And one more "new" thing: comments must continue to be identified (not anonymous) to be published. Yes, we know that many choose to use a pseudonym--but having a name attached makes it much easier to refer to and respond to a particular comment. Also, it's easier for blog administrators to screen out spam since spammers almost always post anonymously.Happy new school year...may 2013-2014 be the best ever for our district!
beaconnews.suntimes.com/21383002-417/food-services-lawsuit-in-limbo-two-more-weeks.html
ReplyDeleteThis is mostly D129-related, but involves our district's special ed students as well:
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/21400131-417/after-alleged-incident-schools-upped-special-ed-bus-rules.html
Have YOU taken the survey for our next superintendent?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CRNYYMR
Here's a video about a program in our community making a positive difference for our kids:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Wrigley-Heiress-Helps-At-Risk-Kids/215746361
This was in this morning's paper:
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/news/21524815-418/east-auroras-johnson-elementary-wins-nutrition-fitness-grants.html
Looks like it's going to be a good year for our elementary students...nutrition and fitness are so important to kids' success!
http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/21612138-417/growing-pains-for-east-aurora-finance-team.html
ReplyDeleteSNAFU (Situation Normal All F*^#ed Up)
The NEW district finance department gives few details for the current budget or what they are cutting with the proposed 7.9 million dollars in less spending.
Johnson apparently knows the details but is refusing to share them, even with the rest of the board.
The story states that the new budget (in it's abreviated form) will be posted for thirty days but doesn't state where. It's not obviously posted on the district web site. Anybody know where it is supposedly going to be?
I would definately like to know where all this money is going. According to the article, the district is receiving $166,600,000.oo for the current school year. That comes to about $11,106.00 per child. We know the teachers are the lowest paid in the six county area, the money is not being spent in the classrooms (teachers are constantly told "There is no money for that")and the buildings are falling apart.
So again, where are all these millions of dollars going? Does anybody really feel comfortable with Annette Johnson basically saying just trust me?
I believe the IL School Code states that if they have a web site it has to be posted on there and The Central Office. It is time for the other board members to stand up and tell her by law she has to post it.
ReplyDeleteBlog looks a little different but nice!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to comment on the recent article. It quotes:
“This is our first year, so we certainly have to get the bugs out,” Johnson said.
Isn't this lady the same one who has been on the Board over 4 years, brags about her education and expertise in finance. Software is just a new way for doing the old job. When companies implement new software, they usually have a transitional plan to keep business going until all the kinks are worked out. I would think this would be especially important when your accountability to the State is on time constraints. The rhetoric by the Board president is getting old. The only transparency with this Board president is seeing through the excuses that keep coming up for poor business procedures.
A previous poster asks if anyone feels comfy with Johnson saying trust me? Yes, at least 3 others on the Board.....majority ruling. :(
The district stated this about the budget.
ReplyDeletet the school board meeting Monday night, Clark presented a $166.6 million tentative budget for 2013-14 with a $555,000 surplus. Those expenditures are down about $7.9 million from what the district spent two years ago.
If the district has a $555,000 surplus shouldn't they be using that to upgrade classrooms for the students? Maybe we should be paying teachers a little bit more to get better teachers in?
I don't know if anyone has tried to read a budget but let me tell you the average person will not make any sense of it. You would need an accountant to explain things to you and to read it at a meeting would take hours I'm sure most would not want to sit through.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/21630524-418/two-more-new-administrators-for-east-high.html
ReplyDeleteShouldn't the minutes from the July 1st School Board meeting be posted by now?
ReplyDeleteYes, unless they forgot to but it on the agenda for the July 15 regular meeting like the forgot last time.
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/news/21640950-418/all-east-aurora-students-to-receive-free-lunch-breakfast.html
ReplyDeleteThis is a good thing...nutrition is SO important to kids' achievement! It would be best if parents provided a good breakfast for their child at home, but when parents can't or don't do their part it's nice to know that the kids won't have to do without.
ReplyDeleteAlso, offering meals to all kids eliminates the stigma of some having to be identified as "free lunch kids". I remember in middle school how some were made fun of...kids can be very mean at that age.
Well, when I went to Waldo in the 60s, kids who got free lunch had to work for it (usually helping in the cafeteria). Talk about a stigma--I had one friend who went without lunch rather than be exposed as a free lunch kid.
ReplyDeleteSome things have changed for the better.
Look a High School that is planning for the future instead of a knee jerk reaction.
ReplyDeletehttp://beaconnews.suntimes.com/21640735-417/yorkville-high-expansion-price-tag-reaches-18-million.html
What a unique way of communicating to stockholders in the school district. Yorkville has named bidders and costs and explained the plans for expansion on their school to the community.
ReplyDeleteThis plan to pay ridiculous overtime costs to complete a project in a rush is sloppy business practice by 131 school board and will go down as yet another huge irreparable mistake made by our illustrious school board.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/21650729-417/company-drops-lawsuit-against-east-aurora.html
ReplyDeleteAlso, the minutes from the July 1st School Board meeting are now posted.
Here's an event in D129 that is raising money for their choir programs:
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/news/21651548-418/concert-to-raise-funds-for-west-aurora-schools.html
A good example of thinking "outside the box" to help Aurora students!
The Beacon article about the finance department and next years school budget was updated. It stated that next years budget was posted on the district web site and at the service center.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about at the service center but I can't find it anywhere on the district web site. The most current budget posted there is last years.
Does the Beacon actually confirm their stories or do they just quote Annette Johnson and trust her?
District 131 staff has just been informed that the elementary school day has been extended to 3:00 PM. That means that the elementary schools and the middle schools will all be dismissing at the same time.
ReplyDeleteWhat idiot has thought this one up?
For decades, District 131 has the school day beginning and end times staggered for a simple reason: parents have to drive their children to and from school. They can't be in two places at the same time.
If a parent has children at both the elementary and middle school levels, which child do they pick up and which child do they leave unattended at their school for great lengths of time?
It is absolutely amazing how incompetent the decisions that come from our board/administration are. We have been told from Annette Johnson and Jerome Roberts what a great new team of administrators the district has been hiring this year and this is the way they choose to start off? By making a decision that will leave thousands of children unattended for who knows how long every single day? What happens in January when we have three feet of snow (and they don't close buildings) or when the temperature is 20 degrees below zero (and they don't close the buildings) and these children have to wait out in the snow and cold?
School rules: All children must be out of the building by 3:10. The teacher contract only requires the staff to present until 3:15. the district can't require teachers to watch these children until who knows when.
The parents of this community really need to stand up and demand better from this district. Once again the administration and board are putting children in danger and at risk.
The present school board,our community voted for, has 3 women who live in Ward one that have NO concerns about what time school gets out or about traffic or safety. Their biggest concern is that they are paying higher taxes and have NO children in the district.
ReplyDeleteThat is the circle of life ladies! If your roots are here, you worked when you were young with no families, but paid taxes. Some people choose to have families and they reap the rewards of the local property taxing system. Your children grow and move out. You continue to pay for our future generation so that your community, where you have planted yourself, remains a place that puts children first.
Oops, excuse me, that was the D131of the past, the new "improved" Board is now "making choices for excellence." Bwah ha ha ha!
I think the extra 15 minutes of instructional time for our grade-schoolers is a good idea. But like most any other new scheduling plan, there are going to be some adjustments necessary. Maybe administration at our grade schools will need to stay longer after school to supervise students who are waiting for parents to pick them up, or maybe teachers can be paid for an extra class hour to stay, or parents can volunteer to supervise students after school. The new high school bell schedule will require some adjustments, too...but we in D131 are capable of working together for the good of our students!
ReplyDeletea said: What are you thinking?
ReplyDelete1) Administrators are too busy with other tasks, not to mention, there are not nearly enough of them to watch that many children. It takes a staff of over 1000 to to properly supervise 15000 students.
