would pull more money back.
2:32 Even though I'm posting anonymously right now, I'm not sure I'm against the bill. I actually went to www.ilga.gov, looked up the bill, and read it. You can still post anonymously, and it stays up until somebody complains to the webmaster/blogmaster. Then it becomes put up or shut up time. If the poster is willing to take responsibility for their own words, and stands by their post, they have to give the blogmaster identifying info and the post stays up -- but no longer anonymously. If not, it comes down and no one in the future gets to read it (but obviously a number of people have already seen it, but you can't unring a bell). Lets face it, a lot of these posts (on all blogs, not just this one) rip individuals unfairly and doesn't give them a chance to defend themselves. This new law would give them a chance. It would mean posters would have to be ready to defend their own words and be held accountable. And isn't personal accountability something we try to teach our kids?
Sometimes I believe the Beacon wants to sell newspapers and I also believe after that after many articles the district needed to respond. But again Annette did Jerome's job. It is his place to respond. Central Office knows he leaves early, is never around and does nothing. We have not seen him since Tuesday. Rumor is he is setting up his consulting job learning Math programs. Math 180 come on why know Jerome.
He also made it clear the trip was payed for. in education that means I want to buy something or I am setting up my next gig.
We all laughed that since Clayton was gone the hard questions got answered by Annette and Jeromes comment was he could not be reached for comment.
We all laughed further because we knew Annette got the $660,000 from the Dunham Funds but Jerome took credit.
We all know Annette's ego is to big to admit she made a mistake by giving him a contract.
We all know all the real questions get answered by Lisa. We can never get to Jerome.
Until the board gets rid of him Annette is the best hope although everyone hates her.
The board needs to step up but it looks like he has created enough controversy to stay. Maybe then if we all enlighten her is playing her like a fool will she do something.
As far as the others they don't have the knowledge or experience. Just watch the debate.
I do support her setting the record straight. I also feel it was needed the Retirees only about five are stopping everyone at Central from doing their jobs. It is harassment 20 some FOIA requests that have nothing to do with insurance. Padron and his friends need to go back to Naperville and Geneva.
4:45PM that's a low blow! Oooops! Poor choice of words. Anyway, people will say, "Well at least they got married." That makes it better you know. So the hot girl in my freshman class? I'm mean as long as I marry her at 18. The other comment about the board duties. Look, I know it is not a paid job, but if you take on the responsibilities of being a board member then you should want to be in the schools. I'm not saying every day but "a" day would be nice. AND yes the people actually working for the district and paid to manage it should be in the schools all the time. If I was the "SUP" I would be in that high school weekly trying to get things working. If I was in charge of curriculum I would want to see what the teachers deal with and try to help. If I was in charge of sports I'd want to meet coaches and student athletes, attend a game. Our leaders need to be hands on and that includes the board to some degree.
Good for that bill. That would kill this blog inside of a month. Nobody on here stands behind what they say. As soon as that bill passes I will be contacting the "blogmaster."
The way I understand it, that bill wouldn't "kill" this (or any) blog--it would just hold people accountable for what they say. And only controversial or offensive comments would be likely to be challenged. Someone who calls another poster a liar just because they don't agree with a comment would have to provide supporting evidence for their claims...that would be a GOOD thing.
Today was our district's middle-school Solo & Ensemble festival, at Cowherd. I don't know how the other middle school students performed, but the Simmons kids all received Division I.
Johnson made it clear they would ride out Roberts contract. He will be her undoing but out of the four I can not support Leonard. He only cares about his friend and bullied the Board into hiring Feltes. The fiddle played was Jhnson and Hull while they go at it Leonard looks in the air just smiling.
Watch and listen when you are in audience. he only speaks when he defends Feltes. We also remember him calling the board names in public.
Johnson made some mistakes and so did Hull but they care about our community. Have you ever seen Leonard talking to any students. I see Hull and Johnson all the time doing so
Remember staff Leonard thought you are cheating, he took papers over at the Beacon and made accusations. I also heard comments he made about Hull and Feltes was overheard saying Hull has a lot of time on his hands for working at the City.
As for Johnson he says she took credit for exposing the finances and she was a dumb women Augustine put something over on.
I like and respect the drive Johnson pushes people and in this district they need pushing however Hull is always a good balance because he would look at the staffs feeling and ask questions. Our district needs both of them
I don't doubt that the Simmons band students did well at an East Aurora only competition. Kevin Kaisershot is the best director we have on the East Side. Unfortunately, in the real world our students are going to have to compete against more than East Aurora only students.
Our children need to see what their peers in other districts are doing. Competition results will only have validity when they compete at a legitimate Illinois State Solo and Ensemble Contest. Until then (like everything else in this district) it is nothing but image.
Why do you people worry about scores so much. Why not play music to enjoy it, why not play football because you love it, why learn something just to learn it.
I get it, the district test scores suck, but not everything has to be quantified.
Music and art don't have to be quantified and compared and evaluated every second of the day. Just enjoy it, or don't enjoy it. Have YOUR opinion of it, but you can't have an opinion until you hear it, or see it, or experience it.
Of all the things this blog should discuss the beauty of music and art created by STUDENTS WHO ARE JUST LEARNING ABOUT IT is not one of them.
Then why keep score at basketball games? Make high school baseball T-ball, so nobody ever strikes out. Let every kid sing a solo at the choir concert, whether or not they can sing on pitch. Don't have cheerleader tryouts--just let every student who wants to get out on the field and put on an outfit & cheer. And pick the valedictorian & salutatorian by drawing names from a hat; wouldn't want to compare kids' GPA scores now would we?
Like it or not, comparisons WILL be made. Especially by those of us who remember unfortunate decisions made years ago.
Hey, according to Clayton Muhammad a kid who gets Division III at contest has "won bronze". Now that he's doing publicity for the whole city of Aurora the west side kids can be "winners", too!
On a positive note, there were scuba-diving classes offered today at EHS, thanks to Triple Threat Mentoring. Another grEAt opportunity for the kids in our district!
Can someone create a band blog only. The topic is who will run d131, who needs to go, who should stay, who's stealing, who cares and doesn't. Some of the stuff is hateful and false, but we can pick that out. However, every time I get interested in the topic someone rehashes the band debate. It's like listening to whiny neighbor complaining about her husband.
There was also an amazing 5th grade boys basketball and cheer/dance competition that was very well attended, The event was well organized and the students' talents were well represented. Thanks to all who helped run the event.
Uh, 9:11, someone did. This blog. Then all this other stuff came up from people trying to move on. The problem is, the people who originally created the blog and the primary posters will never move on to other topics. If you want a blog that doesn't get derailed by band stuff that happened long before any of our current students were in school, you need to start it. Enable comment moderation, and just don't approve anything related to band.
I am sadden, I was hoping that Peryea, Strand and Montroy would bring some new ideas. As a lifelong resident of he East Side I can't believe what I read. Peryea stated that the current members of Johnson Cernavtes and Leonard are stagnant because they close to live in Aurora all their lives.
She is the only one along with her group that can save the day because she choose to mover here from Naperville.
Between that and the Retirees from Naperville and Geneva shaking us down that support these candidates I will now volunteer on all their campaigns.
Read THe Voive Shame on you move back to Naperville
The surest way to insure that people keep bringing up the band is to elect School Board members who are close friends of one of the administrators responsible for depriving K of his high school teaching position. If Marin Gonzalez is brought back to our district it will open up that whole controversy again--and not just because of the band but the several other teachers she bullied.
Jackie Montroy and Marin are good friends just go to the Ginger Creek website and see Marin on a mission trip. TOo bad she never had the same passion for the students she served.
Marin's daughter also works on the Strand Montroy campaign . That type of questionable friend will stop me from voting from them.
She has a long history of conflicts with the teachers in this district, going back to when she was at Waldo. The central office moved her out of Waldo, partly because of her negative effect on teacher morale.
Then when she was at East High, she twisted around an innocent comment made by a teacher at a faculty talent show rehearsal. This teacher was making fun of her OWN clumsiness saying she'd probably accidentally bump Marin offstage, but one of Marin's snoops (maybe Jacki Montroy?) told her about the comment and the teacher received a negative evaluation. Also when she was at East, she forced a family to admit they were homeless. This mom & her 2 teen daughters were living with Grandma because the dad was abusive, and Marin's relentless digging "outed" them and embarrassed the girls.
Those are just a couple of examples I know personally. As others have said, Marin Gonzalez has proven that she is NOT a good fit for our district.
More trash talk 2/23/13 2:58pm Ms Johnson does more for this district then anyone. We tax payers of district 131 are fortunate to have her. Mr Leonard has done more to improve this district then you will ever know. He does not run around bragging about it. No one questions people who do nothing, they question people who do things, things you could have or should have done but were not smart enough. Mr feltes needs no defending, if you new what you were talking about you would know he's done more in one month then past managers have in one year. Call the hill get a tour see for yourself whats been accomplished. If you would go to a board meeting you would see Mr L. talk. He's been talking at meetings for one & half years. Mr F. has only been here one month . more of your lies. Ms J. makes mistakes? possible? anyone doing things will admit they may do it different next time, is that a mistake maybe, maybe not. Mr L. told me he's made mistake & would do somethings differently,maybe take a different approach. This sounds good to me. Mr L. was asked by Ms J. if he had time to obtain and review credit card statements. He did obtain said statements and presented them to interested board members who wished to know how district moneys were spent. They were given to our superintendent for his review. He took appropriate action that included suspension or limited us of credit cards. This translated to thousands of dollars of savings for our district. THANK YOU MR L. & MS J. I have never heard anyone say Mr L. accuse staff of cheating, he made no judgment,this was the supers job. As to the B & G meeting Mr L. told me he was seated to the left of mr hull, with hull's back turned to him while he insulted Ms J's mother and Ms J. at the top of his lungs. Mr L. was pounding on the table (you can hear it on the tape) trying to bring decorum. Mr Finly seated across from mr hull was GRINNING LIKE A FOOL and not making any attempt to bring decorum to a meeting he was leading. As far as hull being a good balance will no one i've talked to can see it. That would be some kind of sick joke. It's quite obvious you don't like or respect any of our board members. Your trying to trash Mr L. a simpleton can see that. You have an agenda, you want montroy, peryea & strand elected. You want the good old days back, low grades & spend, spend, spend. We got your number 2/23/13 2:58pm more lies & B--- S---. P.S. I saw Mr L. and his wife friday night at east band concert, he was talking with band members. Most likely telling them what a great job. It wes a great show.
Any time Annette Johnson does not get her way, she goes into a rampage (remember when she and Ray Hull exchanged words). Now that is a class act if you enjoy Bullyism 101. Let's not forget her greatest achievment"Blame someone else for her mistakes, but give me the praise". Do yoy see a parallel between her and Chicago politicians? TO INSECURE ANNETTE, so continue to play the role of the great of the great Crusader as you use your position to cover up your own failures, shortcomings and insecurities.
If Ms Johnson crime was defending her dead mother than she is guilty. I would have done the same. I also remember Nell giving me a call for Ray Hulls sign to put in my yard. When he ran for election
I also know Nell was a single mother how worked hard for the community. Her daughter is the same. Why does the Minister Hull get a pass and she does not.
If anyone would like to listen to the entire tape you can tell Hull created the entire fight. Early in the tape he fights with Leonard, then he gets Lewis, then he yells out and makes false accusations about suppliers, then he makes negative comments about Roberts. Then it comes out about Johnson's mother. Why not ask Hull to resign.
I agree with 1:38pm if it was my mothers anniversary I would have been emotional as well. There are days all of us have that are bad and she has done alot of good fr the district. Bring in $660.000 in a grant alone is enough for me and for anyone who does not believe it they should call Mark Trumper or Bob Vaugn and ask them.
If she did not support Roberts she would be prefect. Time for a change AJ and I am not talkin about the teachers
Again, it's not to wish anyone ill will, but it is time for new blood. To much has happened to damage this district from every perspective. Parents have been insulted, teacher morale is down, students are suffering. Trust has been lost. Roberts? Nestor? Mismanagement of funds, stealing, poorly handled issues with student rights, embarrassing outburst by people who should be the example of our community...come on. Step down! Thanks for your service, but too much of the negative on your watch.
New blood is a conflict of interest and Johnson has made a lot of things happen. Have you brought $660,000 to the district or do you live out of town and discriminate against the kids and paint them as victims.
Johnson had a good run, no doubt the best ever. For someone who observes the board she changed many things for the good of the teachers. She certainly gave us a voice with the committees. Many of us sat in meeting last winter and had no resolution. Last summer was a different story. I Do remember her coming on her birthday to settle the contract.
Everybody liked her, she was the only one who would make a decision. We also know the administrators lied about the conditions in the buildings. It was the first time after the survey her or Roberts knew about many of the issues raised.
Many do feel the other board members let her down. The women did not read the policies and the men wanted their names in the paper. That said, she does not seem to care anymore and the condition of the district shows.
As a forward thinking person I feel the current board made some mistakes but overall has done a good job. hey got us a new school and a new Child Service Center two things that we sorely needed.
I will however choose my candidates by the debate. Everyone has either been on the board or is aligned with a candidate that should have good answers because they do have relatives that work in the district.
I also know the issues facings our districts and will look to answers they give.
Lets not bash any of them, at least they all had the courage to run.
Our EHS jazz musicians performed yesterday at the UIC Jazz Festival. This is a grEAt event that our kids have participated in for the past few years. It's a wonderful experience for them...a big thanks to the hard-working students, their director, parents, and boosters for making this happen!
I listen to the tape and johnson was the first to bring her mother into the conversation. Quote " My mother was paying taxes while you and your mother were living in the projects". Johnson also said he was not as smart as her ,he could never get into Northwestern where she went to school, He wanted to be like her, she paid for his education, she paid his salary. All of that was before her mother was mentioned. Her mother was not mentioned until he had been called " a LOOSER for the 2nd or 3rd time. For those of us who have been around and know about Nell johnson we know that she could raise more hell than cane. We know that she was a loud mouth racist who could not get elected , no one supported her. If she had so much influence why couldn't she get herself elected? Those of us who know Nell Johnson know that when she spoke she never missed an opportunity to put someone down including her daughter. If Hull was a child living with his mother in her house how does Johnson get a pass. If you ever talked to Nell Johnson that was exactly the type of statement she would make about someone. Johnson is just like her mother a loud mouth racist.
I did not know Nell Johnson, but it seems pretty low to call her names ("loud mouth racist") when she is no longer here to defend herself & her reputation. Nell Johnson was from a generation that had certain attitudes about race, gender, etc. that we have mostly progressed beyond. My own parents were loving, hard-working Americans who thought that gay people were abnormal and Black & White should not mix.
From listening to that tape, it seems to me that Ray Hull and Anita Johnson were equally insulting and rude to each other. When people are angry they tend to say some nasty things, especially when the discussion involves family members. Like a previous poster said, the forum on March 7th will be a good chance to see how our School Board candidates stand on the issues.
Annette do not pay attention to the posts about your mother. They are being posted to defame you and are politically motivated traps most likely by those who are close to you...be careful.
Hull called Johnson mother a slumlord that is what started it. I listened to the tape as well. Considering he works for the City he should be held accountable. To some degree we all pay for Ray Hull because he works for the City.
Fact is they had a personnel agruement and I will give her the benefit that attacking her on that day was not correct. Hull also claims to be a man of god at least Johnson does not make those claims. Considering he was attacking all the B n G committee members he is more responsible. I also remember him saying his college has paid by the City.
He also stated on that same tape he would do anything to get the current board not elected considering they all supported him that shows his lack of character.
To pick on a dead person and the blog master not to remove it shows this blog has hit a new low.
I also was asked by Nell Johnson to put a sign in my yard for Hull. I declined because he told a group of neighbors the schools are unfunded and we should have funded them better thought the years.
I declined his sign because he felt we should pay more taxes. Not because I am a racist. Nell must have not been a racist to campaign for him.
Why can Ray live by a double standard? Huh I wonder why?
what about the hatchet job bein' done on teachers at East? and they turn the shiv by giving falsified evals- so the poor people can't even get another job? must be nice not to be human or Christian- and these are good teachers being let go- Kinkaid will twist it her way to find you in the wrong look out for next year.
