March 10, 2015 Last day to register to vote
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April 7, 2015 General election date
199 comments:
Concerned for d131
said...
Nice red and black image, administrator!
And thanks for reminding us that TOMORROW is the deadline for registering to vote. Our School Board has a LOT of important decisions to make in the near future, and we need to choose candidates who will support what's best for our students!
Looks like the district is going to run a referendum. Please support Lewis, Laesch, Darby and Arroyo if you want to stop wild spending and return fiscal responsibility.
I READ THIS AT THE March 2nd BOARD MEETING This is directed to Board President Raymond Hull.
A. For nearly 2 months the Bldg & Grnds Director has been absent from his job. What is his status? In addition the Personnel Report has never acknowledged this absence which is unheard of. 1 If a teacher would have done this, would the principal report this, that he/she has walked off the job? 2 Why hasn’t Human Resources updated this on the semi-monthly Personnel Reports given to the Board to approve? 3 Should the Superintendent insist on having his status updated? Is it required by law or Bd Policy to address this issue? Please respond to why this has been allowed. 4 Based on this factual information, I am requesting the Board reject tonight’s Personnel Report.
B. Regarding the recent Police Report: All 3 employees questioned made false statement regarding multiple issues.
1 The Superintendent and Bldg Grnds Director both stated my wife and I were receiving “Free Health Insurance”. The BG Director stated “this was a mistake and was subsequently corrected which infuriated Padron”. I would expect nothing less than requesting their documents to support their statements. Lorryl brought evidence that this she indeed paid the premiums. I am insisting on Dr Popp and Bldg Grnds Director provide documents to support their responses.
2 Regarding the BG Purchasing supervisor’s comments: As he recalled “delay in Valdes supplying trash liners” “Where are the document/emails to support this? “when asked about the separate purchases $24,990.00 preventing the purchase from going out to an official bid upon reaching the $25,000.00 he said he could not answer that” AGAIN NO DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT THESE STATEMENTS
3 He also justified the $1,000.00 additional charge of training and freight. Did he check the policies pertaining to these charges? If he did, he intentionally disregarded them.
I will be appealing this Police Report to the States Attorney to prove the above, in addition to several false statements on this “Report”. Again, if things were up and up, this would not be necessary.
C Update on the “Email Scandal” 1 The second complaint has been approved and the FOIA Officer will be receiving it this week. 2 Lingering question still is unanswered “Why were they never released” 3 Additional Evidence has been discovered to support my complaint
Has Transparency been redefined by this Board of Education?
Popp, Truckenbrod and Flanigan should be terminated by the Board of Ed. A prime example is the chaos this week. In the middle of early testing a Principal at a middle school, and Elementary school was told after five years of service they would not be retained. They started the process of telling staff they would not be coming back next year. Both buildings operated under chaos and gossip, that is human nature.
On Tuesday everyone started that day with the Principals telling us they would be retained. We will not mention the names for further injury to the Principals reputations. However this shows a lack of planning and direction how is it any leadership exists.
The annual Music In Our Schools Month Choir Concert will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5. The concert will feature songs from around the world as well as a variety of musical time periods, from classical to contemporary. Admission is $2 for anyone 13 years or older. Anyone 12 or younger is free. Tickets are available at the door. Proceeds support the East Aurora High School choir program. The concert will be conducted by East Aurora Choir Director Lisa Gawlik, accompanied by East Aurora High School accompanist Nancy Tabb. For more information, contact Gawlik at lgawlik@d131.org or (630) 299-8146.
Our Principal at Allen was bullied by Tom Flanigan for allowing teachers to speak up about our horrible curriculum. This is the new day in EA GOD BRING US A NEW BOARD.
The corruption, cronyism and gross misappropriation of funds will obviously never be admitted to nor addressed by the the powers-that-be in this district. Issues that should have been dealt with long ago have been allowed to continue and get worse. Adult bullies are allowed to run wild with no repercussions. It is now time to take these issues to a higher governmental body who will take action. It has been a long time coming...
To: Michael Popp, Christi Tyler From: Ralph Padron Subject: Email Instructions & Violations
Came across this email via FOIA response and immediately “Red Flags” arose.
1 It is evident that your instructions to “We need to stick to the current preferred vendor list” was not adhered to. Why would that be? A. Is there a reason for using Artlip and Melcor Roofing exclusively? B. Are there documents to support those authorized vendors not be given the work?
2. Note the attached purchase orders confirm an unauthorized vendor was being utilized. Please explain.
3. The attached invoices do not have PO# referenced. From an accounting standpoint, this is mandatory and payment should not be made until the vendor corrects this.
4. Were these invoices and selection of vendor challenged or rejected by the Business Office or was it never addressed?
5 Upon reviewing the List of Bills thru mid January 2015, Artlip was paid a substantial amount for services at EA.
Please advise if I need to FOIA the above for the invoice/work order history for these 2 vendors
All school personnel are responsible for reporting fraud, waste, or abuse to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. You can make your report at the OIG Fraud Hotline (below).
The OIG identifies and investigates individuals and groups who may have committed fraud with education funds or with respect to Department-funded programs. Each week, criminals are prosecuted and convicted, and receive sentences that include significant prison terms and monetary penalties. Cases have included school or college officials making false statements regarding grant eligibility and performance; creating false documents to obtain grants for students who do not attend the school or are enrolled in ineligible programs; setting up shell companies to which education dollars are funneled; embezzling money from school accounts; using school accounts and credit cards to make purchases for personal purposes; and accepting bribes and kickbacks from contractors.
Please help us put a stop to these crimes. In addition to reading and distributing this information, report any suspicion of fraud, waste, or abuse to the OIG Special Agent in Charge in your geographic area-
Gary D. Whitman Regional IG for Audit (312)730-1620
Thomas Utz Jr. Special Agent in Charge (312)730-1652
Located at: Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1414 Chicago, IL 60661
YOU CAN FILE A TIP at the Hotline anonymously in several different languages here:
If you prefer, you may contact the Inspector General's Hotline anonymously by:
Calling the OIG Hotline's toll free number 1-800-MIS-USED.
Hotline Operators take calls during the hours of Monday and Wednesday 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Eastern Time; Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM, Eastern Time except for holidays.
You may also download a hardcopy of the Hotline Complaint Form, complete then mail or fax to:
Inspector General's Hotline Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue,S.W. Washington, D.C. 20202-1500 Fax: (202) 245-7047
Don't be afraid to report to the Office of the Inspector General
said...
You are protected when you report information about your employer to the Inspector General's Office (called "Whistleblowing"). You can report anyone who takes action against you for doing so.
To report whistleblower reprisal prohibited by the Whistleblower Protection Act, Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-19, Section 1553 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), or Section 828 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (NDAA), please use the Whistleblower Reprisal Complaint Form here:
How many children are going to get injured or killed will Dr Popp and Mark Thruckenbrod learn on the job. The blood of the community is on the hands of Our School Board for hiring him.
Ralph Padron needs to give it up after so many complaints what has accomplished but ruining a fine man's name. He and his wife did not pay insurance that is a fact and he can't give it up. if he was such a good business man why did he not buy his own insurance for he and his wife.
Lorryl Padron has evidence that she did indeed pay premiums. So they DID buy insurance. Too bad for our district's administration that their LIES are being exposed.
There is a joke going around Central Office but it is a trueeism on how the District runs. If you are Dr Popps last meeting of the day that is direction the District may go in if you are quick enough to get the email out. dr Popp was never prepared to become Superintendent. he should have worked as a Asst Sup or Sup in a small District first.
The Board blew it in hiring him. they are also responsible for the massive changes in school safety and discipline. The staff was ill prepared to throw together a new alternative plan and open a all day Kindergarden. Ray Hull is to blame his objective was to close the Urban League. To staff that would have been okay if they had time. Today gang bangers sit in Alternative School at EAHS and our Middle schools with your children. Meanwhile a multi million dollar structure sits empty. Dr Popp still can not decide who attends what.