2) Our board is not going to pay teachers extra to babysit children. They won't even pay for necessary materials in our classrooms.
3) One of the biggest problems we have in District 131 is a lack of parental involvement. Parents are not just going to volunteer to babysit these children (Especially in the middle of winter)because of a poor administrative decision. Not to mention, who is going to pay for the background checks on all these "parent volunteers". And don't forget, it's going to take a month to do the background checks. And what happens when some parent volunteer molest or injures a child?
The real problem is not with the duration of the day. The problem is with the instruction during the time we have. Our highly paid consultants clearly showed that the district curriculum is in complete disarray. There is no leadership coming from Central Office and due to teachers being paid so poorly, we have a staff that collectively is very inexperienced.
The administration and board added the 15 minutes because it shows the public that they are doing something but they have not thought through the ramifications of the decision. The first child that gets seriously injured or killed because of the lack of supervision is going to cost the district millions in a lawsuit. No judge is going to side with the district if they children left unattended or improperly supervised. Count on it and don't complain when your taxes go up again.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/21689644-418/east-aurora-elementary-school-day-to-be-15-minutes-longer.html
ReplyDeleteFrom the Beacon article:
ReplyDelete"Johnson said teachers and support staff will be available to supervise children until 3:15 p.m. After that, teachers have the option to volunteer to stay to supervise children who have yet to be picked up, or children can wait with the building administrator. Each building also has after-school programming with adult supervisors, Johnson added"
Apparently Annette been reading the blog. She was on Google Maps and trying to defend the elementary and middle schools getting out at the same time. She picked Hermes and Simmons as her example, the two schools that are closest together to justify her argument. She also stated that morning and afternoon preschool could now be the same number of minutes. (Preschool is on it's own schedule, there was no reason that they couldn't have had an equal amount of time last year).
ReplyDeleteWhat about the schools that are much farther away from each other? There was also no mention about how it takes 15-20 minutes (because of traffic) for a parent to drive through the parking lot at each school. And, that's in good weather, what happens when the weather turns cold and snowy?
I did notice that Annette said that teachers "have the option to volunteer their time to stay and supervise children who have yet to be picked up". Again, the district has no intention of paying extra for the necessary supervision that children will need. It is a major lawsuit just waiting to happen.
Here's an idea: Why doesn't the elementary school start 15 minutes earlier instead. Then the high school can start at 7:45, the middle schools will start at 8:00 and the elementary schools would start at 8:15 (instead of the current 8:30). PROBLEM SOLVED!!!
Does anybody have any faith in an administration and board who can't solve even the simplest of issues? How are these people going to solve our complicated educational issues? Perhaps there should be a competency test (or idiocy test depending on your perspective)given to any perspective board members.
Annette probably gave that example because Hermes is in her backyard and that is about as far as her knowledge reaches about what truly goes on at our schools.
ReplyDeleteCome outside your comfort zone Madam president and drive down Sheffer Road or Jackson Street
or Farnsworth when school is starting or dismissing, or at any of the elementary schools. It is congested messes. Someone, anyone with children in the district could have told you. You are such a joke pretending to be in touch with your community. You do NOT listen to anyone but your inner controlling self. It continues to be a sad state of affairs for D131.
Beyond Belief, I agree with most of what you're saying however you need to read the article more carefully. Annette Johnson said that afternoon KINDERGARTEN would now have the same number of minutes as morning kindergarten, not preschool. Preschool is, as you said, on its own schedule--but kindergarten is supposed to be the same throughout the district.
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/news/21705842-418/rebuilding-the-east-aurora-administrative-team-a-big-job.html
ReplyDeleteknows 131:
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter if it's preschool or kindergarten, the point is; kindergarten can follow the schedule they need to. It's not like the high school that has to follow a formal bell schedule throughout the building.
Annette is just pulling out copious amounts of bovine excrement from way up deep in that oversized rectum.
Here's an inspiring story:
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/21665950-423/teacher-shares-story-of-east-side-student-who-persisted.html
A couple of comments on the article about the extended day at D131 grade schools:
ReplyDeleteBecause I care 1 day ago
Any parent who ever had to deal with after school traffic will tell you that it will NOT take 2 minutes by car to pick up one child and go from one school to the next. In the mean time, teachers and support staff will have to give up the precious little time they have to prepare for the next day, stay late, and have to make additional child care arrangements for their own children. Teachers will have the "option to volunteer to supervise children"? Ms. Johnson, do you mean to say that the staff will have the option to be pressured to work for free? Or have the option to get on an administrators bad side because they cannot "volunteer" to leave their own children unattended? The after school programs are for children who stay a significant amount of time after school and are run by community based organizations. Did the district coordinate with them? Did they discuss what kind of burden this would place on THEM? This board just doesn't stop working against the best interests of it's community and staff.
Concerned East 18 hours ago
I work for East Aurora and I will be glad to volunteer the children do need extra instruction time. as a proud Union member I also realize because we have many on our staff that believe in the philosophy of EA OK we have protected time and need to be here only a certain amount of time so I ask how else would the school district fit in the instruction time. Ms Johnson is the silent majority good teachers advocate for our district.
Thanks Auroramom for sharing the story of the girl who persisted. The story mentions and it is true about the misconception and, I will add, the undeserved reputation EA has. Anyone who has been involved in the schools can tell you at least one story like this one in the article. Teachers , volunteers, staff, they all have met students that have "persisted "
ReplyDeleteWe in EA shout with pride that we are Tomcats, but many take their accomplishments and hold them quietly near their humble hearts.
Ms. Johnson hasn't been by Gates or Waldo when the students get out because if she had she would know there is a backup down Union for about 1/2 hour also by Jackson and North with parents picking up students. The students need more than extra time they need a good curriculum and trained teachers. I also agree that many teachers may have children they have to pick up and this throws teacher and parents schedules off. I have to believe also if some don't volunteer it will be held against them.
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/news/21708006-418/east-aurora-schools-budget-available-to-public.html
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/news/21760690-418/new-spokesman-named-for-east-aurora-schools.html
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/news/21760662-418/east-aurora-schools-look-at-new-administrative-responsibilities.html
Annette Johnson is not a certified public accountant. OMG OMG OMG
ReplyDeleteFraud alert, Fraud Alert
Check out CPAverify
You are not required to register your CPA with the State unless you sign your name that way or do taxes.
ReplyDeleteRemember her only claim to fame is pasta maker
Sorry folks it appears she is clean on that on but it's interesting I saw her driving around last week and her license plates have 666 on them only devils have that it explains alot
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know who the new asst principal is at cowherd and what happened to Deneen Adams ( asst superintendent)?
ReplyDeleteTo taxpayer2:
ReplyDeleteThey moved Jesus Barraza (used to be assistant principal at the high school) to Cowherd Middle School.
Denean Adams took a superintendent position in Harvey School District 152. I wonder if they are aware that she uses district credit cards at Atlantic City Casinos?
Thanks beyond belief!
ReplyDeleteAbout the new district spokesperson, Matt Hanley...
ReplyDeleteEXCELLENT choice! Mr. Hanley has years of experience as a journalist and author. He covered our district for several years, so he knows quite a bit about our issues and challenges. And unlike "spinmeister" Clayton Muhammad, Mr. Hanley has earned a reputation as an impartial professional.
Great call, D131!
I agree, Matt Hanley has made a name for himself in this town and for this town. I believe he will keep his reporting from the district on point and without the preening done by the madam.
ReplyDeleteAs long as Johnson is board president no one will be able to say anything except what she wants said so it doesn't matter what a PR person says if she doesn't ok it. I'm not a fan of Clayton but he was a good Pr person he made the bad look good.