Both Johnson women used whomever they needed to accomplish their end goal. Annette thought if she had a Black man on the board, he would automatically support whatever Roberts requested. You can hear her spew her stereotypical thoughts about Ray and his upbringing and then attempts to play "poor me" it is the day my mother passed and Ray has attacked her. Mothers on both sides were attacked on the tape.
Annette is the one who is running for office at this point. She is the one whose behavior and anger management issues need to be looked at as we decide what type of image makers we want sitting on our school board.
12:31 am-- do not be fooled. You say "It was the first time after the survey her or Roberts knew about many of the issues raised."
They knew about MANY issues, long before a survey. They chose to ignore them until the mess started to hit the fan. Then, they started throwing people under the bus, pointing fingers, and taking undo credit for uncovering things they have known about for years. They, also patted themselves on the back for the hard work of many others as their own personal accomplishments. Voters beware!
Johnson has done a good job and recently got the district the large grant. I would be angry to if someone has misspending money. At least she cares. Hull only cares about being the popular kid with the central office. Johnson is only attacked because she was willing to make changes.
She has my vote.
As for the others, I will listen to the debate and pick from there. It is all equal they have been on the board or the have spouses. I want answers. I want to hear about test scores, overcrowding and what they intend to do about Shodeen. That is why people like Hull should not be on the board because his boss is Weisner.
So...let me see if I have this right. I need to know as a young parent so I can teach my children moral and ethical behavior. It's okay to make racist, degrading comments (even as a community leader at a public meeting) as long as you didn't start it. By the way did she point at Hull in a defensive whiny voice and say, "HE STARTED IT!" That's what I'm visualizing. Secondly, don't vehemently deny accusations made about a dead person to prove how wrong these statements are, just say "Hey, she's dead! You can't say anything bad now." Is this some rule I didn't know of. If someone is an "A" hole now I probably will say, "Yeah, I remember that "A" hole!" when the "A" hole dies. The behavior of board members(Annette especially being the president), the financial mismanagement, embarrassing dealings of policy, and the mind boggling incompetence that takes place with our SIX figure district leaders is no longer tolerable! WE NEED NEW PEOPLE TO GET RID OF SOME OF THESE DO NOTHING "LEADERS" AND START A NEW PATH! The only "positive" that Annette (I mean the person on the blog that defends her) brings up is the $660,000 grant that will probably be mismanaged. I could save the district AT LEAST $400,000 by getting rid of dead weight positions at the main office. I did say at least. Just think of all the other mismanaged spending, waste, and stolen money that has been lost by our current heads. Change now, before it's too late.
I would beg to differ. In reality what is happening is that the house cleaning that was supposed to be done YEARS ago is finally being done. They need to do it more with the tenured teachers that are in the building and are not being competent anymore. The house cleaning also needs to move to the administrative level.
The election question has to be "Why is Jerome Roberts still employed by D131"? The test scores have not improved during his almost decade reign, yes the finances got better but that is because of the referendum that was passed and the new money coming in for the poor, the district still has no busing, the schools are old and some need to be replaced. Johnson is very vulnerable on these issues. I will not vote for her if he is still employed by D131.
What is this I hear about Stella Gonzalea's daughter or relative employment record being a disgrace? Is there some truth behind this? Can someone comment on this please
A legal question has been looked at that Montroy and Strand can not vote on all issues regarding teacher contracts, personnel issues and even Curriculum changes. That leaves only one committee the Building and Grounds. Yes, Salinas was on the board but secretaries contracts do not effect all of these issues. Also Salinas served when but Unions had not merged.
Now the District will be put into a bind because three of the four Board members can only serve one committee. Leonard is one dimensional. B&G Is his only area.
Everyone needs to ask these questions at the debate along with what motivated Johnson to fight with Hull. These people do represent us as well as the residents.
I don't get what the conversation is about Raymond Hull and Annette Johnson. The fact is, they both made complete fools of themselves and embarrassed the entire community.
This is the perfect example of the difference between District 131 and other districts. Only in District 131 is there a discussion about which board member was worse during the fight.
In any other school district, they would both be out. The community wouldn't need to vote these people out of office, they would have the class to step down voluntarily.
How come the list of bills are not showing for the last four months even when the minutes are approved? Are they hiding something and is this a violation of the Open Meetings Act since the minutes are approved and they have been posting the list of bills in the past.
Also in reading qualifications for running for board there is nothing stated about candidates that work for the district or have family members not being able to run. If it is an issue with voting then someone who has family or works for a district should not be able to run.
wonder why Annette johnson's supporters don't ever bring up the shouting match between Hull and herself. Her tyrancy needs to come to an end. Looks like Adam Harding will be another one of her stooges as he plays jr executive again.
Can somebody please explain why every teacher in Illinois will be at Couty Wide Institutes except for District 131. Instead, we are being forced to stay in ditrict and review areas we have been doing for years. It is going to be a complete waste of time for teachers.
Worse yet, it hasn't been planned for. It's as if this just came up yesterday. Teachers have been volunteered in just the last day or two and told to run a clinic on Friday. The whole thing is a joke.
Why are we not allowed to go to clinics that the county has been working on for months? The only conclusion I can come up with, is that sending teachers to the county institute must have cost the district some money. Ms. Money bags, on the board wants her stack of cash to grow even higher.
In any other community Johnson should have had to argue with Hall about overspending and defending buddy old guard contracts. See Janco is a friend of his boss Tom Weisner and Hull was upset the district is following tough purchasing procedures.
But then again Hall works for the City. Funny how CBS just exposed Halls boss. Maybe its time to elect the members of 131 to the City and clean up corruption there as well.
I am excited about tomorrows training. First, let me say not all PBIS is working in our district and needs to be treated in all buildings the same. Secondly, training outside of the district is great but when so may programs are not running with consistency in our district it shows.
I have not heard we are cut off from training outside of our district, if so I just attended a conference two weeks ago for common core as it relates to ELL learning.
The Bully program has sat ideal for 2 years, it is about time we all get trained. Perhaps that would have avoided the entire transgender problem.
I am glad that we start down the path of other higher preforming districts and do in-service in-house. That way everything is consistent.
If you are unhappy join one of the committees teachers have now been given a voice on or if you are that unhappy maybe another district will serve you better.
Wow, February 28, 2013 at 11:41 AM must be an administrator or board member (you certainly aren't a District 131 Teacher). That's the exact same attitude teachers deal with on a daily basis. If you don't like it, get the ______ out!!!
As for in-house or out, there are plenty of other opportunities for in-house in-services during the school year (maybe we should use one of those days for more than shouting EEEEEEEE AAAAAAAA).
One time a year the state sets up a county wide in-service day for the express purpose of bringing teachers from different districts together to brainstorm and share ideas. Every district participates in this except for District 131.
Until we are a high performing district, maybe we should be following the advice from administrators who aren't running a district that is in the bottom 3% of the state.
Looks like Weisner through O'Connor under the bus. Why not wait six weeks till after election ,(4/9/13).Why now? Because he does not care about Bob. He wants to see Linda out of office and he'll get his wish now. Congratulations Rick your the winner, thanks Tom. Tom you think people can't see through you, I Thought you were smarter then that Tom. We know your working hard on the two school board elections. Your employee Hull is said to be running all over trying to get your fellow preachers elected, on city of aurora time,thats a proven fact. Your trying to play both sides ,it's not going to work. Werw on to you. If janco is such a good friend ,give him some more business. I hear he's going out of business after losing the east aurora schools bid. Com on Tom help your bud out like your friend Bob.
I went to the 131 website under Board Book displayed agenda and there are the list of bill. I had no trouble pulling them up. The Strand Montroy supporters will come up with anything to try to make the Board look bad. When in fact they are the ones hiding their true identity and telling teachers and taking campaign contributions from them when they will be unable to vote or voice anything about them. They are a scam and conflict of interest.
No the list of bills just came on and you forgot one from 11/19/2012. September Report September Fund Balances c. Treasurer's Report - October 2012 October Treasurers Report October Fund Balances d. Petty Cash Report Report e. Payroll Report Report f. List of Bills 2. Motion to Approve Credit Card Sales Availability at Paw Place Credit Application 3. Motion to Approve Sodexo Equipment Request of Shelving and Seven Dunage Racks for East High School and Waldo Middle School from Central Restaurant Equipment Request Inspection Reports Equipment Quote 4. Motion to Approve the Adoption Resolution of Intent to Levy Taxes Levy Levy Certificate Resolution 5. Motion to Accept the IMSA Fusion Grant from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Tomorrow our EHS musicians will be participating in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble festival. More than 40 vocalists & instrumentalists will be performing solos, duets, trios, and other small ensembles. Our high-school musicians have been participating in this annual event for more than 40 years; it is a grEAt way for students to polish their skills.
I attended the District events at EHS today and could not have been happier. We had pages of activities on many topics. It was run much like county wide events, the difference was they had a consistent theme to them. it shows our District is moving in the right direction. the committee work is already showing signs of paying off. I was very excited about the RTI sessions, and PBIS should be the same in all building.
It is unfortunate that some in our District just want to complain and find fault.
March 1, 2013 at 5:00 PM has got to be an administrator trying to cover their rears. The sessions were the exact same information that we have been receiving for years.
The anti-bullying presentation is the exact same one we have been receiving for years. If you were paying attention at all, you would have noticed that they didn't even bother to change the opening credits where it had Marin Gonzalez as our director of secondary education.
PBIS has been in the schools since the late 1990's. If this was new information to you, you and your school haven't been doing your job for more than a decade. I was also confused as Adam Harding seemed to be coordinating the speakers for the PBIS session. Jerome looked right at Adam as he mentioned that the districts relationship with the union couldn't be better but it appeared that Adam was acting more as the district spokesman than as the teachers union president.
The morning finished with everyone being ordered to the field house for lunch. We were told that we were not allowed to leave for lunch (which is a violation of Illinois State Law, teachers must receive a duty free lunch, the district can not mandate where we are to be during our lunch time). We received a box lunch that consisted of lunch meat (or tuna for the Catholics amongst us)on a three day old bun, potatato chips, a cookie, a piece of fruit and a water (Certainly not the food and drink the board and administration have received when they go to a conference spending thousands for just a few people). Many teachers ate a bite or two and threw most away because it was so disgusting. The district couldn't even turn on the heat. It was about 55-60 degrees in the field house. Teachers were wearing their outdoor coats and leaving early just to get warm.
The afternoon was as uncoordinated as the rest of the day. The math and language arts teachers discussed common core, everyone else just reviewed curriculum and the lack of support that we have been receiving from the district.
We discussed the lack of space, over crowded classrooms, broken equipment, outdated text books and curriculum, poor student behavior and lack of administrative support regarding student behavior. The administrators all pretend that this is the first time they are being made aware of these issues and everything will be repeated the next time we have a day like today.
One day a year is set aside by the state for teachers from different communities to get together and share ideas to bring back to their home communities. District 131 administrators and board must be afraid that the teachers are going to find out that it is only District 131 that is run so poorly. They don't want us to see that every other district supports teachers and education.
Other districts update their curriculum regularly. Equipment is repaired or replaced as needed. Their buildings are maintained. East High is a perfect example. The freshman center is new and absolutely beautiful. You then migrate to older parts of the building and see how badly maintained the building has been over the years.
If the relationship between the district and union are "excellent" (as described by Jerome) while the teachers are this disgruntled, it is obvious that the union leadership is not representing the teachers. It is clear that Adam is acting as a district administrator and not as our union president.
The teachers need to speak to everyone they can and emphasize that we need change in District 131 and the change needs to begin with the elections in April. Tell everyone to vote against the current board. It is time that the district leadership supports teachers and education.
The only thing we have to brag about in District 131 is the pile of money that we are not using for education. It is truly a sad state of affairs we have in District 131.
I agree that the Olweus "training" was not training but just a waste of time.
The PBIS Presentation was not bad. Yes it might have been in place since the 90's but it has not been supported (which they admitted in the presentation) and many, MANY teachers do NOTHING with it and then those same teachers are the ones complaining about the kids (probably like you).
The afternoon was very useful time - Why do I need to meet with other teachers outside of the district when I have never even met with teachers who teach the SAME CLASS inside the district.
I do like meeting with both groups let me explain. Meeting with outside the district is always helpful, but meeting inside the district can also be just as helpful. It allows us to see how different people in the exact same situation deal with the real challenges of our district.
You are probably one of those teachers that is on their way out, bitter and angry.
No I am not an administrator. I am a teacher, just like you, just with a different opinion. I know you think that is impossible in that small brain of yours but it is true.
How do you know it was on City time maybe he took a vacation day or maybe like some business they allow employees to attend or volunteer for community days. Some companies use things like that when they do yearly appraisals of their job performance.
Very well stated March 2, 4:36 am. The overall consensus amongst teachers was that the county institute day was a complete waiste of time. If you observed the faces of everyone plodding through the hallways there was obvious looks of complete boredom. The final session, when administration "tried" to address each group via the Internet, was an embarrassing debacle. When Roberts was asked if he wanted to interject he seemed as if he was caught by surprise. All the people online were giggling, you could hear them shuffling chairs around and it was just an unprofessional joke. Administration took 8 1/2 hrs. of our time and did absolutely nothing that could be considered even remotely useful.
4:36AM What the hell are you doing up at 4:36AM? Anyway, you're right on. Bologna for lunch and served at every session. A bunch of Bologna! Heard it all multiple times! All schools have had the very nice PBIS lady at our schools. We have all discussed problems and solutions. It's all bologna! No actions are ever taken. The bully sessions were taught two years ago by Marin. It seemed to be thrown together last minute. I sure wish I could have chosen from all the Kane County offerings. You're also right that 5:00PM is Annetta the Hun or an administrator. We need to move forward in this district for the sake of the kids.
Roberts is the problem. D131 had a golden opportunity to turn itself around almost 10 years ago now and look where we are. Our academics are still some of the worst in the state. School board after school board has had an opportunity to get rid of Roberts yet they continue to get incorrect legal advice on how to actually get it done. Johnson should not be reelected for keeping him around plain and simple.
Strand and Montroy can not even represent you. They can not vote on Personnel, new admits reactive hires, teacher contracts, insurance, district improvement plans or even the new superintendent. They have already been told this but choose to ignore it. By running they put us all in a bad spot. They appear only to be concerned with building their church in the community. Why did they not encourage their friends to run, that would have put all questions aside. I am very disappointed in them
As for Friday, we must have Not attended the same meeting. If you travel to different building you will see everyone not on the same page. This sent a clear message. The bully program is new from last year and Marin's name was still on it because she selected it. Prehaps if Dr Air Head was doing her job we would have not needed her to re write the transgender policy.
As for Adam, why should the Union and administration not get along? Why dont you serve on the committees to reform the district if you have all the answers?
Maybe if you don't like our district leave. BTW what are Strand and Montroy other than becoming a conflict of interest going to do for you.
The teachers of 131 rank 186 out of 750 school districts in the State of Illinois for pay our admin is 237 out of 750 Districts. Yet they rank at the bottom of the list in scores. I have not received a raise for two years because of the economy. I am upset with the Board fir being to generous and you are right Roberts, the administrators and teachers should all be fired. There are plenty of good teachers and administrators in other districts being laid off.
If the Board does want to change they all need to go but then again we have nobody that ran to replace them. Electing Strand or Montroy is like putting the Fox in charge of the Chicken Coop.
Sorry Johnson you did not fire them fast enought. Hull and Turza are going to be a bigger disaster together.
Roberts lost the entire respect of his administration when he would not take a insurance deduction for his ex family after we all had to pay for Jay Augustine's mistakes. As administrators we work twice as many hours and the teachers The Board has punished us with small increases for years while the teachers larger increases. This year was the final straw when Madam broomstick took vacation away and charged the same for insurance as teachers. Moral is low because Roberts backs nobody up but himself.
It is foolish to think a 22 year old step son should have free insurance. We all know.
For all the complainers, for years you have abused county day and claimed you went to sessions, when in fact you did not.
overcrowding is a result of being landlocked because of poor decisions from prior boards Hometown was built. he district did not receive any funds and he City did not help re coop the land promised to d131. The only solution is to hire more teachers which the board did over 200 of them.
