As a friend of Richard Leonard, I have personally witnessed the hours of work and dedication that he puts into his "unpaid" job as a member of the East Aurora School Board. For Leonard this position on the school board has become a full time job and one that he is honored to be a part of. Leonard does NOT have a personal agenda but is seeking to find ways to do the VERY BEST he can to ensure that the children attending school in District 131 have EVERY and the BEST available chance to succeed. He did not recommend Marty Feltes for the current position he has been appointed to for personal reasons but because he knows that Marty's qualifications make him the best choice to oversee the work of making accountability in the district's workers and the spending habits in the district. Leonard is an honest and ethical man who has always demanded the best from himself and those that he works with. The pride and dedication that he brings to this job is a continuation of the man that he is. East Aurora School District is fortunate to have such an individual working FOR them. He is a man of honor and integrity. Thanks for a job well done!! Keep up the good work you are doing for all of the residents of the East Side of Aurora. THANKS!!!!
In these tough economic times being "good stewards of our resources" is especially important. The days of free for all are over and the current school board of District 131 is working diligently to make accountability a priority!! This in turn means additional resources available for the children of the district. Hats off to you for what you are doing. Continue in the future. Don't let it end here. Vote to keep current boards members in place to continue with their journey to improve the education and viability of the East Aurora School District.
It's seems tonight in a interesting turn of events Hull called all the board members idiots and said only Johnson did anything. She was very nice to him also. Looks like they made up. They both felt the board needed a change away for the committee structure.
If this board had the right Superintendent and Administration they wouldn't have to spend so much time doing their jobs. Why do we pay these people if the board is going to run the district. By the way the board is suppose to have a policy in place about who handles the buying of supplies in maintenance. These board members can't even follow the law and do what the IL School Code says is there most important job and hire a Superintendent to follow their policies.
There is also a IL code that says it is recommended that board member not have a immediate member of the family employed by the district. So why are you complaining that the board is doing the administrations job. You are a supporter of Kristen and Zacks so you dont seem to mind them breaking the Il code.
Our board doesn't have the intelligence to ask deep, probing questions of a group like Virtual Learning Solutions. Why do you think we are still using the Urban League, while every other district pulled out long ago?
This group is just another greedy corporation trying to maximize profits while providing minimal services. Once again, it will be the children who suffer for the poor decisions made by our leadership.
Simply put, Children belong in a classroom with a teacher and other students. Children can not learn necessary social skills sitting by themselves, behind a computer and without any supervision.
March 19, 2013 at 10:18 AM is full of it. The Illinois School Code doesn't "Recommend" anything. It states the law for Illinois Schools. There is no choice in any school code.
10:18am If you can lets see your reference for the code and since you are a concerned citizen in board members abiding by the rules how bout we discuss the events of the past year. You can begin
Our building had the "special visit" from Roberts/Johnson what a waste of time and BS from both of them.They both contradict how much money there is & claim what the Beacon News writes are all made up stories!Insurance is all good,credit card spending is all good etc. LIARS!!!!Get rid of Roberts, Johnson &(gooseneck)Glotzbach!!!
Expect nothing less, the blog insulting and bullying people for no reason. There is no need for the "gooseneck" comment. What an immature child you must be.
4:40 pm weren't you the person saying that Annette Johnson was justified in her FAMOUS "Verbal Exchange" with Ray Hull. That was her classiest exchange in attempting to bully/humiliate another Board Member. Guess her being a role model in dealing with adversity will always be remembered.
I noticed in the Beacon article that a 2012 EAHS graduate collected 500 signatures of people who opposed the new "bell system" (actually a fancy way of saying 6 classes per day). Our current board president, Annette Johnson, favors more time in the school day for extracurriculars and opposes the new bell system as currently proposed.
How do our School Board candidates stand on this issue?
From the minutes of the March 4th School Board meeting:
Mr. Raymond Hull read the following:
“I was raised to believe that a man says what he means and means what he says. I am totally responsible for my actions as I always knew right from wrong. I have been taken aback now a day about how excuses are made for everyone and the truth has been exchanged for semantics, half -truths and in some instances outright lies. The generalities used are accepted as truths. It seems like the only thing important is what you say and not what you can prove. For the last several weeks this board has adopted a mantra that change is difficult for some to accept and that our board is somehow transparent and is being persecuted for this much needed change. I believe that what is being described by some as change is really an itemized list of expenditures and fiscal responsibility that all school boards are charged with. One major difference is that other school districts do not boast about how much money they have in the bank. I remember being told on December 6 th that I should compare my bank account with the school board president’s bank account to see who had the most money so I can understand this type of rhetoric. I want to set the record straight and be transparent tonight as well. As a taxpayer I do not believe that it is correct that I should have my tax dollars to go towards the superintendent and board president to campaign for her re-election. Since January 29th when a special meeting and dinner was called for with Latino pastors, they have been visiting each school in the district and they will continue right up to the election. A couple of my fellow board members are publically endorsing the president with letters to the local newspaper. I have done nothing to them but they have chosen to take sides.
Campaign is defined as a work in an organized and active way towards a particular goal; typically a political or social event. The rhetoric used at each of these settings is the same–a special education building opened; increase in preschool enrollment; health insurance savings and cleanup that saved the district over $4 million dollars; a new business system purchase; a hold on property tax levies; test scores have increased every year; over 200 new teaching positions created in the last three years. At the pastors dinner there were four board members present however at the following board meeting not one chose to disclose that this meeting took place. Most of the items discussed are true, some are half-truths and some are lies.
There have not been over 200 new teaching positions created. We have re-hired over 200 teachers in the last three years. Test scores have not increased. We had a secondary administrator removed from her position because of the grades at the high school. The comment “stopped the no bid contracts and changes in all large bid contracts will be updated by the lawyers” is not true; we just gave out a contract to R.J. O’Neil which was a no bid contract.
All of these items are the same things that my fellow board member sent into the media. The only difference is that what I just read came from the East Aurora blog and the one that Ms. Turza wrote was printed in the newspaper. I went to the March 1st inservice for staff at East High and attended the bullying training. I was part of this training last year at Simmons Middle School. Dr. Warren and Ms.Argueta had on t-shirts that read “silence is affirmation”. The real change that I have seen over the last three years is I have seen Lisa Morales screamed and yelled at and brought to tears. This was the night that Mr. Leonard was being installed on the board and he said “what have I gotten myself into” after having heard the screaming. I have seen Joan Glotzbach in meetings brought to tears. Penny Halvax quit the building and grounds committee meeting after over ten years on the committee because she was called incompetent and called names. I have seen our board members screamed and yelled at and talked to as children. Everything is not all good as it is being said to be be cause bullying not only takes place in the classroom but also in a board room. I am going to call myself a victim since my fellow board members have chosen to all come together and make me be the outsider. During this time I will defend myself to the fullest until this election is over”.
I was just going through old blog posts and saw the warnings way back on April 28th about Adam Harding. Even then, people knew that Adam was just using the union presidency (A post that the membership did not vote to place him in) to advance his personal agenda.
Somebody pointed out how Adam's mother did the same thing in Yorkville. She used the union presidency to betray the teachers and become an administrator in Yorkville. It took Adam less than a year to do the same thing to the teachers in District 131.
Just on a hunch, I went to the State Board of Education web site and looked up Adam Harding's credentials. There were none, at least not under the name Adam Harding. The closest I could find was a Kirk Harding that was listed at Krug Elementary. Kirk has an elementary certificate. He is not endorsed in secondary and had no administrative certificate listed.
SO, Adam Harding is now listed as an administrator in District 131 but what certificates or qualifications does Adam Harding really hold? What qualifies Adam to hold an administrative position in an Illinois Public School District?
Inquiring minds would like to know.
Where is the transparency and accountability?
Looks like just more of the same poor decision making by District 131 leadership. What benefit is the community receiving for their $106,000 plus benefits that we are now paying this man?
It's funny how Johnson always says conflict of interest and here you have four board members together at a dinner which makes a quorum and that isn't good in fact it is frowned on.
For the students that had the signatures you can change this by having your parents vote the sitting board members out.
This is interesting. A new bill they are working on for a State takeover is the district has been on watch list 3 years. How long has this district been on the watch list. I hope this passes so our district can move forward. Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance 105 ILCS 5/2-3.25d from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25d 105 ILCS 5/2-3.25f from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25f 105 ILCS 5/2-3.25f-5 new 105 ILCS 5/2-3.25g from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25g 105 ILCS 5/2-3.25h from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25h 105 ILCS 5/3-14.28 rep.
Synopsis As Introduced Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning State Board of Education actions for schools or school districts that remain on academic watch status for 3 years following their placement on academic watch status. Removes current provisions governing the removal of school board members and the appointment of an Independent Authority. Provides that the State Board has the power to direct the State Superintendent of Education to remove school board members in a district having a population of not more than 500,000. Provides that a district may petition the State Board for the establishment of an Independent Authority for the district or the State Board may establish an Independent Authority without a petition from the district following the removal of all school board members. Provides that, upon establishment of an Independent Authority to operate the district, the State Superintendent shall appoint members to serve on the Independent Authority. Provides that the Independent Authority shall have all of the powers and duties of a school board and all other powers necessary to meet its responsibilities and to carry out its purposes and that may be requisite or proper for the maintenance, operation, and development of any school or schools under the jurisdiction of the Independent Authority. Sets forth provisions concerning emergency financial assistance, the suspension of school board elections, reports, assistance, the abolition of an Independent Authority, and indemnification and protection from suit. Effective immediately.
Ray has spoken no truer words. Sadly, the D131 Board has been lead by persons craving position. Historically, a majority of members follow the lead to avoid doing anything but carry the name of board member. Hopefully,the election will bring a cohesive group of dedicated people, ambitious about improving the educational atmosphere for our districts children.
If anyone can prove Roberts and Johnson where really doing campaigning during those breakfast that is illegal and should be told to the proper authorities.
The teachers not the community is so worried that the current board gets reelected. Why? because they are afraid they will clean house. Funny the people working up the teachers are administrators that should have been gone long ago like Dr Aird.
Lies Lies Lies.
The silent majority is pulling for you and if the current board is not elected then maybe the State should take over. Of course they wont because d131 is still solvent. After the new group get in that will not be true
Well it looks like Annette Johnson again is fighting for the kids and not going along with what the Administrators put in front of the Board.
The current bell schedule shows how bad the administration in our district is. They throw one master schedule together for everyone. Never taking any students need into consideration. If my child who was in the band attended EA now he would not have had any other choice but to drop out of band. They are not even giving students the opportunity to take a foreign language class. Unbelievable!
I may not like her style but she is the only one willing to speak up. That is one thing we can not afford to lose.
But I also will vote of anyone else new and Annette.
Mr Hull you could become a better board member if you would not defend the current administration. Its not only the Superintendent they all need to go!
Stella Gonzalez you really need to quit embarrasing yourself with your lack of educating the public. the only viewpoint you take is Annette's and shame on you for attempting to impersonate a true Board Member. You are out of your league representing the community. If there was a one on one debate with you and anyone of the candidates on key issues, you would continue to embarass yourself. Shame on you for playing the Ms Concerned Board Member !!!!!!!!
11:26 I would guess that not all administrative positions are required to have special certifications from the ISBE. For example, the director of the IT department, etc. I'd be very surprised if the Director of Communications/PR Person/Spokesman is required to have ANY certifications from the ISBE.
Ray if you believe that Roberts and Johnson are using taxpaying dollars for her to get re elected why haven't you contacted The States Attorney about it. If you have the information about this you can stop it.
9:09 do you really think Johnson would let a new superintendent do it his way?? think again !! The entire district is scared of her and are afraid of getting fired. Power hungry, Insecure, Bully is Johnson
When you talk about cleaning house you seem to take glee in this statement. Our teachers are the only good thing in the district. They are the ones who adapt and go forward with a million changes thrown at them every year- Workkeys, E20/20, NCLB, Common Core, New Infinite Campus, bye bye Grade Machine, AS400 which worked just fine- get it right cause you'll be in trouble if you make mistakes,- Here comes a completely new schedule, oh! look out check out our PLC's- which are worthless and whose members are not asked for their input on anything,- new initiatives that stay one year and are abandoned, READ 180 reading, no too expensive, lets try Language!, lets do this, Trans Math, now you teach this, try that, move from your room, upset the apple cart too many times those apples will spoil. Oh but let's get rid of those lazy teachers- they're the problem.
The Oswego 308 School District School Board held a meeting Tuesday night to hear from representatives of the online charter school and ask questions about the school’s application to the district.
They didn’t get very many answers.
“We’re missing significant data that we were promised to get,” said Board president Bill Walsh. “Why didn’t you bring people who could answer questions? It’s very disappointing.”
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Mike Skarr, vice-president of Virtual Learning Solutions, and Randall Greenway, vice-president of K12, were the two representatives for the charter school wishing to come to the Fox Valley area.
“We are doing this because we feel this is good for kids,” said Skarr. “It boils down to a matter of choice. Every parent should have some choice when it comes to their child and their educational experience.”
But it was that educational experience that had the Oswego board questioning the online charter school.
They asked about how to tell if a teacher is “highly qualified,” how homework is part of an assessment, and questions regarding various incidents and a class-action lawsuit K12 was involved in. They asked about the quality of the education, why Virtual Learning Solutions wanted to come to this area and what the cost would be to District 308 and the other school districts and who in the area had shown support. The board asked for copies of requests, documentation of reports.
Skarr and Greenway could not answer many of the questions and said they would try to find the reports and information requested.
“If we don’t ask these questions and don’t get the answers we could be damning these kids,” said board member Dave Behrens. “You’re coming to us and you don’t have answers to these very pointed questions. You can’t treat our kid’s education this way.”
Facebook Page "Continue the Change at D131" started by Stella Gonzalez (wonder why so many of her pics are on there)another propoganda to MISLEAD (believe it or not)or (I am shocked) that someone would be so believing in misrepresenting what the community and us teachers really know. Stella, you are a disgrace in betraying the Hispanic Community in aligning yourself with Annette Johnson, and Mary Ann Turza.
Not political your Union asked for it and since the teachers do not live in our community because they will not send their kids to school in 131 I am not sure who she is getting votes from.
Unlike Strand who used the Magnet PTO list to get votes for herself.
Annette, why do you waste your time with ingrates. You gave them a voice now they want more. Did your mother never teach you not to feed the wild animals. They come back to bite.
8:37 a.m., sometimes calling a teacher "lazy" is just a coverup for the REAL reason administration doesn't like a teacher: refusal to kiss their behinds.
Here we go --online charter school--this is the real reasons for NCLB the absurdly high unattainable 1005 scores- this is for privitization and for independent companies to come in and take over education--close public schools- 80 in Chicago the highest number in the country-- at least Illinois is 31 in something when will these jagdorffs learn that you can't replace a teacher-a real living breathing human with a computer- oh wait they don't care as long as these private ccompanies can line their pockets.
Say what you will about Annette Johnson she should visit the Magnet School. It was her vision that turned it into a real school. Funny the district will not tell you that every grade has a lottery with applications that are pouring in. In fact over 600. No board member will ever be able to compete with the lives she touched.
Then to top it off with the grant. Everyone needs four more years of her but not Jerome. Please why do you keep him. Kids are chasing a better life. You always tell them you want that for them. Then please, I support you but I hope you can see the light. I heard you say admit your wrong, well do it and please move our district forward. Roberts and Aird need to go
Then what is wrong with the schools in D131 if it is true that 600 or more kids want out of their neighborhood schools? What the hell is going on? Isnt the East Aurora Magnet School suppose to be for those who qualify by their own test scores, teacher recommendations, grage point average, etc. How is it that over 600 kids in East have these qualifications and yet the schools test scores are in the bottome 2% of the state? Something does not add up!
Not any of the teachers my kids had in D131 schools! Each and every teacher our family encountered at Dieterich, Waldo, and East High was a hard-working, dedicated professional.
It was some (not all) administrators who were lazy, corrupt, or both.
Johnson didn't start up the Magnet School it started before she was on the board. No board member can do anything by themselves. If you are going to make praise it is the whole board. that made the magnet school happen.
2:21 VERY GOOD POINT !!! Wanting to take credit appears to be the make-up of Annette Johnson. Public appearances, speaking on behalf of others, and having the limelight is what she is all about. Guess HUMILITY is something she is NOT.
The other board members may have voted on it but I know Annette went after it. I know her well and she is a go getter. I am not sure any of the admins or other board members have that drive.
Its funny how you can never say anything nice. I will pray for you.
By law Annette can not go after something herself. By law it is the superintendents job and if he can't do it then it is time to get another one. It is not the Board Presidents job to go around doing that and she can't promise anything word alone.
There is also a policy that says immediate family should not be on the board. That is a ethics question you are voting on supervision, money or insurance that benefits your family.
Lets talk about bullying a friend of mine who supports Johnson was asked to put a Strand Montroy sign in when he refused his sister in law who lives in 129 was told by his sister quote " well if I don't distribute this sign then people in my building will be upset with me" The teacher worked at Bardwell. Strand and Montroy have broken every ethical code in the book.
8:51 says "There is also a policy that says immediate family should not be on the board." Others have said it's a law. Can ANYONE on here actually cite where we can read that law or policy? I've gone to the school code and can't find it. I personally think it SHOULD be a law, but I'm wondering if it really is a legal no-no, or just something that is not a good idea but actually it's not against the law.
If someone was bullied into putting a sign in their yard they can take it down and call the election committee and tell them.
At least they are not using the Superintendent to go to the schools with them to say what they have done which is a ethics problem and and election problem. How about 4 board members being together at a dinner what was discussed their if it was about the district that is a ethic violation. They have let a person that didn't pay insurance go and not pay back the district that is considered fraud.
8:51 How bout specifically mentioning who you are referring to and more specifics Let's put it on the table and get all parties with your allegations. "Sister n law told by her sister". Gimme a break, this is just another childish tactic by someone who can't come forward and discuss it openly. Grow up !!!!!!!
With Johnson having the Superintendent take her around to the schools and talk it does sound like she is campaigning for herself.
Here is what the State Elections say about that.
G. IMPROPER USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS No public funds shall be used to urge any elector to vote for or against any candidate or proposition, or be appropriated for political or campaign purposes to any candidate or political organization. This provision, however, shall not prohibit the use of public funds for dissemination of factual information relative to any proposition appearing on an election ballot, or for dissemination of information and arguments published and distributed pursuant to law in connection with a proposition to amend the Constitution of the State of Illinois. [10 ILCS 5/9-25.1]
Each member of the Naperville Community Unit School District 203 Board of Education ascribes to the following code of conduct; and shall:
Represent all school district constituents honestly and equally and refuse to surrender responsibilities to special interest or partisan political groups. Avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety which could result from position, and shall not use school board membership for personal gain. Recognize that a school board member has no legal authority as an individual and decisions can be made only by a majority vote at a school board meeting. Take no private action that might compromise the board or administration and shall respect the confidentiality of privileged information. Abide by majority decisions of the school board, while retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels. Encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by fellow board members and others. Be involved and knowledgeable about not only local educational concerns, but also about state and national issues. Respect the provisions of the Open Meetings Act. Not intrude into management or make staff decisions. Respect the function of District Administration by expressing concern for decisions or direction in a positive and constructive manner that serves the District Constituents while recognizing that the Board does not make staffing decisions. Descriptions of roles and relationship of the Board of Education and Superintendent, below, are from District 203 Board of Education Policies: Section 2:132 Board Relationships.
You should all grow up clearly they all have their own supporters. Writing that is person is no good or the other person violated the law does not mean anything unless you are going to act on it. That would mean your not anonymous anymore.
I value all their time, efforts and money they are all working for to make the district better.
Grow up yourself that why this district is so bad not one person can give anyone a compliment. They have all been called so many names on this blog they are defensive and hateful. Rumors are destroying the district not facts.
As much as anyone might not want to recogniize this, it is Roberts who was the one to be thanked for the Magnet School. Johnson was not going to meetings or even in the picture anywhere when it first was being started. Farum was president at the time. Also remember this, the president of any board is just a member of the board with no more power that any other board member. President is just a title with the right to stamp bills and lead the meetings.
Your own union forced the meetings. Your own union Sara or Adam verified this. The reason Johnson is with Roberts is to make sure he follows up. That is why the union invited her.
As for the Magnet school it was a one classroom program. Johnson worked on Weisner for three years to get the get building. She also worked with the Dunham Funds to get the computers. Pick up the phone and ask the Dunham people who they worked with.