ReplyDeleteAbout Denean Adams she did misuse the credit cards more than the Atlantic trips but so did others and the superintendent and board looked the other way and some on the administration are still doing it. It's your money people if you don't mind all those lunches and taking spouses on trips ( which is against the law the spouse is suppose to pay even if they stay in the same room with the employee), using the districts credit card for athletic clubs memberships.
From Facebook:
ReplyDeleteThursday, Aug. 15, will be the ribbon cutting ceremony at the incredible new Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy, 157 N. Root Street. At 2 p.m., officials will open the school, which will host more 400 students this year. Here's a story from The Beacon-News about the construction. http://bit.ly/13pnv51
beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/21894245-418/east-aurora-to-host-public-forums-as-part-of-superintendent-search.html
ReplyDeleteKudos to D131 for involving the public in finding our next superintendent...I don't remember that they ever did this before, but I do remember Kirsten Strand saying at one of the forums before the School Board election that the board would involve the entire community. I'm so glad to see this and proud to say I voted for Ms. Strand and Ms. Peryea.
The Board picked the committees and Mary Turza is the coordinator of activities.
ReplyDeleteBefore hiring Radakovich, I believe it was, they had an opportunity for community involvement. There was an open meeting at the school service center. It was a very casual atmosphere and they went around the room and suggestions were made by anyone who cared to comment. The rep from the head hunting company was there to explain the hiring process and listen to the groups comments.
ReplyDeleteThe Beacon reported the next day that the group was looking for someone who could walk on water. As a participant of that group, I would say-only the best for our EA children and nothing less should be expected. :)
So Adam Harding sells us out again. First, he sides with administration and takes the Community Relations job that he did nothing with. Sites I am leaving for family reasons and I love to teach now we find out the truth. He resigns weeks before school starts how unprofessional. Then he takes the Field Supervisor job at the Union because it pays more than his Community Relations job. Our Union is a waste look how he represented us now he is representing others.
ReplyDeleteSo they had one open meeting for the community before selecting Radakovich? Only ONE opportunity for parents, staff, and taxpayers to ask questions and provide input?? Shame on that School Board...no wonder they ended up picking a serial bully.
ReplyDeleteI took the online survey, and know that several of my neighbors did as well. THANK YOU D131 for involving us in this very important choice for our district!
Here's a link to a virtual tour of the renovation at East High:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.289266697881924.1073741828.239754232833171&type=3
More construction/renovation pictures here:
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/photos/galleries/index.html?story=21915121
When will the administrative compensation report on the website be updated? The one posted is from two years ago!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe district operations manager, Marty Feltes, may be knowledgeable but he needs to learn to deal with people. He treats D131 employees like trash, ordering them around without basic courtesy or explanation. And he doesn't look people in the eye when he speaks to them...one of the first things I was taught in high school business classes.
ReplyDeleteThe administrative compensation report is the right one they are always a year behind so this last year 2012-2013 will be on the next update.
ReplyDeleteHere is what the IL School Code says about it.
Public Act 97-256 (Section 10-20.47 of the School Code) requires that by October 1 of each school year (previously July 1) the base salary and benefits of the district Superintendent and all administrators and teachers employed by the district be reported to the Illinois State Board of Education ("ISBE"). ISBE has created a form for this purpose. Within the ISBE form, the district should report the actual amount paid to the employee in the previous fiscal year. For purposes of this report, benefits include vacation days, sick days, bonuses, annuities, and retirement enhancements. Prior to October 1 of each year, this report must be presented at a regular board meeting and then posted in the District's website.
Public Act 96-434 previously required that school districts create a Salary Compensation Report for every employee holding an administrative certificate and working in that capacity. This Act was repealed. Districts are no longer required to complete these Salary Compensation Reports. The ISBE form mandated by Section 10-20.47 of the School Code, discussed above, replaced the Salary Compensation Form.
Although doing a goggle on that act most schools have the 2012-2013 salaries up.
Why isn't the list of bills highlighted anymore in the agenda packet like they used to do so we could see what was spent. so much for a open board.
Man, am I in the wrong business. 2.7 million dollars for just a few weeks of work. Fill the pool with gravel. The Beacon said 64 trucks of gravel at $200 a truckload(that's retail, I'm sure they get a contractors discount)comes to $12,800. Throw up some cheap concrete block walls. a little paint, some cheap ceiling tiles, asbestos flooring and a little electricity and milk the community for 2.7 million dollars.
ReplyDeleteBottom line, we spent 2.7 million dollars in tax payer money and didn't receive 1 square foot of extra building space. We lost area in the PE Department which is already overcrowded and short on space and lost a valuable asset in the swimming pool. I'm sure it will cost millions more if we ever wanted to replace the pool in the future. All this right after they spent close to a hundred thousand dollars updating the pool filtration system just a year ago to comply with new Illinois law.
Does anybody wonder why the community has no faith in the District 131 Board and Administration?
Or how about replacing the entire East High Administrative Team and ticking off the community changing the bell schedule in a feable attempt for a grant that didn't come through. Of course, from the granting institutions point of view, why should they give the district millions of dollars to make changes that the district already did for free.
Meanwhile, the elementary and middle schools (and Magnet Academy)will all be dismissing at the same time this year, which means that many students will be unattended for long periods of time and getting into who knows how much trouble (And just wait til they are waiting out in the cold and snow).
The schedule at the middle schools has also been changed so that periods are different lengths of time from 41 minutes to almost an hour. The teachers who are being forced to teach the longer periods are already pissed. They will have shorter prep times and longer class times with students than other teachers. In other words, teachers with the same experience will receive the same amount of pay but some will be teaching 45 more hours per year than their counterparts.
The administration figures they can get away with doing this because the contract is vague and doesn't specify how long a class period is. They don't care that they are just pissing off the teachers (which in the long run lowers productivity and creates greater turnover in the teaching staff). The only thing they can accurately measure is quantity of minutes, they have no idea how to measure quality of education. And as always, it is the children who will pay the ultimate price of their continued disfunction and incompetence.
WOW beyond belief first it sounds like you are a teacher who they are now making you do your job. Wow, I feel sorry for the children in your class.
ReplyDeleteAs a taxpayer they did a great job getting 12 new classrooms and a large gym for the children. The pool was a money pit. It shows they continue to spend tax dollars well. As for the cost 2.7 million for 12 classrooms without building is a great thing. A similar 16 classroom building built in Yorkville recently cost 9.2 million way to go board and administration.
What I want to know is, what's the "Plan B" for teaching our grade-school children to swim? That swim program was a wonderful way to introduce kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn a skill that could help save their life someday. If we're arranging a partnership with the park district or an area college/junior college, that would be grEAt...has anybody heard anything?
ReplyDeleteTaxpayer.2- you sound like a Board member justifying your comedy of errors, that is not so funny to people like beyond belief and myself.
ReplyDeleteAurora mom, the Board needs to first acknowledge it takes more than building space and new technology to teach our children anything. They need to ask the community and teachers how we can all work together to get our children a better level of meetings and exceeding. Then after they listen, it would be amazing to actually see the board respond to the results of the input rather than ignore them and do as they wish anyway.
I am a grateful community member. I recognize the most important person in district 131 is my child's teacher. The teacher may not be the most powerful when it comes to getting done what is needed to teach my child to the best of their ability, but the teacher is the ultimate source of success if given the tools and power to do their job effectively.
Good point taxpayer 2 @ August 15, 2013 at 8:37 AM. You can make classroom time longer, change the bell system and bring in new administrators but if students aren't willing to learn or teachers don't have the support and a clear picture of how the administration has set up learning schedules then all of that is for nothing.
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/photos/galleries/21957024-417/east-aurora-magnet-academy-opens-for-start-of-school-year.html
ReplyDeleteSat through the annual Red & Black staff meeting this morning...mixed feelings.