These are sad days in EA and Hull and Peryea should not return to the Board for the chaos they have created.
If you feel you are unable to use the OIG website, send any information about the District that you know or suspect to be theft or waste of funds, harassment, bullying, vendor theft, employee kickbacks or anything you believe is against the law and we will send it in for you anonymously. You DO NOT need to tell us your name. Email: DIST131INFO@gmail.com ------------------------------ Si usted siente que no puede utilizar el sitio web de la OIG , envíe cualquier información sobre el Distrito que usted sabe o sospecha que el robo o la pérdida de los fondos , el acoso, la intimidación , robo vendedor , sobornos de empleados o cualquier cosa que usted crea que es contra la ley y nosotros lo enviará para usted en forma anónima . NO es necesario que nos diga su nombre . email: DIST131INFO@gmail.com
ALL FOIA RESULTS I HAVE RECEIVED SHOWS FULL UP TO JAN 30 2015. NO SICK NOR VACATION DAYS APPLIED PER CHECK SUMMARY. What is even more questionable, why the Personnel Report does not show his absence.
Re: FOIA Request for Documents “Marty Feltes Payroll Questions”
Dear Mr. Hanley
Please provide to me all documents pertaining to the accounting/application of all “Sick, Vacation, other authorized non-working days pertaining to Marty Feltes.
1 Time period is from Jan 1 2014 - current March 6 2015. 2 Am specifically looking for when these days were applied during any payroll period 3 Include those balances of those sick and vacation days for 2014 & 2015. 4 NOT looking for an explanation of why they were used BUT when were they applied. This should not fall under the confidentiality of the employee. 5 As of today (March 6th 2015) what are the totals of unused balances for sick and vacation days?
Referenced the attached payroll summary obtained via recent FOIA, the documents appear to state that payroll is unaffected and no application of sick and vacation days.
Please provide guidance if any of the above cannot be answered accordingly.
Please respond via email when finished.
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
The article today shows the taxpayers why d131 is a waste. The Alternative Education program has always been a money pit. It also shows Ray Hulls care for everything black. If only a few students attend why is the district paying millions to keep it open. I read last summer they are paying over thirty thousand a month and also for the summer months when school is not session and all the costs including insurance and utilites. I am sure that comes to over one million while other kids are kept in overcrowded schools with poor heating.
I guess we know Hull will do anything to keep his Black sisters and brothers in a job. The Urban League is another example. By reading the Beacon News today it sure seems they are doing a good job. The gang banger already has two kids at seventeen the girl is guilty of statutory rape and who will foot the bill.
In our District if you show some competence the Popp administration builds a case and gets rid of you. Glotzbach and Thruckenbrod run the District not Popp. Our Principal is getting released this year at the HS. The reason is he made the mistake of being more educated than Thruckenbrod. This year he optained his Doctorate and Superintendent endorsement. He also spoke up against the new policies of the District.
This year more teachers than ever will be submitting their resignations. EAHS is overcrowded and dangerous. The curriculum lacks no plan and moral is at a all time low. The Union representation goes to Thruckenbrod constantly and names names. Teachers are then targeted by Division Chairs. Three Division Chairs will also be leaving. One has recently stated the following. The music man (Thruckenbrod) forces us to target teachers and I will no longer have a part in it. Teachers have been targeted after two attempts and many broken promises to improve student safety.
To all employees, and residents of East Side Aurora ;
Feltes will get paid after election which amounts to about $ 60,000 plus benefits. this BOE has made simular deals approved by Raymond Hull and company. It is common for this BOE to do this citing legal costs. Let us not forget Ernest Clark at $80,000 and the Porn case teacher at $20,000.
The Principal at the high school has done a great job and many of the teachers/staff support him. Hopefully, they are not getting rid of him. Non tenured teachers are looking for new jobs due to safety issues and salary.
If the district is losing large numbers of teachers due to safety and salary, then the administration and board have not done their jobs. The children need continuity to be successful.
The fact that the teachers in District 131 are paid up to $50,000 less than the teachers on the West Side and 204 just shows that the Administration and Board have not been doing their jobs for a very long time. It's also a strong indicator that the Union is in bed with the District.
The teachers who don't quit this spring need to stand up and demand better both for themselves and the students.
The teachers need to strike this year. The Administration has promised Sarah Intherium continued full release if she goes along with them..
Craig Rhaodes had part release until Harding came along was paid full release and promised us things would be better and made us vote for the contract last time. Harding promised us the District would listen to us with the committees. The committees further eroded our rights. Harding jumped ship got paid big bucks and became an administrator , only to leave for more money and become a Field Rep.
Intherm last week sold us out when we became concerned about safety and wanted to go public at a BOE meeting. She named names. Sarah to lazy and fat to stand in her feet and teach half days.
Byrd defended us and has complained about safety all year now he is being released.
We the at Cowherd have issues with security. In fact we also wanted to speak and like at EAHS Intherium sold us out. Just wait until she brings a contract forward. Many of us are leaving or are willing to Strike.
The student who was almost killed was not in a gang but he was black. Gang related issues are up and the district will not acknowledge a poor plan. In School Alternative does not work. Lies from administration are not working they had complaints since Ocober. Our Principal has complained only to get told her contract will not get re-issued. Only to get re-hired a day later after teachers and support staff would have complained in masses. She is now looking for another position and another one of the district finest will leave. Look to Hull to install do noting Margaret Boyd who rips up referrals and allows teachers to get abused by students
The entire district is bullied by the two Music Men. that would be Flannigan and Thruckenbrod. Our Union is worthless and in bed with administration. Intherum sat hand and hand and praised Joan for her work on screwing over good teachers at the last meeting. Our Principal is now getting bullied for not coming to Popp and speaking in public. Elementary staff needs to unite with middle and EAHS staff and vote the contract down. We need to say enough is enough.
The community also needs to vote out Hull and Peryea and get us a new Board. We need a clean sweep.
Written in tonight's Beacon is another insult by Leonard to the fine work men and women do in this district.
"This only works if you have qualified staff and supervisors," said Richard Leonard, a board member.
lLike Feltes was qualified this speaks to how they think about us. We have kept the building patched together for years and asked our Union to speak up. With the over one hour long presentation not one Union Leader was there to hear why we are getting insulted and the distrct is spending three times the cost.
Brown is a crony of Ray Hulls and does horrible work. it is time to elect a Board that treats us with respect.
We have asked our Union and the teachers have asked theirs to have a forum like high functioning districts. They have not listened maybe we should stop paying dues then we will get attendtion. Medina only cares about his eight relatives on the district payroll.
Corporations and Their Paid Politicians are Evil
said...
Ralph Padron: If you want to clean up wasted tax dollars, you should investigate the PARCC tests (and the multitude of other tests). This nation is wasting billions of tax dollars cramming these tests down everyone throats just to make certain corporations richer. Politically, it has the added benefit of allowing politicians to bash teachers and unions and their pension system.
So far, you have been too focused on D131 instead of looking at the bigger picture. Local businesses are stealing big money from tax payers but nothing compared to the testing companies and Silicon Valley.
You've been so blinded by your anger at D131 that you are missing the real crime.
Dr Popp had his henchman shake down teachers at our school and other teachers at another Elementary School for speaking out. Dr Popp will never directly confront anyone he uses his mouth pieces to attack us. this coupled with the lack of support by Intherm have put the fear into anyone who will speak out. basically he stated he supports his administration and wil not listen to us and our ideas.
Ms Strand and Peryea received a great deal of support from members of our building in the last election. they made us believe Johnson was a bully. Johnson may have been a bully with administration but she addressed concerns. the other BOE members did nothing. Thanks to Peryea and Strand now we have a real bully with the teachers.