Geez, 10:24 PM who would have this type of info or more importantly, who would care. Other than Annette or her 2 friends, who cares who gets credit.
It sound so childish. "I did do it all by myself, and if you don't believe me, call and ask for yourself!" That is how you promote yourself to be the team player we should elect......NOT! Others will notice good deeds wihout self promotion when deeds are true and sincere.
You speak as though the school district and the teachers union are seperate entities. While this is true in most places, it is not in District 131. They are so far n bed together, you can't tell where one ends and the other starts.
Adam Harding telling the teachers to Vote YES to a contract that had a 2% pay increase for 25% more work and recently, taking his nice cushy job at $106,000 plus benefits (Really close to $120,000) should be clear evidence to this fact.
Stating that the teachers union supported the board and administration is a moot point. They (All three) are all the together with one common goal, to screw the teachers and community of East Aurora.
Hey 10:54 pm, at least the West administrators fired the band director and he didn't become an assistant superintendent like the sexual predator on the east side.
He hasn't been found guilty yet so until then he is innocent. From what I read in the paper he is stepping down after this year so at least he is doing the right thing for the district. Our district on the other hand keeps a do nothing Superintendent so the board president can run things and he gets a nice paycheck for doing nothing.
Annette is the only one strong enough to push change and she is being targeted. The rest of the board members do nothing and show up only to promote their children or Freinds to positions or a better education. I am not sure what Annette got out of the district or Truza the rest all gained
Gonzalez daughter got a job
Lewis daughter got private placement out of the district paid for by the district while other kids get bullied
Hull is getting scholarships for his daughter.
Leonard gt Feltes a job and has control over the maintenance contracts
Cervantes got awards and scholarships for being the youngest elected student.
Strand and Montroy will promote their husband and wife and gain financially. Strand will also benefit with better educational opportunities.
Peryea has been looking for a job for two years and has applied and is listed in the applitrack system.
All have something to gain. I have checked and it seems only Truza and Annette are clean.
Then lets look at board members in the past same story and all will justify this with well its a job with zero pay.
Whoever is posting about Hull's daughter needs to stop. She is a smart, lovely young lady and doesn't need her Dad on the school board to get scholarships. Leave her out of it. Signed, A EAHS Teacher.
To the EA Teacher Hulls daughter never made the honor roll program yet she is getting a free ride. Lewis grand son should be sitting in the same schools that bully all the other children but he was given special services. Gonzalezs daughter got a job. Leonard's friend was hired. Cervantes was given a a national award and will one day get a big job. Strand and Montroy will line their pockets with church members and great positions for their worthless spouses who would both loss their jobs under the new teacher evaluation system. Peryea is looking for a job and applied to 131. Then Johnson, will protect the man of her dreams and live happily ever after.
It's either money, scholarships, better educations, jobs or ego for all of them and if not why are they all fighting so hard for a non paying job?
Zack Montroy looks like satan and is satan. Satan always twists works and causes hate and discension. This is what Zack has done with the teachers and residents. His latest is blaming the board for not advertising the Charter School meeting. Yet he claims out of the other side of his month that the board should manage from the balcony. So what are they suppose to do stand on the street and hand out flyers.
The reads negative headlines all the time but never the positive ones. He delivers the messages of hate continually.
He complains in public about the blog yet he takes the orginators blogmasters support.
He is now out attacking Adam Harding as a sell out. Yet it was explained to him that is the starting wage of a director.
So when Harding is out being called Satan, the real Satan is a among us. Many real ministers are amostest us praying because of the evil that has befallen our beloved district. After reading his latest forked tongue message it occurred too me who that was .
Lets all goto church and not let our district fall Into the hands of Satan.
Hey, 10:24am, the entire West High Administration was involved in the cover up. The police got a hold of it, and they are all being taken to court. The Band Director has been at it for the last ten years. That's a true cover up. Don't pretend that the West Administration pursued this and don't give them credit for them allowing high school students to get molested and never report it.
10:49 pm. My point is that you should not be discussing specific students on this blog. It is inappropriate. Most interesting is that even though you are posting anonymously, you are likely someone at the high school that has access to the applitrack system as well as infinite campus. Since you are a professional (and I use that term very loosely), I find it necessary to remind you that some of the information you are providing on this blog is confidential. Keep in mind, I never said I disagree with your thoughts, but the way you present them needs some serious thought!
The problems started with the board when they appointed Leonard. He made up stories and called the board a bunch of do nothing in public and went to the Beacon News with district records. All because the board did not hire his friend the witch hunt started. he violated the boards oath that the President should speak for them. Up until then Johnson may have been difficult but she was fair. Leonard could not come up with one case of fraud all lies.
He sits and smiles when Ray and Annette go at it and he destroyed two people that do care for the kids. I have witnessed both Hull and Johnson with the students motivating them quitely. Have never seen Leonard even address one of our students.
e tells everyone Ray is a do nothing and Annette is a dumb women who the men pulled the wool over her eyes.
This I know Ray has quitely helped with City issues and when he and Annette where on B n G the staff never felt threatened. She pretty much let him do his thing and she did hers. I can also say looking at Annette life she is far from a stupid women. She would not have stayed in business this long.
People need to look back and see who started the trouble and Leonard friend Feltes has plans to fire all of the maintenanace people and hire all his unemployed friends. he has told them as much.
The staff takes daily verbal attacks by Feltes.
I suggest Hull and Johnson start looking at the facts. they seemed be talking. Get the board back on track and elect only people that talk to the students.
BTW d131 and board you should get a copy of Leonard's yellow flyer. It's interesting he takes sole credit and quotes himself with The Beacon as saving the district. In there he takes shots at he entire staff and calls us dishonest. He also has no campaign disclosure on which leads us to believe the others are not in agreement.
Something to note who ever gets him on the board will have to deal with this loose cannon running to the Beacon. How can you even run with him AJ.
BTW AJ if you come clean and put the wheels of motion into place with Jerome you would get all the support you need. If anyone has the goods on him you do since you are doing his job. He uses you and we all think he has played on your great loss, Many of us think you did great things before your loss and the Leonard invasion.
Get ahold of the yellow paper and see what he says about us.
If change is really the goal whether it is old blood or new, than the change should start at the top. Whomever the board members are there is waste at the top. Why is the district dishing out these six figure jobs when the teachers that have 10 plus years experience and masters degrees are barely scraping 50G? Nestor Garcia had a job that was made up for him and his salary could get two or three teachers for the children. I think if you ask around you'll find that not much has come from this new position. Does a PR person command a six figure job? Really? Again, I think the teachers are the clear difference makers. I'm not saying we don't need a PR guy, but it is insulting to teachers when their salaries are so low compared to other districts. Yes, I know 1st year teacher salaries are competitive, but that's smoke and mirrors to anyone that stays in the district. New teachers get a couple years of d131 and it looks good on their resume when they go get real money. Some of these other big salaries...I don't know...I just wonder if they are that necessary. All of the embarrassing, corrupt, degrading EA moments have been connected to the top. Who are these people? Why don't they walk the halls of our schools and visit the students and teachers? I would think that would be part of the job. Dr. Roberts how many schools have you stopped by this year and how often? I would bet there is at least a half million in waste at the admin building. That could be 10 highly experienced, highly educated teachers for the children to benefit from. I don't know who will be on the board come April, but I hope they consider this. The fact that some of these positions exist makes me question the current boards thought process. I don't think they are in touch with the masses. You can go on thinking that teachers are just disgruntled and should quit, but I think the majority of the teachers are not happy right now. Some are afraid to speak up and some don't bother because they feel nothing will change. Leadership! Real respected, impacting, involved leadership is what is missing in East Aurora.
Hey 10:05 am. What does all that have to do with an east side molester becoming an administrator. Both sides of the river handled the situations pathetically. I'm not trying to give anybody credit for anything. My point is that you are trying to make d131 look like they would never allow such behavior when it actually rewarded the behavior. D131's administration knew this predator was with this innocent young girl and instead of having him put away they pay him over 100 g's for over 20 years. Both districts are repulsive for not immediately having these criminals thrown in prison!
Amen March 24, 2013 at 5:38 PM. This board has kept a Superintendent around so the board president could run the district. Then a Union President is hired for a PR job that is a administration job. I don't know to many union people that jump ship like that. I do believe that teachers need to get a fair salary and I believe our teachers are kept back by a administration that doesn't want to move forward. The statement that the people that live here the longest are the ones that know best for the district is a stupid statement since we haven't seen a increase in test scores for years.
As we see the statements on the blog and I believe some of it is from board members attacking each other is a shame. I hope that new law comes through that was posted on here so our district can move forward. I am going to contact my Representative and ask them to vote for it.
10:05 you may be right about the west administration, but it's up to the state's attorney to PROVE it and make the case in court. Hopefully they will be able to. BUT I'm still pissed that Orland was allowed to go on so long because the custodian who FINALLY went to the Beacon BROKE THE LAW and didn't call DCFS LIKE THE LAW SAYS. HE was a mandatory reporter. He was required BY LAW to report it to DCFS HIMSELF, not tell someone else and rely on them to decide whether to call or not. And it doesn't matter whether the person he reported it to was his boss or not. If the custodian hadn't BROKEN THE LAW, the administration wouldn't have had the chance to cover it up.
Montroy was in my neighborhood and after getting his door hanger I would never vote for him. It's expensive and says nothing. I also have a no soliciting sign for a reason. Can he not read. His wild spending and lack of ideas has me saying NO.
put it on the custodian who makes ten dollars an hour. Bottom line is the West high administration covered it up. Very correct in stating the states attorney has to prove it. I'm pissed to that Orland got away with it for so long as well. Seems like either way the custodian did the honorable thing and came forward to tell the truth. Not sure why you have to type in caps. Wasn't defending anyone or the administration on the East side. Just don't talk about ethics and give West as any example.
Hey, 6:02pm, I agree wholeheartedly. I was simply stating numerous West High Administrators covered the Orland thing up. When you say that East High Administration knew about its predator; who were the administrators at the time that let it happened?
The only reason Nestor and some of the others still have a job is the fault of the people running for the board. I can only imagine if the board let them go. Because of the negative campaigning the boards hands are tied. I remember when Montroy wife got up a praised Dr Roberts at a meeting as public comments so Jackie and Zack can't have it both ways.
I want answers they need to comment on Nestor and if they are firing Roberts if they are elected. f so who will they put in charge? Has anyone asked them. Also Kristen, Zack and Lou have defamed his chances of finding a job .
Also today's article is done in poor taste by Zack really he makes it sound like the board is passing the charter school. All of them said they would not so why waste everyone's time. He also calls himself a tax payer I looked him up and he is not. His wife ownes the house it's curious why they are married and his name is nt on the title. We all know who is running for the board and its not Zack.
I agree......some concerned incumbent board members are worried about the awesome contenders, so they are using a blog to talk about anybody and everybody (and their families).
Talk about low, cheap, blows. I'll take quality people, with good morals and a history of community service and excellent communication skills. I am voting for change on the D131 school board.
Why is anyone looking up what people pay in taxes? Maybe his wife owned the house before they married but he makes a salary and contributes to paying bills. At the end of the day it is the parents who will decide if they want their children to go to a magnet school.
Why keep bringing up the Orland case it has nothing to do with this district.
8:39 I wasn't defending anyone on the east side, or giving west as an example. I was responding to someone else who brought up the situation on the west side as a way to slam the administration at east. And I certainly wasn't defending the administration at west. The all caps is because I was and still am pissed that the custodian is getting away with breaking the law. Yeah, real "honorable" to come forward AFTER Orland had been caught in other situations and had been stopped. Situations that might not have happened had he followed the law and called DCFS. By not charging him, DCFS and the states' attorney send a clear message to employees: don't worry if you're a mandatory reporter, just tell your boss then turn a blind eye and you're okay.
BTW, $10 an hour? Yeah, right. His retirement pay is more than that!
What is the latest cover up at 131 that is being covered up. Johnson and her gang (Turza, Gonzalez, Lewis, Leonard) are more dangerous than any other Crook county Gang. Difference is they vote whatever Johnson wants her to do. Now that will change soon !!!!!!
Why wouldnt east vote to approve a charter? In some aspects it might be a good thing since the charter school could then petition the State, which they said they would where it would most likely be approved. More light on East Aurora would be a great thing. This could be ten times bigger than the transgender issue in terms of PR. You have the worst performing schools in the state and you will not approve a charter. How could the state go along with that? Cannot wait for the PR circus to begin.
I would think the custodians have ethics training. All employees have to have that and even if they don't if you know something is wrong you need to report it to the proper authorities.
Low cheap blows are the name calling going on from the so called ministers. If Zack is a taxpayer then he should be on the mortgage. The tax bill comes only in his wife's name not his. Therefore he is not a taxpayer. Peryea is not as well. They throw around the words like the board is dishonest that is defaming a persons character with no proof. Now you are calling them gang members wow or Charles Manson and you call yourself a Christian WOW.
I have not heard one plan out of Zack and Kristen. In fact Zacks wife praised Dr Roberts at a board meeting this fall and Kristens husband praised Dr Aird. Yet now they claim things need to change how?
They are all about special interest and that means lining their pockets with better opportunities to grow their church
For those who know Zack he wants to be head of his owe church. That may be here or somewhere else.Its about his resume not the kids. Kristen is invested in the community out of the three she is the only one who should be elected.
AURORA — The East Aurora School Board will vote on the Virtual Academy at the Fox Valley Charter School proposal at their regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. April 1.
The proposal is available for review at the East Aurora McKnight Service Center, 417 Fifth St.
The online charter school would be governed by a St. Charles nonprofit, with curriculum provided by the for-profit online education giant K12. K12 has faced criticism in other states for its achievement scores and other issues.
The nonprofit Virtual Learning Solutions filed a proposal on Feb. 14 with 18 local school districts — including West Aurora, East Aurora, Indian Prairie, Naperville, Oswego, Batavia, Geneva, Yorkville and Kaneland — seeking their approval of the Illinois Virtual Charter School at Fox River Valley that would open this fall. The online charter school would open an administrative building in the region and provide off-campus alternative learning options for students in kindergarten to 12th grade.
School boards have 30 days after their public hearing to decide if they will accept the charter school’s application for a five-year contract, deny it or let the independent Illinois State Charter Commission decide what to do. If school officials deny the application, Virtual Learning Solutions will appeal the decision to the commission, according to the charter application.
8:35 Approving A charter would be fine. This specific charter is a problem. Way too many questions not only about the for-profit company providing the curriculum, AND the non-for-profit just formed for this specific purpose with NO experience or track record. I suspect this St. Charles non-for-profit is really just a front for the for-profit K12.
9:49, 11:23 is right on the money. He knew. Every school employee is a mandatory employer, and is told that and signs off on it. And the best way to make sure all school employees in the state remember that is for this guy to face some kind of sanctions. It really didn't take much guts or honor to come forward AFTER someone else had done the right thing and stopped the guy. IF he has any conscience, it should bother him the rest of his life that additional girls got taken advantage of that wouldn't have if he'd gone to DCFS.
Everyone has a right to change their minds and maybe when they praised Roberts and Arid they did do something good. For those that are running they have said some things but not until they get on the board will they have all the information they may need to know what to change.
The custodian did report it many times to the administration. West screwed up. Is the custodian named in the lawsuit. no he is not. if he was culpable and to blame then his name would be on the lawsuit dumbass.
Just quickly so that we all have a common vocabulary: Public Commons: Things that have always belonged to the entire community whether paid for it or by act of God. Examples: Roads, Schools, the River, a mountain, Air, etc. Privatization: Politicians selling the public commons for the profit of a corporation and the political kickbacks it generates back to them. Regulations: Laws that were put in place to protect the community (You and me) from the actions of businesses and corporations that would harm the community for the sake of corporate profits. Deregulation: The stripping away of regulations for greater corporate profits. This frequently costs the taxpayers huge sums of money to correct.
There has been a major push by the politicians of this country to privatize all the public commons. Some examples: parking in Chicago. Tax payers built and maintain the streets. Some company is allowed to put up meter boxes and charge the tax payers who built the streets $2 an hour to park on them. Mountaintop mining: Literally the coal companies are tearing down mountains to get to coal (because it’s cheaper than the traditional way). This is ruining ecosystems and poisoning the people downstream. Fracking: Gas companies are being allowed to pump millions of gallons of toxic chemicals underground to force up natural gas. This has been proven to introduce poisons into local ecosystems and drinking water. There are dozens more examples like this.
Public education is just the latest form of privatization. Politicians at the federal and State Levels (and some local levels) are farming out our school systems to private companies. This has been happening slowly over the past 15 years. Testing has become more and more rigorous to the point that last year, only 8 Illinois High Schools made AYP. This year the scores have been adjusted and no high schools will be passing. Three years not making AYP makes the district eligible to be privatized (taken over by Private Charter Schools).
How exactly does taking our tax dollars and funneling them to companies that pay their top executives 5+ million dollars a year, funnel huge sums of money back to their political campaigns, and make hundreds of millions in profits for stockholders, help our children and communities.
THIS IS SIMPLY MONEY BEING STOLEN FROM OUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION!!!!!
WHEN ARE AMERICANS GOING TO WAKE UP AND TAKE OUR COMMONS BACK FROM THE POLITICIANS AND CORPORATIONS?????
Sorry, 7:19, you're the dumbass. The law says he has to report it to DCFS. It doesn't matter how many times he reported it to the administration, he was required to report it to DCFS. He hasn't been named in any suit because he's small fry. You can't get blood from a turnip. They always file suit against whoever has the money -- and that ain't him. As for any criminal charges related to the "alleged" cover up, none have been filed. It looks like he's going to skate on the charges he SHOULD be facing; I suspect it's like catching a small-time drug dealer, where they cut a deal to get him to testify against bigger fish. They can make a bigger splash going after the administrators. Yes, the west administration screwed up big time and should pay for it. But he gave them the chance by not following the law.
(325 ILCS 5/4) (from Ch. 23, par. 2054) Sec. 4. Persons required to report; privileged communications; transmitting false report. Any … school personnel (including administrators and both certified and non-certified school employees), … having reasonable cause to believe a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be an abused child or a neglected child shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the Department.
Whenever such person is required to report under this Act in his capacity as a member of the staff of a … school, … he shall make report immediately to the Department in accordance with the provisions of this Act and may also notify the person in charge of such institution, school, facility or agency … that such report has been made.
Any person who enters into employment on and after July 1, 1986 and is mandated by virtue of that employment to report under this Act, shall sign a statement on a form prescribed by the Department, to the effect that the employee has knowledge and understanding of the reporting requirements of this Act. The statement shall be signed prior to commencement of the employment. The signed statement shall be retained by the employer.
You really need to get over the janitor conspiracy. Even in our district we have contracts for certified staff, non-certified staff (which includes secretaries, teachers aides etc.) and we have a seperate contract for custodians and maintenance workers.
There is no formal training of the school code for maintenance workers. Many of them speak little to no english at all. If they are made aware of a school code, they received (or did not receive)this training from the district administration.
The fact is, the top level administrators had the ultimate responsibility to inform DCFS. They also had the responsibility to inform the correct staff members of their responsibilities. The janitor should neverof had an option.
You better check on whether or not charges have been filed against the administration of west high, in the end the district will be writing checks to the families for the incompetent leadership and the administration screw up of sweeping this under the rug. Thanks for supporting my point that the custodian is a small fry. I never disagreed. that the custodian shouldnt. have been reported it. I was merely stating that when the custodian reported it to the administration, the leadership of that west high administration failed when the the call wasnt made right there and then. The entire. administration knew for years and nothing was done. In the Penn State scandal not one custodian was charged after that fiasco . same thing in this case . go back. to watching Perry Mason and Law and Order jackass .
Unbelievable. All you people are just fine with the fact that someone saw a student being abused and did not report it to the state, as required by law. The term "non-certified school employees" INCLUDES the custodians. Did the custodians get named at Penn State? No, because there's been no indication any custodian witnessed anything. This custodian has admitted to witnessing something going on that worried him enough to talk to various people and then to administration. If it worried him that much, he had a legal and moral duty to report it. I'm in no way suggesting we let the administration off the hook, but I'm staggered that you think the custodian should be. What finally stopped Orland? It was when another teacher caught him and reported it to DCFS and the administration.
Jackie and Zack change their minds when it is convient for them. They appear to be loose cannons who will stop at nothing to get Marin Gonzalez back. Why would Marin donate to their campaign if something was not in it for her.