ReplyDeleteIt was great to see all the new administrators our district has brought in. And the magnet school looks nice, too.
But Dr. Roberts gave the most discouraging, demoralizing speech I've ever heard! Basically, we teachers are not "allowed" to have a bad day, and if students have problems learning it's all OUR fault (whatever happened to sharing blame as well as credit with parents?) I am SO glad this is the last time I'll have to listen to this negative nonsense!
beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/22033172-418/east-aurora-teachers-experiment-with-summer-reading-on-kindle-fire-computer-devices.html
ReplyDeleteA grEAt idea for our middle school students!
Annette Johnson bragging about all the millions of dollars our district has in reserve. Sounds like a good thing, and maybe it is managing our money well.
ReplyDeleteBut there is also being "penny wise and pound foolish". It is supposed to be +90 degrees tomorrow and again next Monday & Tuesday. If D131 had seen fit to spend a couple hundred thousand on air conditioning for poorly-ventilated buildings and rooms in Cowherd and Simmons, that would have been wise. Instead, kids will be packed into some of those rooms like sardines, sweating and unable to learn. It might be a wake-up call if a child or teacher passes out and the district gets sued...is that what it will take to get administration's attention?
Oldtimer, I agree that kids can't learn when they're hot and miserable.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Jerome Roberts, would it still be the teacher's fault??
beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/22048104-418/more-new-administrators-appointed-in-east-aurora-school-district.html
ReplyDeleteThis is on the home page of the EAHS website, written by new principal Mr. Spencer Byrd:
ReplyDelete"Every successful student that I have ever had the good fortune of working with has made a connection with their school. Maybe the connection was art, or drama, or band. For others it might be athletics, clubs, or ROTC. The trick as a parent is to encourage your son or daughter to find their connection, the connection that best fits them, and for them to explore all possibilities.
When students find a connection, they inherently become vested in their school and motivated to come to school. This motivation improves their chances of being successful each day they attend and long after their high school experience is over. Now, during their high school experience, is the time to try something new and dare to be great!"
VERY true! Thank you, Mr. Byrd, for articulating this...and welcome to our district. With leaders like you, I'm optimistic that we'll see some change for the better in D131!
I see where 18 senior citizens from Stonegate subdivision went to last Monday's board meeting to complain about their property taxes going up. Here's a comment somebody made on the Beacon site:
ReplyDelete"I have been seeing my property taxes going up year after year, I even wrote letters to the editor of the Beacon in the past. Aurora has I think five or six school districts. One of my ideas was to consolidate the school districts in Aurora into one and realize millions in savings, the head of each school district each make (I think) six figure salaries not to mention the duplications in office staffs. I gave up, I have come to the conclusion that when I retire I will move far away from Aurora, Illinois, perhaps even out of Illinois... because I will simply not be able to afford to pay the taxes here"
This might be a good idea. My grandpa used to use the phrase "too many chiefs & not enough Indians".
Isn't Stonegate where "Serial Bully" Radakovich lives? If so, I don't have a lot of sympathy for him having to pay back some of the many thousands he gets from his cushy D131 pension. And Gordon Postlewaite lives in Carillon, too, I think (he's the one who started the ball rolling years ago with his "issues and concerns" about the leadership of the EHS band...also remembered by us older folks as the "Peyton Place Principal")
ReplyDeleteAh yes, "Serial Bully" Radakovich and "Peyton Place" Postlewaite...
ReplyDeleteSO glad they are gone from our district.
Gone, but not forgotten ;)
My in-laws live in Oswego, in District 308. Their taxes are through the roof, considerably higher than D131. It's to the point where they're looking to sell their condo and move to Aurora. They can't afford Stonegate Carillon, but maybe someplace in Montgomery close to their church and friends.
ReplyDeleteI sympathize with retired people but things are tough for all of us.
From the July 29th School Board minutes:
ReplyDeleteRichard Huizinga of 1492 Mansfield, Aurora, IL 60502 addressed the board. Mr. Huizinga is
a resident of the Carillion Stonegate subdivision. He stated that there are 325 single family
homes with approximately 600 residents. He stated that this subdivision is a retirement
community with no children. Mr. Huizinga stated that his taxes increased from 17% to 25%
which totaled $929 for the year for District 131. Mr. Huizinga asked that the board try to reduce
the budget so that they will not get any increases in the next tax bill.
Bill Blattner of 1134 Barkston Lane, Aurora, IL 60502 addressed the board. Mr. Blattner
asked if the district has a per student cost.
Mr. Blattner stated that the seniors are paying
approximately 51% of the entire taxes for District 131; this is extraordinary. Mr. Blattner stated
that he reviewed the county paperwork from 2004-2012. He found that in 2012 there were
11,315 homes and of these homes 2,348 were senior homes. These seniors paid on the average
$5,300 of taxes that went to District 131. The balance of these homes paid $1,767 and the
seniors have no children in the school system. He stated that this needs to be addressed or get a
senior exemption because they cannot sustain these increases.
I think everyone is feeling the crunch with the taxes. What the seniors need to realize this is a high poverty level school district and we get money from the state and federal government to run the schools. My taxes went down this year and so did the price of my home. Did there's up in value that the school taxes went up on their homes?
ReplyDeleteWhen you take into account that our teachers are the lowest paid around and I believe other districts pay more towards the students in this area we are doing the best we can. This is also a large district with many old schools that need a lot of upkeep so there is a cost there. Did the high school get those 400 new students? Was that quick fix for the high school really needed this is where the board makes silly decisions.
I wonder how many golf retreats the administration had this summer or the working lunches at Ballydoles? How about not having the Christmas Party for the administration that's not a needed cost and if they bring their spouses and the district pays for them it is against the law. How come the list of bills can not be seen they where for a long time and now you can't see them so much for a open board. What don't they want people to see?
GrEAt article by Denise Crosby:
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/22071735-417/east-aurora-leaders-its-a-new-day-at-ea.html
There may actually be some good things coming to EA. Yet, I still cannot in good conscience give credit to the Board or the Superintendent. I think when they finally realized their bad decisions could not be white washed nor hidden under the rug any longer, they had to get rid of those who knew the truth and bring in new blood and scramble the rest around and call it a new improved fresh start. I will say, how ever we get there, it is about time they actually put students first. Hopefully, the new blood will not tolerate old guard attitudes.
ReplyDeleteThere are no longer any lunches , Christmas party or retreats . And yes the High School did get 512 new students so where would you put the students taxpayer 3 ?.
ReplyDeleteIt is not about where the students were going to go, but about how long the Board waited before acknowledging the info they had and doing something about it. They pay for these demographic analysis. Either they paid for misinformation or they ignored what they were told, waiting until the last few months to do something about it. I am betting on the latter.
ReplyDeleteHow can we tell if there are no Christmas parties or lunches if we can't see the list of bills? Show us the proof about the new students. With all the empty homes in this district where did they come from?
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of supplies does one get at the fox valley park district? I believe a round of golf is $45.00.
ReplyDeleteFOX VALLEY PARK DIST. - MONTGOMERY
10-42-2630-00-410-00 PUBLIC RELATIONS SUPPLIES SERVICES NOVEMBER 61070 45
.00
10-42-2630-00-410-00 PUBLIC RELATIONS SUPPLIES SERVICES SEPTEMBER 61070 15
.00
** 180578 ** CHECK AMOUNT....: $60
.00
EAST AURORA SCHOOL DISTRICT #131
BF1420 BOARD MEMBERS' FINANCE SHEET DETAIL PAGE
9
CYCLED CHECKS 12/17/12 FUND 010 EDUCATIONAL FUND
---- ---
VENDOR NAME/ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION CHECK# ITEM AND/OR SERVICE INVOICE/PURCHASE ORDER PAYM
EN
Are you kidding me? That "man" who posed for the picture in the Crosby article is nothing but a fake. He was hired under the falsehood that he had so much to offer 131, but was actually fired from his previous district. Then works in our district for one year portraying himself as being the well rounded educator while all along putting in minimal hours and leaving his previous school Oak Park with several open teaching positions for the current school year. This is a principal whose students rarely saw him or interacted with him. They didn't know his name or know he was the principal when they saw him. Way to go EA another someone to brag about! Come on Denise you're sharper then this. Don't believe everything you hear and don't be fooled by the propaganda. Remember Jeff Ward fell for it.