Date: March 11, 2015 To: Board of Ed President East Aurora Dist 131 Raymond Hull From: Ralph Padron Subject: Questions of Transparency
1. I have noticed a disturbing pattern which is of a major concern. Time and time again I have spoken at the Board Meetings and have NEVER received a written response (which I have requested) from Dr Popp or yourself. Many other speakers have experienced the same result. Can you please explain that?
2. Reference the current Email Controversy “Heat Exchangers & List of Bills” . A. This continues to be a topic with no end in sight. The emails have been released regarding the Heat Exchangers (see attached) yet the mystery continues. I don’t believe these emails contain statements regarding students nor District 131 staff yet the content continues to be withheld from public examination nor they contain information of a very sensitive nature. Why have so many of them been eradicated and who determined that? Was it Dr Popp or Bernie Weiler or somebody else? I don’t expect an answer to that , only those few know who made that decision The history of receiving answers to some “Black & White Questions” will more than likely will repeat itself of “No Response or Confidentiality Issue”
B. For several months this issue has been unnecessarily prolonged and made difficult in obtaining these emails by Mr Hanley’s responses. I would have expected something like “Word your request this way and you will receive an answer” However Hanley’s responses would never give that suggestion. You would think that I was asking for information which concerned National Security. It is obvious that EA was going to make it difficult for me to obtain these emails. Would this have happened if I were an Illinois politician or the Mayor of Aurora?
C. The Attorney General of Illinois is now involved and will now determine what the results of the investigation. THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER GONE TO THIS LEVEL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
D. You Raymond Hull, should have intervened and put a stop to this nonsense and back up your statements of a Transparent Board and District. Have you reviewed the emails which you were one of the recipients several times? So much time and money wasted, if you would have shown some true leadership under your watch. Again Bernie Weiler’s Law Firm is the big winner for legal fees.
E. Regarding my wife Lorryl Denny Padron confronting Dr Popp on his false statement on the Police Report, did you find this offensive that she had evidence to support her statements? I would think that you would have made a statement regarding this issue or at the very least issue her an apology.
F. Several times I have provided proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the Purchasing Scandals uncovered warranted disciplinary action regardless of the employee’s position yet you have never met with me to explain and allow me to present the evidence which is of a very serious nature and violation. Three Minutes speaking at a Board meeting is not enough to adequately explain these infractions.
Corporate America would never tolerate the performances and overpay staff for “On The Job Training” in critical areas in decision making and managing finances. Do I need to mention names?
I suggest you prioritize your “Board Comments” time in addressing those Important Issues instead of putting time portraying yourself as a victim in “accusing Denise Crosby and myself of being Bullies”.
Unfortunately it is of many an individuals opinion in East Aurora that the current Administration and Board has lost its credibility and is beyond repair.
Again I ask “What is the big secret” regarding the content in the emails”
Hey PARAC- Learn how to spell PARCC and not to put periods in the middle of sentences before you attack the hardworking teachers of d131. Today the headphones for testing didn't work- kids went without lunch after testing all day at the high school-- the ceiling is falling down and they have multiple garbage cans to catch drips-- Soft lockdown to cap off the day because of gun or gang violence outside. Not knowing how to teach a modern curriculum?" Most of us have to start from scratch each year because admins don't know which end is up. We can teach curriculum just give us some time to hone our craft instead of being bound down with ridiculous b.s. testing that has no link to any curriculum being taught at the present time. But I feel sorry for the kids. Besides the teachers we are all just an afterthought.
Dr Popp, Flanigan, Thruckenbrod and Childress laid down the law to several teachers groups since the last meeting. We are to follow the chain of command and not speak to the public. Really? Dr Dictator is out of control, did he ever hear of freedom of speech.
The gangs run the schools, but again our union will not back us. Popp is sending emails directly to many of us. how unprofessional. We are not to speak. Vain anger from a little man. After the entire school year they decided to remove 5 students and send them to the Extension Campus. Now Orstead will have twenty students in a multi million dollar building. meanwhile we have thousands of students in a overcrowded building.
The Board is allowing this but then again Hull thinks teachers that are white are not capable of teaching students. Mr Padron is correct the victim is not Hull but the teachers.
It dawned on me as I was getting ready for work this morning. The union president must have the read the wrong job description which is why she believes she works for the administration and not the teachers.
Hulls good friend Juan Thomas notified candidates of a upcoming debate by envelope yesterday in mailboxes with NO stamp. A violation of the law and only a four day notice. This is also the Dupage Chapter. We find it interesting that Dupage NAACP would be interested in 131.
We are also sure Hull, Hatchet, Peryea and Garza have been having District administration write answers for weeks as to questions that B2M students will be asking.
Just when Hull could not reach a new low level he is having City of Aurora workers remove sign claiming it is on the parking when sign are in people's back yards facing busy streets. I called the City today and that's what was explained.
HEY EVERYONE! GUESS WHAT !? MARTY FELTES IS COMING BACK! There you go...no more gossiping and asking if he is returning. It's a sure thing!
He will be back to start harassing all of you next week. Here's an idea...REPORT HIM WHEN HE BULLIES YOU. Keep a notebook with you at all times and write down everything he does. He has already been reported several times to the Office Of The Inspector General. But YOU...the staff at District 131 has to help as well. File grievances against him. Tell your steward. File a tip on the OIG hotline! If the administration and Dick Leonard want him back so badly show them what you will do to fight back by REPORTING him!
Feltes will be back March 23rd and watch for resignations in the Directors and other Principals very soon. The names will show we are losing the good ones. Everyone is hoping a new BOE will take charge and rid of Popp. He brings incompetdentcy to a new level. He allows Glotzbach to run the district and he will not make a decision. Then there is Thruckenbrod his secret fishing buddy to add to the incompetdance.
As for Feltes, Popp will keep him because of Dick Leonard. Look for more rapid decline and student issues through the Spring.
Someone should ask the Mayor if that is Hull's job he is with water and Sanitation and I would think he has no authority to do so. Just shows the Mayor is as crooked as they are.
hull Is having City workers pull down signs. I am disappointed that someone as nice as Mary Garza would be taken in by him.
Workers are being harassed daily by administration not to speak out. I have friends who work for the distrct and they have seen it this bad
Hull is a racist to the bone and only believes in BLACK Power. employees are losing their speech and all rights. Anyone who can steal signs is stealing the district blind
The reason Feltes is coming back is Leonard. He and Popp visited our school last week. Leonard never looked at the kids. He only looked at the building. Everyone knew he and Popp made a deal. The two commented how great the building looked. Code language for Feltes is doing a terrific job.
Popp and Leonard must be blind. The paint is peeling, and half the electric sockets don't work. The roof leaks and half the sinks and toilets are out of order. The heat is another story. Half the classrooms are freezing and the others are so hot you need to keep a window open in winter.
Strand is no better, she is always parading her Naperville friends around to seek more donations for herself. The kids in our building are the actors on her stage. If you have made the mistake of complaining to her good luck. You can expect a call from Flanigan personally. The word is then we are watching you..
The moral at Brady is at a all time low. With the evaluation model our Union sold us down the river on teachers know they will get terminated if they speak up. If we don't take matters into our own hands and strike this year there is no hope.
Last year we lost a ethical leader, now we have Popp who is paranoid and a introverted dictator. He hides behind Flanigan. There is no hope for EA
If what you say is true NAACP debate said.. that the letters where delivered without a stamp in there mail boxes that is a Federal Offense no one except the Post Office can put anything in you mailbox except The United State Post Office. If these candidates go to this forum then the have no respect for the law. Now I am say if this is true that Juan Thomas did this and it is a federal offense and if the candidates go then they have no respect for the law and shows they are corrupt.
I am disappointed that Mary Garza who claims she is for the kids now is working with Ann Benevides and her worthless husband to get herself elected. Lets not forget the fiasco of the summer when the Board named the Center after Benevides taking it away from Jaybird.