Text books. no longer does the State have a text book grant. The district has been on a aggressive pace to bring in new books. We are two years ahead, Many teachers have complained because that requires new lesson plans. It is not possible to get all new books at once.
The committees do give a equal voice and are split between teachers and administrators equally. If Adam was helping that was the reason it came out of the committees.
D131 is not a easy fix and dud not get this way with this Board. Nor will it be solved with new teachers, administrators, Superintendents or a new Board.
The meetings that took place Friday need to continue, everyone in district is the best way to exchange ideas between ourselves. We need to solve our problems in house not air dirty laundry. We should be happy that everyone cares enought to run .
The Board Members have.a non paid job and like Mr Hull take time away from work to understand the teachers needs as does Ms Johnson.
Stop complaining and tell them who to change the District if you have a idea that does not fit into the committees.
You are part of the reason the administration and board get away with what they do. The teachers have never been united in District 131. Your assumptions and name calling are both inaccurate and embarrassing, IF you actually are a teacher.
First off, I never said that I had a problem with meeting with teachers in District 131. It is essential for a properly run organization. I have an issue with wasting the one opportunity each year to meet with teachers outside of the district.
There are 8 in-service days/ half days each year (not including the countless team and building faculty meetings throughout the year. Only one is designated for the county to meet together. Pehaps the district administration should use the other 7 days for more than shouting EEEEEAAAAA!!!!!!
4:28, First of all you should pay the same for insurance, second of all none of you administrators do anything, you are all worthless! I can tell you for a fact that all the teachers I teach with did go to other districts for the county wide institute days and we always brought back useful information that we implemented into the classroom. Even if there are teachers that abused the system (which I'm sure there are in every district) they were better off not having to go through the BS you morons threw together yesterday.
Why are there so many "Experienced Teachers" in District 131 that are so disgruntled toward the district leadership while teachers in other school districts are so much more loyal to their districts?
First of all 7:48 - you are assuming that "experienced teachers" in other districts are loyal to their district.
How do you know this to be true?
You can't ask a question on a false assumption and expect an accurate answer.
(for those of you that don't know, it is these types of questions that make this blog full of bs. You make statements based on false assumptions that morons believe to be true - most of you still won't get it though)
I have friends that teach in 129 and they are not loyal. Facing layoffs and salary cuts, while board members like Marin's husband take her on trips to Orlando and Boston this year alone. This whie they trekked everyone they have no money!
There is a old saying in teaching profession it goes like this.
Those who can't teach become administrators.
For those who know Marin she was a bad teacher. Dr Aird was a horrible principal. Anna Groh got fired. Clayton went to he Urban League because he could not manage a class. For those who remember he took a $9,000 pay cut at the time when he gave up his teaching job. Conrad and Glozabach dd their teaching at the Alternative School. Nestor got a girl pregnant. Roberts was fired from his last job. Adams was fired in Joliet. A number of our Principals never had administration experience. Reyes Childress never had Bilingual credituals and the list goes on.
None of these people got hired by the current board, however the current board has done nothing but get rid of them except for Marin and a few worthless unneeded peons.
Now we have Montroy who goes on a mission trip with Marin. So now they elected they bring her back.
Do you see a pattern, incompetent admins make bad leaders.
I have to ask would you allow them to work for you Annette? So why us? We also know the entire board is a bunch of do nothing's. So your it AJ.
This district is in big trouble! The problem is between all of them running they don't have half a brain and Johnson does not practice what she preaches. I would luv to see any of these peope work for her.
You state that you want to stick to facts? You claim that the board has hired over 200 teachers. Here are the facts. In 2007, District 131 had a total of 861 teachers and administrators, combined. In 2011, there were 864 teachers and administrators. I don’t have a degree as a CPA but my simple math background doesn’t get a total of 200 new teachers. The reason that there is overcrowding in the district is because we have an ever increasing student population, yet are doing no real hiring or building expansion.
Why is it not possible to get all new books? Are you claiming that venders will not sell us the books. Why do we first need a grant before obtaining books? The board keeps claiming that they have $85 million dollars in reserve. Isn’t that money supposed to going toward educating our children? You further claim that we are two years ahead. 2 years ahead of what? The fact is, many of our students are using textbooks that are at least 20 years old.
We keep hearing about these committees that the district has started. They have been meeting all year and yet not one change has been communicated to the staff coming out of all these meetings. Further the committees were stacked with administrators and the teachers that kiss their A$$. What real change does anybody really expect? Heck, we are still waiting for the board and union to complete the teacher contract that the teachers were told to have faith would be completed in short order.
You are obviously a board member who is trying to get themselves reelected (as no teacher or administrator wants any board member reelected) by distorting facts and spinning to make yourself look like you are doing something for the district and community. True facts don’t lie. Anybody who looks at the true facts objectively can only conclude that this district needs major changes in its leadership.
Hull caring, understand the teacher needs, that's b--- s---. Hull could care less, He would like you to think so. He's using them to start trouble. The election, it's all about the election. He want's to be prezz.
Hull supported ever loser this district has or has had for years. We've had Dr's who could not write a report. They could not run a school. But Hull supported them and blamed Dr Roberts. He even supported Janco when they were raping us at $40. a case for toilet paper, when a fair bid could be bought for $14.. He would make a grEAt PRESIDENT.
The district would never received 660 thousand if Hull was president. He never supported the STEM program. He never wanted Raquel, Marin or Martinez fired. If the BOE fires Aird & Adams he won't like that either. He wanted Raquel to run the STEM academy,unbelievable.
Committees The Union put out a open notice to everyone several times t get teachers to Voive their opinions. They also had town halls. Some of the committees started late because they could not find teachers. Are you on a committee? It seems you have all the answers so please join.
Books The District has had large Book adoptions and large District programs like Read 180 going in place every year since this Board was seated. Example this year it Elementary Science and Common Core recently. Do you expect all new books in every subject matter? Currently the teachers have been complaining to much as it is. Six Million has been spent in these areas.
New teachers add the positions in Board Book. Did you ever have Teacher Tudors? No. I would suspect this Board put teachers back that had been cut by previous Broads. Example Art programs, or Band. Now the teachers complain they lose instruction when students are doing these activities.
85 Million Would you want to have no money like many other districts. The State cut 12 million last year, and with no reserves your fellow teachers would face a layoff. They have worked to build new building to reduce class size and add Preschool. Look at the CSC and the Magnet School which will pull kids from all neighborhoods.
As far as getting elected to what? They are non paying jobs. unlike your candidates who will gain. Many school districts in the State have nepotism policies. These policies do not allow the Superintendent or Board members to have children or spouses working in the district. That is true transparentcy.
But then again, I am sure you don't live here or pay taxes. Your exceptactions are to complain, give o solutions and feed of the backs of seniors and minimum wage earner. Some Christian
It is so obvious Annette is posting. She is the only one that cares about the Board president position. She wanted it when Weaver had it, when Weaver had a child at EAHS. Now she is making an issue about Hull, claiming he cares about it because he has a child at EAHS. Truth is they care about EAHS and all students needs. Johnsons vested interest is bragging rights about a position on the board so she can plug her business. All Board presidents positions were intended to preside, not dictate.
Catching up on morning reading, I see my peer Jackie Montroy is at it again. On Friday she spent her day running around bashing the District for making the teachers stay in house. Jackie spends her day upsetting staff and encouraging them to campaign for her husband. This all started last summer when Jackie and others in the Social Work/Guidence Office got forced to account for their day. Her latest is she coined the jokes about Adam Harding becoming Jerome's lacky.
Her support of the good old days of Marin only makes teachers trying to make a difference roll their eyes.
Everyone knows she owes Marin big time, after all Marin took care of the paper work that should have gotten her fired. We all know any other teacher, or certainly Social Worker having knowledge of inappropriate text messages between a student and teacher should get you fired. Why Jackie was paying the cell phone bill in the first place remains a unknown. Either way DCFS should be called. This student by the initials BR became involved before 17.
Stop destroying our school Jackie, as for Mrs Strand be careful of the company you keep
No what is unbelievable is how this board runs things. In looking at the IL School Code and looking at the information from ISBA about school boards it clearing states that the one most important thing a board does is hire a Superintendent to follow the policies the board makes and follow the law. It is also stated that no one board member can act on their own. In fact there are statements about a single board member visiting schools or talking to employees and that includes the President. If this board has to do the Superintendents job then it is time for them to get a new one.
Hey Ray look at the guy who looks at the ceiling tiles next to you. Also, look to his friend who saw you Friday.
Interesting views from the audience. He also got people who care about the district to fight and made us look dishonest to the Beacon. When he gained the most. His friend gets a job Ray and Annette get trashed. The board had few issues til then.
We may not always like what AJ has to say but she cared and moved the along. Ray wears his heart on his sleeve for the kids. Many of us hope.
You lose 6:55 am, the paper is a 2-ply-9" roll same type as the old 4" rolls. This is a generic size (9")roll. Many company's can bid on generic products, this saves the district (tax payers) thousands of dollars, no brainer. Forty dollars Janco, fourteen dollars generic =twenty six dollar savings x 1700 cases =$44200.00 SAVINGS,
I know what your talking about 9:45am Hull I'am told is in the schools (election time) all the time lately, talking with custodians. He's always at the hill ave talking with Finley and Scott I've been told when he was B&g chair he did nothing & was fired by Ms Johnson. Now with new people running the show he demands everything be repaired now and also take responsibility for the failed custodial bid. What a HYPOCRITE.
Remember, the School Board candidates' forum is this Thursday, March 7th. Here is our chance to ask important questions about how these people plan to serve our community.
It is official. Adam Harding is now a complete traitor to the every teacher in District 131. He is officially part of the district administration team. He certainly fits the bill. The only real qualifications that are needed is to have absolutely no ethics and the ability to sell out everyone and everything just to put a few more dollars in your own paycheck.
The SOB had the cajones to directly quote and then compare himself to Abraham Lincoln in his farewell letter to the teachers. Like somehow this traitor is in the same class as the president who freed the slaves. This man has no morals whatsoever.
Adam, your betrayal will never be forgotten or forgiven. I hope the money was worth it.
Adam,in all fairness are you planning on speaking up when you disagree with someone on the Board or will you continue to be Annette's employee and do what she wants you to. Your performance as the Union Pres was sub-par in assisting the teachers and ABOVE PERFECTION in following Annette and Roberts around in campaigning within the schools. Congrats Adam is the pay raise of 100K + worth selling out your soul?
Here's what Adam Harding told D131 teachers & staff:
"I do the very best I know how - the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what's said against me won't amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference." -Abraham Lincoln
Dear East Aurora Family,
The above quotation is one of my favorites by Abraham Lincoln. As the son of two teachers, I saw my parents dedicate their lives, first as teachers and now as “older” volunteers to do their best for others. My siblings and my wife are classroom teachers. We eat, sleep and breathe education. All of us can’t imagine our lives outside of the educational arena. That will never change. We all will always have a teacher’s heart!
When I was elected to the presidency our union, I knew I had big shoes to fill. Craig Rhodes has been a wonderful mentor to me. I have experienced great joy, tough challenges, and amazing camaraderie as together we have established an environment of trust and mutual respect. I love walking into each of East Aurora’s schools and seeing students excited about learning. I keep thinking, “All those star fish - and we are making a difference!”
Lincoln also said, “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any ...crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.” I firmly believed that my students could meet educational goals. I firmly believed that we could create a community of teachers in East Aurora. I firmly believed that if the truth were made known – we had the ability to save thousands of star fish, and ourselves too.
My personal and professional goal has always been to be in a leadership role where I could network, build bridges of trust, and share the good news of education in East Aurora. I learned early in my life that worthy relationships are not built by being less than honest. Before I knew what the word “transparency” meant – I believed in it. The parts of the job of union president which I enjoyed the most were those opportunities when I could communicate the accomplishments of District #131 with colleagues, friends, and community members.
Last month “my brother from a different mother,” Clayton Muhammad, accepted a position with the city of Aurora. I can’t imagine a more qualified individual than Clayton to work with our city in this capacity. He is a relentless cheerleader for Aurora; he is a man who never sleeps; he is my mentor and my friend.
My colleagues that know me personally know that my background (prior to teaching) was in Communications and my love and commitment for District 131 is authentic. Regardless of the timing I applied for this position, interviewed and was afforded the opportunity to build upon the great things happening in district. I realize I have huge shoes to fill – and perhaps an even larger “wardrobe.” This decision was not an easy one. The timing is not good. We all know that. After careful consideration and guidance from my family, I have to do what I feel is the best opportunity to build positive relationships, to create partnerships, and to work on a shared vision encompassing the greater Aurora area and their school systems.
As a result of the above the leadership of the East Aurora Council passes to your elected Vice President Sara Imthurn. I can think of no one more qualified and experienced to represent and continue the momentum.
I ask for your support, your prayers, and your encouragement as I begin this new stage in my life. Together we will continue to throw as many starfish as possible back into the life-giving ocean of education.
7:52 a.m., if you blame a blog for schools being open (or closed, for that matter), then you are a moron.
And some of us are glad schools are open today! Local weather forecasts have been revised, predicting maybe only 3 inches of snow--and our district won't have to go an extra day in June to make up a snow day.
I heard that 2 children were allowed at the board meeting and being children and were well behaved. Does this mean that "Day Care" is now available at Board Meetings?
How much of a pay raise did you get? Call it career, and all that other "stuff" Bottom line is $$$$$$ and your "New Alliance" with Annette Johnson. Time will tell whether you will stand up to her or just be another ally such as Turza and Gonzalez.
To whoever made the decision to keep schools open today:
Thank you!
I'm a single mom, I work at Dreyer Clinic. I have to be at work today. My 2 kids go to Waldo (we live about 2 blocks away so its an easy walk). If school was called off a lot of the kids in my neighborhood would be hanging out at home or with friends unsupervised. This district is full of parents like me who don't have a plan B when school is called off. Again, thank you for making the decision that was best for OUR district and OUR families!
9:53 so go ahead and think of yourself. Every school district in the area is closed. The conditions are dangerous. If I was running for school board this would be a MAJOR issue.
9:02 a.m., about the kids at the board meeting: Meetings are for the PUBLIC, and children are part of the public community. They have every right to attend school board meetings with their parents or another supervising adult.
10:05 is absolutely correct. Children/ students have been acknowledged at Board meetings and have been in attendance. On a few ocassions stdents have addressed the Board. No Daycare is required if parents have taught their children the proper behavior when present in a meeting type atmosphere.
9:53 what you are saying is these decisions are to be made in accordance with your needs and children supervision. Safety is not even a factor. Maybe we all should call the surrounding districts and tell them they are wrong in keeping the schools closed using your situation as the determining factor.
District 131 is the only school district in the entire area holding classes today. Every school district, except 131, has determined (correctly) that during this winter storm, student and staff safety must be paramount. I wouldn't doubt that there is school today because our new spokesman just doesn't have a clue how to use the emergency closing system. We were also the only school district that had not reported to the emergency closing system whether we would be open or closed today.
District 131 does not have bussing so students are forced to travel (many walking) up to 5 miles, one way, to get to school. This is done many times on major avenues with lots of fast moving traffic. Further, many of these journeys are done on roads with no sidewalks. The are literally places the children are forced to walk in the street with the cars. Just try to imagine walking on Farnsworth or New York with cars slipping and sliding and visibility down to zero.
Jerome Roberts is certainly not concerned with the safety of children walking from Molitor to East High or the children walking from Hometown to Cowherd. At some point, some child is going to be seriously injured or killed due to the poor decision making ability of our administration. Jerome Roberts should be up on 15,000 counts of child endangerment charges. Unfortunately, it is going to take the death of a child and the multi-million dollar lawsuit to the district before policy will change.
To 9:53 you do realize there are teachers in your same situation that live in the area. Guess what they had to do. They had to take the day off. Go figure!
10:24 a.m., with that kind of all-or-nothing attitude you probably don't ever dare to travel, swim, ski, or try anything that might have a remote chance of accident or injury. The fact is, our district is not the same as some others in our area (busing, demographics regarding childcare, etc.) If you're that concerned about keeping students safe why don't YOU call Aurora University & North Central College and tell them they're wrong for having school today??