ReplyDeleteThe truth is if you yell loud enough like the guy that came to board meetings they will hire you.
ReplyDeleteThese are all people who use their influence to get themselves jobs. Truth be told today if East Aurora was such a horrible place why did Denise Crosby's daughter go to work there? She is Special Ed at Oak Park.
Then there is Jeff Ward his wife was recently hired as well. Ethics they have none.
Annette Johnson is very good at buying people off. That well her "partner" will walk away with a big pension. I give Annette credit she knows how to put perfume on a pig.
Also did anyone catch this
Jerome showed the audience at Red n Black what he thought of Annette he told everyone she has his heart and back.
It is toooo bad Annette never used her skills to help the kids.
Some are still buying lunches and someone still has a credit card and why are we renting from St Nicolas?
ReplyDeleteJAKE'S BAGELS & DELI INC.
10-42-2225-00-699-00 DIR OF TECHNOLOGY-MISCELLANEOUS LUNCH 455992 66036 25
.70
** 180229 ** CHECK AMOUNT....: $25
.70
CARDMEMBER SERVICE
10-00-2410-00-699-00 GEN BLDG MISC CLEARING ACCOUNT CREDIT CARD 06719611201 95280 1,840
.72
** 067196 ** CHECK AMOUNT....: $1,840
.72
EAST AURORA SCHOOL DISTRICT #131
BF1410 BOARD MEMBERS' FINANCE SHEET DETAIL PAGE
2
12/17/12 - MANUAL EXPENSE CHECKS ISSUED
VENDOR NAME/ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION CHECK# ITEM AND/OR SERVICE INVOICE/PURCHASE ORDER PAYM
ENT
ARTLETT LEARNING CENTER
10-16-1912-00-670-00 SPEC ED TUITION PYMTS K-12 TUITION 110112A 95210 18,928
.00
10-00-2560-00-390-00 FOOD SERVICE-ADMINISTRATION LUNCHES 110112B 95210 157.50
** 180523 ** CHECK AMOUNT....: $19,085
ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH
10-42-2320-00-325-00 OFFICE OF SUPT-TAP BLDG RENTAL (DIST SHA RENT 00012264000 12264 2,000
.00
** 180696 ** CHECK AMOUNT....: $2,000
.00
STOCKL, ANNE
10-22-2411-00-410-00 WALDO MIDDLE SCHOOL $200 @ TEACHER SUPPL REIMBURSEMENT 00069038000 69038
So much for an open and honest board. I guess this is why we don't see the list of bills anymore.
The EAHS band will be having a fundraiser September 17th at Buona Beef in Montgomery. This is an EASY and EXCELLENT way to support our students!
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/22098236-417/east-aurora-sees-gains-in-act-scores.html
ReplyDeleteThat new athletic director at East High is a jerk! EAHS alum and current UConn basketball standout Ryan Boatwright stopped by the high school a few days ago and was shooting a few balls in the gym. The new AD basically told him he didn't care who he was or what he had done for the school--he should get the %#&* out of "his" gym. Who did D131 hire, Hitler??
ReplyDeleteWhat a bunch of BS knows131. You are a liar and a moron.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I don't think Boatright should be given any more privilege than any alum stopping by the school during business hours.
ReplyDeleteSecond, EA is now boasting about an increase in scores that was brought about by people that have been moved and removed from their positions. Now the road to improvement will be evaluated and started all over by a new team who will tell us it takes five years to see the results of their efforts. Guess who will not be reaping any benefits of the boards musical chairs of administrators?
Actually, Knows 131 is correct, this did happen. I wouldn't call the new AD "Hitler", but he hasn't exactly endeared himself to us alums so far.
ReplyDeleteThose test scores were so low they had no where to go but up.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure the people responsible for the test scores going up are the teachers.
ReplyDelete...And the parents, and the students, and the administrators. Share the credit when kids succeed like we share the blame when there are problems.
ReplyDeleteNope, never the parents.
ReplyDeleteTaxpayer9, only a moron uses absolutes like "never".
ReplyDeleteMr. and Mrs. Gerhard (parents of EAHS grad who got a perfect 36 on his ACT) would beg to differ with you.
:)
The new AD has also already pissed off Kurt Becker. Kurt went in to ask for a video camera to record practices and the new at first refused to him the camera and when Kurt insisted (for the team's sake) the new AD threw it at Kurt.
ReplyDeleteIt's no wonder the New AD was terminated from his last two positions
Taxpayer5 said:
ReplyDelete"I don't think Boatright should be given any more privilege than any alum stopping by the school during business hours"
I agree. But I don't think Boatright (or any alum, or community member for that matter) should be treated rudely by D131 personnel.
Here's what SHOULD have happened:
The new AD comes up to Ryan Boatright and introduces himself. He says something like, "Oh, you're Ryan Boatright...I've heard a lot about you. Nice to meet you! By the way, we have a policy that anyone using the EHS gym facilities needs to clear it with me (or the office) first...here's my contact info. Let me know beforehand next time, and we'll hook you up"
What DID happen is that an athletic director acted like a jerk and told a high-profile alum with a lot of friends to get the hell off the basketball court. At least two custodians heard the exchange as well. Not a grEAt start to the school year.
The scores are a result of ACT Prep classes the distrct forced in last year after Roberts got off his dead you know what and toured the HS and found we did not have them. Lesson to all the SUperintendent need to visit the schools more.
ReplyDeleteMarin was told this for years by staff and nothing happened. Roberts had been coming more often for lunches and tours last year and someone finally listened.
Give credit to Ms Willis .
I think the AD did the right thing. How did Boatright get in the school was it during school time did he enter in the right way by going to the office first? Just because he is an alumni and has friends doesn't mean the rules don't apply to him. Who else are they letting in the school without clearance? This is sloppy security for the students.
ReplyDeleteThere's such a thing as TACT and DIPLOMACY when dealing with the public, and that's what was missing. Like knows131 said, the AD should have made his point in a way that showed some consideration for the public. High-profile employees like an athletic director need to remember that they represent the district to the community. Ryan Boatright knows a lot of people and probably has told a couple of dozen of his friends & family about the incident. People skills are important because news spreads through word-of-mouth and online.
ReplyDeleteWhat Boatright should of done is go and find the AD and let him know he was in the building and would like to shoot some hoops. I think people will think even the ones that know him is he should respect the rules of entering a school and if his friends don't like it too bad for them. When we give alumni and special people the right to not follow the rules then we end up with a lot of people that are in trouble in the celebrity world that think rules don't apply to them.
ReplyDeleteShould community members (including high-profile alums) check with the office before using district facilities?
ReplyDeleteYes.
Should district personnel (including the EAHS athletic director) use tact and diplomacy when dealing with the public?
Again, yes.
I'm sorry but I don't see what the AD said is wrong. He has the responsibility of that gym and if Boatright would of got hurt he would be in trouble. Again Boatright should of stopped by his office and said something. Just because you are an alumni doesn't give you the right to come in and take over.
ReplyDeleteAnd just because you're the EAHS athletic director doesn't mean you should get away with being rude! Alienating a high-profile alum like Ryan Boatright was not a smart move...you can bet that lots of folks will be watching that AD closely to see how he deals with the public in the future.