Jaybird is the child our entire staff favored along with Anna Sanford who started Preschool in our district. Benevides is a big friend to Ray Hull and it showed who Ray was when he took it away from two upstanding choices to give it to Benevides who she is self centered and only cares for herself.
The Jaybird story shows the arrogance this administration has operated under.
Quad County Urban League Building: Mrs. Johnson stated that the administrators have not been very happy with the education at the Urban League. She stated that the building is impossible to purchase right now; it is so far under water. Mrs. Annette Johnson stated that administration will be bringing a proposal to the board in January that would move 300 students from East High to the Urban League. These would be high school credit deficient students (second year 9th graders). The district would work with the Urban League to hire the right staff to service the students. Mrs. Johnson stated that there would be a joint agreement stating that after a year or two of employment at the Urban League these teachers could apply with District 131 and be considered for employment. There would be an administrator at the building as well as a Dean. Mrs. Johnson stated that the Urban League has agreed to this concept “in theory”. Mr. Leonard asked what would happen to the students that are there now. Mrs. Johnson stated that we would probably move towards a program similar to West Aurora where alternative school students will go to a program at the high school at night. The special education program students would go back to Camelot and Fox tech. The teachers would not be in the collective bargaining agreement. These individuals would be Urban League employees. Discussion ensued about this initiative costing the district more money than is currently paid. Mr. Hull stated that if the Urban League cannot do an adequate job now with the students that are there he does not want to support them educating any more students. Mrs. Lou Peryea asked if we would be paying for slots as we have done in the past and Mrs. Johnson stated that we would. Mr. Leonard asked when this is going to happen and Mrs. Johnson stated that it would happen next 2year; they would be bringing in a proposal in January. Mrs. Johnson further stated that the problem with this school is that they are ready to flunk students without district intervention.
Juan Thomas has already had his brush with the law. He was disbarred several years ago for taking his clients money and not preforming services. Is this the best the NAACP can get. It also shows Hull keeps bad company so are we surprised that he put envelopes in candiadates mailboxes without a stamp.
Hull must be worried if he has to have Juan create a forum with Boy 2 Men members asking questions. Do we really think Hull and Peryea have not been given the answers. hopefully they know how to read Mike Popp and Matt Hanleys writing.
Interesting comments from Tom Weisner. Maybe he should ask Ray Hull why in one year since becoming Board President all the policys changed regarding Zero Tolerance and Suspensions.
The good administrators are leaving and students are now in harms way. Under Hull it is okay to bring a gun to school or all allow gangbanders to bully students into joining a Gang.Meanwhile the good students are being chased away. Attendance is down and safety concerns are facing teachers and students today.
Dr Popp never had intentions of addressing the CORUPTION in B & G. Look at his record. he first allowed Feltis to steal the district blind and then when Padron exposed Rana. Popp told Feltis lay low and we will put Rana in charge. There are other people working in B&g that have had more experience but Marty picked Rana when he went on sick leave and Rana is still in charge.
Popp and the entire board need to be removed. Administration with ethics are leaving at record pace. Wait only Gloztabach and Thruckenbrog will be left. Leonard will make a deal for Feltis
If the candidates go to the League of Women Voters forum and not the NAACP they will be painted as racist so they will have to go regardless of how the invitiation was presented. Its in the Beacon and on the District website.
Peryea is out playing the poor senior to voters living to them in Marywood which is in Ward 1 to lower their taxes while telling the other that she will bring busing and new buildings to EA. Which is it? Can you trust her? She is the same person who looked the other way when much corpution was revealed this year. She will do anything to get elected including not asking permission to put her signs with other candiadates that want her distructive behavior off the BOE.
Why is the NAACP of Dupage County running the debate.? I am sick of Ray Hull promoting his racist agenda. First, he has publically stated whites are not capable of teaching our students. Then he goes on to attack a white teacher at EAS stating she treated his daughter poorly. The EAS students voted her as their top ten. Hull attacked her when she was recovering from cancer.
Now Juan Thomas coming into Aurora to promote a racist forum. Then having Boys II Men run the event. Then we had the I am a victim speech attacking Beacon reporter Crosby and Board member Johnson. Does anyone see a pattern? If anything sell the popcorn it will be interesting.
Mr Thomas go run a forum in Dupage and stop promoting racism.
Mr. Feltes thinks he is above the law. He may want to read this article about the College of Dupage part-time employee who embezzled school funds. He is now sitting in jail on 400,000 bond.
There are a couple of camps within the School Board candidates. One is the mayors camp. Not absolute, but questionable if they work for the mayor as to whether they are working for the community of 131 without too much influence by Tom. Camp # 2 is the Annette camp. Anita is a member. They have joined forces in the past to make sure they had majority vote on the board. This group appears to be very active trying to discredit anyone who is NOT in their corner, which would be the 2 city employees, whose boss has been outspoken against Annette and Lou P. who has been vocal in disagreeing with Ms. Johnson.
The other candidates seem to be under the radar, but not necessarily not aligning with or choosing sides with one of the two listed above. Common bond or coincidence that signs of certain candidates appear at many places together? No matter what side anyone in this community decides they feel best reflect their ideals for our school district, the most important thing is that people vote. If you are unsure who to vote for, try to attend the candidate forum. Be an educated voter and find out from friends or neighbors, or search the Internet to find a bit of history on those who are running. This is an elected position that hits closest to home for most everyone in EA. School board members make decisions that create the educational environment that our children are given for the foundation of their learning. Choose wisely...and be sure to vote!
I guess I will join the Annette Camp. Annette was the only one who spoke up for the residents. The Mayor has made the EAST Side his dumping ground for years. High taxes, High crime, abbandent falling down unsafe building and overburden schools because of failures on the Mayor part to enforce housing codes.
If what you are saying is true we need to support Annette and not elect Hull. Garza and Peryea. I wondered how Peryea , could afford such beautiful postcards and multi colored signs. Now it makes sense..
I have been alarmed by the Mayors influence on a finance committee made up of his cronies. When does it meet in the dark of night? Any updates!
I have a whole new respect for Annette. Does anyone think the East Side today is a great place to live.
Thanks for your post you have helped me connect the dots.
Nobody needs to discredit Peryea she came to serveral of my neighbors door in the middle of the day wearing Pajama bottoms and jacket that had not been washed in months. I through she was a beggar. then she tells me I am a senior citizen living on a fixed income and I oppose higher property taxes. This is the same women that thinks we don't go to BOE meeting and hear her tell everyone to pay more taxes. She can move tomorrow while I am stuck with high taxes and a low home value.
Feltes was spotted this afternoon driving by Simmons a brand new Harley. What is Popp doing it seems he is allowing him to take time off until his contract automatically renews. if he is well enough to ride a Harley he is well enough to work .In a year he bought a Haley and a brand new 40k plus SUV. I wonder how he can afford such luxuries on his salary. Oh it must be kickbacks.
We need a new BOE period. Everyone talks about Johnson but Leonard allowed Feltes to terrorize hard working Maintenance staff and Strand made promises to teachers that never came true. In fact more of us are afraid to speak more than ever. The new evaluation model leaves us more vulnerable than ever.
In EA today, there is little hope. Hull and Peryea need to NOT be reelected. In two years we then need more fresh ideas. This happened eight years ago when the last BOE from hell resigned. As for Lewis, she has worked with many programs in this district and continues to donate her time. She is one of the GOOD ones.
Impressive board meeting tonight. I was saddened by the decision made to discharge a teacher who obviously cares much more about the children she teaches than the administration does! Many teachers came forward and advocated for her as well as her husband and pastor; calling into question the way the district decides who will be cut from teaching. Her husband who has run evaluations himself for 26 years in another govt. capacity called it a "one-sided" investigation. This raises the question- is this how the entire district is being run? I am glad the BOE tabled that vote and hope she keeps her position!