I agree with the decision to leave EA school open. Some schools were announcing closures last night and the snow was no where in sight. I am not a meteorologist, but I saw no major snow falling until after most EA kids should have been on their way to school today.
The kids would be out playing in it if they weren't in school. It is not windy or bitter cold. I see no issue. In this case good call D131.
10:38 I do agree with you on 1 issue and that is dist 131 is not the same as others. Where else can you find "Chicago style" politics finally being outdone by Aurora East Admin and Board. sounds like you are a Bd Member or administration employee
What a major blunder by Annette Johnson and Jerome Roberts. Only district in the state that does not have bussing and they keep schools open in such hazardous conditions. D131 children now must walk in snow covered streets dodging cars to get to school. Folks this is a perfect example of why the current administration must be replaced. Batavia-CLOSED, Indian Prairie-CLOSED, West Aurora-CLOSED, Oswego-CLOSED.....East-OPEN. What a complete joke.
Uh, 10:42 a.m., Marmion students do NOT live on campus. They drive in (or parents drive them, or they carpool). Students haven't been boarded at Marmion for at least 15 years.
I just called several districts to comment on closings and mentioned that 131 is open. Response was they do things very differently there than other districts. Read between the lines on that one.
to those deciding and supporting the dist131 keeping the school open despite weather warnings and safety issues,congratulations you know qualify to be a superintendent or even better the Board President. You just don't get it !!!!!!!!!
Annette Johnson keeps bragging about the 85 million dollars that the district currently has. Around 30 million dollars of that money has been from the issuing of bonds as was approved in the referendum in 2008. Has anybody wondered what happens when those bonds come due and the distrct has to pay back that money with years of interest?
It turns out, that moutain of money Annette is bragging about really isn't very big at all.
Let's face it. D131 is wrong because they stayed open. If D131 had closed, they'd be wrong. Making decisions to close, cancel, etc. based on coming weather is always a crap shoot. The only meteorologist with a 100% record is the one who only reports on yesterday's weather. This morning getting to school was fine. Cancelling all after school activities (which D131 has done) is a good move. If I was making the decision, I'd have gone with a half day. Right now at 1:00 it's coming down fast and hard and if it keeps up getting home at 3 pm is going to be rough. Of course, I'll be at home at that point out in the driveway.
209 comments:
1 – 200 of 209 Newer› Newest»The building administrators evaluations and bonuses are based on how well their students do on the ISAT.
The Central Office and Board already have the testing information for the Magnet School. That is the only way they can give the Magnet Administrators and other building principals their evaluations.
Ask yourself why the Board and Central Office want to keep the testing data a secret. Anybody should be able to go to the County or State Board of Education and demand the records. They sould also be able to FOIA them from the district (though there should be no need to go through all this trouble, it should already be public record).
District 131 is a public entity, taking public tax dollars. The board and administration have no right to keep this data a secret from the public.
Success - It's what this blog NEVER sees.
It got YOUR attention, 8:31 p.m.!
;)
The Think Link data for this year is out its been on the District Curriculum Committee for months. It shows how bad the programs Adams and Aird had the District is going to take a big dip because of no Common Core in the Curriculum and the State testing. Although other Districts will have the same problem, ours will be much worst.
Someone needs to pin Johnson down and make her fire Roberts. Roberts panicked and put Common Core workbooks in at the half way point. it is teaching to the test if you are a educator. Many teachers are upset by this, it should have been in our Curiculum.
We need new administrators and Dr Aird held back Common Core and Adams did not know enough about it.
I do not believe Strand or Montroy have any solutions. They only want to return to the past. They do support Dr Aird. The Committees the union formed will work but we need fresh blood to make them work.
Annette we all support you, but not Dr Roberts please you seem to like to change why not him!
can you change the subject of the magnet school??? boring!!!!!
beaconnews.suntimes.com/18316169-417/dunham-fund-granting-660000-to-east-magnet-academy.html
Thanks, Dunham Fund!
It's a shame that Angela Rowley has to go begging the community to fund the new laptops for her students. This at the same time the board and administrators brag about the mountain of money they are just sitting on.
It's also a shame that we are not giving the same opportunities to all of our District 131 students. I guess the others just have to fend for themselves.
Kudos to Angela Rowley for doing what she can for her students in this broken system.
Did you notice how quickly Jerome jumped into the picture to assume credit for something he had nothing to do with. Annette has also talked about it on her campaign tour. It's sickening how they try to take credit for positives they had nothing to do with.
It's the same when students receive academic or sports awards. The next thing you know they are paraded with the board so the board can take a picture and as much credit as possible.
Ok good thing that the schools are getting computers, but so are many other school districts in the state. Palatine is giving every single student Ipads. This is what many districts are doing now. So its great that they are getting them but lets not say its the only one in the chicago area doing this. I would love to see some data too on this Magnet school. Why is there so much debate on the scores? Why can't people just call and get that information?
East needs to focus on getting rid of Jerome Roberts. If Johnson continues to support him she should be voted out. I think she is doing a great job, but I can no longer overlook her support for such an abismal superintendant. With my eyes shut I will have to vote for her opponents. Sorry Ms. Johnson.
The only negative person in the room today was Ray Hull. He just could not take it when the Dunham Funds and Rowley gave credit to he current board for having vision and innovative programs. They also thanked Johnson for helping make the connections to get the grant.
Sorry Mr Hull that the kids got computers today and that the board president does not talk in circles like you.
There's an article by Denise Crosby in the Beacon tonight:
http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/crosby/18313715-418/east-aurora-feels-core-pressure.html
It starts with a great and appropriate first line:
"And now, for today’s drama-packed episode of the ongoing soap, “As the School Churns ...”."
Certain things are clear. This school district and community are in complete turmoil due to the lack of accountability and poor decisions being made by the school board and administration.
Talk to everyone in District 131 you know and get them out to the polls on April 9th. If a majority of the community makes themselves heard, no current members of the board will remain.
Feb. 19 what are you referring to? Your comment cannot be for the board meeting tonight as the time is to early. Was there a special meeting tonight that we are not aware of? Are you referring to the last meeting? If you are what circles was Hull talking in? Pleae explain.
Ms. Crosby asks, "Why was the assistant superintendent for finance allowed to step down with a comfortable retirement package"
Cronyism, pure & simple. The same cronyism that gave "Serial Bully" Radokovich a comfortable pension and cushy job at Aurora University after he alienated most of our community.
Denise Crosby is a personal friend of Kurt Beckers. how dare she tell us who to vote for from Naperville. A bunch of retired teachers complaining. They have insurance it is clear that these Retirees are with the Strand Montroy ticket and are looking for us to pay their insurance while they drive their Lexus back to Naperville.
GOOD for Annette Johnson that she told them off why did Denise not do her job and print all he comments tonight.
Johnson explained the finances and the computers she is the only one who has a grasp of the issues. Crosby looks like a fool or she is using reverse psychology to get Jonson votes clearly Jonson was. Winner of the night.
What difference does it make? No matter what happens, district 131 is a dying school district in a dying city in a dying state in a dying country.
I attended last evenings meeting as a staff member and community member. I have watched this board change many things for the good of 131.
The Beacon News namely Crosby is very unfair and only reports on one side. What was interesting and the main comments of Johnson telling everyone she is more than happy to sit dwn and talk with anyone about the dustricts finances was left out. Great That is transparentcy
The Retirees are being very unfair to the district. TRS is our insurance when we retire. Why the district kept them on as long as they did is what was wrong. They generate more claims which translate to higher rates for younger teachers.
It was also interesting Johnson brought out our strong finances. Why does the Beacon not report on that. Thank you for finally defending the district Ms Johnson maybe your fellow board members need to do the same.
We would also like you to tell us why you continue to employee Dr Roberts and your commitment to finding us a new superintendent.
Minutes from the board meetings have not been posted for
January 22
February 4
February 11
The January 22 ones are the real crime as they were approved on February 4 - Minutes should be posted the day after they are approved.
7:45 a.m., minutes are posted at administration's convenience, not when they should be. Evidently the administration thinks the community deserves to have information withheld, just like some of us are still waiting to see updated information posted on the EHS website, SEVEN months into the school year.
Something to mention at the School Board candidates' forum on March 7th.
Johnson isn't the one that should be doing the talking it is the Superintendent that should be talking. A board president shouldn't be doing all that.
By law the board minutes after approved have seven days to be posted if not it is a violation of the open meetings act.
In the approved minutes from Oct, Nov, Dec, and Jan 2013 you can not access the list of bills to see.
Minutes for the January 22nd and February 4th Board meetings have now been published.
Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
:)
What is the "settlement" referred to in the minutes (Dr. Roberts questioned what it was for, and was told it had been discussed in Finance--I downloaded the finance committee minutes & found no specific information)
How much of our hard-earned tax money is being spent on this? And who dropped the ball in the district, that we have to pay a settlement??
I think we should fire Roberts don't replace Clayton and let the district run. It does without them anyway. Johnson is really good at spinning all the district problems away anyways.
Why would I as a resident want to pay for a retiree living in Naperville their insurance. I am glad Crosby showed that Ralph Pardron works for the Strand Montroy campaign.
It show this board can make tough decisions. It also shows Strand and Montroy are working with teachers outside of the district to get elected.
I will support a life long Aurora person any day over them .
From today's Beacon-News:
AURORA — He’s been gone for five months, but concerned citizens say questions still remain about Finance Director Jay Augustine’s abrupt retirement at the East Aurora School District.
At the East Aurora School Board meeting Tuesday night, Ralph Padron of Naperville, husband of retired East Aurora teacher Lorryl Denny, asked why Augustine was allowed to retire from the district after financial issues surfaced.
After a series of financial discrepancies — including insurance issues — were discovered, Augustine unexpectedly announced he would retire effective immediately in late September 2012. Earlier that month, Augustine submitted paperwork to retire in November 2012.
“The name Jay Augustine surfaces whenever the health insurance or utility bill issues are discussed. The fallout from all of this will be with us for years,” Padron said.
Padron asked why Augustine was allowed to retire instead of being put on administrative leave or fired from the post when finance secretary Penny Halvax, the district’s insurance coordinator, was fired from the district.
“Jay betrayed the trust of the taxpayers, district and the community and was rewarded with a retirement package,” Padron said.
East Aurora School Board President Annette Johnson said Augustine had a right to retire.
“That was his prerogative. Not mine, not the superintendent’s. He decided to retire, plain and simple,” Johnson said.
After the meeting, Johnson said that Augustine’s quick retirement was a surprise to Roberts.
“(On the day) that the insurance company called, (Augustine) by noon, he comes in and retires to Dr. Roberts. That was it,” Johnson said.
East Aurora School Board member Ray Hull disagreed Tuesday night.
“The superintendent gave Jay the option to retire. He was given the option to resign, and he resigned,” Hull said.
In September, then-East Aurora spokesman Clayton Muhammad said that it was mutually decided between Augustine and Roberts to accept his retirement.
Augustine has not returned calls for comment.
Retiree insurance
Although the School Board opted to delay a vote on a proposed revision that would have affected retiree insurance rates earlier this month, retired East Aurora teacher Lorryl Denny again Tuesday night asked why retired teachers only had two weeks to weigh their insurance options.
“Exactly what is the status of retirees for this current policy?” she asked.
Retired East Aurora teacher Alison King of Geneva asked that retired teachers be “grandfathered in” — that currently retired teachers be allowed to stay on the district’s plan despite the change in rules.
Johnson said that the district earlier this month received so many questions from retired teachers that they were unable to respond by this meeting. She said that no policy exists to dictate when the district must respond to questions asked at board meetings and that Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Joan Glotzbach has been inundated with Freedom of Information Act requests.
Johnson said the School Board should have an open session with retired teachers to address insurance questions, and that she is proud of the district’s transparency.
“The word ‘transparency’ — that is this board,” Johnson said.
They have put the minutes on but you can't click and see the list of bills so much for transparency.
And now, for today’s drama-packed episode of the ongoing soap, “As the School Churns ...”.
Last week we saw more unrest in the East Aurora School District, with the sudden departures of two principals. Those included the resignation of Sheila Conrad, who is stepping down after more than six years as East High principal to go back into the classroom; and the more mysterious case of Joseph Talluto, who resigned from Waldo Middle School effective immediately after being put on administrative leave pending an investigatThen there’s the increasingly hard-nosed questions that were to be asked — yet again — at Tuesday night’s School Board meeting regarding the sudden resignation of finance chief Jay Augustine last fall after it was revealed the district’s finances had fallen into chaos under his watch.
Most of the tough questions are being fired by a group called CORE (Committee of Retired Educators) whose members are up in arms over the sudden and costly changes to their health insurance policies. But according to Ralph Padron, CORE is also appalled at the many other controversies rocking the district. Padron, a former purchasing and production manager from Naperville whose wife is a retired East Aurora teacher, says the growing group is also reaching out to community members, as well as active teachers who are upset with the board but too afraid to speak out for fear of losing their jobs.
Among the answers CORE wants: What are the exact dollar amounts for insurance losses and late utility fees that occurred under Augustine’s watch. Why was the assistant superintendent for finance allowed to step down with a comfortable retirement package when his assistant Penny Halvax was fired over the insurance debacle; and why was Assistant Superintendent Christie Aird, who wrote the board-approved transgender policy, disciplined after a nasty, headline-grabbing backlash forced the board to reverse the policy.
Padron’s wife Lorryl Denny has plenty of questions of her own about the board’s revision of its retired teachers insurance policy that will cost teachers twice as much money; and challenges the board’s statement that East Aurora was the only school district that offered the previous package. Also, retired teacher Alison King questions the $600,000 savings the district claims will be made from these policy changes.
Padron, who says he now does consulting work as an auditor, has even offered his services to the board free of charge to provide “answers to put these issues to rest.”
Padron said after he and Denny spoke at the board meeting two weeks ago, they received letters from East Superintendent Jerome Roberts that indicated answers to their questions would come as soon as possible. But Padron, who throws his support behind School Board candidates Zachary Montroy and Kirsten Strand, is convinced these questions are “only the tip” of the iceberg” — and they will continue to apply pressure to the board.
In the meantime, there is positive news coming out of the district. On Tuesday it was announced the Dunham Fund will present a $660,000 grant to the East Aurora School District to purchase a computer device for every student in the district’s Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy. Any time you can put technology into the hands of students in an impoverished district is truly cause for celebration — and certainly kudos to those who made it possible.
Another bit of good news: Also announced Tuesday, there will be a forum for candidates running for the East Aurora School Board at 6:30 p.m. March 7 at Hawks Auditorium at East Aurora High School.
Hopefully the event will be well attended by a community that deserves more answers and less drama.
ion.
Meanwhile on the West Side of town they do not have $200,000 fir a ROTC program and they have mass layoffs.
I work at 131, and I am proud of our district
It is shocking that someone from Geneva or Naperville are even allowed the time of day. It is not like they don't have insurance, are they kidding many people don't have insurance in our district at all. I am assuming if the Teachers system is good enough for other teachers in Illinois then it's good enough for them. Then there is the comment that they keep asking the same questions and wasting everyone's time. Go back to Naperville Mr Padron and support your wife and stop living off us
"Less drama" Crosby? Aren't you the one creating it?
She's reporting the drama, not creating it! Ms. Crosby has been writing about our district for 10 years (or longer). I have articles she wrote from the Beacon back in 2005. She knows a lot about what happens in this community, and isn't shy about calling a spade a spade.
Hey! April is drawing near. Time to come out of hiding. Get in those schools. Get some photo ops. Hug a first grader. Smile! Pretend your always in the schools you represent. Pretend you're there for the kids. Maybe the newspaper that district employees were told not to believe (you remember the infamous only believe me or Dr. Roberts not the Beacon) yeah, that paper, maybe they'll print the pictures of the school visits and kid hugging. Pretend all the chaos and embarrassment that has plagued this district never happened or is someone else's fault. People are dropping like flies. Why? Clayton? Principals? Where are the answers from our transparent board? Why has there been so much complete chaos under "YOUR WATCH!" We (staff, students, community) never see you! Will you show up now that April is looming? Treat us all like idiots as if we never deal with all the embarrassment that has come to our district. The kids in East Aurora deserve better. Change in April is a must! Out with Johnson! Out with Roberts! Teachers start spreading the word to voters. You need a fresh start so you can help our kids. Don't let the campaign visits fool you. Change is coming!