Along with all the other district employees donating it has put them in a bad position they will no longer be able to vote on anything. They have thrown tons of money away on a campaign for no good reason. They are very dangerous and when you elect people to the board that are a pay to play mindset that brings about corruption.
8:10 am CORRUPTION, you mention, oh my goodness !!!! What has happened the past several years at 131 ?? C O R R U P T I O N I N C O M P O T E N C E Plus we have the Dictator, Executioner, Bully, as the Board President. Crook County politicians would be an improvement.
Show us the proof that they can't vote on certain things on the board. I have looked at the ethics law and the IL School Code and there is nothing in anyone of them that states they can't.
As far as this Charter School why not give it a chance? All ready we have government telling us that in you district you have the choice of paying for private school or going to the public school and when you see that we are at the bottom of the list of districts making good test scores why not have change. Maybe if we did we would have families moving in that want their children to learn and making the East Side of Aurora better.
Wrong again there were many custodians who seen the abuse at Penn State and failed to report it because they. were scared they would lose their jobs. The custodian should have called DCFS but he was scared to lose his job if he went to the administration. Sad but true with the west case and Penn State. Not saying that the custodian should not have called. he should have just like. workers at Penn State . The facts are that the administration at both west high and State should have taken the lead, in the leadership role they are in, and taken the care of business years ago. sad and sick in both cases. Both leaders at Penn State and West turned a blind eye for years and that's worse then one custodian not calling. DCFS . not saying. its right . but administration needs to take the information to DCFs and police immediately which didn't happen. Sad.
Ray and Annette trading verbal jabs with each other and talking bout mamas when they know they are being recorded and Zach and Jackie are called loose cannons . funny.
Here is the information about conflict of interest and for those of you stating that Zack and Strand can't vote on certain things you are wrong. The one about the contracts is almost to the end. This is published by IASB lawyers. By the way the board members should of got this they belong to IASB and go to their conference every Nov.
I have no problem with private schools but they should not be taking public tax dolars to subsidize their private enterprize.
If charter schools were really better than public schools, the parents would be paying for it. The fact is, 83% of charter schools test the same or worse than their public school couterparts. Why then are we putting millions of tax dollars into their CEO's salaries and into poltical campaigns and shareholder profits? All these millions of tax payer dollars should be going to the students education. It's a complete waste of tax payer dollars for no reason other than corporate greed.
By the way, if wanting our tax dollars to stay in our education systems and local communities, where it will do the most good for children instead of making the corporations richer makes me a hippie, I say bring me a tree to hug. It much better than being a corporate slave.
3/25/13 -7:25 PM, If you are a tree hugger in anothers opinion..I am too! People keep their heads in the sand and think elected officials will take care of them. I don't care if you are Rep. or Dem. look what has happened when you elect the gal next door and give her a little power. You get a manipulative, power hungry board pres.
The EA teachers must be like innocent lambs lead down a path of lies and discepition.
Building Administrators are angry because the board cut their liberal vacation and sick days back. Then the administration was forced to pay the same for insurance as the teachers. So then the bad mouthing of the board begins.
Coupled with $65,000 a year central office secretaries that don't have basic skills and $80,000 maintenance people that had to be trimmed back thus the belly aching begins. Oh the board is so mean
Teachers should know the current board is the most pro teacher you will ever get . Remember the two out of three cases were that returned teachers to the classroom after bad choices by administration.
Will Zack and Kristen be able to make the changes and clean up the district? I think not because of the campaign contributions excepted.
I have sat to long and watched my family member work long hours to clean this up for no pay. It's all about the nest egg. Cook County machine is the three ministers. At least Cook County does not hide behind the church.
The Bob Green termination story is in tonights Beacon.
Reading the story, it is clear from all accounts that the student was shoving Mr. Green repeatedly for simply doing his job and telling a student that he should not be leaving the school building. Only after being assaulted repeatedly, did Mr Green defend himself against the agressive student. This was substantiated by the police report. It was clear that the child sustained no injuries and the district must have realized the child's inappropriate behavior as they have placed him in the alternative school.
The board is going to have an uphill battle if they want to go to a mediator of judge and say their board warning superceeds the Federal Constitution, Illinois law and Board Policy.
Federal Law provides that every person has a right to defend themselves against physical harm. Further, the Illinois School Code states that "teachers may use reasonable force as needed to maintain safety of other students, STAFF, or to defend school property". Board policy 715.01 is a restatement of the Illinois School Code.
So here is the real question: How can the board terminate a teacher based on a board warning that violates the teachers rights (and responsibilities) based on Federal Law, Illinois School Code and even their own board policies.
This is an administration and board that has already been determined to have discriminated and retaliated against Bob Green by the Illinois Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commision. Further, the Illinois State Board of Education has determined that the board termined the man without just cause.
This is a very clear example of why we need to change the leadership in District 131.This must start next week at the polling place.
As a 20+yr teacher at 131 I can confidently say that it is near unaminous that we disapprove of the direction the Board of Ed has been going this past 4 yrs unders Annette Johnson. We dare not speak for fear of retaliation and our hope is that the new board can oust her and begin a new era. I say this confidently on behalf of many many staff members of 131.
This whole Bob Green war has been so avoidable. It all started with the arguement about whether PE teachers should be teaching health classes. Mr. Green pointed out that school code required a health certification to teach health class and the administration was violating school code by forcing PE teachers without this certification to teach health classes. (FYI The Regional Office of Education has verified this to be correct, yet the district administration is still forcing uncertified PE teachers to teach health classes inviolation of the Illinois School Code).
To retaliate against Mr. Green, the administration reassigned Mr. Green from East High to Simmons Middle School and took away all his coaching jobs. He was then barred from even applying for a coaching position. The argument then evolved into the hiring practices for coaches. That argument is still ongoing. The admiinistration contends that they can hire who they want without even posting coaching positions as is standard practice in any other district. If you go to the regional office web sites, there is always a multitude of coaching positions posted. The administration is constantly hiring uncertified, unqualified people to coach sports while certified teachers are bypassed.
What it boils down to is this: The administration was committing violations of the Illinois School Code, Bob Green dared to stand up and speak out about these violations and the administration has been retaliating against him ever since.
As you can clearly see, Mr. Green was being assaulted by a violent student and the administration and board terminated him for defending himself.
The boards battle with Mr. Green has already cost the tax payers of Aurora hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal battles. If the board had simply required the administration to follow the Illinois School Code, all of this could have been avoided.
Is this what Annette Johnson considers fiscal responsibility? How about transparency? Sorry, no comment on personnel issues, especially when it is embarrassing to the board.
It is so time for a new board. The taxpayers can't afford any more of these petty arguments to drain the tax coffers.
If this district had the right Superintendent your family member wouldn't have to work so hard because according to the IL School Code the board is suppose to hire their one employee to do that.
March 26, 2013 at 11:48 AM said "Here is the information about conflict of interest and for those of you stating that Zack and Strand can't vote on certain things you are wrong."
You're partially right; it clearly says the spouse of an employee CAN sit on the board. BUT it DOES say they can't or have to be very careful voting on certain things. If you read the excerpts below, they better have their lawyer on speed dial because it advises they talk to an attorney before even discussing some things.
"A violation may occur if the board member actively promotes the financial interests of his or her spouse."
"This is a fact-sensitive inquiry; a board member should seek legal counsel before voting on anything directly related to his or her spouse, such as, a motion to hire, promote, or transfer as well as anything of a disciplinary nature."
"When a conflict arises between the district’s interests and the school board member’s personal and financial interest, the board member should carefully review and consider his or her role in the decision."
"For example, to avoid the appearance of impropriety, a board member may want to refrain from voting on any matter that will financially affect him or her and his or her spouse or family member."
Again our board screwed up. I have known Mr.Green for quite some time and he is a very sincere person when working with our students. Mr.Green again has been retaliated against by the board because he had to defend himself? The message you are sending to students now is that if you want to get a teacher fired just physically or verbally attack them. We are also sending the message to teachers that it is okay for administrators (Wilson Morales) to leave school grounds and get into a fight with a student and the only discipline Wilson received was a suspension and then he was able to return to work. Annette and board you are costing taxpayers money on frivolous terminations because you dislike an individual; in this case again Mr. Green. You have already lost one lawsuit with this individual and now you have set the district up for another loss. The police report clearly supports the board error on hurrying up to terminate Mr. Green. I hope you are ready to pay again. There goes our so called surplus of funds.
Nacho and Ray abstained from voting on the Bob Green issue. No backbone, and proof we need a new Board where all members arent scared to vote . Did Nacho have Green as a teacher? Its obvious why Ray abstained. They both attended West High together and are friends . Isn't that a conflict of interest?
10:25am does abstaining mean you are scared to vote or can it mean "Insufficient Evidence" to vote yes. It is a fact that whenever Annette Johnson wants to vote yes or no, her gang (Turza, Gonzalez, Lewis, Leonard) will vote alongside her. AMAZING HOW DIST 131 JUSTICE IS not WORKING
Wilson wasn't suspended. He was on paid administrative leave while his wife Lisa Morales, Clayton Muhammad, Mechelle Patterson and Joan Glotzbach covered up the whole incident by threatening and intimidating the victim and other witnesses.
The board and administration have made so many poor choices that cost our children. When is the community going to stand up and demand better?
The new board should really look into how PBIS has been handled. The problem is that administrators know that the PBIS numbers are being reviewed so they want the numbers to reflect that behavior is getting better. The problem is, the administrators have little control over student behavior. The only thing administrators have control over is the PBIS data which has been manipulated regularly.
A lot of referrals are not entered into the data or the referral is disposed of and the student discipline is not dealt with at all. The rules are constantly changed to make the data look better and teachers have been harassed for even writing referrals. I have personally heard in teachers meetings, the staff being told to stop writing so many referrals by district administrators.
The problem is this. The PBIS data (as thus the administrator) looks better on paper but student behavior gets much worse and academics suffer for it.
A student attacking a teacher is just a symptom of the problem. And just so we are clear, Bob Green is not the only teacher who has been attacked by a student this year. I personally know of at least six teachers who have been physically assaulted by students. I am sure there are many more. Somehow Bob Green wass the only teacher fired for having a student attack him.
By the way, the student that attacked Bob Green wasn't even one of Bob Green's students. The child was cutting class and hanging out in the gymnasium (and outside the building)that Mr. Green was teaching in.
As long as Annette Johnson keeps supporting incompetent administrators, the district will never improve.
Jackie and her fellow teachers are actually losing votes for their spouses the more they campaign. It looks like the teachers are afraid the board wants to make changes and the others just want to do the same. People in Aurora think the school district should change and a good house cleaning is in order. Advice to them no way to win the East Aurora schools are looked upon as horrible and its been that way for many years. So when someone comes out talks about change that what people want to hear.
Your statement March 27, 2013 at 8:22 AM is bits and pieces of what it says. For those that want to know if it is really a conflict of interest go to the link below.
B. What is the board of education member’s obligation when his or her personal or financial interests conflict with the best interests of the school district? The board member is expected to act in the best interest of the school district and not in his or her own personal or financial interest. When a conflict arises between the district’s interests and the school board member’s personal and financial interest, the board member should carefully review and consider his or her role in the decision. Sometimes conflict can be resolved by the board member’s abstaining from discussion and action on the matter. However, there may be occasions when the board member’s conflict of interest cannot be removed through non-participation in the decision-making process. This is addressed in Section 1. Similarly, the board member should not use his or her position as a board member to influence the outcome of day-to-day decisions left in the administration’s hands. Use of such influence could be considered a breach of the board member’s fiduciary obligations to the school district. 5
B. What is the board of education member’s obligation when his or her personal or financial interests conflict with the best interests of the school district? The board member is expected to act in the best interest of the school district and not in his or her own personal or financial interest. When a conflict arises between the district’s interests and the school board member’s personal and financial interest, the board member should carefully review and consider his or her role in the decision. Sometimes conflict can be resolved by the board member’s abstaining from discussion and action on the matter. However, there may be occasions when the board member’s conflict of interest cannot be removed through non-participation in the decision-making process. This is addressed in Section 1. Similarly, the board member should not use his or her position as a board member to influence the outcome of day-to-day decisions left in the administration’s hands. Use of such influence could be considered a breach of the board member’s fiduciary obligations to the school district. 5 This rule also applies in the context of the School Code’s section on prohibited interests. In addition, a 2005 amendment to the School Code allows a board member to participate in a group health insurance program provided to a district employee if the board member is that employee’s spouse or child. 105 ILCS 5/10-22.3a. This legislation clearly indicates an intent to permit spousal employment. A violation may occur if the board member actively promotes the financial interests of his or her spouse. This is a fact-sensitive inquiry; a board member should seek legal counsel before voting on anything directly related to his or her spouse, such as, a motion to hire, promote, or transfer as well as anything of a disciplinary nature.
March 26, 2013 at 10:48 PM -I am a 50+ year resident of teh EA community and have the utmost respect for the teachers. If the community was all paying attention and voted, this would be a landslide for change on the board.
Go Green! The same people who are fearing change will continue to slam those working hard within the district. Strand, Montroy and the teachers.
The teachers involved in the election are a big turn off. Residents of Aurora dont like or respect you. It may not be fair but it is reality. Most of you live out of town and are looked upon as not being able to get a job somewhere else. Now they see a board with a few changes and the teachers fighting it and taxpayers say see we knew it all along. It looks like the current board will win hands down
2:35 you obviously didn't read the reference yourself. 11:48 clearly implied that Strand and Montroy can vote on ANYTHING, even if it involves their spouses. As the quotes from 11:48's source I posted at 8:22 clearly show, and 12:45's longer post reinforces, there ARE things they won't be able to vote on.
But don't take my word, or 11:48's word, or 12:45's word, everybody should go and read the 8 page reference for themselves. I do applaud 11:48 for posting the link, although I'm not sure he/she really understands it.
You are wrong March 27, 2013 at 2:33 PM. I believe most of the community members that are involved with teacher respect them and don't care if they are involved with the election. Why shouldn't they they are effected by who is on the board. About them living in the district that is no problem either. No matter where you work you have the right to live where you want.
"The administration is constantly hiring uncertified, unqualified people to coach sports while certified teachers are bypassed."
11:19 you may or may not be right. Coaches' qualifications are set by the IHSA, not the ISBE. The IHSA requires all coaches to EITHER be ISBE certified teachers (any subject) OR to have completed an IHSA approved Coaching Education program. So coaches don't have to be certified teachers. As far as where you post coaching openings, there's no requirement on that from IHSA or ISBE. In some districts it's based on district policy, and in some it's a clause in the teacher's contract. That's the way it is in the district I work in; per the teachers' contract, all openings (including coaches) must be posted first internally for a certain period of time (can't remember off-hand how long it is) before it can be posted externally. It doesn't require the school to hire a teacher, but they have to give the teacher a chance to apply at least. Our school does prefer to hire internally when possible, because most of the communications break downs and problems with coaches involve what we call "out-of-building" coaches, but a lot of the time we can't find anyone internally who wants the job. If you think 131 should have to do that, then get the union to put it in the contract.
12:45 quotes the law for conflict of interest in part as "Similarly, the board member should not use his or her position as a board member to influence the outcome of day-to-day decisions left in the administration’s hands. Use of such influence could be considered a breach of the board member’s fiduciary obligations to the school district.
Ya' mean like when a Board member steps in doin' the Supt.s job?
The legal system makes it a major uphill battle to win a case against any public institution. The premise is simple, when a public institution loses a case, the taxpayers are on the hook for the settlement. Needless to say, if an individual wins a case against a public institution, it's most like because those in charge are committing illegal acts.
That being said, how many cases against the district does Mr. Green have to win before this community realizes what corrupt and incompetent individuals we have running District 131?
You have a chance to make a big difference come April 9th. It's clear we need to make a complete change, first with the board and next with the administration. While it would be awesome to replace every member, we need to replace as many as possible starting with Annette Johnson. She must be the first one to go. While everyone wants to blame Jerome Roberts for everything, the fact is Annette Johnson is the one calling all the shots. She must go.
It is painfully obvious that the board members Anita Lewis and Annette Johnson are posting many of these comments themselves. Annette was challenged to run a clean campaign with integrity. She has been unable to do that.
This is the first time I have ever contributed anything to these blogs and most likely the last. What I am reading on here are pure lies. It is a shame how little integrity so many of you have.
It's ok to have an opinion and state facts, but when you say something absolutely false about someone, that is called libel. Honestly, it is my hope that this whole blog is shut down. It does more harm than help to the morale and integrity of our district.
Gray van driving around stealing Johnson Leonard sign.
Maintenace Supervisor gathering up janitors and telling them they will loss their jobs. Solicating votes on taxpayer time ILLEGAL
This is the same maintenance supervisor who got stopped with corrupt contracts and has a son he just posted big bail money for. Gee I wonder who helped him pay.
A Campaign paid by teachers who have been lied to that the board expected a 30% jump in scores NEVER TRUE
Strand and Montroy with special interest money. While the current board takes no special interest money.
Shake downs by supporters of Strand Montroy on FOIA requests that has all central office at a work stop. Just trying to dig up dirt.
Lies being told that children have no desks or books. Where? That would be a principals fault.
At first innocent, but money has never been spent on a school board race like this before. What are the Strand Montroy supporters hiding.
VOTERS BEWARE CORUPTION WILL RETURN TO EAST AURORA SCHOOLS LIKE NEVER BEFORE.
The student in question was a ward of the State and was targeted by Bob Green because he has Enlighter a father or mother to support him. I work with Bob and think he just wanted to file a lawsuit again. I know the administration and Board did the right thing
I agree, blogs will remain for a long time to come, for many reasons. This one is one place a bully cannot intimidate a person for speaking out. Being anonymous is, sadly, an outlet for people to be honest without fear.
To the people who want it shut down, another could start. Maybe it would be worse than openline. At least this one has some limits.
It seems you're implying EVERYTHING here is lies. If you read thru all the posts (yeah, I know it's a heck of a lot of words, some of it nothing but hot air) you'll see there are a lot of statements directly contradicting each other. So both sides are lying?
March 27, 2013 at 6:55 PM, if you read my earlier post about the required qualifications for coaches I said our district prefers in-building coaches because of communications issues. From a standpoint of coaching ability, how well they teach the kids and work with them, there's actually not as clear a difference. Some of our best coaches are non-teachers, and some of our worst. And some of our best coaches are teachers, and some of the worst. Remember, ANY certified teacher can be a coach. Their teaching certificate can be in art, english, or any subject. They may have never taken a single course related to coaching, exercise physiology, the sport they're teaching, first aid, etc. They might not have ever even played the sport they're applying to coach. So if the athletic director has a teacher with no coaching experience or knowledge of the sport, and a non-teacher applicant with outstanding knowledge of the sport that he's been coaching for 10 years, why should the teacher get preference for the position? Now on the other hand sometimes the desparation factor comes into play and their are no applicants, and the A.D. has to go twist some arms in the building to get coaches. That's why our wrestling coach (a teacher) is coaching Badminton (seems to be doing okay so far). And in the past, a different wrestling coach was coaching girls lacrosse (that didn't work out so well).
Just read the Beacon article about Bob Green. Looks like he did exactly what he was supposed to do in that situation. Mr. Green didn't put his hands on the student until after the student had repeatedly pushed him--and then, Mr. Green restrained the student and caused no injuries.
Looks like corrupt D131 administrators are up to their old tricks, scraping the bottom of the barrel to find any excuse to get rid of a teacher who has shown enough spunk to stand up to them. Meanwhile our district is getting negative press AGAIN.
And who really made the decision about Bob Green's termination? That would be Crystal England (Principal at Cowherd), Joan Glotzbach (Head of Human Resources), and Annette Johnson. All three are white women terminating a black man for daring to stand up to them and demand they follow Illinois School Law.
I know some idiot out there will say Jerome is the superintendent or 5 board members voted to terminate. The fact is Annette Johnson runs the board and Roberts. Roberts is trying to save his own black skin for as long as he can. And, even though Annette usually runs the board with an iron fist, two board members, sort of, defied Johnson by abstaining on the Bob Green vote.
Bob Green is going to have no problems filing, yet another, discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against District 131.
Here is another thought. Illinois Law provides protections to employees acting in their official capacity against personal lawsuits. However, those protections are removed if it can be proven that the offense was deliberate and/or malicious. There is no qestion that certain individuals have used their positions of authority to deliberatly target Mr. Green. He really should be suing them personally as well as suing the district for their deliberate malfeasance. Maybe then, they would get a clue because it doesn't seem to matter to them when it's taxpayer dollars being lost.