Many came and spoke out about the nefarious things that watchdog/whistleblower Ralph Padron has been exposing about the district and that the BOE and admin. keep denying. Some of the board members looked sick as person after person came forth to call them out on their questionable practices (that is probably an understatement).
A Union rep. and a steward for the maintenance staff came forward to express their dismay at the fact that in-house jobs had been given away to outside vendors to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A former employee of the district who had been associated with the Buildings and Grounds department brought forth facts on the suspect practices of B&G director Marty Feltes (currently on sick leave, yet seen riding his motorcycle all over town and the western suburbs) exposing where large amounts of money was wasted and unaccounted for.
Ralph Padron spoke on more FOIA violations, showing pages and pages of almost completely redacted FOIA documents. Annette Johnson came forward and stated that these documents had nothing that FOIA law states needed to be redacted. She said she would be turning over her emails as there was nothing that needed to be blacked out. She also spoke on Lou Peryea's unethical campaign method of using her district email to campaign with, a violation that she has been warned about in the past. Her running partner, board president Ray Hull stated that outside counsel had been sought and had agreed that Peryea's "apology" about her actions was good enough. Not much of a surprise as he is endorsed by her on her campaign site- http://lou4district131.com. Johnson is escalating her blatant violation to an ethics committee and I hope they take action as the BOE needs to follow it's own policies!
When the time came for board comments, most were silent. Hull and Peryea gave what amounted to campaign speeches which the audience did not respond well to. Not the place nor the time for that several were heard commenting. Strand said to table the vote on the dismissal of the teacher. An obvious decision considering the overwhelming evidence that the decision to dismiss her was a grave error.
Let's hope this is the beginning of a turn-around for EAD131. Get out there and vote for the people who are serious about making a change for the kids!
I attended the EA BOE meeting tonight they had so many issues it is clear we need a new board
A wonderful Arfo American teacher has dismissed and many showed up to support her. You could tell she cared for the students of EA.
The Maintenance Union called out Leonard for making them sound inept. They also talked about the millions wasted.
Another speaker revealed the District just paid $80,000 for the same study they had two years ago.
A teacher at EA talked about unsafe working conditions and the district inability to hire additional security.
A taxpayer talked about why the district hired such a unqualified purcahsing agent.
Ralph Padrom topped the evening off with showing the public blackened out emails about district finance. I sure shows transparency.
Johnson revealed Hull and Peryea used the district to coverup campaigning going on in the district. everyone could tell Popp was part of the coverup. Hopefully she follows thru with the Staes Attiney.
Hull told the new candidates he is the only one qualified for the BOE because he has experience. He was also using the district for campaigning and should be turned in as well.
The tax payers also got a BIG increase tonight.
How anyone can elect Peryea and Hull after tonight is shocking.
The Popp administration will go down as the most corrupt in district history I has never MORE embrassed for our District than last evening.
Popp lied to the audience by telling us Byrd resigned. He was forced out. He attempted to control student Gang activity all year but was never supported by administration. After two gunman, and three shooting they are making some lame attempts. They still refuse to hire extra security however. Many doors go uncovered and many many fights break out daily. If not for the Aurora Police Department we would have NO security at all.
Dr Popp what shread of reputation we have had. THE BOARD FROM HELL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Date: March 16th 2015 East Aurora Board of Education Meeting Subject: Email Controversy
Good news tonight is I received the “Heat Exchangers” emails. Bad news is they have been redacted. Does that surprise me? Here are several reasons why:
The Jan 14 request for these emails was discovered and downloaded. An IT employee handled this request. The FOIA officer responded “No Documents Exist”. Why would I receive a response that outright is false? The evidence speaks for itself.
On Jan 27 a revised FOIA was submitted and again was denied for “No Documents Exist”. What was the difference? The IT Employee was replaced by the FOIA Officer began responding all FOIA discoveries via the E-Log retrieval requests. Needless to say, the legal firm for EA became involved thus it became more confusing & difficult to obtain answers resulting in wasted time and TAX DOLLARS.
We are not discussing a threat to National Security here BUT information/questions related to Finance and Repair/Replacement of the Heat Exchangers. In addition why was this vendor chosen that was not on the Preferred Vendor List? Bigger question Why did this not go out for Bid? Cowherd School alone was $48,200.00
This is why the FOIA’s are necessary.
I conferred with the Attorney General’s Office for options and have submitted another complaint questioning, the redaction portions of these emails. Further complaints for violations are forthcoming. Again East Aurora’s attorney will get involved to justify the redactions and lengthen this controversy even further. And the audit for the Heat Exchangers hasn’t even started.
Property Taxes continue to go up yet getting answers on how the money is being spent in Dist 131 cannot be disclosed.
Who has made the decision to redact these emails? Attorney, Superintendent, and HR certainly have input on this question
Transparency certainly has been redefined at Dist 131 and in some instances is totally Non- existent.
Sad to see Spencer Byrd leave is one of the good guys. Spencer was a big improvement over Gonzalez ad Conrad. We know he went down fighting for the kids! it is unfortunate Popp and Thruckbrod will not resign.
Spencer Byrd's resignation is nothing more than another notch in Central Office's belt. It follows an all too similar pattern of principals at EAHS over the last 31 years. In that time there have been TEN principals:
T. O'Hale G. Postlewaite J. Roberts L. Conant T. Jandris R. Barwa R. O'Neal M. Gonzalez S. Conrad S. Byrd
Simple math says each one lasted about 3 years. But when you consider that Bob Barwa and Sheila Conrad make up about 15 of those 31 years, the other 8 principals survived just 2 years. How are you supposed to establish continuity with turnover like that??
It looks like many of the teaching staff will follow suit. The unfortunate students of D131...
It should be noted that Spencer Byrd was working on a Superintendent certification. Perhaps, armed with this it was a good time to jump ship.
Best of luck Spencer to you and your family wherever you land. Hopefully your experiences with the central office in D131 have taught you what NOT to do.
Thanks Ray Hull for all of your public slander yesterday. You DID vote for Marty Feltes and it can be proven. Now, you have given his lawyer reason to go after the district in a slander suit for hundreds of thousands??? You need to RESIGN NOW! In a perfect world that money should be coming straight out of your wallet! You and Peryea are incompetent!!!
After reading the article on the EA board candidate forum, I am anxious to attend the next one. It is very obvious some current board members and candidates are truly out of touch with what is going on in our schools. At many schools children are out of control and challenging teachers. Not all, but enough to be disruptive to the classmates and classrooms around them. At the higher levels it has escalated and for more than a few years teachers have to fear which students they try to enforce rules. Those who do not see this either are getting false reports or have their heads stuck........in the ground. Apparently, things were misrepresented, yet again.
I see the HS principal is reported to be "stepping down." I think shoved out the door would better describe what happened to Byrd.
I don't care what color the students are or the teachers. students who want to learn in D131 have teachers who go Beyond their job description, to give our students the best they have to offer. If our students are worried about the color of their teachers face, then shame on us, as parents, for making that an issue. In a future that offers global opportunities, our children should be prepared to work for and with ANYone of any color. Anyone who is focused on what color EA teachers are as being an issue in our district, should not be elected. The teachers do not need more training on how to work with students of color. They are in those trenches everyday working just as hard for ALL the students. Even when their time must be taken away from teaching so they can be hall monitors, traffic cops, counsellors and healthcare givers. I think each of those candidates should be turned loose in the above side jobs the teachers have to do, to see what the real world inside D131 is truly like. I cannot express enough gratitude for what our HS principal has tried to do inspite of those he works for. Same is true for our teachers who work in less than ideal learning environments, everyday. We need people on the Board who are not trying to make deals for their neighbors and friends. We do not need people who are treating their postion on the Board as a social event. We need people who have a priority focus on improving the education opportunities for all the students. Starting with removing the blame game and stop making excuses for the problems of education and start taking accountability. The Board needs to ask itself-what have we been doing wrong? The district is run from the top down. So make the changes accordingly. Stop blaming everyone from the bottom up. Fix things at the top first. This is the community's job, by electing a new board. Then, keep them accountable for making sure the Superintendent does his job effectively.