ReplyDeleteA couple of weeks ago he attempted to change the East Aurora Tomcat. Administration found out and put a stop to it. I know they read the blog so let them have it.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThere are numerous incidents which will be embarrassing about the new AD. He has had numerous positions for a reason. Why would anyone leave Bolingbrook with the success they have with athletics? His arrogance is the least of the concerns.
He wont be around long because no matter how he treats Ryan Boatright ,mistreating Mr. Arrogance Kurt Becker another wont be condoned by the alumni. The other district open themselves up to litigation if they reveal any information that would hinder him from being employed. Student matters are the exception however when there is smoke there is fire.
ReplyDeleteRyan Boatright loves East Aurora. Every school in the area would have appreciated and embraced a talent like him in their program except East Aurora. Staff members spread rumors about him in this blog and while some may have been true it speaks to the level of pettiness and maturity of adults to attack a teen. Can he a least get credit for the revenue he generated for the school during his time here. Ryan put EA basketball back in the spotlight when he could have taken a better program to a state title. Dennis Renner is a no name trying to make a mess out of this district like he accomplished everywhere else he has been.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/22176944-417/west-aurora-schools-to-dismiss-early-tuesday-due-to-the-heat.html
ReplyDeleteCam got let go for not following PO procedures now Renner is bring in his friends to do work in the weight room. He is paying a friend to plan out the room. Why can the district not handle that themselves. Someone call the folks in Stonegate and tell them how this bozo is spending money.
ReplyDeleteFrom the D131 Facebook page:
ReplyDeleteA reminder that all East Aurora 131 schools will follow a regular schedule tomorrow. There are no plans for early dismissal. Afternoon kindergarten through 8th grade will be dismissed at 3 p.m., as usual. High school will be out at 3:04 p.m.
ReplyDeleteI think putting good grade scores in the district is more important than basketball. If he can get our grade scores up then maybe he can get a free pass. When he comes and engorges our students if they play a sport it is important to get good grades then he will be a role model for future sports players. This board should be ashamed of how he went in and disrespected the rules of the district. As a parent I believe no one should have free range to come into our schools alumni or not and follow procedures and go to the AD office and let them know they are in the building and what to shoot some hoops.
Adults are role models not Ryan Boatright. The conversation is about an encounter between a bully and a college bball player. Who said he violated a rule? Did he have a copy of the rule. Are you assuming he did not have permission to be in the gym or maybe he didnt have permission from the AD who he probably never met. Dennis Renner is not going to affect anyones grades by being disrespectful to everyone he meets.
ReplyDeleteJust saw this:
ReplyDeleteEast Aurora School District has cancelled all after-school activities scheduled for Tuesday due to the heat and humidity. All schools in the district are open as usual and will let out at their regularly scheduled times: afternoon kindergarten and elementary and middle schools will dismiss at 3 p.m. and the high school will dismiss at 3:04 p.m.
Ryan Boatright's head was way to big while he was in high school. He though the rules did not apply to him. He got away with things that other students would not have just because he was "Ryan Boatright". I bet he came to east because he didn't want to pay to play anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that a school administrator should use tact when dealing with anyone, East grad or not, high profile or not, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and posit that Mr. Boatright probably didn't act with ANY tact of his own. I wasn't there, so yes, I could be wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised if he started talking trash because he was expected to follow the same policy as everyone else.
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/sports/22198964-419/football-numbers-attitude-improve-for-east-aurora.html
ReplyDeleteWhen is East Aurora going to throw in the towel not waste money on Football and put more money into education. Becker is paid $16,000 per year he works 2 hours a day for a couple months. Teachers work hard all day and have 35 kids in a classroom. We sure cant afford a offensive line coach as stated in his article. For the $16,000 plus he also has 14 other coaches that work with him. All because he is a former Bear. Lets see how many kids he finishes the season with. If the board is listening get rid of him.
ReplyDeleteWest Aurora students vandalized East High last night.
ReplyDeleteAnd East gets the bad reputation.
Alum65, 18K for Kurt Becker is money well spent. Like it or not, football is a high-profile sport in Aurora and brings in a lot of revenue for the high schools in ticket sales and concessions. Tonight's East/West game continues a tradition going back to the early 1900s. And there are a LOT of kids involved...playing ball, marching in the band, cheerleading, etc.
ReplyDeleteThat's bang for the buck!
I'd like to add that the games, football and basketball have a night they "pack the house" with families for the middle and elementary schools. Also, the dance team has a pomcat night, where they have young girls learn a dance routine to perform at half time. Also, many Alumni plan their events around an EA game on the weekend of their reunion. Lots of bang for the buck!
ReplyDeleteFootball is fading away. Just today on the Today show they talked about the many football players that have suffered head injuries and now have Dementia, Alzheimer and other brain related illness. In fact it was sad to see Jim McMann with his dementia. Everyone praised these players when they where winning the games and made owners money but what their career was over they were left alone to get help for themselves.
ReplyDeleteA group of payers did a lawsuit and won a 719 million settlement to cover cost of treatment.
Taxpayer3, my husband played football in high school & college and ended up having surgery on both his knees. His doctor told him the human body is not designed to play football, and he was lucky it was just his knees that were hurt. I'm not against sports--our 2 sons played soccer, and one of them got a scholarship for it. But it will take awhile before school districts acknowledge how damaging football can be to young athletes and replace it with something else like soccer.
ReplyDeletePeople come to one game a year and that would be every two years because the game is not at East every year. Soccer draws big crowds for the amount of police and staff that the districts pay the East West game losses money.
ReplyDeleteSoccer is a winning programs with lots of kids feeling good about themselves. It's about time East Aurora changes tradition. Look at all the kids that get hurt because of small numbers while other schools have it programs .
I'm not against sports either but the new findings coming out about the damage it does later out in life to the body is something that should be taken into consideration.
ReplyDeletehttp://beaconnews.suntimes.com/22255099-417/east-aurora-mourns-loss-of-odonnell-elementary-teacher-kandi-ream.html
ReplyDeleteWell, West Aurora beat East again tonight. Final score was 58 to 6. Better luck next time.
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/sports/22264559-419/football-storm-postpones-friday-night-opening-games.html
ReplyDeleteTomcat, what are you talking about? The game's been postponed till tonight.
ReplyDeleteBut maybe they should have just cancelled it, because a lot of kids won't be there. People who have work, family or social commitments tonight shouldn't be ASSUMED to be available. This affects not only players & coaches but also cheerleaders, band, teachers and parents.
For those who can make it, tonight should be a fun opportunity to get together to play or watch football. But no one should be penalized or criticized for not showing up!
Tomcat envy causes the fakes to expose themselves as misinformed wannabes. haha!
ReplyDeleteLast night's game was a rousing success! Although we lost (46-18), our guys played with a lot of effort and heart. The band played from the stands, and sounded good to my untrained ears. And the cheerleaders did a great job as well.
ReplyDeleteAll in all, I was proud to be a Tomcat last night!
EA Alum, if I were on Facebook I would LIKE your comment. :)
ReplyDeleteI would like to say a sincere "Thank You" to the many adults who went above & beyond for our kids last night. This is a holiday weekend, and instead of traveling or relaxing with their families these folks rearranged their schedules so the game could go on.
ReplyDeleteSpecifically, a big THANK YOU to the EAHS football coach, athletic director, band director, and cheerleading coach. Your dedication to our students this weekend is noticed and greatly appreciated!
Don't forget to mention all the custodians, gate works and maintenance people who also worked.
ReplyDeleteSomebody, I didn't mention them because they are hourly employees paid for working extra. The coaches, band director, athletic director, etc. are salaried employees and got no additional monetary compensation for working last night's game; they took time away from their Labor Day weekend for the good of our kids.
ReplyDeleteMany times we are quick to criticize, but I just wanted to give a shout out to those who put our students' interests ahead of their own. Again, THANK YOU!