What does Nestor do? Just curious. I looked up his salary. Wow! Nice! What would that be??? Three new teachers? I mean, if he is really making a difference, great. Is he? I talk to coaches and teachers at the various schools and no one ever sees him and some don't know who he is. I'm assuming that he did an incredible job with B&G and so now he is the savior of sports? How's that going? Is he helping Coach Becker out with the needs of the football program? Just wondering.
What happened at Waldo?
Come out and support the East Aurora High School Band Program. You have two chances to see this amazing concert.
February 21 and February 22 at 7:00 pm in Hawks Auditorium. (The concert will be exactly the same both nights)
We will be performing music from The Avengers, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, The Little Mermaid, The Incredibles, and many, many more.
Admission is only $2
Its about time they started getting rid of many do nothing administrators and deserving teachers. Hats off to the Board of Education on making such sweeping changes. It is soooooooooooooooooo long overdue. THANK YOU!!!!!!
Look at the Administration turnover the last 30 years, it is very high. Has it worked yet? Maybe this time finding new administrators will work. Right? Keep walking in circles D131. Laughing stock of state.
Who the heck arranged for Stedman Graham to come speak today at Cowherd. I’m guessing it had something to do with Clayton Muhammad or Sheketa Hart Burns as they were both there to introduce him. I’ve never heard a more worthless and insulting speaker come to a school. First, we at Cowherd were only told of his coming yesterday and had to make all the last minute arrangements. Students had to miss class to listen to somebody who’s only real accomplishment in life was to first date WFLD’s Robin Robinson and later have a “Spiritual Union” with Oprah Winfrey (correct, not married). This is exactly what’s wrong with District 131, all flash and no substance.
The man literally told the students that if you hold a Monday-Friday job/career, you are a slave, a nobody, you don’t think. To free yourself, you must be part of the 1% that run the system. He further told the students that school is a waste. He stated that they listen to their teachers who are only preparing them to pass a test and they will forget everything they learned within two weeks.
He then asked the students what the most powerful word in the world was. His answer: LOVE. According to him you can travel the world with love. Try telling that to the ticket agent when you try to board a plane. However, love apparently worked for him. That and a 100 million dollar prenuptial agreement with Oprah.
While I do agree that the powers that be in this district are only concerned with the test scores, the rest of his statements are very offensive to all working people in the world. His mindset does seem to be shared by the folks in charge of this district. The administration and board are the only ones who matter. The teachers, students and community are worthless.
I fear nothing will ever change for the better.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/18384976-418/foundation-hosts-candidate-forum.html
Here's your chance to ask those questions!
Hey, 7:57 it's even worse than you think. YOU as a taxpayer paid for him to be there. That's right, this was Sheketa Hart-Burns idea. She used her ward funds to pay his fees -- approved by THE ENTIRE CITY COUNCIL, INCLUDING LAWRENCE.
To: February 21, 2013 at 9:35 PM
Yes but who, in District 131 approved Stedman Graham as a speaker in the district schools? The city council can't approve someone to enter the schools. Who approved the message he was going to give to the students?
Christine Warren was the highest ranking administrator from the district in attendance and she is the Director of Secondary Programs for the district. Was Christine Warren the administrator who approved Stedman Graham to spew his hate of the common working man?
I haven't been this insulted for at least a month when Annette Johnson shared her views of our community members at a meeting. Is this really the way those in power feel about the poor and the hard working people of this country?
The problem has become Clayton for years doing what he wants. I was happy o see him go. The entire administration needs to be fired and someone needs to ask that question of the candidates. While I would suspect Johnson is our best hope of doing that. I want to know what the others think not just words. A plan.
For Johnson she needs to explain why she keeps Roberts.
news from the Illinois state Senate, where a state senator has introduced a bill that "would require anonymous website comment posters to reveal their identities if they want to keep their comments online." From the article (warning — obnoxious ads with sound):
"The bill, called the Internet Posting Removal Act, is sponsored by Illinois state Sen. Ira Silverstein. It states that a 'web site administrator upon request shall remove any comments posted on his or her web site by an anonymous poster unless the anonymous poster agrees to attach his or her name to the post and confirms that his or her IP address, legal name, and home address are accurate.' This could be the death of Slashdot: No more ACs."
Why does the Beacon News not like Hispanic people. It is the only reason that writer over there keeps pounding on the East school district. Why isnt she writing anything about the problems over at West which are much much bigger. She clearly does not like hispanics and is going after our culture.
Interesting take on the Beacon. Crosby needs to report on West but she won't because of her good friend Mike Chapin. Why, no coverage on Ormond it took CBS to break the story the Beacon sat on for 8 months. Some interesting things are about to pop at West Aurora as the teachers union looks at how Rydland spent his money. You will see resignations at the Beacon over this one. Real journalist are going to be getting involved. To much East Autora, To much unfair one sided coverage.
Remember folks West had 94 million in the bank 5 years ago. DCFS is after them and Rydland got a contract extension before all this broke when his contract was not up.
The story is being dubbed the tale of two school districts. Another CBS story coming to a theater near you. It will also destroy the Rick Lawerance campaign.
It is not Hispanics Crosby hates its Afro Americans. She never exposed Ryland or Bridges. She reported story after story on Adams and Roberts. She is after the EA Board for keeping them.
Denis Crosby dose not like Mexicans,this is obvious, she likes Kurt Becker. Who would bash your own town and ask advertisers to support you and people to buy your paper. No wonder their moving out of town. Their best writes have left. She always has something good to say about west high but not east, their only poor Mexicans on the east side.
I am glad we have a transparent board seems like a lot of problems at West, from financial, to suicides attempted to the band director. Maybe it's time Crosby visit the side of the river
Kline also spoke of an incident involving a school principal, but Rydland cut her, saying she would not be able to reference personnel in public session. She was invited to speak at the executive session before the board meeting, but wanted to speak in public session
It's been said before and it will be said many many more times. What's the difference between East High and West High when a teacher is caught having inappropriate relations with a student? The West teacher is canned and the East teacher is promoted to an administrative position in charge of B & G.
To: February 21, 2013 at 9:35 PM
You are right. It is much worse than I thought. Not only did the city council approve the deal for Sheketa Hart Burns to use ward funds to bring in Stedman Graham but his bill for speaking to the kids for 1 hour was $12,000.00.
http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/15922321-418/council-oks-stedman-graham-speaking-fee.html
$12,000.00 for Stedman to come in and tell everybody that they are nobody because they are not part of the 1%.
How many hours did our childrens parents have to work to pay this SOB to come in and tell them that they, their parents, their teachers and everyone else they know are worthless. Will nothing ever change on the East Side???
This at the same time the city and the state keep talking about the cuts they want to make to schools, pensions, social services, etc. It should be a crime.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/18383554-418/east-aurora-finances-programs-make-the-grade.html
To: February 22, 2013 at 9:53 PM
That should have been listed in the elections section of the Beacon. That is nothing more than Annette Johnson using her position on the school board to give an election speech. It should have been labeled as such.
Why are they bashing our school board ? Theyhave no family members working for the district. Their is no financial gain. This job cost them money. Unlike two of the candidates (strand & montroy) who have spouses who work for the district, they have plenty to gain. This board has worked tirelessly to root out mismanagement and non-productive administrators. This board is cleaning out the dead wood. This helps our teachers and our tax payers. I think the smarter teachers understand this. Look at the complainers, their usually the worst teachers (strand & montroy) in the building. When I said the board, I've been told Mr Hull was not included. It's bees said he has been an obstructionist. He does not work will with others. Sources have said he was promised the board presidency from strand, montroy & lou if he would help them get elected. ( GOD HELP THE TAX PAYERS ) Hull has been running around the district on city of AURORA time looking for trouble, but can't find any. It's driving him nuts. This poor man is being played like a fiddle by montroy & company. How does it feel to be a flunky Ray? Wake up Ray your not going to be president, these people are using you. Get out now. We're praying for you Ray.
I am glad Johnson responded to the community. I talked with her at one of the breakfasts at Bardwell.
It is clear she understands the issues and cares for the District. It also is clear that she does work well with our Union. Serveral of us are represented on the teacher committees and the work we do will fix the District.
We know you read this Ms Johnson. This is why we don't respect the Broad.
Your one employee Dr Roberts and Cenral Office needs to be replaced. Not once has Dr Roberts sat in on a committee meeting. I understand he can not attend all, but at least once. He would get a good idea of what is wrong.
He is also absent at improvement meetings. We have all heard he never attends a DIP meeting. That stands for District Improvement.
Changes in Bilingual, Common Core, RTI, PBIS and PLC models have been around for years. Other Districts have had these for years.
The teachers are frustrated because it is to much at once. Couple that with all the text book adoptions, large class sizes and the ever changing evaluation, that shows you, why we are frustrated.
This all rests at Dr Roberts, Dr Aird and Deanne Adams door. At least Childress works at it, but with no clear direction.
Please, Ms Johnson to regain creditability Dr Roberts needs to go replaced along with Aird, Adams and do nothing Garcia.
We do need the most knowledgeable person and a person not afraid of change. That is you. Keeping Dr Roberts makes you look like a joke!
It is not the job of the board president or members to go around and talk at schools. Take the time to read about the responsibilities of a board member their most important role is to hire a Superintendent to follow the policies they make and the ones of the IL School Code.
Johnson has said how one employee did not pay for her health insurance for some time and they fired her. That is called fraud and she should be prosecuted. How about the story about the credit cards and how some charges where paid even though they didn't have the original receipts. That all so fraud and is STEALING FROM TAXPAYERS.
Should the district sit on 82 million or should they be using the money to fix our schools. As a taxpayer I think they should be fixing the schools and I do believe the State doesn't like it when they hold that much. Years ago the board had to spend 20 million because the State would pull more money back.
2:32 Even though I'm posting anonymously right now, I'm not sure I'm against the bill. I actually went to www.ilga.gov, looked up the bill, and read it. You can still post anonymously, and it stays up until somebody complains to the webmaster/blogmaster. Then it becomes put up or shut up time. If the poster is willing to take responsibility for their own words, and stands by their post, they have to give the blogmaster identifying info and the post stays up -- but no longer anonymously. If not, it comes down and no one in the future gets to read it (but obviously a number of people have already seen it, but you can't unring a bell). Lets face it, a lot of these posts (on all blogs, not just this one) rip individuals unfairly and doesn't give them a chance to defend themselves. This new law would give them a chance. It would mean posters would have to be ready to defend their own words and be held accountable. And isn't personal accountability something we try to teach our kids?
is anyone doing anythng about the fraud you are referring to
Sometimes I believe the Beacon wants to sell newspapers and I also believe after that after many articles the district needed to respond. But again Annette did Jerome's job. It is his place to respond. Central Office knows he leaves early, is never around and does nothing. We have not seen him since Tuesday. Rumor is he is setting up his consulting job learning Math programs. Math 180 come on why know Jerome.
He also made it clear the trip was payed for. in education that means I want to buy something or I am setting up my next gig.
We all laughed that since Clayton was gone the hard questions got answered by Annette and Jeromes comment was he could not be reached for comment.
We all laughed further because we knew Annette got the $660,000 from the Dunham Funds but Jerome took credit.
We all know Annette's ego is to big to admit she made a mistake by giving him a contract.
We all know all the real questions get answered by Lisa. We can never get to Jerome.
Until the board gets rid of him Annette is the best hope although everyone hates her.
The board needs to step up but it looks like he has created enough controversy to stay. Maybe then if we all enlighten her is playing her like a fool will she do something.
As far as the others they don't have the knowledge or experience. Just watch the debate.
I do support her setting the record straight. I also feel it was needed the Retirees only about five are stopping everyone at Central from doing their jobs. It is harassment 20 some FOIA requests that have nothing to do with insurance. Padron and his friends need to go back to Naperville and Geneva.
Keeping Roberts will be Johnsons downfall. I will not vote for her if he is still employed by 131.
4:45PM that's a low blow! Oooops! Poor choice of words. Anyway, people will say, "Well at least they got married." That makes it better you know. So the hot girl in my freshman class? I'm mean as long as I marry her at 18. The other comment about the board duties. Look, I know it is not a paid job, but if you take on the responsibilities of being a board member then you should want to be in the schools. I'm not saying every day but "a" day would be nice. AND yes the people actually working for the district and paid to manage it should be in the schools all the time. If I was the "SUP" I would be in that high school weekly trying to get things working. If I was in charge of curriculum I would want to see what the teachers deal with and try to help. If I was in charge of sports I'd want to meet coaches and student athletes, attend a game. Our leaders need to be hands on and that includes the board to some degree.
Good for that bill. That would kill this blog inside of a month. Nobody on here stands behind what they say. As soon as that bill passes I will be contacting the "blogmaster."
The way I understand it, that bill wouldn't "kill" this (or any) blog--it would just hold people accountable for what they say. And only controversial or offensive comments would be likely to be challenged. Someone who calls another poster a liar just because they don't agree with a comment would have to provide supporting evidence for their claims...that would be a GOOD thing.
So it would KILL the blog - Thanks for agreeing with me.
Today was our district's middle-school Solo & Ensemble festival, at Cowherd. I don't know how the other middle school students performed, but the Simmons kids all received Division I.
GrEAt job, students!
Johnson made it clear they would ride out Roberts contract. He will be her undoing but out of the four I can not support Leonard. He only cares about his friend and bullied the Board into hiring Feltes. The fiddle played was Jhnson and Hull while they go at it Leonard looks in the air just smiling.
Watch and listen when you are in audience. he only speaks when he defends Feltes. We also remember him calling the board names in public.
Johnson made some mistakes and so did Hull but they care about our community. Have you ever seen Leonard talking to any students. I see Hull and Johnson all the time doing so
Remember staff Leonard thought you are cheating, he took papers over at the Beacon and made accusations. I also heard comments he made about Hull and Feltes was overheard saying Hull has a lot of time on his hands for working at the City.
As for Johnson he says she took credit for exposing the finances and she was a dumb women Augustine put something over on.
I like and respect the drive Johnson pushes people and in this district they need pushing however Hull is always a good balance because he would look at the staffs feeling and ask questions. Our district needs both of them
To: February 23, 2013 at 2:44 PM
I don't doubt that the Simmons band students did well at an East Aurora only competition. Kevin Kaisershot is the best director we have on the East Side. Unfortunately, in the real world our students are going to have to compete against more than East Aurora only students.
Our children need to see what their peers in other districts are doing. Competition results will only have validity when they compete at a legitimate Illinois State Solo and Ensemble Contest. Until then (like everything else in this district) it is nothing but image.
Why do you people worry about scores so much. Why not play music to enjoy it, why not play football because you love it, why learn something just to learn it.
I get it, the district test scores suck, but not everything has to be quantified.
Music and art don't have to be quantified and compared and evaluated every second of the day. Just enjoy it, or don't enjoy it. Have YOUR opinion of it, but you can't have an opinion until you hear it, or see it, or experience it.
Of all the things this blog should discuss the beauty of music and art created by STUDENTS WHO ARE JUST LEARNING ABOUT IT is not one of them.
What have you created lately to be judged?
Then why keep score at basketball games? Make high school baseball T-ball, so nobody ever strikes out. Let every kid sing a solo at the choir concert, whether or not they can sing on pitch. Don't have cheerleader tryouts--just let every student who wants to get out on the field and put on an outfit & cheer. And pick the valedictorian & salutatorian by drawing names from a hat; wouldn't want to compare kids' GPA scores now would we?
Like it or not, comparisons WILL be made. Especially by those of us who remember unfortunate decisions made years ago.
Too band those decisions weren't so unfortunate.
Sorry that your husband got a bad deal but you really need to move on.
"Too band?" And whose husband are you talking about?
Hey, according to Clayton Muhammad a kid who gets Division III at contest has "won bronze". Now that he's doing publicity for the whole city of Aurora the west side kids can be "winners", too!
Yeah, too band (it was a joke) - You know because you can't get over that your husband got demoted "other blog administrator."
What's that you say, Mrs. L? Defending your desperation-hire hubby again??
Oh goody...I just love a rousing game of guess-who's-posting-here!