The Board needs to change, we have had the toughest year, since I started. The students have taken over the building, the teachers have no place to turn. Our Principal asked for two PPA all year. The building has no security, and runs Alternative Ed until 8pm. Students have had weapons all year, have not been expelled, drugs are sold at a unprecedented rate. Two Sodexo employees purchased drugs, this was reported to Glotzbach, and nothing was done. The list goes on and on.
Our Union is powerless, teachers are saving for a strike. We will send Dr Popp a message. Hull and Peryea CAN NOT be reelected. The others that seem troublesome are Garafalo and Hatcher.
Hatcher is another Hull, and does not believe white teachers can teach students that do not look like them. That is a troubling statement. Garza, seems good but if Hull petitioned for her that is more troubling. She would owe her vote to him. Garafalo, would think her past practices would work at d131. Marmion vs D131 are very different. All children are good! Wow by 14 many students have lived a lifetime. They are broken, reading at 4th grade level, and live in such poor conditions, education is not a propriety?
Maybe since "someone" decided to oust Bryd, the new Board could find they need to replace Popp and bring Byrd in to do the job. He was making some definite positive change at the high school.
Student's behavior is a major concern. When principals support the teachers in giving consequences, a change should follow. But when the principal tears up red slips, while the students are physically abusing the teachers (in elementary mind you), these are the things that are not supported by the administration and teachers are told to simply "deal" with it. I'm sorry, no teacher should have to be subjected to that on a daily basis while students get a lunch detention for assaulting a teacher. This year seems to be a tipping point for a lot of teachers, and the students are the ones who are going to lose out.
Ms Strand is a major concern for teachers currently today. Many groups have talked with her and she keeps telling us all is well. I wonder how she would feel if her husband had teach some of the students Ms Hearon teaches.
Scott Strand has been given the cream of the crop at Bardwell. Many new teachers are given the very hard to educate. Children come to our classrooms in fifth grade and do not know numbers or alphabet. The discipline is also a factor. Many students should place in Sped but our district looks the other way.
Feltes needs to stop using the few "buddies" he has left in the district as his mouthpiece. He is trying to get disability (what a joke!)so now he is telling his buds to say he is selling his motorcycles . Too much! Don't let him fool you...he is still trying to bs and bully everyone even when he is not at work. There will be plenty of care for you in jail once the books are busted open and others see what financial damage you have done to this district- students, staff and taxpayers alike.
How silly! If someone agrees to allow you to advertise, by way of a sign, in their yard or place of business it does not mean that everything you do from that day forward must align with that persons wishes or thought process.
well said rant- Its the same at the high school--teachers cover for missing PPA's 3 were gone today-- and the PPA'S have given up they say they refuse to do anything because they bring these kids to the Deans and the Deans do nothing. Kids can cuss you out and leave your room- nothing- no consequences. When a teacher writes a referral- we are told we have poor classroom management and you know this goes on your evaluation. The kid with four count em' 4 instances of being caught dealing drugs-- he's still there-- bull@#$% presentation on school safety- we don't need some high falutin' entry system we need manpower and consequences that stick and some help from division chairs instead of telling us IT'S OUR FAULT- Oh well we were sold down the river when they gave us Charolotte Danielson- I think even Spencer Byrd realized the busllsnarky about 'excellence' is a place to visit when he was rated--'proficient' see Spencer the crap came back to hit you in the face- though I am sorry to see you go-- thanks for nothing guys.. you don't support us, you don't help us, we have to teach and be the Deans and be the PPA'S to now? Oh, wait just tell our Union President she will fight for us ..ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ........................
We are very sad to see Spencer go. Yes, the teachers are frustrated, but we have been told to dummy down the consequences for behavior. This is the wonderful " plan" our Dr indian Prairie. Drug Dealers are not expelled. In fact we have had a known Drug / Gang Dealer in our office weekly. Spencer, asked for placement at the Extension Campus. Contrary to opinion, we are not free to send students over. We understand there are less than 20 students there. Jess Ostead has had her hands slapped numberous times by Thruckenbrod for attempting to do the right thing. The District answer is always the following.
We do not expell, or we are not running a Reform School. It is noted the student in question was finally arrested by APD. APD is our new method of explusion and has been wonderful. Dr Popp, still will not process the expulsion.
PPA's
Spencer asked in September for more PPAs. He was told to manage them better and the BOE had no money. Several BOE members have toured the building and are aware. Nothing has happened.
Spencer was told his contract would not renewed. He did have a difference of opinion with administration. He went down fighting for us. Please spend your summer looking for a new job it's hopeless.
SO glad Clayton "Farrakhan's Disciple" Muhammad doesn't work for our district anymore (although he is still involved with the Aurora East Educational Foundation):
Clayton is involved he is openly campaigning for Hull, Peryea and Garza.
He is also involved in the Forum with the AEEF and arranging a broadcast on Aurora Free Tv. You can bet not one question will come up about crime or taxes on the Eat Side. That is what you get when the Mayor controls the BOE.
Spencer Bryd, attempted to improve the HS. The DC positions are a waste of money. They are highly paid administrative secretaries, paid to write Curriculum for Central Office, as well as harass teachers. Andrea is leaving after revealing big philosophical differences with Thruckenbrog. He is Mr Popps lackey, and will soon be promoted Associate Superintendent. This man lacks the educational ability to lead anything. He holds a music degree and lacks core instructional leadership.
Teachers, with Danielson we do not stand a chance that is why everyone in HS administration, other than Dennis Renner are getting out while the getting good.
Open Letter to Board of Education President Raymond Hull Part 2
Date: March 21, 2015 To: Board of Ed President East Aurora Dist 131 Raymond Hull From: Ralph Padron Subject: Questions and Concerns
Ray, I begin with challenging your most recent statement at the NAACP Forum (March 10) in which you stated that you “voted against the hiring of Marty Feltes as Director of Building & Grounds.” THIS IS A FALSE STATEMENT .
Ref: Dec 2 2013 Board of Ed meeting minutes page 4 https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?mk=50101699&fn=minutes.pdf
Mrs. Annette Johnson read a bio for Mr. Marty Feltes who is being recommended for the Director of Building & Grounds position. Mr. Feltes thanked the board and looks forward to the new position. There being no questions or discussion, the motion was seconded by Mr. Richard Leonard and upon the roll call, the following voted aye: Annette Johnson Mary Lou Peryea Richard Leonard Stella Gonzalez Mary Anne Turza Kirsten Strand Raymond Hull
The following abstained: None The following voted nay: None The President declared the motion passed.
Can you explain this? You have mentioned several times that the Superintendent Dr Michael Popp is accountable to the Board of Education, yet you refuse to hold him accountable for several controversial topics I have brought attention to publicly at numerous Board Meetings. My strategy has always been this, 1 Gather the facts/documents via FOIA’s 2 Present it to the Board of Ed and the Public 3 Receive a response 4 When no response is given, take it to the next level Question: Why are there no responses from the Board and Dr Popp when is required. My request for a written has gone has been ignored numerous times. Is this the definition of TRANSPARENCY which is the claim of EA Dist 131? Evidently not. Let’s look at another Major Controversy and that is the statement that I have many employees giving me leads in many an area within the District. Instead of threatening them with disciplinary action for speaking to me, have you and Dr Popp ever considered asking these questions
1 Why do the employees trust me to investigate issues? 2 Do these issues have any merit in investigating them? 3 Because many of the staff has lost respect for Dr Popp and yourself, they certainly trust me to bring this out and follow through with their frustrations and concerns for results. 4. The Purchasing, “Bid Rigging” scandals alone speak for themselves
The “Redacted Email” scandal is a great example of the many mysteries at EA. Time and time again the facts/documents were presented to the Board and Dr Popp, yet you, Mr Hull continue to do nothing and allow these issues to escalate, forcing me to submit additional FOIA’s and turn to the next level for answers and accountability.