Auroramom, thanks for your positive comments. Maybe it really is a new day in EA!
ReplyDeleteI went to the game as well it has embrassing when is Pinky Zepada, Dennis Shamlin and Henry Cowhard going to retire. Nobody could get anything to eat. They claim they own the booth and nobody wants to help. Did you ever have to listen to them. No wonder. Maybe it's time to donate the equipment or the district should buy the equipment . The kids missed out on a great fundraising opportunity. Other than that it was a enjoyable evening . The team showed great improvement. The band sounded great and field never looked better. The bleachers could use some paint however. Just my thoughts
ReplyDeleteIt took the negative actions of our board to finally bring the focus to all the positive things that are actually going on and have gone on for a very long time in 131. I hope the new day for EA & the new PR will now allow the light to shine on all of those deserving students, parents and educators who have been plugging along regardless of the lack of support from the board or admin,
ReplyDeletethese people continue to always be there for the students of EA. :o)
When it comes to sports boosters. They will NOT allow fundraisers to help any other student group. They are allowed to hold control and they do it with an iron fist on nearly all money made at games. :o(
The Board needs to deal with the sports boosters as a band mom I would have been more than happy to help run the concessions. As far a negative I support the Board they are changing the culture they drove out all the bad administrators starting with Marin.
ReplyDeleteIt's time they drive out the sports boosters. Just another bully.
The athletic Director should be dealing with the Sports Boosters. There was one man that stood up to them once, but he didn't stay around long. I think his name was Roger. A good Booster group includes many people with many ideas from all levels of involvement-from new parents to alumni. Keeps things fresh and allows for seasoned members to share past experiences.
ReplyDeleteThe story is the boosters refused to work or let anyone else work because the district pulled their swipe cards . Why they had been allowed in past years to have cards that got them in the building is unbelievable. Only district personnel should have had swipe cards. I think the district is trying to clean up alot of bad practices.
ReplyDeleteThe next swipe card deactivation should be Jerome Roberts.
Just saying, the "Roger" you remember was probably Roger Scott. One of the best athletic director/assistant principals EAHS ever had, until he was pushed out by "Serial Bully" Radakovich and the School Board from Hell, and replaced by Radakovich's Minooka crony Rick Johnson.
ReplyDeleteRoger Scott is now an administrator in DeKalb. Another big loss to our district from the "Serial Bully" era!
Reading Letter to the Editor Kristen Strand writes about immigration reform. That is not the issue. The real issue is she signs it as Strand from Naperville. If she identifies herself as that then she needs to move back here stop building her "community" and resign the board. What do we know about her? She gets a salary to recruit members to her church. What better way than preying on the undocumented.
ReplyDeleteBoardwatch, Kirsten Strand lives in Aurora and her kids go to D131 schools. She and her family are involved in a church in Naperville, just like many who live in Aurora choose to go to church in Oswego, Batavia, or Sugar Grove.
ReplyDeleteI'm one who supported her and voted for her for our School Board. So far I've been impressed with her involvement and dedication to our district. I don't see how supporting immigration reform is "preying on the undocumented"...
...but I'll be praying for YOU.
;)
No I will pray for you. When you write a Letter to Editor you sign a letter with the town you live in not the church. She is disceptive.
ReplyDeleteIf she wrote that letter as a representative of her church, then identifying her (the church) location as Naperville was entirely appropriate.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for saying you'll pray for me...I can use all the prayers I can get!
I do not believe Mrs. Strand nor her church are "preying on the undocumented." I am in agreement with knows131, and to add another prayer out there, I will also pray for Boardwatch. Todays immigrants are looking for the same opportunities most of our ancestors were looking for, a better life for their families. Compassion and an open mind is what should be offered, and is offered by many churches and relief organizations. There will be those who twist these humanitarian efforts into political attacks. Board watcher needs to turn their sights to other, more deserving members of the EA school board.
ReplyDeleteHer church is in Aurora maybe she thinks she still lives in Naperville.
ReplyDeleteAlum67, Mrs. Strand's church is in Naperville. It does have outreach ministries in neighboring communities such as East Aurora, but the church's offices are definitely based in Naperville. Here's a link for you:
ReplyDeletecommunitychristian.org/ministries/community412
Strands church is on Laselle St and she opened another church up in Montgomery off Montgomery Rd. That has all done with a East Aurora students and residents Don't kid yourself the wealthy of Naperville are preying off the undocumented. Give a child a toy today, invite a family to your church later what do you have. Donations $$$$$,
ReplyDeleteI think someone needs to question her why she did not us Aurora or Montgomery as her address.
"Give a child a toy today, invite a family to your church later what do you have"...
ReplyDelete...You have a happy child, a spiritually healthy family, and a better community.
Thanks in part to people like Kirsten Strand who are dedicated to being the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out and making a positive difference!
Alum87 sounds like someone still bitter with the Board election and trying to bring negative to a lady who has brought more positive to our district than all the others combined.
ReplyDeleteI do not know her personally but I have 'watched the board" also, and I see nothing negative in her works in our community. I am with aurora mom on this one!
beaconnews.suntimes.com/22345277-417/east-aurora-shaves-6-million-off-health-care-costs.html
ReplyDeleteDoes this mean this district has been paying $6 Million for people who should have been off the insurance a long while ago? They cannot blame anyone else on this one......why a year since they accused others of this problem, did it take them this long to clean up?
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteJust sayin
No the district promised us insurance after we retired and took it away. Many of us worked for years at low wages and Annette Johnson kicked us out like garbage. Rumor is all the service workers are getting booted this year at least we had TRS even thought are rates doubled. The service workers many with pre existing conditions can not find insurance any other place if they are under 62.
I am sure Dr Roberts will have no problem paying TRS rates for himself thought being the district will pay him about $180,000 per year for the rest of his life.
So yes I am sure she saved that and distroyed hundreds of lives.
On the Strand comments she promised to look into this if elected we hear all she does is say yes to the administrators.
Last year our Health Care Provider sent a request for us to send in the top part of our Tax Form to prove they where paying only for those that were covered. They also do an audit every three years to check about retirees to make sure they aren't paying for someone who might of passed. Our company also reminds up that it is our responsibility to update information. Just because someone in your family doesn't qualify for benefits anymore doesn't mean they know. This helps with keeping cost down.
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/sports/22346555-419/boys-soccer-east-aurora-starts-slow-finishes-fast.html
ReplyDeleteMinutes from August 5th and 19th should be posted now, but they are not.
ReplyDeleteFrom the D131 Facebook page:
ReplyDeleteReminder: The FINAL public forum in the superintendent search will be Thursday, Sept. 5 (tomorrow!) at East Aurora High School from 7-8 p.m. Everyone who attends the open forums will be invited to join small-group discussions where moderators will ask a series of questions about the qualities the public is looking for in a superintendent. http://bit.ly/12LfNVy
The August 5th should be posted by now they have 10 days after approving them to post by law. The August 19th should be up soon. I wonder when they are going to let us see the list of bills so we can see if what they say that there are no more lunches and golf outings. Someone post on one of the threads that they found a couple of charges on the list of bills for fox valley park district.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThings have been looking better at the high school. The new principal has cracked down on the dean's assistant's and started making them do their job and supervise the school.
Last year the dean's assistantant's would hang out in their supervisors office and the school was left unsupervised. There would be a hundred students cutting class every period and just wandering the halls causing all sorts of trouble. Fights were rampant.
This year, they have to be at their post or else. Bottom line: students are in their classrooms where they have the opportunity to learn their subject matter.
Replacing Sheila Conrad and the other high school administrators was definately a step in the right direction.
It's not a difficult concept to understand. If there is no discipline in the building, learning can not take place. The new high school principal apparently understands this.