:)
I guess that these people are posting:
Hilary Clinton, Tom Weisner,
The kid who played the youngest son in Home Improvement, and the space alien from Independence Day.
On a positive note, there were scuba-diving classes offered today at EHS, thanks to Triple Threat Mentoring. Another grEAt opportunity for the kids in our district!
Can someone create a band blog only. The topic is who will run d131, who needs to go, who should stay, who's stealing, who cares and doesn't. Some of the stuff is hateful and false, but we can pick that out. However, every time I get interested in the topic someone rehashes the band debate. It's like listening to whiny neighbor complaining about her husband.
More guesses at who is posting:
1) Kim Jong-un, leader of North Korea
2) Former child actor Cory Feldman
3) Dick - from Dick's Sporting Goods
4) Javier Gonzalez
There was also an amazing 5th grade boys basketball and cheer/dance competition that was very well attended, The event was well organized and the students' talents were well represented. Thanks to all who helped run the event.
8:47, 47, 48 are all the same person. what do you have against the loser liskas? Prob the same thing as everyone else! LMAO! Go away liskas!!!!!!!
Uh, 9:11, someone did. This blog. Then all this other stuff came up from people trying to move on. The problem is, the people who originally created the blog and the primary posters will never move on to other topics. If you want a blog that doesn't get derailed by band stuff that happened long before any of our current students were in school, you need to start it. Enable comment moderation, and just don't approve anything related to band.
Good work 11:47 - as dumb as ever.
More bullying from adults on a blog. No wonder your kids do it too.
I am sadden, I was hoping that Peryea, Strand and Montroy would bring some new ideas. As a lifelong resident of he East Side I can't believe what I read. Peryea stated that the current members of Johnson Cernavtes and Leonard are stagnant because they close to live in Aurora all their lives.
She is the only one along with her group that can save the day because she choose to mover here from Naperville.
Between that and the Retirees from Naperville and Geneva shaking us down that support these candidates I will now volunteer on all their campaigns.
Read THe Voive Shame on you move back to Naperville
The surest way to insure that people keep bringing up the band is to elect School Board members who are close friends of one of the administrators responsible for depriving K of his high school teaching position. If Marin Gonzalez is brought back to our district it will open up that whole controversy again--and not just because of the band but the several other teachers she bullied.
Ooooooo, such thought-provoking insight.
who else has Marin bullied?
Jackie Montroy and Marin are good friends just go to the Ginger Creek website and see Marin on a mission trip. TOo bad she never had the same passion for the students she served.
Marin's daughter also works on the Strand Montroy campaign . That type of questionable friend will stop me from voting from them.
She has a long history of conflicts with the teachers in this district, going back to when she was at Waldo. The central office moved her out of Waldo, partly because of her negative effect on teacher morale.
Then when she was at East High, she twisted around an innocent comment made by a teacher at a faculty talent show rehearsal. This teacher was making fun of her OWN clumsiness saying she'd probably accidentally bump Marin offstage, but one of Marin's snoops (maybe Jacki Montroy?) told her about the comment and the teacher received a negative evaluation. Also when she was at East, she forced a family to admit they were homeless. This mom & her 2 teen daughters were living with Grandma because the dad was abusive, and Marin's relentless digging "outed" them and embarrassed the girls.
Those are just a couple of examples I know personally. As others have said, Marin Gonzalez has proven that she is NOT a good fit for our district.
More trash talk 2/23/13 2:58pm Ms Johnson does more for this district then anyone. We tax payers of district 131 are fortunate to have her. Mr Leonard has done more to improve this district then you will ever know. He does not run around bragging about it. No one questions people who do nothing, they question people who do things, things you could have or should have done but were not smart enough. Mr feltes needs no defending, if you new what you were talking about you would know he's done more in one month then past managers have in one year. Call the hill get a tour see for yourself whats been accomplished. If you would go to a board meeting you would see Mr L. talk. He's been talking at meetings for one & half years. Mr F. has only been here one month . more of your lies. Ms J. makes mistakes? possible? anyone doing things will admit they may do it different next time, is that a mistake maybe, maybe not. Mr L. told me he's made mistake & would do somethings differently,maybe take a different approach. This sounds good to me. Mr L. was asked by Ms J. if he had time to obtain and review credit card statements. He did obtain said statements and presented them to interested board members who wished to know how district moneys were spent. They were given to our superintendent for his review. He took appropriate action that included suspension or limited us of credit cards. This translated to thousands of dollars of savings for our district. THANK YOU MR L. & MS J. I have never heard anyone say Mr L. accuse staff of cheating, he made no judgment,this was the supers job. As to the B & G meeting Mr L. told me he was seated to the left of mr hull, with hull's back turned to him while he insulted Ms J's mother and Ms J. at the top of his lungs. Mr L. was pounding on the table (you can hear it on the tape) trying to bring decorum. Mr Finly seated across from mr hull was GRINNING LIKE A FOOL and not making any attempt to bring decorum to a meeting he was leading. As far as hull being a good balance will no one i've talked to can see it. That would be some kind of sick joke. It's quite obvious you don't like or respect any of our board members. Your trying to trash Mr L. a simpleton can see that. You have an agenda, you want montroy, peryea & strand elected. You want the good old days back, low grades & spend, spend, spend. We got your number 2/23/13 2:58pm more lies & B--- S---. P.S. I saw Mr L. and his wife friday night at east band concert, he was talking with band members. Most likely telling them what a great job. It wes a great show.
Any time Annette Johnson does not get her way, she goes into a rampage (remember when she and Ray Hull exchanged words). Now that is a class act if you enjoy Bullyism 101. Let's not forget her greatest achievment"Blame someone else for her mistakes, but give me the praise". Do yoy see a parallel between her and Chicago politicians? TO INSECURE ANNETTE, so continue to play the role of the great of the great Crusader as you use your position to cover up your own failures, shortcomings and insecurities.
Ms. J has worked hard to keep Dr. Roberts job and was heard on tape, also. What she has said and done is enough reason to vote for others.
If Ms Johnson crime was defending her dead mother than she is guilty. I would have done the same. I also remember Nell giving me a call for Ray Hulls sign to put in my yard. When he ran for election
I also know Nell was a single mother how worked hard for the community. Her daughter is the same. Why does the Minister Hull get a pass and she does not.
If anyone would like to listen to the entire tape you can tell Hull created the entire fight. Early in the tape he fights with Leonard, then he gets Lewis, then he yells out and makes false accusations about suppliers, then he makes negative comments about Roberts. Then it comes out about Johnson's mother. Why not ask Hull to resign.
I agree with 1:38pm if it was my mothers anniversary I would have been emotional as well. There are days all of us have that are bad and she has done alot of good fr the district. Bring in $660.000 in a grant alone is enough for me and for anyone who does not believe it they should call Mark Trumper or Bob Vaugn and ask them.
If she did not support Roberts she would be prefect. Time for a change AJ and I am not talkin about the teachers
Click on the arrow under "Board Wars" @ http://openline.blogspot.com/2012/12/east-aurora-school-district-131-drama.html
Annette nor her Mom are innocent. They were quick to stereotype people of color in a negative way, and would refer to them with racial slurs.
Again, it's not to wish anyone ill will, but it is time for new blood. To much has happened to damage this district from every perspective. Parents have been insulted, teacher morale is down, students are suffering. Trust has been lost. Roberts? Nestor? Mismanagement of funds, stealing, poorly handled issues with student rights, embarrassing outburst by people who should be the example of our community...come on. Step down! Thanks for your service, but too much of the negative on your watch.
Are you kidding me. What Ms Johnson has said and done is enough reason to vote for her.
Is annette related to Blago?
New blood is a conflict of interest and Johnson has made a lot of things happen. Have you brought $660,000 to the district or do you live out of town and discriminate against the kids and paint them as victims.
Johnson had a good run, no doubt the best ever. For someone who observes the board she changed many things for the good of the teachers. She certainly gave us a voice with the committees. Many of us sat in meeting last winter and had no resolution. Last summer was a different story. I Do remember her coming on her birthday to settle the contract.
Everybody liked her, she was the only one who would make a decision. We also know the administrators lied about the conditions in the buildings. It was the first time after the survey her or Roberts knew about many of the issues raised.
Many do feel the other board members let her down. The women did not read the policies and the men wanted their names in the paper. That said, she does not seem to care anymore and the condition of the district shows.
It's unfortunate
As a forward thinking person I feel the current board made some mistakes but overall has done a good job. hey got us a new school and a new Child Service Center two things that we sorely needed.
I will however choose my candidates by the debate. Everyone has either been on the board or is aligned with a candidate that should have good answers because they do have relatives that work in the district.
I also know the issues facings our districts and will look to answers they give.
Lets not bash any of them, at least they all had the courage to run.
Our EHS jazz musicians performed yesterday at the UIC Jazz Festival. This is a grEAt event that our kids have participated in for the past few years. It's a wonderful experience for them...a big thanks to the hard-working students, their director, parents, and boosters for making this happen!
go EAst high jazz
I listen to the tape and johnson was the first to bring her mother into the conversation. Quote " My mother was paying taxes while you and your mother were living in the projects". Johnson also said he was not as smart as her ,he could never get into Northwestern where she went to school, He wanted to be like her, she paid for his education, she paid his salary. All of that was before her mother was mentioned. Her mother was not mentioned until he had been called " a LOOSER for the 2nd or 3rd time. For those of us who have been around and know about Nell johnson we know that she could raise more hell than cane. We know that she was a loud mouth racist who could not get elected , no one supported her. If she had so much influence why couldn't she get herself elected? Those of us who know Nell Johnson know that when she spoke she never missed an opportunity to put someone down including her daughter. If Hull was a child living with his mother in her house how does Johnson get a pass. If you ever talked to Nell Johnson that was exactly the type of statement she would make about someone. Johnson is just like her mother a loud mouth racist.
I did not know Nell Johnson, but it seems pretty low to call her names ("loud mouth racist") when she is no longer here to defend herself & her reputation. Nell Johnson was from a generation that had certain attitudes about race, gender, etc. that we have mostly progressed beyond. My own parents were loving, hard-working Americans who thought that gay people were abnormal and Black & White should not mix.
From listening to that tape, it seems to me that Ray Hull and Anita Johnson were equally insulting and rude to each other. When people are angry they tend to say some nasty things, especially when the discussion involves family members. Like a previous poster said, the forum on March 7th will be a good chance to see how our School Board candidates stand on the issues.
Annette do not pay attention to the posts about your mother. They are being posted to defame you and are politically motivated traps most likely by those who are close to you...be careful.
Hull called Johnson mother a slumlord that is what started it. I listened to the tape as well. Considering he works for the City he should be held accountable. To some degree we all pay for Ray Hull because he works for the City.
Fact is they had a personnel agruement and I will give her the benefit that attacking her on that day was not correct. Hull also claims to be a man of god at least Johnson does not make those claims. Considering he was attacking all the B n G committee members he is more responsible. I also remember him saying his college has paid by the City.
He also stated on that same tape he would do anything to get the current board not elected considering they all supported him that shows his lack of character.
To pick on a dead person and the blog master not to remove it shows this blog has hit a new low.
I also was asked by Nell Johnson to put a sign in my yard for Hull. I declined because he told a group of neighbors the schools are unfunded and we should have funded them better thought the years.
I declined his sign because he felt we should pay more taxes. Not because I am a racist. Nell must have not been a racist to campaign for him.
Why can Ray live by a double standard? Huh I wonder why?
what about the hatchet job bein' done on teachers at East? and they turn the shiv by giving falsified evals- so the poor people can't even get another job? must be nice not to be human or Christian- and these are good teachers being let go- Kinkaid will twist it her way to find you in the wrong look out for next year.
Both Johnson women used whomever they needed to accomplish their end goal. Annette thought if she had a Black man on the board, he would automatically support whatever Roberts requested. You can hear her spew her stereotypical thoughts about Ray and his upbringing and then attempts to play "poor me" it is the day my mother passed and Ray has attacked her. Mothers on both sides were attacked on the tape.
Annette is the one who is running for office at this point. She is the one whose behavior and anger management issues need to be looked at as we decide what type of image makers we want sitting on our school board.
12:31 am-- do not be fooled. You say "It was the first time after the survey her or Roberts knew about many of the issues raised."
They knew about MANY issues, long before a survey. They chose to ignore them until the mess started to hit the fan. Then, they started throwing people under the bus, pointing fingers, and taking undo credit for uncovering things they have known about for years. They, also patted themselves on the back for the hard work of many others as their own personal accomplishments.
Voters beware!
Johnson has done a good job and recently got the district the large grant. I would be angry to if someone has misspending money. At least she cares. Hull only cares about being the popular kid with the central office. Johnson is only attacked because she was willing to make changes.
She has my vote.
As for the others, I will listen to the debate and pick from there. It is all equal they have been on the board or the have spouses. I want answers. I want to hear about test scores, overcrowding and what they intend to do about Shodeen. That is why people like Hull should not be on the board because his boss is Weisner.
So...let me see if I have this right. I need to know as a young parent so I can teach my children moral and ethical behavior. It's okay to make racist, degrading comments (even as a community leader at a public meeting) as long as you didn't start it. By the way did she point at Hull in a defensive whiny voice and say, "HE STARTED IT!" That's what I'm visualizing. Secondly, don't vehemently deny accusations made about a dead person to prove how wrong these statements are, just say "Hey, she's dead! You can't say anything bad now." Is this some rule I didn't know of. If someone is an "A" hole now I probably will say, "Yeah, I remember that "A" hole!" when the "A" hole dies. The behavior of board members(Annette especially being the president), the financial mismanagement, embarrassing dealings of policy, and the mind boggling incompetence that takes place with our SIX figure district leaders is no longer tolerable! WE NEED NEW PEOPLE TO GET RID OF SOME OF THESE DO NOTHING "LEADERS" AND START A NEW PATH! The only "positive" that Annette (I mean the person on the blog that defends her) brings up is the $660,000 grant that will probably be mismanaged. I could save the district AT LEAST $400,000 by getting rid of dead weight positions at the main office. I did say at least. Just think of all the other mismanaged spending, waste, and stolen money that has been lost by our current heads. Change now, before it's too late.
To February 27, 2013 at 1:32 PM
I would beg to differ. In reality what is happening is that the house cleaning that was supposed to be done YEARS ago is finally being done. They need to do it more with the tenured teachers that are in the building and are not being competent anymore. The house cleaning also needs to move to the administrative level.
The election question has to be "Why is Jerome Roberts still employed by D131"? The test scores have not improved during his almost decade reign, yes the finances got better but that is because of the referendum that was passed and the new money coming in for the poor, the district still has no busing, the schools are old and some need to be replaced. Johnson is very vulnerable on these issues. I will not vote for her if he is still employed by D131.
What is this I hear about Stella Gonzalea's daughter or relative employment record being a disgrace? Is there some truth behind this? Can someone comment on this please
A legal question has been looked at that Montroy and Strand can not vote on all issues regarding teacher contracts, personnel issues and even Curriculum changes. That leaves only one committee the Building and Grounds.
Yes, Salinas was on the board but secretaries contracts do not effect all of these issues. Also Salinas served when but Unions had not merged.
Now the District will be put into a bind because three of the four Board members can only serve one committee. Leonard is one dimensional. B&G Is his only area.
Everyone needs to ask these questions at the debate along with what motivated Johnson to fight with Hull. These people do represent us as well as the residents.
I don't get what the conversation is about Raymond Hull and Annette Johnson. The fact is, they both made complete fools of themselves and embarrassed the entire community.
This is the perfect example of the difference between District 131 and other districts. Only in District 131 is there a discussion about which board member was worse during the fight.
In any other school district, they would both be out. The community wouldn't need to vote these people out of office, they would have the class to step down voluntarily.
How come the list of bills are not showing for the last four months even when the minutes are approved? Are they hiding something and is this a violation of the Open Meetings Act since the minutes are approved and they have been posting the list of bills in the past.
Also in reading qualifications for running for board there is nothing stated about candidates that work for the district or have family members not being able to run. If it is an issue with voting then someone who has family or works for a district should not be able to run.
wonder why Annette johnson's supporters don't ever bring up the shouting match between Hull and herself. Her tyrancy needs to come to an end. Looks like Adam Harding will be another one of her stooges as he plays jr executive again.