A reminder the decline of EA Dist 131 has happened under “Your Watch”.
Much more will be exposed in the very near future which will continue to embarrass those in positions of authority and responsibility.
The blog is the reason the BOE members don't get along . It is also one of the reasons administration is running away from this district in droves. Now Mr Padron uses it to attack Mr Hull and others. Why they are not getting paid? Two years ago it was Johnson and Padron. Anyone see a pattern.
Ms Garza do not take support from Carlson SE has started the blog
Mr. Padron does NOT use this blog to "attack" Mr. Hull (or anyone else, for that matter). It is not attacking someone to politely remind them that their recent statements do not agree with previous conversations and/or actions!
Mr. Padron simply states the TRUTH, and lets the chips fall where they may. If certain people in our community are bothered by that, it is their problem.
Dear watch and listen, I am sorry, I do not see the pattern you are suggesting. Can you be a bit clearer? As for the blog being the case for admin leaving and the Board not getting along, then maybe we do need a new board and wave good bye to those admin who would allow a simple blog to control their lives. Are you SERIOUS!??
I am not a part of what is going on in the schools. I am neither employee nor student. I suspect from what I read in the Beacon and on the blog and speaking to those who are a part of what is going on, that facts do come up in the blog. Those that do not want stories out, try to discredit the comments/commenters. Those that know the truth are the ones most bothered. As an outsider trying to understand, I see two sides, those that are in a position to right the wrongs or improve situations and those who are at the mercy of the previously mentioned. This could be anyone from a lone or rogue Board member, an administrator or teacher or staff person.
NO one wants to feel as if they lack worth. Whether it be in their opinion or in the way they choose to do their job. If admin is leaving in "droves" the superintendent needs to look at HR. If BOE members don't get along, maybe a change or new members will show where the real problems lie. To blame a blog is just simply ridiculous. I for one am looking forward to seeing new faces on the BOE. Hoping it brings new direction for the district.
The district currently has a Superintendent the BOE should have never hired. Two years ago they finally got it right and made some much needed changes.
Changes the community considered successful are the following
Cleaning House with Central which included Augustine, Aird, Muhammed, and Gonzalez.
Cleaning up Insurance and credit cards.
Then they fell apart and got back into there old ways by the following
Hiring Popp a bad choice he does not understand the EA community and has brought a level of mistrust and coruption to the district.
Hiring Feltes let's not beat a dead horse.
Hiring Tyler just look at her track record at WA.
Not addressing Glotzabach as part of the cleanup.
Changing to the 204 discipline method has disrupted teaching and learning.
The entire BOE should do the community a favor and resign. The seven new candidates should release Popp and engage the community in hiring a new Sup for our district.
That is in a prefect world and it will never happen
I don't know where you're getting your information, but Cobbett is not leaving because of Truckenbrod. As for Byrd, yes, he has worked to improve safety, but he has also admitted rather openly that he is probably not welcome back due to his tendency to run off his mouth. He has, from day one, criticized what he calls the "unit office". I blame him for his inability to artfully negotiate. Everyone at the high school has seen how he flies off the handle. Undoubtedly, upper admin did not appreciate this. Someone of his education level and leadership level should have learned these skills already. If he could not play nice with his superiors, then I blame him for the instability that the high school will face in the year to come. We wish him well, but it's time to stop canonizing the guy.
Good Evening -I’m David Finlay and I’m here tonight to speak about my experience with 131 and my dismay at the rapid deterioration of conditions.
I am the former Construction Manager and acting Director of Facilities whose position was eliminated to make way for the missing Director of B&G. I am a licensed Architect and General Contractor, hold Certifications in Life Safety, ADA, FEMA emergency management and more. I have bid and managed over $400M in complex buildings. Judicial centers, Manufacturing, Municipal, and Commercial projects. I was in charge of construction at the Magnet School, a $6M acclaimed project finished on time and under budget.
2 years ago the downward spiral started with the hiring of an unqualified Director of B&G that did not meet the job description. One year ago the deterioration was exacerbated with the board elections and a superintendent change. A sad day at EA.
I have followed the exposure of wasted dollars, the intimidation, and the lack of management skills required to run a $180M business. A business that impacts the vulnerable lives of 15,000 students.
Note the following:
o The new kindergarten facility. Mis-managed, over budget, delivered late, with lawsuits pending. Everyone involved in this debacle lacked the required project management experience. How many 100’s of thousands of dollars wasted?
o Recently the Board authorized an $80,000 facilities study. The district has one, completed 2 years ago. What has changed? The board and superintendent. More wasted money.
o Even simple projects are replete with collusion. Do you think that 2 men can drive to a flagpole, set up a lift, remove a huge amount of rust, prime paint the pole and paint 2 finish coats – all in 1-½ hours? Does paint dry that fast? THERE WAS A BONUS PAID OF $7500 previously reported here. Who received the money? More mismanaged projects adding up to big losses.
After 1 year of the new superintendent and Board, and work by the Director of B&G, the district is millions in the red, the employees are intimidated into silence, the student gang activity is rampant, and the teachers are leaving in droves.
Current deficit spending will lead to the running out of money in a few years and higher taxes will result.
The people who are in positions to protect the district have failed.
I would ask everyone in the audience to take this message back to the voters. Elect a new board. Control the spending and control your taxes. Save the children. Give them the education they deserve. It’s a win-win.
Is Hull's crazy behavior an attempt to scare off potential candidates or is he just starting to lose it? The election forum at the High School should be interesting...try and keep it together, huh?
Defend him yes! He has vocal to Central Office and as for politics maybe he was not a politician but he should have not had to be one if he was fighting for the safety our students and staff.
District personal have reported multiple phone calls from Marty Feltes to district employees. Meanwhile Marty milks the disability claims. Glotzbach and Popp know this and have nothing about it. If he can call district employees why is he not working?
Does this not prove insurance fraud?
He has been told to take off so as not to cause embrassment during election. Ralph exposed the district and now they are covering up. No employee is allowed to get by with fraud.
More than fraud...how about EMBEZZLEMENT of federal funds? Hull loves to make fun of things like this...really...hmmm? You joke about trash can liners (hey, guess what? NOT paying more than you need to on a small thing like can liners district-wide means we could afford more crayons so 6 kids don't have to share ONE box!!). Not very funny to the tax-payers and the students is it Ray?
Why don't you look into these phone records and come back to us with a report on what REALLY has been happening behind the scenes regarding Feltes(and others)and district funds! We have a right to know! I know I was NOT planning on having ANY employee...not even favorites among the Administration like Marty sit at a social club during work hours on his district phone doling out "orders" to employees. Or to be calling into work hundreds of times to Dave Rana when he had his heart condition or now during his sick leave? yeah, that's called "working" (or more like spying as we know when it comes to Feltes)and it's FRAUD when he's off work "sick". Who was running the ship while he played fast and loose with our money than lied and NO ONE knew about it? REALLY?? Yes,I am sure the FOIAs will be rolling in soon for these. How about a few less unneeded redactions this time? How about instead of jokes, laughter and diversion we hear the TRUTH for once! Who else was involved with misappropriation of school district funds? I wonder what those phone records will show? In fact, that would make a great question at the upcoming campaign debate at the High School! Hey, anyone not involved in the corruption should have nothing to hide, so STEP UP!
The administration finally agreed to give the HS two more PPAs. This has been on the table since October when Popp claimed the BOE had NO money. How many Gangs were allowed to bring weapons in and recuit?