12:18 AM are you serious? So are you saying that Mr. Green "hand picked" this student, coerced this student into pushing him and then got himself fired all in the spirit of filing another lawsuit? What do you mean when you say "he has Enlighter a father or mother to support him?" I find it comical when uneducated morons, such as yourself, try to defend this incompetent administration.
Cervantes had legal advice and abstained because Green was a teacher of his. This will be the same problem Strand and Montroy have each time they need to vote.
Hull well he could not protect the student and had to side with a brother.
Green is not represented by the union and again it is about making tough not popular choices.
The union is in bed with the administration/board and has been for years. The fact is the union refused to represent Mr. Green in his first termination and have been in a lawsuit with Mr. Green ever since. The Illinois Labor Relations Board already ruled in Mr. Green’s favor and stated that the union had a responsibility to represent Mr. Green (considering he has been paying for that representation for years through his union dues). This is a service that has been provided to other IFT/AFT teachers. The union contends that they can represent or not represent who they choose and when they choose.
It really is an amazing statement by the union. They have been collecting union dues from Mr. Green for 34 years and now state that (when he needs it) they have no obligation to represent the man. They can just arbitrarily refuse service to their members. It really should be a wakeup call to the teachers. Is this really the organization that should be representing them? Perhaps, the teachers should be speaking to the NEA.
2;56 PM Sorry Annette, again you are wrong with your response. Fact is we don't know what happened during that closed session and why is it not surprising to see you stay away from those issues which have embarrassed the District. Let's not forget the "shouting match" you got in with Ray Hull. Have you ever responded to that.
Thanks 2:56, for your racist comment. So are you claiming that Mr. Hull sided with Mr. Green mainly because of skin color? Why don't you elaborate on "making tough not popular choices." You imply that these "choices" were mentioned in a prior blog but I can't find anything about them. As far as the union is concerned, everybody knows the union does not want to cross the administration. If you cross the administration your chance of receiving a $100,000 per year job is slim to none.
It seems to me that Hull and Nacho were the only board members who acted ethically in the Green vote. It has already been determined by state authorities that Green was terminated the first time for personal, NOT personnel reasons.
Since it has been proven that the board discriminated and retaliated against Mr. Green, didn't they all have the responsibility to abstain from such a vote? It seems to me that this case should have gone directly to either the Regional Office or State Board of Education for a fair and impartial ruling.
The fact that the Aurora Police Department had already concluded that Mr. Green acted in a reasonable way is bad enough but the board deliberately voted to terminate Mr. Green before DCFS could even complete their investigation. The vote was taken despite Mr. Green's objections and request that the board wait for the DCFS report.
This is just another railroad job by the District 131 leadership. How many illegal and unethical acts must they commit before they are removed and replaced with competent leadership?
Yet East is running around saying everyone in the magnet school is getting a new computer and its the only one in illinois. Really? Already, the laptop they are giving away NEXT year is outdated. West will be giving tablets to all the middle school kids. East needs to be more forward thinking. Really, what it needs is a new superintendant!
The recommendation was given on Green by administration. Strand and Montroy would have voted the same way. They quote manage from the balcony. they would have gone against administration and the district lawyers. Blame the board all you it would not have changed anything
Here's an editorial written by Clayton Muhammad in 2007, from the Beacon-News:
Race discrimination in East Aurora schools? Where have I been these past four years? I thought I had a firm grip on what was happening? Now, while I always welcome the opportunity to talk about issues pertaining to black people outside the month of February, this one has thrown me for a loop.
As a young black professional educator, I have learned to lean on my colleagues for their advice and counsel on matters that I need some additional wisdom to clarify.
When I read the article ("Teacher sues East Aurora district, claiming race, age discrimination," News, Oct. 11), my first reaction was to call my godfather, Charles Ponquinette. After all, he was the district's first black superintendent and held the post for 18 years before retiring and becoming vice president of the famed Hampton University in Virginia. But I figured "pops" was probably too busy to deal with such accusations that his life and legacy have proven to have no basis.
Then I thought to call my mentor and childhood principal, Gwen Miller, a classy black woman who knows and struts her educational stuff. She has been principal of Dieterich Elementary School for nearly 30 years and is one of the most respected educators in this area. I stopped that phone call as well because I know that by the time I would reach her, she would probably already be at her school preparing to impact the lives of hundreds of children.
As I drove to the School Service Center, I ran down the list of my fellow black colleagues in administration in the district who I could contact to bend their ear on this topic. I thought of Tricia Walton, the new principal at Krug School, who had a stellar record in administration before joining our team this school year. I thought of Earline Barnes, the principal of Waldo Middle School, who was an assistant principal at Cowherd Middle School before assuming this post. I thought of Margaret Jones, the assistant principal at Cowherd Middle School, who took her place.
I had Raquel Wilson on the list, the assistant principal and leader of the new freshman center at East Aurora High School. Also on my list was Denean Adams, the district's curriculum coordinator. I circled the name of Mechelle Patterson, the principal of Simmons Middle School, because she is the stalwart leader of the very building referenced in the article. When I made it to the building, I decided not to contact any of them because I know their demanding schedules.
As I thought deeply about the article, I realized that it was race and age discrimination that were referenced, although the priority seemed to be placed on race. So my mind naturally went to the woman who inspires this city to action, Avis Miller, who at 60 years old, was hired this year at first-year teacher at Dieterich Elementary School after serving the district in other positions over the last decade. But I decided not to even call Avis because she would laugh at the notion of race and age discrimination in East Aurora schools.
I thought about calling Juanita Wells, the passionate East Aurora board member and community leader, who chairs the district's Personnel and Policy Committee, the body that approves and monitors the staff and policies of the district. She has been a champion for race and age issues in this city.
I could have easily even gone across the hall to the office of our current superintendent, Jerome Roberts, who turned 50 years old during his first year as leader of this district. But I knew what his response would be. Roberts was my high school principal and went on to have a stellar career as superintendent of two other districts before returning to lead East Aurora. He knows the face of this type of discrimination and wouldn't allow it to walk into his district.
I am the proud spokesman of this great district. From a student who entered the kindergarten doors at Dieterich Elementary School in 1980 to a member of the district's cabinet and the voice of East Aurora 27 years later, with phases as teacher, school director, and community advocate woven throughout.
I wrote a column when I turned 30 that listed 30 things that I learned about life. One of the things was that race still matters. This is the reason that I am an advocate for social justice.
I would like to think that I have gotten wiser since I wrote that column two years ago. One thing I have learned is that while race still matters, we must put competence before color every time. All of the great educators that I mentioned in this text were not hired because they are black. They were hired because they are competent. And when you put competence before color, you must be allowed a seat at the table. In this district, you can even take your place at the head of that table. Clayton Muhammad is the spokesman for the East Aurora School District.
Nice speech from Clayton in 2007 HOWEVER I would bet my salary vs yours He would have a much different evaluation. 131 Bd Of Ed is the poster child for incompetence and tyrancy run by "Ayatollah" Johnson. Disagree with her and you are fired/disciplined. Wonder if that will change ever.
I'm sure when Mr. Muhammad wrote that editorial in 2007 he made sure that there were facts to back up his indirect yet obvious claim that Mr. Green was incompetent. I'm sure there was a long list of unsatisfactory evaluations proving Mr. Green an incompetent educator. I'm also sure that d131's very competent administration wrote many many remediation letters in order to assure Mr. Green was clear on what needed to be done so that he could best serve the students. If theses things were not done Mr. Green could add a defamation of character suit to his list of complaints.
The above mentioned article by C. Muhammad, was posted because? I found it ironic that several of those people he mentions have had claims against them over the last several years. Either by admin or by others charging they were negligent in their duties. I am not saying whether any of the claims were proven to be valid, but nonetheless they, too, like Mr. Green have been accused.
It is a nice piece of reminiscing, but race is the topic and I feel perpetuates the problem.
Funny, I spoke with Clayton the other day and he openly blames Jerome Roberts and said without Annette the entire district would have fallen apart three years ago. He makes very public statements against Jerome these days.
He says Annette is still today one of his greatest mentors and will be sitting in the front row cheering her on as she will be re elected.
Every evaluation that the district issued to Mr. Green has been satisfactory. He has never been given a "remediation plan".
Years ago, Mr. Green put one finger on a disruptive students shoulder and told him to go to the office. The administration and board called it corporal punishment (but didn't call DCFS) and gave him a board warning.
They now claim he violated that board warning defending himself against this violent student.
It's pretty simple, if the administration and board were looking at this situation with fair and impartial eyes, there would be nothing to it. However, Mr. green has dared in the past to challenge them whenthey had done illegal actions. Now the administration and board blow anylittle thing out of proportion and fire the man.
The fact is, Mr. Green should have filed a libel lawsuit against Clayton Muhammad and District 131. I can only guess that would have been another financial hardship for Mr. Green paying for lawyers.
Since it has has been proven that the district did discriminate against Mr. Green and the district has already paid out a large settlement to the man, it clrifies where the incompetence really lies.
On the subject of coaching positions in "public" schools the compensation ($) is credible earnings for certified teachers' salaries. This accounts for 9.4 percent of teacher retirement pension contributions. When noncertiified personnel are awarded these positions this compensation (tax $) is illegally paid out. This is according to state administrative code Title 80 Fection 1650.450. This is the definition of teacher salary. See (ILSC 5/10-22.34 and 5/10-22.34a) for a clear definition of the employment duties as defined by school code. This section of the school code describes in detail the limited duties of "noncertified personnel and/or volunteers." Anybody interested in learning what public school sponsored and supported extracurricular activities for students are and also extra duties for teachers, go to the teacher retirement systems employer guide book. Chapter 3 of this guide book will give you a list of the extra duties for teachers. Compensation for these duties is credible earnings for teacher salaries. 9.4 percent goes towards teacher retirement pensions.
I was raised with MidWestern values and that meant terminating an employee was only done as a last resort. Terminating a person threatens their lives, their children’s lives, their home, vehicle, etc. Further, it puts a burden on the state’s unemployment system and taxpayers. I’m not saying that there is never a time for terminating a person but there had better be no other options available.
The fact that three separate state agencies (Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Labor Relations Board and the EEOC) have determined that the district leadership terminated Mr. Green unjustly and further did it for discriminatory and retaliatory reasons, shows the entire community the ethics of our district leadership.
Now, despite the Aurora Police Department concluding that Mr. Green did not use excessive force, the district leadership has terminated the man again. Further, they refused to wait for the determination of DCFS. A determination that would not have taken 2 months if there was any injury to the child.
It appears very clear to me the moral values (or lack thereof) of our school board and administration. It is definitely time to clean house.
I absolutely agree that a certified teacher should be the first consideration and the teacher should be teaching at the building they coach for. That is the ideal situation. The teacher/coach should also have the knowledge and skill set to coach the sport at a level that will improve the student athletes skills, growth in understanding of the sport, and also improve their ability to be a good teammate and understand their responsibilities as a student athlete. There is so much physical, mental, and behavioral development that a good coach has to make a priority. The problem is the willingness to commit to coaching and the dedication it takes to be a good coach. There are not enough teachers willing to coach. Than there are the teachers that say they want to coach, but actually just want an extra check and do as minimal as possible. Some "coaches" don't know the sport they're coaching and put no effort into becoming better. There is no connection between coach and athlete, and the students know when a coach is trying and cares about them as athletes. East Aurora is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to most sports and it will take more dedicated and skilled and caring coaches before things change. At all levels we need quality coaches. It would be great if all the coaches were certified teachers that work in house and know the kids. That is not a reality. Maybe if the stipend was more competitive. Like teacher salaries d131 is below the norm when it comes to paying coaches. Question...have East Aurora sports improved since the board decided to make it a district priority? Hiring Becker was a step in the right direction, but did they back him up like promised? Was his vision supported? Has the new sports director position been a noticeable improvement to the sports programs? I've taught many years at the high school and I don't see much difference. Teachers! Get out there a apply for coaching positions. If you know a sport and love working with kids than get out there! You're needed! Demand more competitive stipends! But!!! Don't complain if you don't do anything beyond that last bell.
The public is invited to an East Aurora School District 131 Candidates’ Forum to be held on Tuesday, April 2, 7-9 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 325 E. Downer Place, Aurora. Eight candidates are running for five open seats in the April 9 election. Three seats are for four-year terms (expiring in 2017) and two seats are for two-year terms (expiring in 2015). Invited candidate are as follows: four-year term – Annette Johnson, Richard Leonard, Zach Montroy, and Kirsten Strand; two-year term – Ignacio Cervantes, Stella Gonzalez, Marcella McIntyre-Duermit, and Mary Louise Peryea. Each of the eight candidates will have the opportunity to make introductory and closing statements. In between, the moderator will present general questions and questions that have been submitted by the audience. This forum is sponsored by First Presbyterian Church and Total Living Newark (TN). The forum will be available to view online (TLN.COM). For more information about the East Aurora School District 131 Candidates’ Forum on April 2 visit www.firstpresaurora.org or call (630) 844-0050.
The maintenance supervisor Richard Santiago has been going building to building telling janitors that they need to go vote the current board out because they will not honor their contract. This is a clear violation of campaigning in the schools. Dirty tricks and lies told by a man who is involved in covering his own poor choices with lining his pockets
I understand Strand Montroy and Preyea are all Clergy or people of God. I have to question that? Every political campaign is not campaigning until Monday. They are all observing everyone's right to be left alone with family. On Good Friday and Holy Saturday they have kids running around pounding on doors and handing out cards. Vote for me. On our lords special day. What kind of people are you.?
How self serving while our lord dies on the cross they promote themselves.
Mr. Green collected unemployment both last time and this. So, I'm not sure what you are referring to. In fact, The district had to pay the state back for all the unemployment that Mr. Green collected the first time he was terminated. Or perhaps I should say the East Side Taxpayers had to pay that bill.
It sounds like the churches are getting desparate to get the word out for Kristen and Zack. The reality is the East Side could care less who runs the board and their campaign has hit a bump. So they are hoping on more debate will help them. Good luck Aurra dies not vote issues. Just look at who is the Mayor and Alderman. West with all the financial and Ormond problems has no signs. People don't care that is the reality.
Also campaigning Easter weekend is a major mistake. It shows they don't get the community.
12:46 p.m., I am a Christian and can tell you that for most of us, the 2 days before Easter (during the day) are pretty much business as usual. Some Christians fast & pray on Good Friday, but most go about their usual activities early in the day and attend Good Friday services in the evening. Saturday is just the day before Easter. Easter food may be blessed and some denominations have a long "vigil" service after sundown, but there's no reason campaign flyers can't be handed out on Friday or Saturday; in fact, it may be a good opportunity to catch people at home.
Well the "Christians" need to realize that the United States is not a Christian state - It is freedom from religion. So nobody has to make special considerations for your beliefs. Nobody has to make special considerations for anybody's beliefs.
I know the government does, and they spend my tax dollars on religion and that is one of the problems with our government. The spend my money on things they shouldn't and get involved with things like marriage, retirement savings, and health care that they should not be involved with.
"Christians" need to realize that just because the government says it is ok to do something, or not to do something, does not mean that the government is persecuting you. For instance, you don't have to have an abortion, and you don't have to have your church marry a gay couple, but for you to push your beliefs on the rest of the country is offensive.
If you really want to be persecuted for being a Christian, you should move to China, Cuba or India. See if you like it there.
Also, happy to hear about forum being held outside the school district and not by the EA Foundation that Annette is connected.
Volunteers are recruited for campaigns and fundraising and solicitations. They usually offer time that is convenient to them and when they feel they can do the best work. Maybe the above mentioned people going door to door are not as involved in church but are passionate about getting the word out about who they support. Who cares?! Other than incumbents.
That''s the point 8:17 AM. Green was not terminated for "cause" as you stated. He collected unemployment last time he was unjustly terminated and he'll collect it this time too.
AURORA — East Aurora School Board candidates will have a second chance tonight to talk about their election platforms and the issues facing the district.
A public forum is being held at Aurora’s First Presbyterian Church, located at 325 E. Downer Place, from 7 to 9 p.m. The church is sponsoring the forum, along with Total Living Network, a Christian cable channel.
Eight candidates are running in the April 9 election for five open seats, including four incumbents: Board President Annette Johnson, Richard Leonard, Stella Gonzalez and Ignacio Cervantes. Both Johnson and Leonard are running for four-year terms, Gonzalez and Cervantes are running for two.
Challengers Zach Montroy and Kirsten Strand are running for four-year terms, while Marcella McIntyre-Duermit and Mary Louise Peryea are running for two-year terms.
Candidates will make opening and closing statements. Jeff Moore, First Presbyterian’s pastor, and Dan Haas, Total Living Network’s director of ministries, will co-moderate the questioning portion of the forum, which will include audience submissions.
A recording of the forum will be posted on tln.com for those who cannot attend.
The first public forum, attended by all eight candidates and about 200 members of the pubic, was held March 7 at East Aurora High School.
At the meeting, challengers called for a stronger, more unified board that could build trust and respect with the community. Some said the current leadership was too involved in the day-to-day operations of the district, lacked a clear vision and that their actions had led to bad press for the district.
Incumbents stressed that the board had strived to put policies in place to get the district back on track, highlighting accomplishments such as the new magnet school opening next school year and a sizable grant that will give 750 magnet students laptops.
The current board has ignored the one most important thing a board is suppose to do and that is to have a Superintendent that follows their policies and run the district. If the board or board president doesn't trust the Superintendent or their administration it is their job to hire a new one that will follow policy. It is not the board president to micro manage. In fact I think on this thread someone posted something from the IL School Code that the board should not do the administrators job.
230 comments:
1 – 200 of 230 Newer› Newest»As a friend of Richard Leonard, I have personally witnessed the hours of work and dedication that he puts into his "unpaid" job as a member of the East Aurora School Board. For Leonard this position on the school board has become a full time job and one that he is honored to be a part of. Leonard does NOT have a personal agenda but is seeking to find ways to do the VERY BEST he can to ensure that the children attending school in District 131 have EVERY and the BEST available chance to succeed.
He did not recommend Marty Feltes for the current position he has been appointed to for personal reasons but because he knows that Marty's qualifications make him the best choice to oversee the work of making accountability in the district's workers and the spending habits in the district.
Leonard is an honest and ethical man who has always demanded the best from
himself and those that he works with.
The pride and dedication that he brings to this job is a continuation of the man that he is.
East Aurora School District is fortunate to have such an individual working FOR them. He is a man of honor and integrity.
Thanks for a job well done!!
Keep up the good work you are doing for all of the residents of the East Side of Aurora.
THANKS!!!!
In these tough economic times being "good stewards of our resources" is especially important. The days of free for all are over and the current school board of District 131 is working diligently to make accountability a priority!! This in turn means additional resources available for the children of the district.
Hats off to you for what you are doing.
Continue in the future.
Don't let it end here.
Vote to keep current boards members in place to continue with their journey to improve the education and viability of the East Aurora School District.
Iganacio Cervantes, don't betray the community and side with Annette "Bully" Johnson. Stand up and be counted, you owe it to the community.
4:40 PM -Mr. Leonard may be all you claim. His mistake has been in his choice of a running mate.
4:40 Nice post Richard Leonard of yourself. Only one flaw, all is a lie
It's seems tonight in a interesting turn of events Hull called all the board members idiots and said only Johnson did anything. She was very nice to him also. Looks like they made up. They both felt the board needed a change away for the committee structure.
If this board had the right Superintendent and Administration they wouldn't have to spend so much time doing their jobs. Why do we pay these people if the board is going to run the district. By the way the board is suppose to have a policy in place about who handles the buying of supplies in maintenance. These board members can't even follow the law and do what the IL School Code says is there most important job and hire a Superintendent to follow their policies.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/18896612-417/west-aurora-school-board-raises-concerns-about-virtual-charter.html
There is also a IL code that says it is recommended that board member not have a immediate member of the family employed by the district. So why are you complaining that the board is doing the administrations job. You are a supporter of Kristen and Zacks so you dont seem to mind them breaking the Il code.
To: March 19, 2013 at 10:18 AM
Share with us the school code that you claim you are referring to.
They are not breaking an IL code - They are breaking an IL recommendation.
There is a big difference.
Maybe in some peoples mind, the good that Strand and Montroy will do outweighs the negative of having a spouse working for the district.
To: March 19, 2013 at 10:16 AM
Our board doesn't have the intelligence to ask deep, probing questions of a group like Virtual Learning Solutions. Why do you think we are still using the Urban League, while every other district pulled out long ago?