Home football game tonight at 7:30, against Yorkville.
ReplyDeleteGo Tomcats!!
The superintentdent search last night was poorly attended and was a waste of time. People in 131 do not care. No more complaints we had our chance and nobody came. the teachers, parents and community should just shut up.
ReplyDeleteSad to be a Alum
I noticed at last Saturday's (rescheduled) game that two adults were playing in the EAHS drumline.
ReplyDeleteThanks to alum Luke Hartman and D131 elementary music teacher Michael Gasso for volunteering your time & talents. You are an inspiration to our students! And thanks, too, to Mr. Liska for thinking "outside the box".
EA alum, I was a band parent in 2004 when "Peyton Place" Postlewaite told us that adults were NOT supposed to play alongside students in East High bands. At the time Mrs. K was playing piano in the jazz band along with student pianist (one of the Brackett twins). Postlewaite, the Serial Bully, and Larry Malaker used this as one of the reasons to get rid of Mr. K.
ReplyDeleteLarry Malaker is on the board of our district's East Aurora Education Foundation, so he is definitely not gone from our district! And "Serial Bully" Radakovich & "Peyton Place" Postlewaite are still around, too:
ReplyDeleteaokiandradakovich.ourwedding.com/view/8273784506751622/32727078
Only a corrupt, dysfunctional administration would have penalized a teacher for having a supportive wife. Thank heaven those days are over and it's a new day in EA!!
ReplyDeleteSo the serial bully's going to be a serial hubby?
ReplyDeleteLuke Hartman is not an alumni and Mike Gasso was not at the game Saturday.
ReplyDeleteLuke Hartman's not an alum? Was he held back or something...he was in 8th grade band in my grandson's class at Simmons and my son's an EAHS grad, so Luke should be an alum too.
ReplyDeleteSometimes students need an extra semester to graduate.
ReplyDeleteDidn't go to the game Saturday, but did hear from my daughter about Mr. Gasso playing drums with the EAHS marching band. I think it's a positive. And alums marched with current students at the 4th of July parade, another positive.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Liska sings every so often with the high school jazz band, too. She does a nice job and I think it inspires the kids to have a professional come in & perform with them.
ReplyDeleteThis is 2013 and the serial bully & his cronies are long gone from having any direct power in our district. Remember the past to make sure the bad things are'nt repeated, but move ahead with decisions in students' best interests.
beaconnews.suntimes.com/22385516-417/education-leaders-explore-options-for-stem-pipeline.html
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/22385427-417/east-aurora-school-board-to-create-superintendent-profile.html
ReplyDeleteInteresting that most high school students didn't know who the current superintendent is...maybe he should spend more time in the schools & with the students instead of in the central office?
ReplyDeleteWhy should the students know the superintendent thy should know their Principal. I will miss Jerome he was a man of Intregrity
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/news/22403208-418/east-aurora-sees-more-kids-eating-breakfast.html
ReplyDeleteA grEAt thing for our kids...
...definitely in students' best interests!
We lost again last night. Maybe we should have an adult and/or alum play on our football team, it works for the band.
ReplyDeleteIt's been more than a month since the August 5th School Board meeting.
ReplyDeleteWhy haven't the minutes been published online?
Most of us would be in serious trouble on our job if we failed to follow the rules--but the central office is supposed to get a pass?
New day in E A but johnson acts the same way. Still running staff meetings and out of control
ReplyDeleteJohnson created a new day in EA by getting rid of Gonzalez and company and cleaned house. Others talk on this blog she took action.
ReplyDeleteNot only could someone lose their job but it is the LAW that if the minutes were approved they must be posted by ten days after that. Now some might think it is knit picking but if they don't follow this one what else are they ignoring? I will also say for years they let you see the list of bills on the agenda and now they don't and the only thing you can think why they are not is there is something they don't want you too see. These are little things but we have some new board members that could ask the questions of why the old board isn't following policy.
ReplyDeleteRoberts got rid of Gonzalez and then thru others under the bus to cover his butt with Johnson. If Johnson was good at what she does, she would have allowed his contract to expire and hired someone new a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteLisa Morales is in charge of minutes maybe she forgot or is on vacation a simple email to her would be the responsible thing to do She has always been professional. instead of making wild accusations
ReplyDeleteWord is Hall had a melt down again. Screaming and yelling at the district employees and Corditgan employees. The Board needs to do something about him. It should be recorded it was at a B&G meeting. It seems like Hall was off his meds again.
ReplyDeleteBoardwatcher, who is "Hall"? Do you mean Raymond HULL? If so, spell the man's name correctly. Wouldn't you appreciate that courtesy yourself?
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of courtesy, if the minutes from the August 5th School Board meeting are not published tomorrow I plan to make a polite phone call to the central office to ask why, and when we can expect them online.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Lisa Morales is usually responsible but the community has the right to read those minutes in a timely manner...and to have an explanation if they are delayed.
By law it doesn't matter if she was on vacation or busy the minutes after they are approved are suppose to be posted.
ReplyDeleteTaxpayer3, maybe the August 5th minutes weren't approved at the next meeting but were approved at the last one. So both sets would be published together.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, I plan to call the central office and politely inquire about it tomorrow.
I heard at the last meeting they changed the list of bills to read what they are buying. Johnson was bragging about it so maybe she can tell us why we can't see even the old list. transparent I don't think so administration and the board are hiding something.
ReplyDeleteI was also in the audience when Hull stated white people can't are not role models for our students. Can only imagine if a white person said that about him. Hull is a racist and needs to go. He also made a racial sterotype statement in regards to his own race. He stated they are raised by all single mothers. He thn went on to insult Hispanics also.
What they are hiding are all the meals and snacks that are fed to distrct employees during professional development. Fact is the staff of 131 does not goto meetings unless fed. This would include a certain district employee who is related to a Beacon reporter. Lets see if she writes about that.
ReplyDeleteThe minutes from the August 5th School Board meeting have been published online.
ReplyDeleteFrom our district website:
ReplyDeleteDue to heat, all after-school activities are cancelled for Tuesday, Sept. 10.
Open house events are NOT cancelled.
The minutes for the August 19th School Board meeting have now been published on the district website.
ReplyDeleteFrom the August 5th minutes:
"Response to Previous Public Comments/Question:
Mrs. Johnson stated that responses are still being addressed."
From the August 19th minutes:
"Response to Previous Comments
Mrs. Johnson stated that responses to comments are being prepared."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Really? How long does it take for responses to be prepared? This is unreasonable and unacceptable!
Hull actually said 'white people are not role models?' I would like to see the transcript. It is totally unacceptable and offensive IF it is true. It's really hard to believe ANYONE would be ignorant enough to make that statement. What exactly are you insinuating that he said to insult Hispanics?
ReplyDeleteWhy is the Beacon not getting the transcript . At a recent meeting he verbally assaulted Cordigan employees, Catholics, Roberts and Johnson.
ReplyDeleteI attended the meeting and prior to that I had never heard from Mr Hull. I was shocked the other board members looked horrified. He talked about his days in Chicago. He complained that East Aurora had too many women. He went on to state all the money is spent on Mexican speaking students and Black students are not addressed. He further stated white middle and upper class teachers do not identify with the students because they are poor. Members of the audience just sat in shock.
ReplyDeleteHe should resign the human race if he feels because you are white or a female you can not teach.
Staffer or anyone who knows the date of that meeting can FOIA the district for it, then post it, if you like, for all of us to see the facts not hearsay.
ReplyDeletebeaconnews.suntimes.com/22498262-417/bardwell-elementary-moves-open-house-due-to-heat.html
ReplyDeleteThe EAHS musicians (band and choir) are planning a trip to New York in June!
ReplyDeleteWatch the district website, Facebook, and this blog for opportunities to support our kids in this upcoming trip.
Support the arts in D131!