Can somebody please explain why every teacher in Illinois will be at Couty Wide Institutes except for District 131. Instead, we are being forced to stay in ditrict and review areas we have been doing for years. It is going to be a complete waste of time for teachers.
Worse yet, it hasn't been planned for. It's as if this just came up yesterday. Teachers have been volunteered in just the last day or two and told to run a clinic on Friday. The whole thing is a joke.
Why are we not allowed to go to clinics that the county has been working on for months? The only conclusion I can come up with, is that sending teachers to the county institute must have cost the district some money. Ms. Money bags, on the board wants her stack of cash to grow even higher.
As usual kids, we don't give a damn about you.
In any other community Johnson should have had to argue with Hall about overspending and defending buddy old guard contracts. See Janco is a friend of his boss Tom Weisner and Hull was upset the district is following tough purchasing procedures.
But then again Hall works for the City. Funny how CBS just exposed Halls boss. Maybe its time to elect the members of 131 to the City and clean up corruption there as well.
I am excited about tomorrows training. First, let me say not all PBIS is working in our district and needs to be treated in all buildings the same. Secondly, training outside of the district is great but when so may programs are not running with consistency in our district it shows.
I have not heard we are cut off from training outside of our district, if so I just attended a conference two weeks ago for common core as it relates to ELL learning.
The Bully program has sat ideal for 2 years, it is about time we all get trained. Perhaps that would have avoided the entire transgender problem.
I am glad that we start down the path of other higher preforming districts and do in-service in-house. That way everything is consistent.
If you are unhappy join one of the committees teachers have now been given a voice on or if you are that unhappy maybe another district will serve you better.
Dr. Radakovich got himself engaged this week.
Wow, February 28, 2013 at 11:41 AM must be an administrator or board member (you certainly aren't a District 131 Teacher). That's the exact same attitude teachers deal with on a daily basis. If you don't like it, get the ______ out!!!
As for in-house or out, there are plenty of other opportunities for in-house in-services during the school year (maybe we should use one of those days for more than shouting EEEEEEEE AAAAAAAA).
One time a year the state sets up a county wide in-service day for the express purpose of bringing teachers from different districts together to brainstorm and share ideas. Every district participates in this except for District 131.
Until we are a high performing district, maybe we should be following the advice from administrators who aren't running a district that is in the bottom 3% of the state.
Looks like Weisner through O'Connor under the bus. Why not wait six weeks till after election ,(4/9/13).Why now? Because he does not care about Bob. He wants to see Linda out of office and he'll get his wish now. Congratulations Rick your the winner, thanks Tom. Tom you think people can't see through you, I Thought you were smarter then that Tom. We know your working hard on the two school board elections. Your employee Hull is said to be running all over trying to get your fellow preachers elected, on city of aurora time,thats a proven fact. Your trying to play both sides ,it's not going to work. Werw on to you. If janco is such a good friend ,give him some more business. I hear he's going out of business after losing the east aurora schools bid. Com on Tom help your bud out like your friend Bob.
More lies from the people blogging.
I went to the 131 website under Board Book displayed agenda and there are the list of bill. I had no trouble pulling them up. The Strand Montroy supporters will come up with anything to try to make the Board look bad. When in fact they are the ones hiding their true identity and telling teachers and taking campaign contributions from them when they will be unable to vote or voice anything about them. They are a scam and conflict of interest.
No the list of bills just came on and you forgot one from 11/19/2012.
September Report
September Fund Balances
c. Treasurer's Report - October 2012
October Treasurers Report
October Fund Balances
d. Petty Cash Report
Report
e. Payroll Report
Report
f. List of Bills
2. Motion to Approve Credit Card Sales Availability at Paw Place
Credit Application
3. Motion to Approve Sodexo Equipment Request of Shelving and Seven Dunage Racks for East High School and Waldo Middle School from Central Restaurant
Equipment Request
Inspection Reports
Equipment Quote
4. Motion to Approve the Adoption Resolution of Intent to Levy Taxes
Levy
Levy Certificate
Resolution
5. Motion to Accept the IMSA Fusion Grant from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Tomorrow our EHS musicians will be participating in the IHSA Solo & Ensemble festival. More than 40 vocalists & instrumentalists will be performing solos, duets, trios, and other small ensembles. Our high-school musicians have been participating in this annual event for more than 40 years; it is a grEAt way for students to polish their skills.
Go EHS musicians!!
Interesting Hull can attend a teacher training session all morning on City time. Johnson was correct about him he is a freeloader.
Scamming the City. Some examples for Board members we have.
I attended the District events at EHS today and could not have been happier. We had pages of activities on many topics. It was run much like county wide events, the difference was they had a consistent theme to them. it shows our District is moving in the right direction. the committee work is already showing signs of paying off. I was very excited about the RTI sessions, and PBIS should be the same in all building.
It is unfortunate that some in our District just want to complain and find fault.
March 1, 2013 at 5:00 PM has got to be an administrator trying to cover their rears. The sessions were the exact same information that we have been receiving for years.
The anti-bullying presentation is the exact same one we have been receiving for years. If you were paying attention at all, you would have noticed that they didn't even bother to change the opening credits where it had Marin Gonzalez as our director of secondary education.
PBIS has been in the schools since the late 1990's. If this was new information to you, you and your school haven't been doing your job for more than a decade. I was also confused as Adam Harding seemed to be coordinating the speakers for the PBIS session. Jerome looked right at Adam as he mentioned that the districts relationship with the union couldn't be better but it appeared that Adam was acting more as the district spokesman than as the teachers union president.
The morning finished with everyone being ordered to the field house for lunch. We were told that we were not allowed to leave for lunch (which is a violation of Illinois State Law, teachers must receive a duty free lunch, the district can not mandate where we are to be during our lunch time). We received a box lunch that consisted of lunch meat (or tuna for the Catholics amongst us)on a three day old bun, potatato chips, a cookie, a piece of fruit and a water (Certainly not the food and drink the board and administration have received when they go to a conference spending thousands for just a few people). Many teachers ate a bite or two and threw most away because it was so disgusting. The district couldn't even turn on the heat. It was about 55-60 degrees in the field house. Teachers were wearing their outdoor coats and leaving early just to get warm.
The afternoon was as uncoordinated as the rest of the day. The math and language arts teachers discussed common core, everyone else just reviewed curriculum and the lack of support that we have been receiving from the district.
We discussed the lack of space, over crowded classrooms, broken equipment, outdated text books and curriculum, poor student behavior and lack of administrative support regarding student behavior. The administrators all pretend that this is the first time they are being made aware of these issues and everything will be repeated the next time we have a day like today.
One day a year is set aside by the state for teachers from different communities to get together and share ideas to bring back to their home communities. District 131 administrators and board must be afraid that the teachers are going to find out that it is only District 131 that is run so poorly. They don't want us to see that every other district supports teachers and education.
Other districts update their curriculum regularly. Equipment is repaired or replaced as needed. Their buildings are maintained. East High is a perfect example. The freshman center is new and absolutely beautiful. You then migrate to older parts of the building and see how badly maintained the building has been over the years.
If the relationship between the district and union are "excellent" (as described by Jerome) while the teachers are this disgruntled, it is obvious that the union leadership is not representing the teachers. It is clear that Adam is acting as a district administrator and not as our union president.
The teachers need to speak to everyone they can and emphasize that we need change in District 131 and the change needs to begin with the elections in April. Tell everyone to vote against the current board. It is time that the district leadership supports teachers and education.
The only thing we have to brag about in District 131 is the pile of money that we are not using for education. It is truly a sad state of affairs we have in District 131.
I agree that the Olweus "training" was not training but just a waste of time.
The PBIS Presentation was not bad. Yes it might have been in place since the 90's but it has not been supported (which they admitted in the presentation) and many, MANY teachers do NOTHING with it and then those same teachers are the ones complaining about the kids (probably like you).
The afternoon was very useful time - Why do I need to meet with other teachers outside of the district when I have never even met with teachers who teach the SAME CLASS inside the district.
I do like meeting with both groups let me explain. Meeting with outside the district is always helpful, but meeting inside the district can also be just as helpful. It allows us to see how different people in the exact same situation deal with the real challenges of our district.
You are probably one of those teachers that is on their way out, bitter and angry.
No I am not an administrator. I am a teacher, just like you, just with a different opinion. I know you think that is impossible in that small brain of yours but it is true.
How do you know it was on City time maybe he took a vacation day or maybe like some business they allow employees to attend or volunteer for community days. Some companies use things like that when they do yearly appraisals of their job performance.
Very well stated March 2, 4:36 am. The overall consensus amongst teachers was that the county institute day was a complete waiste of time. If you observed the faces of everyone plodding through the hallways there was obvious looks of complete boredom. The final session, when administration "tried" to address each group via the Internet, was an embarrassing debacle. When Roberts was asked if he wanted to interject he seemed as if he was caught by surprise. All the people online were giggling, you could hear them shuffling chairs around and it was just an unprofessional joke. Administration took 8 1/2 hrs. of our time and did absolutely nothing that could be considered even remotely useful.
4:36AM What the hell are you doing up at 4:36AM? Anyway, you're right on. Bologna for lunch and served at every session. A bunch of Bologna! Heard it all multiple times! All schools have had the very nice PBIS lady at our schools. We have all discussed problems and solutions. It's all bologna! No actions are ever taken. The bully sessions were taught two years ago by Marin. It seemed to be thrown together last minute. I sure wish I could have chosen from all the Kane County offerings. You're also right that 5:00PM is Annetta the Hun or an administrator. We need to move forward in this district for the sake of the kids.
Roberts is the problem. D131 had a golden opportunity to turn itself around almost 10 years ago now and look where we are. Our academics are still some of the worst in the state. School board after school board has had an opportunity to get rid of Roberts yet they continue to get incorrect legal advice on how to actually get it done. Johnson should not be reelected for keeping him around plain and simple.
Strand and Montroy can not even represent you. They can not vote on Personnel, new admits reactive hires, teacher contracts, insurance, district improvement plans or even the new superintendent. They have already been told this but choose to ignore it. By running they put us all in a bad spot. They appear only to be concerned with building their church in the community. Why did they not encourage their friends to run, that would have put all questions aside. I am very disappointed in them
As for Friday, we must have Not attended the same meeting. If you travel to different building you will see everyone not on the same page. This sent a clear message. The bully program is new from last year and Marin's name was still on it because she selected it. Prehaps if Dr Air Head was doing her job we would have not needed her to re write the transgender policy.
As for Adam, why should the Union and administration not get along? Why dont you serve on the committees to reform the district if you have all the answers?
Maybe if you don't like our district leave. BTW what are Strand and Montroy other than becoming a conflict of interest going to do for you.
The teachers of 131 rank 186 out of 750 school districts in the State of Illinois for pay our admin is 237 out of 750 Districts. Yet they rank at the bottom of the list in scores. I have not received a raise for two years because of the economy. I am upset with the Board fir being to generous and you are right Roberts, the administrators and teachers should all be fired. There are plenty of good teachers and administrators in other districts being laid off.
If the Board does want to change they all need to go but then again we have nobody that ran to replace them. Electing Strand or Montroy is like putting the Fox in charge of the Chicken Coop.
Sorry Johnson you did not fire them fast enought. Hull and Turza are going to be a bigger disaster together.
My data is from the Chicago Trib
Roberts lost the entire respect of his administration when he would not take a insurance deduction for his ex family after we all had to pay for Jay Augustine's mistakes. As administrators we work twice as many hours and the teachers The Board has punished us with small increases for years while the teachers larger increases. This year was the final straw when Madam broomstick took vacation away and charged the same for insurance as teachers. Moral is low because Roberts backs nobody up but himself.
It is foolish to think a 22 year old step son should have free insurance. We all know.
For all the complainers, for years you have abused county day and claimed you went to sessions, when in fact you did not.
To 4:36 and 5:00pm
Stick to the facts
overcrowding is a result of being landlocked because of poor decisions from prior boards Hometown was built. he district did not receive any funds and he City did not help re coop the land promised to d131. The only solution is to hire more teachers which the board did over 200 of them.
Text books. no longer does the State have a text book grant. The district has been on a aggressive pace to bring in new books. We are two years ahead, Many teachers have complained because that requires new lesson plans. It is not possible to get all new books at once.
The committees do give a equal voice and are split between teachers and administrators equally. If Adam was helping that was the reason it came out of the committees.
D131 is not a easy fix and dud not get this way with this Board. Nor will it be solved with new teachers, administrators, Superintendents or a new Board.
The meetings that took place Friday need to continue, everyone in district is the best way to exchange ideas between ourselves. We need to solve our problems in house not air dirty laundry. We should be happy that everyone cares enought to run .
The Board Members have.a non paid job and like Mr Hull take time away from work to understand the teachers needs as does Ms Johnson.
Stop complaining and tell them who to change the District if you have a idea that does not fit into the committees.
To: March 2, 2013 at 6:46 AM
You are part of the reason the administration and board get away with what they do. The teachers have never been united in District 131. Your assumptions and name calling are both inaccurate and embarrassing, IF you actually are a teacher.
First off, I never said that I had a problem with meeting with teachers in District 131. It is essential for a properly run organization. I have an issue with wasting the one opportunity each year to meet with teachers outside of the district.
There are 8 in-service days/ half days each year (not including the countless team and building faculty meetings throughout the year. Only one is designated for the county to meet together. Pehaps the district administration should use the other 7 days for more than shouting EEEEEAAAAA!!!!!!
4:28, First of all you should pay the same for insurance, second of all none of you administrators do anything, you are all worthless! I can tell you for a fact that all the teachers I teach with did go to other districts for the county wide institute days and we always brought back useful information that we implemented into the classroom. Even if there are teachers that abused the system (which I'm sure there are in every district) they were better off not having to go through the BS you morons threw together yesterday.
Here is a question for everyone.
Why are there so many "Experienced Teachers" in District 131 that are so disgruntled toward the district leadership while teachers in other school districts are so much more loyal to their districts?
First of all 7:48 - you are assuming that "experienced teachers" in other districts are loyal to their district.
How do you know this to be true?
You can't ask a question on a false assumption and expect an accurate answer.
(for those of you that don't know, it is these types of questions that make this blog full of bs. You make statements based on false assumptions that morons believe to be true - most of you still won't get it though)
I have friends that teach in 129 and they are not loyal. Facing layoffs and salary cuts, while board members like Marin's husband take her on trips to Orlando and Boston this year alone. This whie they trekked everyone they have no money!
There is a old saying in teaching profession it goes like this.
Those who can't teach become administrators.
For those who know Marin she was a bad teacher. Dr Aird was a horrible principal. Anna Groh got fired. Clayton went to he Urban League because he could not manage a class. For those who remember he took a $9,000 pay cut at the time when he gave up his teaching job. Conrad and Glozabach dd their teaching at the Alternative School. Nestor got a girl pregnant. Roberts was fired from his last job. Adams was fired in Joliet. A number of our Principals never had administration experience. Reyes Childress never had Bilingual credituals and the list goes on.
None of these people got hired by the current board, however the current board has done nothing but get rid of them except for Marin and a few worthless unneeded peons.
Now we have Montroy who goes on a mission trip with Marin. So now they elected they bring her back.
Do you see a pattern, incompetent admins make bad leaders.
I have to ask would you allow them to work for you Annette? So why us? We also know the entire board is a bunch of do nothing's. So your it AJ.
This district is in big trouble! The problem is between all of them running they don't have half a brain and Johnson does not practice what she preaches. I would luv to see any of these peope work for her.
To: March 2, 2013 at 6:22 PM
You state that you want to stick to facts? You claim that the board has hired over 200 teachers. Here are the facts. In 2007, District 131 had a total of 861 teachers and administrators, combined. In 2011, there were 864 teachers and administrators. I don’t have a degree as a CPA but my simple math background doesn’t get a total of 200 new teachers. The reason that there is overcrowding in the district is because we have an ever increasing student population, yet are doing no real hiring or building expansion.
Why is it not possible to get all new books? Are you claiming that venders will not sell us the books. Why do we first need a grant before obtaining books? The board keeps claiming that they have $85 million dollars in reserve. Isn’t that money supposed to going toward educating our children? You further claim that we are two years ahead. 2 years ahead of what? The fact is, many of our students are using textbooks that are at least 20 years old.