This group is just another greedy corporation trying to maximize profits while providing minimal services. Once again, it will be the children who suffer for the poor decisions made by our leadership.
Simply put, Children belong in a classroom with a teacher and other students. Children can not learn necessary social skills sitting by themselves, behind a computer and without any supervision.
March 19, 2013 at 10:18 AM is full of it. The Illinois School Code doesn't "Recommend" anything. It states the law for Illinois Schools. There is no choice in any school code.
10:18am If you can lets see your reference for the code and since you are a concerned citizen in board members abiding by the rules how bout we discuss the events of the past year. You can begin
beaconnews.suntimes.com/18940920-417/east-aurora-proposes-new-bell-schedule.html
Our building had the "special visit" from Roberts/Johnson what a waste of time and BS from both of them.They both contradict how much money there is & claim what the Beacon News writes are all made up stories!Insurance is all good,credit card spending is all good etc. LIARS!!!!Get rid of Roberts, Johnson &(gooseneck)Glotzbach!!!
Montroy and Strand out weight everyone what are their ideas sure.
Expect nothing less, the blog insulting and bullying people for no reason. There is no need for the "gooseneck" comment. What an immature child you must be.
4:40 pm weren't you the person saying that Annette Johnson was justified in her FAMOUS "Verbal Exchange" with Ray Hull. That was her classiest exchange in attempting to bully/humiliate another Board Member. Guess her being a role model in dealing with adversity will always be remembered.
I noticed in the Beacon article that a 2012 EAHS graduate collected 500 signatures of people who opposed the new "bell system" (actually a fancy way of saying 6 classes per day). Our current board president, Annette Johnson, favors more time in the school day for extracurriculars and opposes the new bell system as currently proposed.
How do our School Board candidates stand on this issue?
From the minutes of the March 4th School Board meeting:
Mr. Raymond Hull read the following:
“I was raised to believe that a man says what he means and means what he says. I am totally responsible for my actions as I always knew right from wrong. I
have been taken aback now a day
about how excuses are made for everyone and the truth has been exchanged for semantics, half
-truths and in some instances
outright lies. The generalities used are accepted as truths. It seems like the only thing important is what you say and not what you
can prove. For the last several weeks this board has adopted a mantra that change is difficult for some to accept and that our board is somehow transparent and is being
persecuted for this much needed change. I believe that what is being described by some as
change is really an itemized list of expenditures and fiscal responsibility that all school boards are charged with. One major difference is that other school districts do not boast about how
much money they have in the bank. I remember being told on December 6
th that I should
compare my bank account with the school board president’s bank account to see who had the
most money so I can understand this type of rhetoric. I want to set the record straight and be
transparent tonight as well. As a taxpayer I do not believe that it is correct that I should have
my tax dollars to go towards the superintendent and board president to campaign for her re-election. Since January 29th when a special meeting and dinner was called for with Latino pastors, they have been visiting each school in the district and they will continue right up to the election. A couple of my fellow board members are publically endorsing the president with letters to the local newspaper. I have done nothing to them but they have chosen to take sides.
Campaign is defined as a work in an organized and active way towards a particular goal;
typically a political or social event. The rhetoric used at each of these settings is the same–a
special education building opened; increase in preschool enrollment; health insurance savings
and cleanup that saved the district over $4 million dollars; a new business system purchase; a
hold on property tax levies; test scores have increased every year; over 200 new teaching
positions created in the last three years.
At the pastors dinner there were four board members
present however at the following board meeting not one chose to disclose that this meeting took place. Most of the items discussed are true, some are half-truths and some are lies.
There have not been over 200 new teaching positions created. We have re-hired over 200 teachers in the
last three years. Test scores have not increased. We had a secondary administrator removed
from her position because of the grades at the high school. The comment “stopped the no bid
contracts and changes in all large bid contracts will be updated by the lawyers” is not true; we
just gave out a contract to R.J. O’Neil which was a no bid contract.
(continued)
All of these items are the
same things that my fellow board member sent into the media. The only difference is that what I
just read came from the East Aurora blog and the one that Ms. Turza wrote was printed in the
newspaper. I went to the March 1st
inservice for staff at East High and attended the bullying
training. I was part of this training last year at Simmons Middle School. Dr. Warren and Ms.Argueta had on t-shirts that read “silence is affirmation”. The real change that I have seen over
the last three years is I have seen Lisa Morales screamed and yelled at and brought to tears.
This was the night that Mr. Leonard was being installed on the board and he said “what have I
gotten myself into” after having heard the screaming. I have seen Joan Glotzbach in meetings
brought to tears. Penny Halvax quit the building and grounds committee meeting after over ten years on the committee because she was called incompetent and called names. I
have seen our board members screamed and yelled at and talked to as children. Everything is not all good as it is being said to be be cause bullying not only takes place in the classroom but also in a board room. I am going to call myself a victim since my fellow board members have chosen to all come together and make me be the outsider. During this time I will defend myself to the fullest until
this election is over”.
I was just going through old blog posts and saw the warnings way back on April 28th about Adam Harding. Even then, people knew that Adam was just using the union presidency (A post that the membership did not vote to place him in) to advance his personal agenda.
Somebody pointed out how Adam's mother did the same thing in Yorkville. She used the union presidency to betray the teachers and become an administrator in Yorkville. It took Adam less than a year to do the same thing to the teachers in District 131.
Just on a hunch, I went to the State Board of Education web site and looked up Adam Harding's credentials. There were none, at least not under the name Adam Harding. The closest I could find was a Kirk Harding that was listed at Krug Elementary. Kirk has an elementary certificate. He is not endorsed in secondary and had no administrative certificate listed.
SO, Adam Harding is now listed as an administrator in District 131 but what certificates or qualifications does Adam Harding really hold? What qualifies Adam to hold an administrative position in an Illinois Public School District?
Inquiring minds would like to know.
Where is the transparency and accountability?
Looks like just more of the same poor decision making by District 131 leadership. What benefit is the community receiving for their $106,000 plus benefits that we are now paying this man?
It's funny how Johnson always says conflict of interest and here you have four board members together at a dinner which makes a quorum and that isn't good in fact it is frowned on.
For the students that had the signatures you can change this by having your parents vote the sitting board members out.
This is interesting. A new bill they are working on for a State takeover is the district has been on watch list 3 years. How long has this district been on the watch list. I hope this passes so our district can move forward.
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
105 ILCS 5/2-3.25d from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25d
105 ILCS 5/2-3.25f from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25f
105 ILCS 5/2-3.25f-5 new
105 ILCS 5/2-3.25g from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25g
105 ILCS 5/2-3.25h from Ch. 122, par. 2-3.25h
105 ILCS 5/3-14.28 rep.
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the School Code. Makes changes concerning State Board of Education actions for schools or school districts that remain on academic watch status for 3 years following their placement on academic watch status. Removes current provisions governing the removal of school board members and the appointment of an Independent Authority. Provides that the State Board has the power to direct the State Superintendent of Education to remove school board members in a district having a population of not more than 500,000. Provides that a district may petition the State Board for the establishment of an Independent Authority for the district or the State Board may establish an Independent Authority without a petition from the district following the removal of all school board members. Provides that, upon establishment of an Independent Authority to operate the district, the State Superintendent shall appoint members to serve on the Independent Authority. Provides that the Independent Authority shall have all of the powers and duties of a school board and all other powers necessary to meet its responsibilities and to carry out its purposes and that may be requisite or proper for the maintenance, operation, and development of any school or schools under the jurisdiction of the Independent Authority. Sets forth provisions concerning emergency financial assistance, the suspension of school board elections, reports, assistance, the abolition of an Independent Authority, and indemnification and protection from suit. Effective immediately.
Ray has spoken no truer words. Sadly, the D131 Board has been lead by persons craving position. Historically, a majority of members follow the lead to avoid doing anything but carry the name of board member.
Hopefully,the election will bring a cohesive group of dedicated people, ambitious about improving the educational atmosphere for our districts children.
Does anybody other than Ray hull dare confront the tyrant Annette Johnaon or maybe someone will come forward to challenge her Please someone HELP
If anyone can prove Roberts and Johnson where really doing campaigning during those breakfast that is illegal and should be told to the proper authorities.
What was this dinner with Hispanic Pastor about?
The teachers not the community is so worried that the current board gets reelected. Why? because they are afraid they will clean house. Funny the people working up the teachers are administrators that should have been gone long ago like Dr Aird.
Lies Lies Lies.
The silent majority is pulling for you and if the current board is not elected then maybe the State should take over. Of course they wont because d131 is still solvent. After the new group get in that will not be true
Well it looks like Annette Johnson again is fighting for the kids and not going along with what the Administrators put in front of the Board.
The current bell schedule shows how bad the administration in our district is. They throw one master schedule together for everyone. Never taking any students need into consideration. If my child who was in the band attended EA now he would not have had any other choice but to drop out of band. They are not even giving students the opportunity to take a foreign language class. Unbelievable!
I may not like her style but she is the only one willing to speak up. That is one thing we can not afford to lose.
But I also will vote of anyone else new and Annette.
Mr Hull you could become a better board member if you would not defend the current administration. Its not only the Superintendent they all need to go!
who were the 4 board members at the Hispanic Clergy Dinner?
What was this all about?
Stella Gonzalez you really need to quit embarrasing yourself with your lack of educating the public. the only viewpoint you take is Annette's and shame on you for attempting to impersonate a true Board Member. You are out of your league representing the community. If there was a one on one debate with you and anyone of the candidates on key issues, you would continue to embarass yourself. Shame on you for playing the Ms Concerned Board Member !!!!!!!!
11:26 I would guess that not all administrative positions are required to have special certifications from the ISBE. For example, the director of the IT department, etc. I'd be very surprised if the Director of Communications/PR Person/Spokesman is required to have ANY certifications from the ISBE.
Ray if you believe that Roberts and Johnson are using taxpaying dollars for her to get re elected why haven't you contacted The States Attorney about it. If you have the information about this you can stop it.
:) I thought I was the only one seeing Stella that way.
Johnson could turn this district around if she fired Roberts and got a great super. Then finish cleaning house. She could do it!
Anyone know how many Jericho circle kids are now in 131?
It looks as though the teachers at the Magnet Academy will be getting the political speech from Annette and Jerome tomorrow morning.
How is this legal?
9:09 do you really think Johnson would let a new superintendent do it his way?? think again !! The entire district is scared of her and are afraid of getting fired. Power hungry, Insecure, Bully is Johnson
Annette was being Annette last night nt sure what was different. She always asks those types of questions.
I am not sure what is wrong with the State for allowing organizations like this in
March 20 11;33 a.m. who is doing all of the screaming and yelling?
When you talk about cleaning house you seem to take glee in this statement. Our teachers are the only good thing in the district. They are the ones who adapt and go forward with a million changes thrown at them every year- Workkeys, E20/20, NCLB, Common Core, New Infinite Campus, bye bye Grade Machine, AS400 which worked just fine- get it right cause you'll be in trouble if you make mistakes,- Here comes a completely new schedule, oh! look out check out our PLC's- which are worthless and whose members are not asked for their input on anything,- new initiatives that stay one year and are abandoned, READ 180 reading, no too expensive, lets try Language!, lets do this, Trans Math, now you teach this, try that, move from your room, upset the apple cart too many times those apples will spoil. Oh but let's get rid of those lazy teachers- they're the problem.
montgomery.patch.com/articles/district-308-disappointed-with-information-provided-by-online-charter-school?ncid=newsltuspatc00000001#video-13738368
Here's an excerpt from the article:
The Oswego 308 School District School Board held a meeting Tuesday night to hear from representatives of the online charter school and ask questions about the school’s application to the district.
They didn’t get very many answers.
“We’re missing significant data that we were promised to get,” said Board president Bill Walsh. “Why didn’t you bring people who could answer questions? It’s very disappointing.”
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Mike Skarr, vice-president of Virtual Learning Solutions, and Randall Greenway, vice-president of K12, were the two representatives for the charter school wishing to come to the Fox Valley area.
“We are doing this because we feel this is good for kids,” said Skarr. “It boils down to a matter of choice. Every parent should have some choice when it comes to their child and their educational experience.”
But it was that educational experience that had the Oswego board questioning the online charter school.
They asked about how to tell if a teacher is “highly qualified,” how homework is part of an assessment, and questions regarding various incidents and a class-action lawsuit K12 was involved in. They asked about the quality of the education, why Virtual Learning Solutions wanted to come to this area and what the cost would be to District 308 and the other school districts and who in the area had shown support. The board asked for copies of requests, documentation of reports.
Skarr and Greenway could not answer many of the questions and said they would try to find the reports and information requested.
“If we don’t ask these questions and don’t get the answers we could be damning these kids,” said board member Dave Behrens. “You’re coming to us and you don’t have answers to these very pointed questions. You can’t treat our kid’s education this way.”
Who said "Get rid of the lazy teachers"
Facebook Page "Continue the Change at D131" started by Stella Gonzalez (wonder why so many of her pics are on there)another propoganda to MISLEAD (believe it or not)or (I am shocked) that someone would be so believing in misrepresenting what the community and us teachers really know. Stella, you are a disgrace in betraying the Hispanic Community in aligning yourself with Annette Johnson, and Mary Ann Turza.
Not political your Union asked for it and since the teachers do not live in our community because they will not send their kids to school in 131 I am not sure who she is getting votes from.
Unlike Strand who used the Magnet PTO list to get votes for herself.
Annette, why do you waste your time with ingrates. You gave them a voice now they want more. Did your mother never teach you not to feed the wild animals. They come back to bite.
8:37 a.m., sometimes calling a teacher "lazy" is just a coverup for the REAL reason administration doesn't like a teacher: refusal to kiss their behinds.
Here we go --online charter school--this is the real reasons for NCLB the absurdly high unattainable 1005 scores- this is for privitization and for independent companies to come in and take over education--close public schools- 80 in Chicago the highest number in the country-- at least Illinois is 31 in something when will these jagdorffs learn that you can't replace a teacher-a real living breathing human with a computer- oh wait they don't care as long as these private ccompanies can line their pockets.
Say what you will about Annette Johnson she should visit the Magnet School. It was her vision that turned it into a real school. Funny the district will not tell you that every grade has a lottery with applications that are pouring in. In fact over 600. No board member will ever be able to compete with the lives she touched.
Then to top it off with the grant. Everyone needs four more years of her but not Jerome. Please why do you keep him. Kids are chasing a better life. You always tell them you want that for them. Then please, I support you but I hope you can see the light. I heard you say admit your wrong, well do it and please move our district forward. Roberts and Aird need to go
Then what is wrong with the schools in D131 if it is true that 600 or more kids want out of their neighborhood schools? What the hell is going on? Isnt the East Aurora Magnet School suppose to be for those who qualify by their own test scores, teacher recommendations, grage point average, etc. How is it that over 600 kids in East have these qualifications and yet the schools test scores are in the bottome 2% of the state? Something does not add up!
And sometimes teachers are lazy.
Not any of the teachers my kids had in D131 schools! Each and every teacher our family encountered at Dieterich, Waldo, and East High was a hard-working, dedicated professional.
It was some (not all) administrators who were lazy, corrupt, or both.
Johnson didn't start up the Magnet School it started before she was on the board. No board member can do anything by themselves. If you are going to make praise it is the whole board. that made the magnet school happen.
Maybe 600 kids want a Stem School like other Kids in Chicago who compete. Why to you always assume the negative
2:21 VERY GOOD POINT !!! Wanting to take credit appears to be the make-up of Annette Johnson. Public appearances, speaking on behalf of others, and having the limelight is what she is all about. Guess HUMILITY is something she is NOT.
The other board members may have voted on it but I know Annette went after it. I know her well and she is a go getter. I am not sure any of the admins or other board members have that drive.
Its funny how you can never say anything nice. I will pray for you.
By law Annette can not go after something herself. By law it is the superintendents job and if he can't do it then it is time to get another one. It is not the Board Presidents job to go around doing that and she can't promise anything word alone.
Yes. 131.
There is also a policy that says immediate family should not be on the board. That is a ethics question you are voting on supervision, money or insurance that benefits your family.
Lets talk about bullying a friend of mine who supports Johnson was asked to put a Strand Montroy sign in when he refused his sister in law who lives in 129 was told by his sister quote " well if I don't distribute this sign then people in my building will be upset with me" The teacher worked at Bardwell. Strand and Montroy have broken every ethical code in the book.
8:51 says "There is also a policy that says immediate family should not be on the board." Others have said it's a law. Can ANYONE on here actually cite where we can read that law or policy? I've gone to the school code and can't find it. I personally think it SHOULD be a law, but I'm wondering if it really is a legal no-no, or just something that is not a good idea but actually it's not against the law.
If someone was bullied into putting a sign in their yard they can take it down and call the election committee and tell them.
At least they are not using the Superintendent to go to the schools with them to say what they have done which is a ethics problem and and election problem. How about 4 board members being together at a dinner what was discussed their if it was about the district that is a ethic violation. They have let a person that didn't pay insurance go and not pay back the district that is considered fraud.
8:51 How bout specifically mentioning who you are referring to and more specifics Let's put it on the table and get all parties with your allegations. "Sister n law told by her sister". Gimme a break, this is just another childish tactic by someone who can't come forward and discuss it openly. Grow up !!!!!!!
With Johnson having the Superintendent take her around to the schools and talk it does sound like she is campaigning for herself.
Here is what the State Elections say about that.
G. IMPROPER USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS
No public funds shall be used to urge any elector to vote for or against any candidate or proposition, or be appropriated for political or campaign purposes to any candidate or political organization. This provision, however, shall not prohibit the use of public funds for dissemination of factual information relative to any proposition appearing on an election ballot, or for dissemination of information and arguments published and distributed pursuant to law in connection with a proposition to amend the Constitution of the State of Illinois. [10 ILCS 5/9-25.1]
Here is the url about that.
http://www.elections.il.gov/Downloads/ElectionInformation/PDF/2013CanGuide.pdf
Here is the policy on Ethics from Naperville.
Each member of the Naperville Community Unit School District 203 Board of Education ascribes to the following code of conduct; and shall:
Represent all school district constituents honestly and equally and refuse to surrender responsibilities to special interest or partisan political groups.
Avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety which could result from position, and shall not use school board membership for personal gain.
Recognize that a school board member has no legal authority as an individual and decisions can be made only by a majority vote at a school board meeting.
Take no private action that might compromise the board or administration and shall respect the confidentiality of privileged information.
Abide by majority decisions of the school board, while retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels.
Encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by fellow board members and others.
Be involved and knowledgeable about not only local educational concerns, but also about state and national issues.
Respect the provisions of the Open Meetings Act.
Not intrude into management or make staff decisions.
Respect the function of District Administration by expressing concern for decisions or direction in a positive and constructive manner that serves the District Constituents while recognizing that the Board does not make staffing decisions.
Descriptions of roles and relationship of the Board of Education and Superintendent, below, are from District 203 Board of Education Policies: Section 2:132 Board Relationships.
Can't find of for 131.
You should all grow up clearly they all have their own supporters. Writing that is person is no good or the other person violated the law does not mean anything unless you are going to act on it. That would mean your not anonymous anymore.
I value all their time, efforts and money they are all working for to make the district better.
Grow up yourself that why this district is so bad not one person can give anyone a compliment. They have all been called so many names on this blog they are defensive and hateful. Rumors are destroying the district not facts.
As much as anyone might not want to recogniize this, it is Roberts who was the one to be thanked for the Magnet School. Johnson was not going to meetings or even in the picture anywhere when it first was being started. Farum was president at the time. Also remember this, the president of any board is just a member of the board with no more power that any other board member. President is just a title with the right to stamp bills and lead the meetings.
To 2/21 at 8:51
Bull!
beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/19033882-418/east-vote-set-on-virtual-charter-schools.html
Your own union forced the meetings. Your own union Sara or Adam verified this. The reason Johnson is with Roberts is to make sure he follows up. That is why the union invited her.
As for the Magnet school it was a one classroom program. Johnson worked on Weisner for three years to get the get building. She also worked with the Dunham Funds to get the computers. Pick up the phone and ask the Dunham people who they worked with.
Give it a rest.
Share this with the naperville Superintendent who has a lawsuit against him for the band director sex fiasco at West high.
Geez, 10:24 PM who would have this type of info or more importantly, who would care. Other than Annette or her 2 friends, who cares who gets credit.
It sound so childish. "I did do it all by myself, and if you don't believe me, call and ask for yourself!" That is how you promote yourself to be the team player we should elect......NOT!
Others will notice good deeds wihout self promotion when deeds are true and sincere.
Again Johnson on her own can"t make
Roberts do anything and if a board does not trust their superintendent then it is time to get rid of that person>
To: March 22, 2013 at 10:24 PM
You speak as though the school district and the teachers union are seperate entities. While this is true in most places, it is not in District 131. They are so far n bed together, you can't tell where one ends and the other starts.
Adam Harding telling the teachers to Vote YES to a contract that had a 2% pay increase for 25% more work and recently, taking his nice cushy job at $106,000 plus benefits (Really close to $120,000) should be clear evidence to this fact.
Stating that the teachers union supported the board and administration is a moot point. They (All three) are all the together with one common goal, to screw the teachers and community of East Aurora.
Hey 10:54 pm, at least the West administrators fired the band director and he didn't become an assistant superintendent like the sexual predator on the east side.
He hasn't been found guilty yet so until then he is innocent. From what I read in the paper he is stepping down after this year so at least he is doing the right thing for the district. Our district on the other hand keeps a do nothing Superintendent so the board president can run things and he gets a nice paycheck for doing nothing.
Annette is the only one strong enough to push change and she is being targeted. The rest of the board members do nothing and show up only to promote their children or Freinds to positions or a better education. I am not sure what Annette got out of the district or Truza the rest all gained
Gonzalez daughter got a job
Lewis daughter got private placement out of the district paid for by the district while other kids get bullied
Hull is getting scholarships for his daughter.
Leonard gt Feltes a job and has control over the maintenance contracts
Cervantes got awards and scholarships for being the youngest elected student.
Strand and Montroy will promote their husband and wife and gain financially. Strand will also benefit with better educational opportunities.
Peryea has been looking for a job for two years and has applied and is listed in the applitrack system.
All have something to gain. I have checked and it seems only Truza and Annette are clean.
Then lets look at board members in the past same story and all will justify this with well its a job with zero pay.
Whoever is posting about Hull's daughter needs to stop. She is a smart, lovely young lady and doesn't need her Dad on the school board to get scholarships. Leave her out of it. Signed, A EAHS Teacher.
So you say Annette pushes change? Huh, yet she still supports one of the worst superintendants in the history of East Aurora.
Adam you are satan, and by the way, Craig, you are too for sliding hom into this position.
1:57 Balgo and Jackson Jr and Mrs JJJ had their supporters saying they were clean also. Stay tuned
To the EA Teacher Hulls daughter never made the honor roll program yet she is getting a free ride. Lewis grand son should be sitting in the same schools that bully all the other children but he was given special services. Gonzalezs daughter got a job. Leonard's friend was hired. Cervantes was given a a national award and will one day get a big job. Strand and Montroy will line their pockets with church members and great positions for their worthless spouses who would both loss their jobs under the new teacher evaluation system. Peryea is looking for a job and applied to 131. Then Johnson, will protect the man of her dreams and live happily ever after.
It's either money, scholarships, better educations, jobs or ego for all of them and if not why are they all fighting so hard for a non paying job?
Zack Montroy looks like satan and is satan. Satan always twists works and causes hate and discension. This is what Zack has done with the teachers and residents. His latest is blaming the board for not advertising the Charter School meeting. Yet he claims out of the other side of his month that the board should manage from the balcony. So what are they suppose to do stand on the street and hand out flyers.
The reads negative headlines all the time but never the positive ones. He delivers the messages of hate continually.
He complains in public about the blog yet he takes the orginators blogmasters support.
He is now out attacking Adam Harding as a sell out. Yet it was explained to him that is the starting wage of a director.
So when Harding is out being called Satan, the real Satan is a among us. Many real ministers are amostest us praying because of the evil that has befallen our beloved district. After reading his latest forked tongue message it occurred too me who that was .
Lets all goto church and not let our district fall Into the hands of Satan.
Hey, 10:24am, the entire West High Administration was involved in the cover up. The police got a hold of it, and they are all being taken to court. The Band Director has been at it for the last ten years. That's a true cover up. Don't pretend that the West Administration pursued this and don't give them credit for them allowing high school students to get molested and never report it.
10:49 pm.
My point is that you should not be discussing specific students on this blog. It is inappropriate. Most interesting is that even though you are posting anonymously, you are likely someone at the high school that has access to the applitrack system as well as infinite campus. Since you are a professional (and I use that term very loosely), I find it necessary to remind you that some of the information you are providing on this blog is confidential. Keep in mind, I never said I disagree with your thoughts, but the way you present them needs some serious thought!
The problems started with the board when they appointed Leonard. He made up stories and called the board a bunch of do nothing in public and went to the Beacon News with district records. All because the board did not hire his friend the witch hunt started. he violated the boards oath that the President should speak for them. Up until then Johnson may have been difficult but she was fair. Leonard could not come up with one case of fraud all lies.
He sits and smiles when Ray and Annette go at it and he destroyed two people that do care for the kids. I have witnessed both Hull and Johnson with the students motivating them quitely. Have never seen Leonard even address one of our students.
e tells everyone Ray is a do nothing and Annette is a dumb women who the men pulled the wool over her eyes.
This I know Ray has quitely helped with City issues and when he and Annette where on B n G the staff never felt threatened. She pretty much let him do his thing and she did hers. I can also say looking at Annette life she is far from a stupid women. She would not have stayed in business this long.
People need to look back and see who started the trouble and Leonard friend Feltes has plans to fire all of the maintenanace people and hire all his unemployed friends. he has told them as much.
The staff takes daily verbal attacks by Feltes.
I suggest Hull and Johnson start looking at the facts. they seemed be talking. Get the board back on track and elect only people that talk to the students.
BTW d131 and board you should get a copy of Leonard's yellow flyer. It's interesting he takes sole credit and quotes himself with The Beacon as saving the district. In there he takes shots at he entire staff and calls us dishonest. He also has no campaign disclosure on which leads us to believe the others are not in agreement.
Something to note who ever gets him on the board will have to deal with this loose cannon running to the Beacon. How can you even run with him AJ.
BTW AJ if you come clean and put the wheels of motion into place with Jerome you would get all the support you need. If anyone has the goods on him you do since you are doing his job. He uses you and we all think he has played on your great loss, Many of us think you did great things before your loss and the Leonard invasion.
Get ahold of the yellow paper and see what he says about us.
If change is really the goal whether it is old blood or new, than the change should start at the top. Whomever the board members are there is waste at the top. Why is the district dishing out these six figure jobs when the teachers that have 10 plus years experience and masters degrees are barely scraping 50G? Nestor Garcia had a job that was made up for him and his salary could get two or three teachers for the children. I think if you ask around you'll find that not much has come from this new position. Does a PR person command a six figure job? Really? Again, I think the teachers are the clear difference makers. I'm not saying we don't need a PR guy, but it is insulting to teachers when their salaries are so low compared to other districts. Yes, I know 1st year teacher salaries are competitive, but that's smoke and mirrors to anyone that stays in the district. New teachers get a couple years of d131 and it looks good on their resume when they go get real money. Some of these other big salaries...I don't know...I just wonder if they are that necessary. All of the embarrassing, corrupt, degrading EA moments have been connected to the top. Who are these people? Why don't they walk the halls of our schools and visit the students and teachers? I would think that would be part of the job. Dr. Roberts how many schools have you stopped by this year and how often? I would bet there is at least a half million in waste at the admin building. That could be 10 highly experienced, highly educated teachers for the children to benefit from. I don't know who will be on the board come April, but I hope they consider this. The fact that some of these positions exist makes me question the current boards thought process. I don't think they are in touch with the masses. You can go on thinking that teachers are just disgruntled and should quit, but I think the majority of the teachers are not happy right now. Some are afraid to speak up and some don't bother because they feel nothing will change. Leadership! Real respected, impacting, involved leadership is what is missing in East Aurora.
Hey 10:05 am. What does all that have to do with an east side molester becoming an administrator. Both sides of the river handled the situations pathetically. I'm not trying to give anybody credit for anything. My point is that you are trying to make d131 look like they would never allow such behavior when it actually rewarded the behavior. D131's administration knew this predator was with this innocent young girl and instead of having him put away they pay him over 100 g's for over 20 years. Both districts are repulsive for not immediately having these criminals thrown in prison!
Amen March 24, 2013 at 5:38 PM. This board has kept a Superintendent around so the board president could run the district. Then a Union President is hired for a PR job that is a administration job. I don't know to many union people that jump ship like that. I do believe that teachers need to get a fair salary and I believe our teachers are kept back by a administration that doesn't want to move forward. The statement that the people that live here the longest are the ones that know best for the district is a stupid statement since we haven't seen a increase in test scores for years.
As we see the statements on the blog and I believe some of it is from board members attacking each other is a shame. I hope that new law comes through that was posted on here so our district can move forward. I am going to contact my Representative and ask them to vote for it.
10:05 you may be right about the west administration, but it's up to the state's attorney to PROVE it and make the case in court. Hopefully they will be able to. BUT I'm still pissed that Orland was allowed to go on so long because the custodian who FINALLY went to the Beacon BROKE THE LAW and didn't call DCFS LIKE THE LAW SAYS. HE was a mandatory reporter. He was required BY LAW to report it to DCFS HIMSELF, not tell someone else and rely on them to decide whether to call or not. And it doesn't matter whether the person he reported it to was his boss or not. If the custodian hadn't BROKEN THE LAW, the administration wouldn't have had the chance to cover it up.
Montroy was in my neighborhood and after getting his door hanger I would never vote for him. It's expensive and says nothing. I also have a no soliciting sign for a reason. Can he not read. His wild spending and lack of ideas has me saying NO.
put it on the custodian who makes ten dollars an hour. Bottom line is the West high administration covered it up. Very correct in stating the states attorney has to prove it. I'm pissed to that Orland got away with it for so long as well. Seems like either way the custodian did the honorable thing and came forward to tell the truth. Not sure why you have to type in caps. Wasn't defending anyone or the administration on the East side. Just don't talk about ethics and give West as any example.
Hey, 6:02pm, I agree wholeheartedly. I was simply stating numerous West High Administrators covered the Orland thing up. When you say that East High Administration knew about its predator; who were the administrators at the time that let it happened?
The only reason Nestor and some of the others still have a job is the fault of the people running for the board. I can only imagine if the board let them go. Because of the negative campaigning the boards hands are tied. I remember when Montroy wife got up a praised Dr Roberts at a meeting as public comments so Jackie and Zack can't have it both ways.
I want answers they need to comment on Nestor and if they are firing Roberts if they are elected. f so who will they put in charge? Has anyone asked them. Also Kristen, Zack and Lou have defamed his chances of finding a job .
Also today's article is done in poor taste by Zack really he makes it sound like the board is passing the charter school. All of them said they would not so why waste everyone's time. He also calls himself a tax payer I looked him up and he is not. His wife ownes the house it's curious why they are married and his name is nt on the title. We all know who is running for the board and its not Zack.
Whoever wrote this is simply crazy? What cult are you in? Charles Manson lover.
who is the state representative for district 131 region
I agree......some concerned incumbent board members are worried about the awesome contenders, so they are using a blog to talk about anybody and everybody (and their families).
Talk about low, cheap, blows. I'll take quality people, with good morals and a history of community service and excellent communication skills. I am voting for change on the D131 school board.
Why is anyone looking up what people pay in taxes? Maybe his wife owned the house before they married but he makes a salary and contributes to paying bills. At the end of the day it is the parents who will decide if they want their children to go to a magnet school.
Why keep bringing up the Orland case it has nothing to do with this district.
8:39 I wasn't defending anyone on the east side, or giving west as an example. I was responding to someone else who brought up the situation on the west side as a way to slam the administration at east. And I certainly wasn't defending the administration at west. The all caps is because I was and still am pissed that the custodian is getting away with breaking the law. Yeah, real "honorable" to come forward AFTER Orland had been caught in other situations and had been stopped. Situations that might not have happened had he followed the law and called DCFS. By not charging him, DCFS and the states' attorney send a clear message to employees: don't worry if you're a mandatory reporter, just tell your boss then turn a blind eye and you're okay.
BTW, $10 an hour? Yeah, right. His retirement pay is more than that!
Great article in the Tribune about Charters in Chicago.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-joyce222-0325-bd-20130325,0,3722609.story
What is the latest cover up at 131 that is being covered up. Johnson and her gang (Turza, Gonzalez, Lewis, Leonard) are more dangerous than any other Crook county Gang. Difference is they vote whatever Johnson wants her to do. Now that will change soon !!!!!!
Why wouldnt east vote to approve a charter? In some aspects it might be a good thing since the charter school could then petition the State, which they said they would where it would most likely be approved. More light on East Aurora would be a great thing. This could be ten times bigger than the transgender issue in terms of PR. You have the worst performing schools in the state and you will not approve a charter. How could the state go along with that? Cannot wait for the PR circus to begin.
Do you really think the custodian knew he had to call dcfs. I agree with everything else you said. Well stated.
I would think the custodians have ethics training. All employees have to have that and even if they don't if you know something is wrong you need to report it to the proper authorities.
Low cheap blows are the name calling going on from the so called ministers.
If Zack is a taxpayer then he should be on the mortgage. The tax bill comes only in his wife's name not his. Therefore he is not a taxpayer. Peryea is not as well.
They throw around the words like the board is dishonest that is defaming a persons character with no proof.
Now you are calling them gang members wow or Charles Manson and you call yourself a Christian WOW.
I have not heard one plan out of Zack and Kristen. In fact Zacks wife praised Dr Roberts at a board meeting this fall and Kristens husband praised Dr Aird. Yet now they claim things need to change how?
They are all about special interest and that means lining their pockets with better opportunities to grow their church
For those who know Zack he wants to be head of his owe church. That may be here or somewhere else.Its about his resume not the kids. Kristen is invested in the community out of the three she is the only one who should be elected.
From today's Beacon:
AURORA — The East Aurora School Board will vote on the Virtual Academy at the Fox Valley Charter School proposal at their regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. April 1.
The proposal is available for review at the East Aurora McKnight Service Center, 417 Fifth St.
The online charter school would be governed by a St. Charles nonprofit, with curriculum provided by the for-profit online education giant K12. K12 has faced criticism in other states for its achievement scores and other issues.
The nonprofit Virtual Learning Solutions filed a proposal on Feb. 14 with 18 local school districts — including West Aurora, East Aurora, Indian Prairie, Naperville, Oswego, Batavia, Geneva, Yorkville and Kaneland — seeking their approval of the Illinois Virtual Charter School at Fox River Valley that would open this fall. The online charter school would open an administrative building in the region and provide off-campus alternative learning options for students in kindergarten to 12th grade.
School boards have 30 days after their public hearing to decide if they will accept the charter school’s application for a five-year contract, deny it or let the independent Illinois State Charter Commission decide what to do. If school officials deny the application, Virtual Learning Solutions will appeal the decision to the commission, according to the charter application.
8:35 Approving A charter would be fine. This specific charter is a problem. Way too many questions not only about the for-profit company providing the curriculum, AND the non-for-profit just formed for this specific purpose with NO experience or track record. I suspect this St. Charles non-for-profit is really just a front for the for-profit K12.
9:49, 11:23 is right on the money. He knew. Every school employee is a mandatory employer, and is told that and signs off on it. And the best way to make sure all school employees in the state remember that is for this guy to face some kind of sanctions. It really didn't take much guts or honor to come forward AFTER someone else had done the right thing and stopped the guy. IF he has any conscience, it should bother him the rest of his life that additional girls got taken advantage of that wouldn't have if he'd gone to DCFS.
Everyone has a right to change their minds and maybe when they praised Roberts and Arid they did do something good. For those that are running they have said some things but not until they get on the board will they have all the information they may need to know what to change.
The custodian did report it many times to the administration. West screwed up. Is the custodian named in the lawsuit. no he is not. if he was culpable and to blame then his name would be on the lawsuit dumbass.
Just quickly so that we all have a common vocabulary:
Public Commons: Things that have always belonged to the entire community whether paid for it or by act of God. Examples: Roads, Schools, the River, a mountain, Air, etc.
Privatization: Politicians selling the public commons for the profit of a corporation and the political kickbacks it generates back to them.
Regulations: Laws that were put in place to protect the community (You and me) from the actions of businesses and corporations that would harm the community for the sake of corporate profits.
Deregulation: The stripping away of regulations for greater corporate profits. This frequently costs the taxpayers huge sums of money to correct.
There has been a major push by the politicians of this country to privatize all the public commons. Some examples: parking in Chicago. Tax payers built and maintain the streets. Some company is allowed to put up meter boxes and charge the tax payers who built the streets $2 an hour to park on them. Mountaintop mining: Literally the coal companies are tearing down mountains to get to coal (because it’s cheaper than the traditional way). This is ruining ecosystems and poisoning the people downstream. Fracking: Gas companies are being allowed to pump millions of gallons of toxic chemicals underground to force up natural gas. This has been proven to introduce poisons into local ecosystems and drinking water. There are dozens more examples like this.
Public education is just the latest form of privatization. Politicians at the federal and State Levels (and some local levels) are farming out our school systems to private companies. This has been happening slowly over the past 15 years. Testing has become more and more rigorous to the point that last year, only 8 Illinois High Schools made AYP. This year the scores have been adjusted and no high schools will be passing. Three years not making AYP makes the district eligible to be privatized (taken over by Private Charter Schools).
How exactly does taking our tax dollars and funneling them to companies that pay their top executives 5+ million dollars a year, funnel huge sums of money back to their political campaigns, and make hundreds of millions in profits for stockholders, help our children and communities.
THIS IS SIMPLY MONEY BEING STOLEN FROM OUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION!!!!!
WHEN ARE AMERICANS GOING TO WAKE UP AND TAKE OUR COMMONS BACK FROM THE POLITICIANS AND CORPORATIONS?????
Sorry, 7:19, you're the dumbass. The law says he has to report it to DCFS. It doesn't matter how many times he reported it to the administration, he was required to report it to DCFS. He hasn't been named in any suit because he's small fry. You can't get blood from a turnip. They always file suit against whoever has the money -- and that ain't him. As for any criminal charges related to the "alleged" cover up, none have been filed. It looks like he's going to skate on the charges he SHOULD be facing; I suspect it's like catching a small-time drug dealer, where they cut a deal to get him to testify against bigger fish. They can make a bigger splash going after the administrators. Yes, the west administration screwed up big time and should pay for it. But he gave them the chance by not following the law.
(325 ILCS 5/4) (from Ch. 23, par. 2054)
Sec. 4. Persons required to report; privileged communications; transmitting false report. Any … school personnel (including administrators and both certified and non-certified school employees), … having reasonable cause to believe a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be an abused child or a neglected child shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the Department.
Whenever such person is required to report under this Act in his capacity as a member of the staff of a … school, … he shall make report immediately to the Department in accordance with the provisions of this Act and may also notify the person in charge of such institution, school, facility or agency … that such report has been made.
Any person who enters into employment on and after July 1, 1986 and is mandated by virtue of that employment to report under this Act, shall sign a statement on a form prescribed by the Department, to the effect that the employee has knowledge and understanding of the reporting requirements of this Act. The statement shall be signed prior to commencement of the employment. The signed statement shall be retained by the employer.
To: March 25, 2013 at 9:48 PM
You really need to get over the janitor conspiracy. Even in our district we have contracts for certified staff, non-certified staff (which includes secretaries, teachers aides etc.) and we have a seperate contract for custodians and maintenance workers.
There is no formal training of the school code for maintenance workers. Many of them speak little to no english at all. If they are made aware of a school code, they received (or did not receive)this training from the district administration.
The fact is, the top level administrators had the ultimate responsibility to inform DCFS. They also had the responsibility to inform the correct staff members of their responsibilities. The janitor should neverof had an option.
You better check on whether or not charges have been filed against the administration of west high, in the end the district will be writing checks to the families for the incompetent leadership and the administration screw up of sweeping this under the rug. Thanks for supporting my point that the custodian is a small fry. I never disagreed. that the custodian shouldnt. have been reported it. I was merely stating that when the custodian reported it to the administration, the leadership of that west high administration failed when the the call wasnt made right there and then. The entire. administration knew for years and nothing was done. In the Penn State scandal not one custodian was charged after that fiasco . same thing in this case . go back. to watching Perry Mason and Law and Order jackass .
Go back to the 60s, you tree hugging hippie .