We keep hearing about these committees that the district has started. They have been meeting all year and yet not one change has been communicated to the staff coming out of all these meetings. Further the committees were stacked with administrators and the teachers that kiss their A$$. What real change does anybody really expect? Heck, we are still waiting for the board and union to complete the teacher contract that the teachers were told to have faith would be completed in short order.
You are obviously a board member who is trying to get themselves reelected (as no teacher or administrator wants any board member reelected) by distorting facts and spinning to make yourself look like you are doing something for the district and community. True facts don’t lie. Anybody who looks at the true facts objectively can only conclude that this district needs major changes in its leadership.
Hull caring, understand the teacher needs, that's b--- s---. Hull could care less, He would like you to think so. He's using them to start trouble. The election, it's all about the election. He want's to be prezz.
Hull supported ever loser this district has or has had for years. We've had Dr's who could not write a report. They could not run a school. But Hull supported them and blamed Dr Roberts. He even supported Janco when they were raping us at $40. a case for toilet paper, when a fair bid could be bought for $14.. He would make a grEAt PRESIDENT.
The district would never received 660 thousand if Hull was president. He never supported the STEM program. He never wanted Raquel, Marin or Martinez fired. If the BOE fires Aird & Adams he won't like that either. He wanted Raquel to run the STEM academy,unbelievable.
I bet that toilet paper is the one sheet kind so someone has to use twice as much so I don't see a savings there.
Lets Fact Check
Committees
The Union put out a open notice to everyone several times t get teachers to Voive their opinions. They also had town halls. Some of the committees started late because they could not find teachers. Are you on a committee? It seems you have all the answers so please join.
Books
The District has had large Book adoptions and large District programs like Read 180 going in place every year since this Board was seated. Example this year it Elementary Science and Common Core recently. Do you expect all new books in every subject matter? Currently the teachers have been complaining to much as it is.
Six Million has been spent in these areas.
New teachers add the positions in Board Book. Did you ever have Teacher Tudors? No. I would suspect this Board put teachers back that had been cut by previous Broads. Example Art programs, or Band. Now the teachers complain they lose instruction when students are doing these activities.
85 Million
Would you want to have no money like many other districts. The State cut 12 million last year, and with no reserves your fellow teachers would face a layoff. They have worked to build new building to reduce class size and add Preschool. Look at the CSC and the Magnet School which will pull kids from all neighborhoods.
As far as getting elected to what? They are non paying jobs. unlike your candidates who will gain. Many school districts in the State have nepotism policies. These policies do not allow the Superintendent or Board members to have children or spouses working in the district. That is true transparentcy.
But then again, I am sure you don't live here or pay taxes. Your exceptactions are to complain, give o solutions and feed of the backs of seniors and minimum wage earner. Some Christian
It is so obvious Annette is posting. She is the only one that cares about the Board president position. She wanted it when Weaver had it, when Weaver had a child at EAHS. Now she is making an issue about Hull, claiming he cares about it because he has a child at EAHS. Truth is they care about EAHS and all students needs. Johnsons vested interest is bragging rights about a position on the board so she can plug her business.
All Board presidents positions were intended to preside, not dictate.
Catching up on morning reading, I see my peer Jackie Montroy is at it again. On Friday she spent her day running around bashing the District for making the teachers stay in house.
Jackie spends her day upsetting staff and encouraging them to campaign for her husband. This all started last summer when Jackie and others in the Social Work/Guidence Office got forced to account for their day. Her latest is she coined the jokes about Adam Harding becoming Jerome's lacky.
Her support of the good old days of Marin only makes teachers trying to make a difference roll their eyes.
Everyone knows she owes Marin big time, after all Marin took care of the paper work that should have gotten her fired. We all know any other teacher, or certainly Social Worker having knowledge of inappropriate text messages between a student and teacher should get you fired. Why Jackie was paying the cell phone bill in the first place remains a unknown. Either way DCFS should be called. This student by the initials BR became involved before 17.
Stop destroying our school Jackie, as for Mrs Strand be careful of the company you keep
No what is unbelievable is how this board runs things. In looking at the IL School Code and looking at the information from ISBA about school boards it clearing states that the one most important thing a board does is hire a Superintendent to follow the policies the board makes and follow the law. It is also stated that no one board member can act on their own. In fact there are statements about a single board member visiting schools or talking to employees and that includes the President. If this board has to do the Superintendents job then it is time for them to get a new one.
Annette does not post about Ray but I know who does.
Oooooo, please tell. I can't wait to find out.
Hey Ray look at the guy who looks at the ceiling tiles next to you. Also, look to his friend who saw you Friday.
Interesting views from the audience. He also got people who care about the district to fight and made us look dishonest to the Beacon. When he gained the most. His friend gets a job Ray and Annette get trashed. The board had few issues til then.
We may not always like what AJ has to say but she cared and moved the along. Ray wears his heart on his sleeve for the kids. Many of us hope.
We know its Leonard.
You lose 6:55 am, the paper is a 2-ply-9" roll same type as the old 4" rolls. This is a generic size (9")roll. Many company's can bid on generic products, this saves the district (tax payers) thousands of dollars, no brainer. Forty dollars Janco, fourteen dollars generic =twenty six dollar savings x 1700 cases =$44200.00 SAVINGS,
I know what your talking about 9:45am Hull I'am told is in the schools (election time) all the time lately, talking with custodians. He's always at the hill ave talking with Finley and Scott I've been told when he was B&g chair he did nothing & was fired by Ms Johnson. Now with new people running the show he demands everything be repaired now and also take responsibility for the failed custodial bid. What a HYPOCRITE.
Remember, the School Board candidates' forum is this Thursday, March 7th. Here is our chance to ask important questions about how these people plan to serve our community.
Adam Harding is the new Clayton.
It is official. Adam Harding is now a complete traitor to the every teacher in District 131. He is officially part of the district administration team. He certainly fits the bill. The only real qualifications that are needed is to have absolutely no ethics and the ability to sell out everyone and everything just to put a few more dollars in your own paycheck.
The SOB had the cajones to directly quote and then compare himself to Abraham Lincoln in his farewell letter to the teachers. Like somehow this traitor is in the same class as the president who freed the slaves. This man has no morals whatsoever.
Adam, your betrayal will never be forgotten or forgiven. I hope the money was worth it.
Adam is the new district spokesman for D131. Saw that coming a mile away. So much for fighting for Teachers and Staff as our union president!
the only school open in any district--great way to go EA!!!! Thank you Dr. Roberts!
I BLAME THIS STUPID BLOG FOR SCHOOLS BEING OPEN.
This blog makes any decision made by this school district WRONG.
If EA is the only district open today, does that mean all the other districts are wrong in closing them ahead of the storm predicted. Please respond
Adam,in all fairness are you planning on speaking up when you disagree with someone on the Board or will you continue to be Annette's employee and do what she wants you to. Your performance as the Union Pres was sub-par in assisting the teachers and ABOVE PERFECTION in following Annette and Roberts around in campaigning within the schools. Congrats Adam is the pay raise of 100K + worth selling out your soul?
Here's what Adam Harding told D131 teachers & staff:
"I do the very best I know how - the very best I can;
and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
If the end brings me out all right,
what's said against me won't amount to anything.
If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels
swearing I was right would make no difference."
-Abraham Lincoln
Dear East Aurora Family,
The above quotation is one of my favorites by Abraham Lincoln. As the son of two teachers, I saw my parents dedicate their lives, first as teachers and now as “older” volunteers to do their best for others. My siblings and my wife are classroom teachers. We eat, sleep and breathe education. All of us can’t imagine our lives outside of the educational arena. That will never change. We all will always have a teacher’s heart!
When I was elected to the presidency our union, I knew I had big shoes to fill. Craig Rhodes has been a wonderful mentor to me. I have experienced great joy, tough challenges, and amazing camaraderie as together we have established an environment of trust and mutual respect. I love walking into each of East Aurora’s schools and seeing students excited about learning. I keep thinking, “All those star fish - and we are making a difference!”
Lincoln also said, “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any ...crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.” I firmly believed that my students could meet educational goals. I firmly believed that we could create a community of teachers in East Aurora. I firmly believed that if the truth were made known – we had the ability to save thousands of star fish, and ourselves too.
My personal and professional goal has always been to be in a leadership role where I could network, build bridges of trust, and share the good news of education in East Aurora. I learned early in my life that worthy relationships are not built by being less than honest. Before I knew what the word “transparency” meant – I believed in it. The parts of the job of union president which I enjoyed the most were those opportunities when I could communicate the accomplishments of District #131 with colleagues, friends, and community members.
Last month “my brother from a different mother,” Clayton Muhammad, accepted a position with the city of Aurora. I can’t imagine a more qualified individual than Clayton to work with our city in this capacity. He is a relentless cheerleader for Aurora; he is a man who never sleeps; he is my mentor and my friend.
My colleagues that know me personally know that my background (prior to teaching) was in Communications and my love and commitment for District 131 is authentic. Regardless of the timing I applied for this position, interviewed and was afforded the opportunity to build upon the great things happening in district. I realize I have huge shoes to fill – and perhaps an even larger “wardrobe.” This decision was not an easy one. The timing is not good. We all know that. After careful consideration and guidance from my family, I have to do what I feel is the best opportunity to build positive relationships, to create partnerships, and to work on a shared vision encompassing the greater Aurora area and their school systems.
As a result of the above the leadership of the East Aurora Council passes to your elected Vice President Sara Imthurn. I can think of no one more qualified and experienced to represent and continue the momentum.
I ask for your support, your prayers, and your encouragement as I begin this new stage in my life. Together we will continue to throw as many starfish as possible back into the life-giving ocean of education.
Respectfully,
Adam
7:52 a.m., if you blame a blog for schools being open (or closed, for that matter), then you are a moron.
And some of us are glad schools are open today! Local weather forecasts have been revised, predicting maybe only 3 inches of snow--and our district won't have to go an extra day in June to make up a snow day.
Ok, lets see who is correct.
I'm glad you are ok with the district playing chicken with your safety.
I BLAME THIS BLOG
YOU ARE THE MORON
I heard that 2 children were allowed at the board meeting and being children and were well behaved. Does this mean that "Day Care" is now available at Board Meetings?
How much of a pay raise did you get? Call it career, and all that other "stuff" Bottom line is $$$$$$ and your "New Alliance" with Annette Johnson. Time will tell whether you will stand up to her or just be another ally such as Turza and Gonzalez.
Great Call in Keeping the Schools open today. NOT !!!!!!!!!!
Adam: do you really believe Clayton left for a career move? If so , make sure you give your list to the Easter Bunny
anyone know what happened at the Board meeting last nite
Nite is not a word
Night is a word.
To whoever made the decision to keep schools open today:
Thank you!
I'm a single mom, I work at Dreyer Clinic. I have to be at work today. My 2 kids go to Waldo (we live about 2 blocks away so its an easy walk). If school was called off a lot of the kids in my neighborhood would be hanging out at home or with friends unsupervised. This district is full of parents like me who don't have a plan B when school is called off. Again, thank you for making the decision that was best for OUR district and OUR families!
9:53 so go ahead and think of yourself. Every school district in the area is closed. The conditions are dangerous. If I was running for school board this would be a MAJOR issue.
9:53 is thinking of themselves, their kids, their neighbors, and their neighbors' kids.
Don't want your kid to go to school today? Keep them home, it's that simple.
9:02 a.m., about the kids at the board meeting: Meetings are for the PUBLIC, and children are part of the public community. They have every right to attend school board meetings with their parents or another supervising adult.
10:05 is absolutely correct. Children/ students have been acknowledged at Board meetings and have been in attendance. On a few ocassions stdents have addressed the Board. No Daycare is required if parents have taught their children the proper behavior when present in a meeting type atmosphere.
9:53 what you are saying is these decisions are to be made in accordance with your needs and children supervision. Safety is not even a factor. Maybe we all should call the surrounding districts and tell them they are wrong in keeping the schools closed using your situation as the determining factor.
District 131 is the only school district in the entire area holding classes today. Every school district, except 131, has determined (correctly) that during this winter storm, student and staff safety must be paramount. I wouldn't doubt that there is school today because our new spokesman just doesn't have a clue how to use the emergency closing system. We were also the only school district that had not reported to the emergency closing system whether we would be open or closed today.
District 131 does not have bussing so students are forced to travel (many walking) up to 5 miles, one way, to get to school. This is done many times on major avenues with lots of fast moving traffic. Further, many of these journeys are done on roads with no sidewalks. The are literally places the children are forced to walk in the street with the cars. Just try to imagine walking on Farnsworth or New York with cars slipping and sliding and visibility down to zero.
Jerome Roberts is certainly not concerned with the safety of children walking from Molitor to East High or the children walking from Hometown to Cowherd. At some point, some child is going to be seriously injured or killed due to the poor decision making ability of our administration. Jerome Roberts should be up on 15,000 counts of child endangerment charges. Unfortunately, it is going to take the death of a child and the multi-million dollar lawsuit to the district before policy will change.
To 9:53 you do realize there are teachers in your same situation that live in the area. Guess what they had to do. They had to take the day off. Go figure!
"Safety is not even a factor"...
10:24 a.m., with that kind of all-or-nothing attitude you probably don't ever dare to travel, swim, ski, or try anything that might have a remote chance of accident or injury. The fact is, our district is not the same as some others in our area (busing, demographics regarding childcare, etc.) If you're that concerned about keeping students safe why don't YOU call Aurora University & North Central College and tell them they're wrong for having school today??
I agree with the decision to leave EA school open. Some schools were announcing closures last night and the snow was no where in sight. I am not a meteorologist, but I saw no major snow falling until after most EA kids should have been on their way to school today.
The kids would be out playing in it if they weren't in school. It is not windy or bitter cold. I see no issue. In this case good call D131.
Hey,
Even Marmion closed today - AND THE KIDS LIVE THERE.
10:38 I do agree with you on 1 issue and that is dist 131 is not the same as others. Where else can you find "Chicago style" politics finally being outdone by Aurora East Admin and Board. sounds like you are a Bd Member or administration employee
What a major blunder by Annette Johnson and Jerome Roberts. Only district in the state that does not have bussing and they keep schools open in such hazardous conditions. D131 children now must walk in snow covered streets dodging cars to get to school. Folks this is a perfect example of why the current administration must be replaced. Batavia-CLOSED, Indian Prairie-CLOSED, West Aurora-CLOSED, Oswego-CLOSED.....East-OPEN. What a complete joke.
10:39 Even the Titanic had those who charted their course and safety was secure and not an issue.
Uh, 10:42 a.m., Marmion students do NOT live on campus. They drive in (or parents drive them, or they carpool). Students haven't been boarded at Marmion for at least 15 years.
I just called several districts to comment on closings and mentioned that 131 is open. Response was they do things very differently there than other districts. Read between the lines on that one.
Different is a euphemism for ass backwards.
The truth comes out...it's about babysitting.
This just in: Research shows that District 131 administrators and board members are complete idiots.
Oh wait a second. That report was in the wrong pile. That research has been confirmed annually since the early 1980's.
to those deciding and supporting the dist131 keeping the school open despite weather warnings and safety issues,congratulations you know qualify to be a superintendent or even better the Board President. You just don't get it !!!!!!!!!
Annette Johnson keeps bragging about the 85 million dollars that the district currently has. Around 30 million dollars of that money has been from the issuing of bonds as was approved in the referendum in 2008. Has anybody wondered what happens when those bonds come due and the distrct has to pay back that money with years of interest?
It turns out, that moutain of money Annette is bragging about really isn't very big at all.
10:39 Definitely are Board President material with this statement
Let's face it. D131 is wrong because they stayed open. If D131 had closed, they'd be wrong. Making decisions to close, cancel, etc. based on coming weather is always a crap shoot. The only meteorologist with a 100% record is the one who only reports on yesterday's weather. This morning getting to school was fine. Cancelling all after school activities (which D131 has done) is a good move. If I was making the decision, I'd have gone with a half day. Right now at 1:00 it's coming down fast and hard and if it keeps up getting home at 3 pm is going to be rough. Of course, I'll be at home at that point out in the driveway.
Good call on the 3 inches.
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