Unbelievable. All you people are just fine with the fact that someone saw a student being abused and did not report it to the state, as required by law. The term "non-certified school employees" INCLUDES the custodians. Did the custodians get named at Penn State? No, because there's been no indication any custodian witnessed anything. This custodian has admitted to witnessing something going on that worried him enough to talk to various people and then to administration. If it worried him that much, he had a legal and moral duty to report it. I'm in no way suggesting we let the administration off the hook, but I'm staggered that you think the custodian should be. What finally stopped Orland? It was when another teacher caught him and reported it to DCFS and the administration.
Jackie and Zack change their minds when it is convient for them. They appear to be loose cannons who will stop at nothing to get Marin Gonzalez back. Why would Marin donate to their campaign if something was not in it for her.
Along with all the other district employees donating it has put them in a bad position they will no longer be able to vote on anything. They have thrown tons of money away on a campaign for no good reason. They are very dangerous and when you elect people to the board that are a pay to play mindset that brings about corruption.
8:10 am CORRUPTION, you mention, oh my goodness !!!! What has happened the past several years at 131 ?? C O R R U P T I O N I N C O M P O T E N C E Plus we have the Dictator, Executioner, Bully, as the Board President. Crook County politicians would be an improvement.
Show us the proof that they can't vote on certain things on the board. I have looked at the ethics law and the IL School Code and there is nothing in anyone of them that states they can't.
As far as this Charter School why not give it a chance? All ready we have government telling us that in you district you have the choice of paying for private school or going to the public school and when you see that we are at the bottom of the list of districts making good test scores why not have change. Maybe if we did we would have families moving in that want their children to learn and making the East Side of Aurora better.
Wrong again there were many custodians who seen the abuse at Penn State and failed to report it because they. were scared they would lose their jobs. The custodian should have called DCFS but he was scared to lose his job if he went to the administration. Sad but true with the west case and Penn State. Not saying that the custodian should not have called. he should have just like. workers at Penn State . The facts are that the administration at both west high and State should have taken the lead, in the leadership role they are in, and taken the care of business years ago. sad and sick in both cases. Both leaders at Penn State and West turned a blind eye for years and that's worse then one custodian not calling. DCFS . not saying. its right . but administration needs to take the information to DCFs and police immediately which didn't happen. Sad.
Ray and Annette trading verbal jabs with each other and talking bout mamas when they know they are being recorded and Zach and Jackie are called loose cannons . funny.
9:46 Great point !!!!
Its Amy Thompson defending west. nice try Amy.
AGREE. WE NEED CHANGE
...and the West Side needs its own blog.
:)
Here is the information about conflict of interest and for those of you stating that Zack and Strand can't vote on certain things you are wrong. The one about the contracts is almost to the end. This is published by IASB lawyers. By the way the board members should of got this they belong to IASB and go to their conference every Nov.
http://www.iasb.com/law/FAQsConflictofInterestIncompatibleOffices.pdf
Stay off the blog Blackhawks .
I have no problem with private schools but they should not be taking public tax dolars to subsidize their private enterprize.
If charter schools were really better than public schools, the parents would be paying for it. The fact is, 83% of charter schools test the same or worse than their public school couterparts. Why then are we putting millions of tax dollars into their CEO's salaries and into poltical campaigns and shareholder profits? All these millions of tax payer dollars should be going to the students education. It's a complete waste of tax payer dollars for no reason other than corporate greed.
By the way, if wanting our tax dollars to stay in our education systems and local communities, where it will do the most good for children instead of making the corporations richer makes me a hippie, I say bring me a tree to hug. It much better than being a corporate slave.
3/25/13 -7:25 PM, If you are a tree hugger in anothers opinion..I am too!
People keep their heads in the sand and think elected officials will take care of them. I don't care if you are Rep. or Dem. look what has happened when you elect the gal next door and give her a little power. You get a manipulative, power hungry board pres.
The EA teachers must be like innocent lambs lead down a path of lies and discepition.
Building Administrators are angry because the board cut their liberal vacation and sick days back. Then the administration was forced to pay the same for insurance as the teachers. So then the bad mouthing of the board begins.
Coupled with $65,000 a year central office secretaries that don't have basic skills and $80,000 maintenance people that had to be trimmed back thus the belly aching begins. Oh the board is so mean
Teachers should know the current board is the most pro teacher you will ever get . Remember the two out of three cases were that returned teachers to the classroom after bad choices by administration.
Will Zack and Kristen be able to make the changes and clean up the district? I think not because of the campaign contributions excepted.
I have sat to long and watched my family member work long hours to clean this up for no pay. It's all about the nest egg. Cook County machine is the three ministers. At least Cook County does not hide behind the church.
http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/19097229-417/fired-east-teacher-files-to-be-reinstated.html
The Bob Green termination story is in tonights Beacon.
Reading the story, it is clear from all accounts that the student was shoving Mr. Green repeatedly for simply doing his job and telling a student that he should not be leaving the school building. Only after being assaulted repeatedly, did Mr Green defend himself against the agressive student. This was substantiated by the police report. It was clear that the child sustained no injuries and the district must have realized the child's inappropriate behavior as they have placed him in the alternative school.
The board is going to have an uphill battle if they want to go to a mediator of judge and say their board warning superceeds the Federal Constitution, Illinois law and Board Policy.
Federal Law provides that every person has a right to defend themselves against physical harm. Further, the Illinois School Code states that "teachers may use reasonable force as needed to maintain safety of other students, STAFF, or to defend school property". Board policy 715.01 is a restatement of the Illinois School Code.
So here is the real question:
How can the board terminate a teacher based on a board warning that violates the teachers rights (and responsibilities) based on Federal Law, Illinois School Code and even their own board policies.
This is an administration and board that has already been determined to have discriminated and retaliated against Bob Green by the Illinois Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commision. Further, the Illinois State Board of Education has determined that the board termined the man without just cause.
This is a very clear example of why we need to change the leadership in District 131.This must start next week at the polling place.
As a 20+yr teacher at 131 I can confidently say that it is near unaminous that we disapprove of the direction the Board of Ed has been going this past 4 yrs unders Annette Johnson. We dare not speak for fear of retaliation and our hope is that the new board can oust her and begin a new era. I say this confidently on behalf of many many staff members of 131.
This whole Bob Green war has been so avoidable. It all started with the arguement about whether PE teachers should be teaching health classes. Mr. Green pointed out that school code required a health certification to teach health class and the administration was violating school code by forcing PE teachers without this certification to teach health classes. (FYI The Regional Office of Education has verified this to be correct, yet the district administration is still forcing uncertified PE teachers to teach health classes inviolation of the Illinois School Code).
To retaliate against Mr. Green, the administration reassigned Mr. Green from East High to Simmons Middle School and took away all his coaching jobs. He was then barred from even applying for a coaching position. The argument then evolved into the hiring practices for coaches. That argument is still ongoing. The admiinistration contends that they can hire who they want without even posting coaching positions as is standard practice in any other district. If you go to the regional office web sites, there is always a multitude of coaching positions posted. The administration is constantly hiring uncertified, unqualified people to coach sports while certified teachers are bypassed.
What it boils down to is this: The administration was committing violations of the Illinois School Code, Bob Green dared to stand up and speak out about these violations and the administration has been retaliating against him ever since.
As you can clearly see, Mr. Green was being assaulted by a violent student and the administration and board terminated him for defending himself.
The boards battle with Mr. Green has already cost the tax payers of Aurora hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal battles. If the board had simply required the administration to follow the Illinois School Code, all of this could have been avoided.
Is this what Annette Johnson considers fiscal responsibility? How about transparency? Sorry, no comment on personnel issues, especially when it is embarrassing to the board.
It is so time for a new board. The taxpayers can't afford any more of these petty arguments to drain the tax coffers.
If this district had the right Superintendent your family member wouldn't have to work so hard because according to the IL School Code the board is suppose to hire their one employee to do that.
March 26, 2013 at 11:48 AM said "Here is the information about conflict of interest and for those of you stating that Zack and Strand can't vote on certain things you are wrong."
You're partially right; it clearly says the spouse of an employee CAN sit on the board. BUT it DOES say they can't or have to be very careful voting on certain things. If you read the excerpts below, they better have their lawyer on speed dial because it advises they talk to an attorney before even discussing some things.
"A violation may occur if the board member actively promotes the financial interests of his or her spouse."
"This is a fact-sensitive inquiry; a board member should seek legal counsel before voting on anything
directly related to his or her spouse, such as, a motion to hire, promote, or transfer as well as anything of a disciplinary nature."
"When a conflict arises between the district’s interests and the school board member’s personal and financial interest, the board member should carefully review and consider his or her role in the decision."
"For example, to avoid the appearance of impropriety, a board member may want to refrain from voting on any matter that will financially affect him or her and his or her spouse or family member."
Again our board screwed up. I have known Mr.Green for quite some time and he is a very sincere person when working with our students. Mr.Green again has been retaliated against by the board because he had to defend himself? The message you are sending to students now is that if you want to get a teacher fired just physically or verbally attack them. We are also sending the message to teachers that it is okay for administrators (Wilson Morales) to leave school grounds and get into a fight with a student and the only discipline Wilson received was a suspension and then he was able to return to work. Annette and board you are costing taxpayers money on frivolous terminations because you dislike an individual; in this case again Mr. Green. You have already lost one lawsuit with this individual and now you have set the district up for another loss. The police report clearly supports the board error on hurrying up to terminate Mr. Green. I hope you are ready to pay again. There goes our so called surplus of funds.
Nacho and Ray abstained from voting on the Bob Green issue. No backbone, and proof we need a new Board where all members arent scared to vote . Did Nacho have Green as a teacher? Its obvious why Ray abstained. They both attended West High together and are friends . Isn't that a conflict of interest?
Keep talking about conflict of interest. Its going on right now with the voting on the Green issue .
10:25am does abstaining mean you are scared to vote or can it mean
"Insufficient Evidence" to vote yes. It is a fact that whenever Annette Johnson wants to vote yes or no, her gang (Turza, Gonzalez, Lewis, Leonard) will vote alongside her.
AMAZING HOW DIST 131 JUSTICE IS not WORKING
Wilson wasn't suspended. He was on paid administrative leave while his wife Lisa Morales, Clayton Muhammad, Mechelle Patterson and Joan Glotzbach covered up the whole incident by threatening and intimidating the victim and other witnesses.
The board and administration have made so many poor choices that cost our children. When is the community going to stand up and demand better?
The new board should really look into how PBIS has been handled. The problem is that administrators know that the PBIS numbers are being reviewed so they want the numbers to reflect that behavior is getting better. The problem is, the administrators have little control over student behavior. The only thing administrators have control over is the PBIS data which has been manipulated regularly.
A lot of referrals are not entered into the data or the referral is disposed of and the student discipline is not dealt with at all. The rules are constantly changed to make the data look better and teachers have been harassed for even writing referrals. I have personally heard in teachers meetings, the staff being told to stop writing so many referrals by district administrators.
The problem is this. The PBIS data (as thus the administrator) looks better on paper but student behavior gets much worse and academics suffer for it.
A student attacking a teacher is just a symptom of the problem. And just so we are clear, Bob Green is not the only teacher who has been attacked by a student this year. I personally know of at least six teachers who have been physically assaulted by students. I am sure there are many more. Somehow Bob Green wass the only teacher fired for having a student attack him.
By the way, the student that attacked Bob Green wasn't even one of Bob Green's students. The child was cutting class and hanging out in the gymnasium (and outside the building)that Mr. Green was teaching in.
As long as Annette Johnson keeps supporting incompetent administrators, the district will never improve.
Jackie and her fellow teachers are actually losing votes for their spouses the more they campaign. It looks like the teachers are afraid the board wants to make changes and the others just want to do the same. People in Aurora think the school district should change and a good house cleaning is in order. Advice to them no way to win the East Aurora schools are looked upon as horrible and its been that way for many years. So when someone comes out talks about change that what people want to hear.
I am not knocking eithe that's reality in 131
Your statement March 27, 2013 at 8:22 AM is bits and pieces of what it says. For those that want to know if it is really a conflict of interest go to the link below.
http://www.iasb.com/law/FAQsConflictofInterestIncompatibleOffices.pdf
B. What is the board of education member’s obligation when his or her personal or financial interests
conflict with the best interests of the school district?
The board member is expected to act in the best interest of the school district and not in his or her own
personal or financial interest. When a conflict arises between the district’s interests and the school board
member’s personal and financial interest, the board member should carefully review and consider his or
her role in the decision. Sometimes conflict can be resolved by the board member’s abstaining from discussion
and action on the matter. However, there may be occasions when the board member’s conflict of
interest cannot be removed through non-participation in the decision-making process. This is addressed in
Section 1.
Similarly, the board member should not use his or her position as a board member to influence the
outcome of day-to-day decisions left in the administration’s hands. Use of such influence could be
considered a breach of the board member’s fiduciary obligations to the school district.
5
B. What is the board of education member’s obligation when his or her personal or financial interests
conflict with the best interests of the school district?
The board member is expected to act in the best interest of the school district and not in his or her own
personal or financial interest. When a conflict arises between the district’s interests and the school board
member’s personal and financial interest, the board member should carefully review and consider his or
her role in the decision. Sometimes conflict can be resolved by the board member’s abstaining from discussion
and action on the matter. However, there may be occasions when the board member’s conflict of
interest cannot be removed through non-participation in the decision-making process. This is addressed in
Section 1.
Similarly, the board member should not use his or her position as a board member to influence the
outcome of day-to-day decisions left in the administration’s hands. Use of such influence could be
considered a breach of the board member’s fiduciary obligations to the school district.
5
This rule also applies in the context of the School Code’s section on prohibited interests. In addition, a
2005 amendment to the School Code allows a board member to participate in a group health insurance
program provided to a district employee if the board member is that employee’s spouse or child. 105 ILCS
5/10-22.3a. This legislation clearly indicates an intent to permit spousal employment.
A violation may occur if the board member actively promotes the financial interests of his or her spouse.
This is a fact-sensitive inquiry; a board member should seek legal counsel before voting on anything
directly related to his or her spouse, such as, a motion to hire, promote, or transfer as well as anything
of a disciplinary nature.
March 26, 2013 at 10:48 PM -I am a 50+ year resident of teh EA community and have the utmost respect for the teachers. If the community was all paying attention and voted, this would be a landslide for change on the board.
Go Green!
The same people who are fearing change will continue to slam those working hard within the district. Strand, Montroy and the teachers.
The teachers involved in the election are a big turn off. Residents of Aurora dont like or respect you. It may not be fair but it is reality. Most of you live out of town and are looked upon as not being able to get a job somewhere else. Now they see a board with a few changes and the teachers fighting it and taxpayers say see we knew it all along. It looks like the current board will win hands down
Good info 11:48. Now if those who keep beating that horse would read your reference, that should put it to rest.
2:35 you obviously didn't read the reference yourself. 11:48 clearly implied that Strand and Montroy can vote on ANYTHING, even if it involves their spouses. As the quotes from 11:48's source I posted at 8:22 clearly show, and 12:45's longer post reinforces, there ARE things they won't be able to vote on.
But don't take my word, or 11:48's word, or 12:45's word, everybody should go and read the 8 page reference for themselves. I do applaud 11:48 for posting the link, although I'm not sure he/she really understands it.
You are wrong March 27, 2013 at 2:33 PM. I believe most of the community members that are involved with teacher respect them and don't care if they are involved with the election. Why shouldn't they they are effected by who is on the board. About them living in the district that is no problem either. No matter where you work you have the right to live where you want.
"The administration is constantly hiring uncertified, unqualified people to coach sports while certified teachers are bypassed."
11:19 you may or may not be right. Coaches' qualifications are set by the IHSA, not the ISBE. The IHSA requires all coaches to EITHER be ISBE certified teachers (any subject) OR to have completed an IHSA approved Coaching Education program. So coaches don't have to be certified teachers. As far as where you post coaching openings, there's no requirement on that from IHSA or ISBE. In some districts it's based on district policy, and in some it's a clause in the teacher's contract. That's the way it is in the district I work in; per the teachers' contract, all openings (including coaches) must be posted first internally for a certain period of time (can't remember off-hand how long it is) before it can be posted externally. It doesn't require the school to hire a teacher, but they have to give the teacher a chance to apply at least. Our school does prefer to hire internally when possible, because most of the communications break downs and problems with coaches involve what we call "out-of-building" coaches, but a lot of the time we can't find anyone internally who wants the job. If you think 131 should have to do that, then get the union to put it in the contract.
Simmons has non-certified in coaching positions I am sure teachers would like to have those jobs and have a right to those positions.
12:45 quotes the law for conflict of interest in part as "Similarly, the board member should not use his or her position as a board member to influence the
outcome of day-to-day decisions left in the administration’s hands. Use of such influence could be considered a breach of the board member’s fiduciary obligations to the school district.
Ya' mean like when a Board member steps in doin' the Supt.s job?
The legal system makes it a major uphill battle to win a case against any public institution. The premise is simple, when a public institution loses a case, the taxpayers are on the hook for the settlement. Needless to say, if an individual wins a case against a public institution, it's most like because those in charge are committing illegal acts.
That being said, how many cases against the district does Mr. Green have to win before this community realizes what corrupt and incompetent individuals we have running District 131?
You have a chance to make a big difference come April 9th. It's clear we need to make a complete change, first with the board and next with the administration. While it would be awesome to replace every member, we need to replace as many as possible starting with Annette Johnson. She must be the first one to go. While everyone wants to blame Jerome Roberts for everything, the fact is Annette Johnson is the one calling all the shots. She must go.
Does Dist 131 Superintendent Annette Johnson still have the most posts here on the blog
It is painfully obvious that the board members Anita Lewis and Annette Johnson are posting many of these comments themselves. Annette was challenged to run a clean campaign with integrity. She has been unable to do that.
This is the first time I have ever contributed anything to these blogs and most likely the last. What I am reading on here are pure lies. It is a shame how little integrity so many of you have.
It's ok to have an opinion and state facts, but when you say something absolutely false about someone, that is called libel. Honestly, it is my hope that this whole blog is shut down. It does more harm than help to the morale and integrity of our district.
"...pure lies..."
Really? Then enlighten us with the truth! Many have given examples & evidence when they see something incorrect posted here.
Blogs are here to stay. Get over it.
:)
Look talk about a clean campaign
Gray van driving around stealing Johnson Leonard sign.
Maintenace Supervisor gathering up janitors and telling them they will loss their jobs. Solicating votes on taxpayer time ILLEGAL
This is the same maintenance supervisor who got stopped with corrupt contracts and has a son he just posted big bail money for. Gee I wonder who helped him pay.
A Campaign paid by teachers who have been lied to that the board expected a 30% jump in scores NEVER TRUE
Strand and Montroy with special interest money. While the current board takes no special interest money.
Shake downs by supporters of Strand Montroy on FOIA requests that has all central office at a work stop. Just trying to dig up dirt.
Lies being told that children have no desks or books. Where? That would be a principals fault.
At first innocent, but money has never been spent on a school board race like this before. What are the Strand Montroy supporters hiding.
VOTERS BEWARE CORUPTION WILL RETURN TO EAST AURORA SCHOOLS LIKE NEVER BEFORE.
The student in question was a ward of the State and was targeted by Bob Green because he has Enlighter a father or mother to support him. I work with Bob and think he just wanted to file a lawsuit again. I know the administration and Board did the right thing
I agree, blogs will remain for a long time to come, for many reasons. This one is one place a bully cannot intimidate a person for speaking out. Being anonymous is, sadly, an outlet for people to be honest without fear.
To the people who want it shut down, another could start. Maybe it would be worse than openline. At least this one has some limits.
"What I am reading on here are pure lies."
It seems you're implying EVERYTHING here is lies. If you read thru all the posts (yeah, I know it's a heck of a lot of words, some of it nothing but hot air) you'll see there are a lot of statements directly contradicting each other. So both sides are lying?
March 27, 2013 at 6:55 PM, if you read my earlier post about the required qualifications for coaches I said our district prefers in-building coaches because of communications issues. From a standpoint of coaching ability, how well they teach the kids and work with them, there's actually not as clear a difference. Some of our best coaches are non-teachers, and some of our worst. And some of our best coaches are teachers, and some of the worst. Remember, ANY certified teacher can be a coach. Their teaching certificate can be in art, english, or any subject. They may have never taken a single course related to coaching, exercise physiology, the sport they're teaching, first aid, etc. They might not have ever even played the sport they're applying to coach. So if the athletic director has a teacher with no coaching experience or knowledge of the sport, and a non-teacher applicant with outstanding knowledge of the sport that he's been coaching for 10 years, why should the teacher get preference for the position? Now on the other hand sometimes the desparation factor comes into play and their are no applicants, and the A.D. has to go twist some arms in the building to get coaches. That's why our wrestling coach (a teacher) is coaching Badminton (seems to be doing okay so far). And in the past, a different wrestling coach was coaching girls lacrosse (that didn't work out so well).
Just read the Beacon article about Bob Green. Looks like he did exactly what he was supposed to do in that situation. Mr. Green didn't put his hands on the student until after the student had repeatedly pushed him--and then, Mr. Green restrained the student and caused no injuries.
Looks like corrupt D131 administrators are up to their old tricks, scraping the bottom of the barrel to find any excuse to get rid of a teacher who has shown enough spunk to stand up to them. Meanwhile our district is getting negative press AGAIN.
And who really made the decision about Bob Green's termination? That would be Crystal England (Principal at Cowherd), Joan Glotzbach (Head of Human Resources), and Annette Johnson. All three are white women terminating a black man for daring to stand up to them and demand they follow Illinois School Law.
I know some idiot out there will say Jerome is the superintendent or 5 board members voted to terminate. The fact is Annette Johnson runs the board and Roberts. Roberts is trying to save his own black skin for as long as he can. And, even though Annette usually runs the board with an iron fist, two board members, sort of, defied Johnson by abstaining on the Bob Green vote.
Bob Green is going to have no problems filing, yet another, discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against District 131.
Here is another thought. Illinois Law provides protections to employees acting in their official capacity against personal lawsuits. However, those protections are removed if it can be proven that the offense was deliberate and/or malicious. There is no qestion that certain individuals have used their positions of authority to deliberatly target Mr. Green. He really should be suing them personally as well as suing the district for their deliberate malfeasance. Maybe then, they would get a clue because it doesn't seem to matter to them when it's taxpayer dollars being lost.
12:18 AM are you serious? So are you saying that Mr. Green "hand picked" this student, coerced this student into pushing him and then got himself fired all in the spirit of filing another lawsuit? What do you mean when you say "he has Enlighter a father or mother to support him?" I find it comical when uneducated morons, such as yourself, try to defend this incompetent administration.
Cervantes had legal advice and abstained because Green was a teacher of his. This will be the same problem Strand and Montroy have each time they need to vote.
Hull well he could not protect the student and had to side with a brother.
Green is not represented by the union and again it is about making tough not popular choices.
The union is in bed with the administration/board and has been for years. The fact is the union refused to represent Mr. Green in his first termination and have been in a lawsuit with Mr. Green ever since. The Illinois Labor Relations Board already ruled in Mr. Green’s favor and stated that the union had a responsibility to represent Mr. Green (considering he has been paying for that representation for years through his union dues). This is a service that has been provided to other IFT/AFT teachers. The union contends that they can represent or not represent who they choose and when they choose.
It really is an amazing statement by the union. They have been collecting union dues from Mr. Green for 34 years and now state that (when he needs it) they have no obligation to represent the man. They can just arbitrarily refuse service to their members. It really should be a wakeup call to the teachers. Is this really the organization that should be representing them? Perhaps, the teachers should be speaking to the NEA.
Where does it say if you had a teacher in the district and you are a board member you can"t vote? Please show us where you found this information>
2;56 PM Sorry Annette, again you are wrong with your response. Fact is we don't know what happened during that closed session and why is it not surprising to see you stay away from those issues which have embarrassed the District. Let's not forget the "shouting match" you got in with Ray Hull. Have you ever responded to that.
Thanks 2:56, for your racist comment. So are you claiming that Mr. Hull sided with Mr. Green mainly because of skin color? Why don't you elaborate on "making tough not popular choices." You imply that these "choices" were mentioned in a prior blog but I can't find anything about them. As far as the union is concerned, everybody knows the union does not want to cross the administration. If you cross the administration your chance of receiving a $100,000 per year job is slim to none.
It seems to me that Hull and Nacho were the only board members who acted ethically in the Green vote. It has already been determined by state authorities that Green was terminated the first time for personal, NOT personnel reasons.
Since it has been proven that the board discriminated and retaliated against Mr. Green, didn't they all have the responsibility to abstain from such a vote? It seems to me that this case should have gone directly to either the Regional Office or State Board of Education for a fair and impartial ruling.
The fact that the Aurora Police Department had already concluded that Mr. Green acted in a reasonable way is bad enough but the board deliberately voted to terminate Mr. Green before DCFS could even complete their investigation. The vote was taken despite Mr. Green's objections and request that the board wait for the DCFS report.
This is just another railroad job by the District 131 leadership. How many illegal and unethical acts must they commit before they are removed and replaced with competent leadership?
http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/19131019-417/new-tablets-texts-for-w-aurora-middle-schools.html
Yet East is running around saying everyone in the magnet school is getting a new computer and its the only one in illinois. Really? Already, the laptop they are giving away NEXT year is outdated. West will be giving tablets to all the middle school kids. East needs to be more forward thinking. Really, what it needs is a new superintendant!
If the authorities did not find Green guilty, then what was it that he did wrong Someone please explain
He stood up to administration instead of kissing their behinds.
In this district, that can cost teachers their job.
The recommendation was given on Green by administration. Strand and Montroy would have voted the same way. They quote manage from the balcony. they would have gone against administration and the district lawyers. Blame the board all you it would not have changed anything
Here's an editorial written by Clayton Muhammad in 2007, from the Beacon-News:
Race discrimination in East Aurora schools? Where have I been these past four years? I thought I had a firm grip on what was happening? Now, while I always welcome the opportunity to talk about issues pertaining to black people outside the month of February, this one has thrown me for a loop.
As a young black professional educator, I have learned to lean on my colleagues for their advice and counsel on matters that I need some additional wisdom to clarify.
When I read the article ("Teacher sues East Aurora district, claiming race, age discrimination," News, Oct. 11), my first reaction was to call my godfather, Charles Ponquinette. After all, he was the district's first black superintendent and held the post for 18 years before retiring and becoming vice president of the famed Hampton University in Virginia. But I figured "pops" was probably too busy to deal with such accusations that his life and legacy have proven to have no basis.
Then I thought to call my mentor and childhood principal, Gwen Miller, a classy black woman who knows and struts her educational stuff. She has been principal of Dieterich Elementary School for nearly 30 years and is one of the most respected educators in this area. I stopped that phone call as well because I know that by the time I would reach her, she would probably already be at her school preparing to impact the lives of hundreds of children.
As I drove to the School Service Center, I ran down the list of my fellow black colleagues in administration in the district who I could contact to bend their ear on this topic. I thought of Tricia Walton, the new principal at Krug School, who had a stellar record in administration before joining our team this school year. I thought of Earline Barnes, the principal of Waldo Middle School, who was an assistant principal at Cowherd Middle School before assuming this post. I thought of Margaret Jones, the assistant principal at Cowherd Middle School, who took her place.
I had Raquel Wilson on the list, the assistant principal and leader of the new freshman center at East Aurora High School. Also on my list was Denean Adams, the district's curriculum coordinator. I circled the name of Mechelle Patterson, the principal of Simmons Middle School, because she is the stalwart leader of the very building referenced in the article. When I made it to the building, I decided not to contact any of them because I know their demanding schedules.
As I thought deeply about the article, I realized that it was race and age discrimination that were referenced, although the priority seemed to be placed on race. So my mind naturally went to the woman who inspires this city to action, Avis Miller, who at 60 years old, was hired this year at first-year teacher at Dieterich Elementary School after serving the district in other positions over the last decade. But I decided not to even call Avis because she would laugh at the notion of race and age discrimination in East Aurora schools.
I thought about calling Juanita Wells, the passionate East Aurora board member and community leader, who chairs the district's Personnel and Policy Committee, the body that approves and monitors the staff and policies of the district. She has been a champion for race and age issues in this city.
I could have easily even gone across the hall to the office of our current superintendent, Jerome Roberts, who turned 50 years old during his first year as leader of this district. But I knew what his response would be. Roberts was my high school principal and went on to have a stellar career as superintendent of two other districts before returning to lead East Aurora. He knows the face of this type of discrimination and wouldn't allow it to walk into his district.
(continued):
I am the proud spokesman of this great district. From a student who entered the kindergarten doors at Dieterich Elementary School in 1980 to a member of the district's cabinet and the voice of East Aurora 27 years later, with phases as teacher, school director, and community advocate woven throughout.
I wrote a column when I turned 30 that listed 30 things that I learned about life. One of the things was that race still matters. This is the reason that I am an advocate for social justice.
I would like to think that I have gotten wiser since I wrote that column two years ago. One thing I have learned is that while race still matters, we must put competence before color every time. All of the great educators that I mentioned in this text were not hired because they are black. They were hired because they are competent. And when you put competence before color, you must be allowed a seat at the table. In this district, you can even take your place at the head of that table.
Clayton Muhammad is the spokesman for the East Aurora School District.
Nice speech from Clayton in 2007 HOWEVER I would bet my salary vs yours He would have a much different evaluation. 131 Bd Of Ed is the poster child for incompetence and tyrancy run by "Ayatollah" Johnson. Disagree with her and you are fired/disciplined. Wonder if that will change ever.
I'm sure when Mr. Muhammad wrote that editorial in 2007 he made sure that there were facts to back up his indirect yet obvious claim that Mr. Green was incompetent. I'm sure there was a long list of unsatisfactory evaluations proving Mr. Green an incompetent educator. I'm also sure that d131's very competent administration wrote many many remediation letters in order to assure Mr. Green was clear on what needed to be done so that he could best serve the students. If theses things were not done Mr. Green could add a defamation of character suit to his list of complaints.
The above mentioned article by C. Muhammad, was posted because? I found it ironic that several of those people he mentions have had claims against them over the last several years. Either by admin or by others charging they were negligent in their duties. I am not saying whether any of the claims were proven to be valid, but nonetheless they, too, like Mr. Green have been accused.
It is a nice piece of reminiscing, but race is the topic and I feel perpetuates the problem.
Funny, I spoke with Clayton the other day and he openly blames Jerome Roberts and said without Annette the entire district would have fallen apart three years ago. He makes very public statements against Jerome these days.
He says Annette is still today one of his greatest mentors and will be sitting in the front row cheering her on as she will be re elected.
To: March 29, 2013 at 9:26 AM
Every evaluation that the district issued to Mr. Green has been satisfactory. He has never been given a "remediation plan".
Years ago, Mr. Green put one finger on a disruptive students shoulder and told him to go to the office. The administration and board called it corporal punishment (but didn't call DCFS) and gave him a board warning.
They now claim he violated that board warning defending himself against this violent student.
It's pretty simple, if the administration and board were looking at this situation with fair and impartial eyes, there would be nothing to it. However, Mr. green has dared in the past to challenge them whenthey had done illegal actions. Now the administration and board blow anylittle thing out of proportion and fire the man.
The fact is, Mr. Green should have filed a libel lawsuit against Clayton Muhammad and District 131. I can only guess that would have been another financial hardship for Mr. Green paying for lawyers.
Since it has has been proven that the district did discriminate against Mr. Green and the district has already paid out a large settlement to the man, it clrifies where the incompetence really lies.
Change on April 9th.
Funny, if the truth were spoken, Annette would have signed her name above and would quit telling stories about Clayton.
On the subject of coaching positions in "public" schools the
compensation ($) is credible earnings for certified teachers' salaries. This accounts for 9.4 percent of teacher retirement pension contributions. When noncertiified personnel are awarded these positions this compensation (tax $) is illegally paid out. This is according to state administrative code Title 80 Fection 1650.450. This is the definition of teacher salary. See (ILSC 5/10-22.34 and 5/10-22.34a) for a clear definition of the employment duties as defined by school code. This section of the school code describes in detail the limited duties of "noncertified personnel and/or volunteers." Anybody interested in learning what public school sponsored and supported extracurricular activities for students are and also extra duties for teachers, go to the teacher retirement systems employer guide book. Chapter 3 of this guide book will give you a list of the extra duties for teachers. Compensation for these duties is credible earnings for teacher salaries. 9.4 percent goes towards teacher retirement pensions.
I was raised with MidWestern values and that meant terminating an employee was only done as a last resort. Terminating a person threatens their lives, their children’s lives, their home, vehicle, etc. Further, it puts a burden on the state’s unemployment system and taxpayers. I’m not saying that there is never a time for terminating a person but there had better be no other options available.
The fact that three separate state agencies (Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Labor Relations Board and the EEOC) have determined that the district leadership terminated Mr. Green unjustly and further did it for discriminatory and retaliatory reasons, shows the entire community the ethics of our district leadership.
Now, despite the Aurora Police Department concluding that Mr. Green did not use excessive force, the district leadership has terminated the man again. Further, they refused to wait for the determination of DCFS. A determination that would not have taken 2 months if there was any injury to the child.
It appears very clear to me the moral values (or lack thereof) of our school board and administration. It is definitely time to clean house.
I absolutely agree that a certified teacher should be the first consideration and the teacher should be teaching at the building they coach for. That is the ideal situation. The teacher/coach should also have the knowledge and skill set to coach the sport at a level that will improve the student athletes skills, growth in understanding of the sport, and also improve their ability to be a good teammate and understand their responsibilities as a student athlete. There is so much physical, mental, and behavioral development that a good coach has to make a priority. The problem is the willingness to commit to coaching and the dedication it takes to be a good coach. There are not enough teachers willing to coach. Than there are the teachers that say they want to coach, but actually just want an extra check and do as minimal as possible. Some "coaches" don't know the sport they're coaching and put no effort into becoming better. There is no connection between coach and athlete, and the students know when a coach is trying and cares about them as athletes. East Aurora is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to most sports and it will take more dedicated and skilled and caring coaches before things change. At all levels we need quality coaches. It would be great if all the coaches were certified teachers that work in house and know the kids. That is not a reality. Maybe if the stipend was more competitive. Like teacher salaries d131 is below the norm when it comes to paying coaches. Question...have East Aurora sports improved since the board decided to make it a district priority? Hiring Becker was a step in the right direction, but did they back him up like promised? Was his vision supported? Has the new sports director position been a noticeable improvement to the sports programs? I've taught many years at the high school and I don't see much difference. Teachers! Get out there a apply for coaching positions. If you know a sport and love working with kids than get out there! You're needed! Demand more competitive stipends! But!!! Don't complain if you don't do anything beyond that last bell.
Upcoming opportunity:
The public is invited to an East Aurora School District 131 Candidates’ Forum to be held on Tuesday, April 2, 7-9 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 325 E. Downer Place, Aurora.
Eight candidates are running for five open seats in the April 9 election. Three seats are for four-year terms (expiring in 2017) and two seats are for two-year terms (expiring in 2015).
Invited candidate are as follows: four-year term – Annette Johnson, Richard Leonard, Zach Montroy, and Kirsten Strand; two-year term – Ignacio Cervantes, Stella Gonzalez, Marcella McIntyre-Duermit, and Mary Louise Peryea.
Each of the eight candidates will have the opportunity to make introductory and closing statements. In between, the moderator will present general questions and questions that have been submitted by the audience.
This forum is sponsored by First Presbyterian Church and Total Living Newark (TN).
The forum will be available to view online (TLN.COM).
For more information about the East Aurora School District 131 Candidates’ Forum on April 2 visit www.firstpresaurora.org or call (630) 844-0050.
5:57 you don't collect unemployment if you're terminated for cause or if you resign.
The maintenance supervisor Richard Santiago has been going building to building telling janitors that they need to go vote the current board out because they will not honor their contract. This is a clear violation of campaigning in the schools. Dirty tricks and lies told by a man who is involved in covering his own poor choices with lining his pockets
9:17 pm Why is this suddenly being advertised.
I understand Strand Montroy and Preyea are all Clergy or people of God. I have to question that? Every political campaign is not campaigning until Monday. They are all observing everyone's right to be left alone with family. On Good Friday and Holy Saturday they have kids running around pounding on doors and handing out cards. Vote for me. On our lords special day. What kind of people are you.?
How self serving while our lord dies on the cross they promote themselves.
To: March 30, 2013 at 8:17 AM
Mr. Green collected unemployment both last time and this. So, I'm not sure what you are referring to. In fact, The district had to pay the state back for all the unemployment that Mr. Green collected the first time he was terminated. Or perhaps I should say the East Side Taxpayers had to pay that bill.
Not everyone observes these Holidays so what is your problem. How do you know no one else is campaigning?
If they have someone going to the schools and campaigning go to the proper authorities and tell them if you don't like it.
It sounds like the churches are getting desparate to get the word out for Kristen and Zack. The reality is the East Side could care less who runs the board and their campaign has hit a bump. So they are hoping on more debate will help them. Good luck Aurra dies not vote issues. Just look at who is the Mayor and Alderman. West with all the financial and Ormond problems has no signs. People don't care that is the reality.
Also campaigning Easter weekend is a major mistake. It shows they don't get the community.
12:46 p.m., I am a Christian and can tell you that for most of us, the 2 days before Easter (during the day) are pretty much business as usual. Some Christians fast & pray on Good Friday, but most go about their usual activities early in the day and attend Good Friday services in the evening. Saturday is just the day before Easter. Easter food may be blessed and some denominations have a long "vigil" service after sundown, but there's no reason campaign flyers can't be handed out on Friday or Saturday; in fact, it may be a good opportunity to catch people at home.
Happy Easter to those who celebrate!
Well the "Christians" need to realize that the United States is not a Christian state - It is freedom from religion. So nobody has to make special considerations for your beliefs. Nobody has to make special considerations for anybody's beliefs.
I know the government does, and they spend my tax dollars on religion and that is one of the problems with our government. The spend my money on things they shouldn't and get involved with things like marriage, retirement savings, and health care that they should not be involved with.
"Christians" need to realize that just because the government says it is ok to do something, or not to do something, does not mean that the government is persecuting you. For instance, you don't have to have an abortion, and you don't have to have your church marry a gay couple, but for you to push your beliefs on the rest of the country is offensive.
If you really want to be persecuted for being a Christian, you should move to China, Cuba or India. See if you like it there.
Happy Easter!
Also, happy to hear about forum being held outside the school district and not by the EA Foundation that Annette is connected.
Volunteers are recruited for campaigns and fundraising and solicitations. They usually offer time that is convenient to them and when they feel they can do the best work. Maybe the above mentioned people going door to door are not as involved in church but are passionate about getting the word out about who they support. Who cares?! Other than incumbents.
That''s the point 8:17 AM. Green was not terminated for "cause" as you stated. He collected unemployment last time he was unjustly terminated and he'll collect it this time too.
From the Beacon-News website:
AURORA — East Aurora School Board candidates will have a second chance tonight to talk about their election platforms and the issues facing the district.
A public forum is being held at Aurora’s First Presbyterian Church, located at 325 E. Downer Place, from 7 to 9 p.m. The church is sponsoring the forum, along with Total Living Network, a Christian cable channel.
Eight candidates are running in the April 9 election for five open seats, including four incumbents: Board President Annette Johnson, Richard Leonard, Stella Gonzalez and Ignacio Cervantes. Both Johnson and Leonard are running for four-year terms, Gonzalez and Cervantes are running for two.
Challengers Zach Montroy and Kirsten Strand are running for four-year terms, while Marcella McIntyre-Duermit and Mary Louise Peryea are running for two-year terms.
Candidates will make opening and closing statements. Jeff Moore, First Presbyterian’s pastor, and Dan Haas, Total Living Network’s director of ministries, will co-moderate the questioning portion of the forum, which will include audience submissions.
A recording of the forum will be posted on tln.com for those who cannot attend.
The first public forum, attended by all eight candidates and about 200 members of the pubic, was held March 7 at East Aurora High School.
At the meeting, challengers called for a stronger, more unified board that could build trust and respect with the community. Some said the current leadership was too involved in the day-to-day operations of the district, lacked a clear vision and that their actions had led to bad press for the district.
Incumbents stressed that the board had strived to put policies in place to get the district back on track, highlighting accomplishments such as the new magnet school opening next school year and a sizable grant that will give 750 magnet students laptops.
The current board has ignored the one most important thing a board is suppose to do and that is to have a Superintendent that follows their policies and run the district. If the board or board president doesn't trust the Superintendent or their administration it is their job to hire a new one that will follow policy. It is not the board president to micro manage. In fact I think on this thread someone posted something from the IL School Code that the board should not do the administrators job.
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