The safety of staff and students was in jeopardy all year but now our administration gives in. Thank you Ms Denoot for speaking out for us. You can bet if it was not election year this madness would continue.
Reading about Feltes makes me sick ever go in the basement and look at his $420,000 cement closet. then go on the track that another year of our students have to play all games away because it is to danergerous to work on.
A new BOE should fire the Sup in training and start worrying about the students .
In one year, Dr Popp and his parinoid behavior have ruined the district. Many know telephone calls are monitored, emails are checked and it leads to a non productive staff. Text messages are sent as the offical way of communication, so nothing can be tracked.
D131 is not family anymore, and moral could not be lower. When resumes are sent out be are sad to affilate our name with 131. Staff can not be trust anyone. .
There is alot of things being said on this blog and I hope you all get out and vote on April 7th or early vote right now.
There are 24,000 registered voters on the East side but last School Board election only 2500 voted. This year the voter turnout is expected to be even lower because there are no major elections going on. Your future will probably be decided by 1500 people.
I have voted, but what you say is true....few will vote. Fact... Many will continue to complain or be complacently ignorant and settle for less than the children deserve.
In the latest 131 scandle, Dr Popp has allowed Peryea to use district property to campaign. She was at EAHS today asking staff if they lived in 131 and could vote. She also asked students to take home a card to request a absentee ballot. A post card was handed out to vote for herself, Garza and Hull. The postcards have not campaign disclosure information on them. A call placed to the election commision remained unanswered.
Peryea was given a pass by Popp at the last BOard meeting for using the district email system to campaign. This was her second violation in two years. Popp was asked to recuse himself and bring in a independent to review the case but refused. Is Popp not the Boards employee. How is he allowed to get by with this?
Peryea pulled the same move two years ago and two teachers were displined for violating Illinois law. This year she did the same thing. If she can't follow the law and Dr Popp looks the other way what else are they hiding?
I voted with much concern about the candidates. it's not so much who I voted for but who I voted against. I voted against the following.
Lewis because she was part of the past and never accomplished anything when she was on the Board.
Hull because he by far is a complete NUT JOB. His Afro American agenda only has NO place in our district
Peryea Because she is on the BOE and continues to say everything is going well and will never provide any oversight. The purchasing issues should have been stopped
Garafalo Because her brother is district attorney and they have not represented the district well. she has a major conflict and would have to remove herself from any legal issues the district has.
Garza Because she is to close to Hull and Peryea and I DO NOT want the City of Aurora controlling the school Board. She also has not been the most ethical when pushing her children ahead of others that need services more than hers.
Unfortunately I did make a mistake I voted early without going to forum. It would not have changed my mind about the above mentioned however last evening I got a ROBO CALL from Hatcher. Robo calls for school board elections are a bit much.
Glotzbach's Director Nancy is being released because of the finger print scandal Gloztbach created. This is unfair when will Popp have the ethics to the right thing? When will the BOE have the ethics to protect whistleblowers in the District.?
Teachers and administration need to become vocal if this District will ever change.
Currently, Popp is sitting on records that show Marty Feltes is faking is illiness. Why will Popp not fire Feltes or the BOE take action. Must be tricky Dick Leonard again.
Date: March 30th 2015 To: Raymond Hull From: Ralph Padron Subject: Update
Ray
This letter is to make you aware of several developments which is necessary be made public regarding action taken against East Aurora District 131
1 The Attorney General of Illinois will be reviewing the emails in question to determine if EA Dist 131 was justified in redacting them. This decision is very important in disclosing information regarding the “Heat Exchangers” controversy and opening up an investigation & audit of this questionable expenditure which I am currently putting together.
2 I have a meeting Wednesday with the a Federal Investigator to submit a complaint regarding the Purchasing irregularities this past year, specifically bid rigging and intentional breach of contract at the Bldg & Grounds Dept. The janitorial portion is the first complaint and the central figure is David Rana and those supervising/approving these transactions during this time period.
Many other complaints will be made regarding multiple issues.
3 The most recent Aurora Police Report will also be appealed with evidence supporting my charge of false statements made by all 3 individuals questioned.
The response which has been made repeatedly by EA is that all these were corrected and why is Ralph on a crusade to bring havoc and mud to the District. Let’s make sure we differentiate “HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE & COVER-UP” and your lack of leadership as Board President in representing the Taxpayers in East Aurora and beyond in protecting the tax dollars spent for education.
It is shameful that the residents of Aurora continue to carry the burden to pay for the unethical & llegal purchasing and awarding of construction contracts being uncovered.
Never have you intervened as Board President and request a meeting to discuss these issues in an effort to resolve the above. It is common knowledge that there is a “NO Vote of Confidence” in the Superintendents ability to resolve these matters. Need I say more. Never have you nor Dr Popp ever responded in writing for the numerous requests I made public regarding the multiple serious violations which I presented (with documentation) to support my claims.
There will be more complaints forthcoming which unfortunately require the resurfacing of many scandalous violations which were mishandled and considered closed. I can assure you the authorities I am in contact with (and there are several) have assured me that as long as I can support my claims they will look into these matters.
Again I remind you that many of these could have been avoided by addressing them properly not justifying them.
Regarding your statements on a most recent email dtd March 23 to me:
Ray: 1) First of all I am not REQUIRED to answer you.
Me: You are correct however you are held accountable to the those who elected you
Ray: 2) You answered your own question about transparency. My answer is I see right through you, that is my definition of transparency.
Me: My definition is making available the facts, decisions, and answers in governing a school district paid by Taxpayer dollars.
Yes Ray, we do disagree on many an issue however the above speaks for itself As a result, I am forced to pursue this and much more with the authorities for holding those at EA accountable to the Taxpayers of Aurora and beyond.
Got a flyer in the mail from Hull and Peryea. It looks like the materials Peryea was printing at the district. it goes on to state Hull put a end to the good old boys system. really who is kidding. just look at what Mr Padron has uncovered.
It also does not state who is paying for it. Most likely Dr Popp.
If anyone can prove that Peryea and Hull did print them with the districts funds please tell The Election Committee. In this day and age with cell phones that can take pictures you would think that if you seen these things you would take them for proof.
As for the robo calls from Hatcher and Laesch I thought it was a little too much but if it gets people out to vote then good for them.
Finally, the District will get the in-depth audit it has needed for some time. No Ms. Peryea, all is NOT fine in the District as you and many others will see. Those who are corrupt will be held accountable. Those in charge who did nothing to stop the corruption will be held accountable.
Hull and Peryea have campaign materials out that do not disclose who is paying for them. That is a campaign violation.
Hull and Peryea claim follow the policies yet they violated using the District email address to campaign. Peryea violated it two years prior by petitioning in the district. Teachers took the fall for her. Dr Popp took the law into his hands and did not turn it over to the election commission. That shows unethical behavior.
Why should anyone trust Dr Popp to manage the district.
Hull and Peryea are running together and must have formed a committee for election. They have sent campaign materials voting households in 131. That is a major cost. They have fancy translated glossy cards being dropped at doors. Again, another major cost! They have signs plastered all over 131! Again another major cost!
Peryea did violate Board policy by using district email. This was her second violation!
Dr Popp has come into question campaigning in the community with community leaders for Hull and Peryea. His quote has " I hope they are reelected they have been great Board members".
Is this the type of Board member we want on the Board? The district needs cleaning up it should start with them.
Local Chicago Office of the Inspector General (fraud and waste prevention) form for school districts in Illinois. GIVE THEM YOUR TIPS ANONYMOUSLY. PLEASE help with what you know!
I believe the flyer has Peryea return address. However, she has printed at the district and it is impossible to go into Morales office or the copy room behind Glozabach and get a picture without being spotted. The machines are not in the open. area.
Central Office knows Dr Popps job could come to and end with a new BOE. He is very unethical and takes more time off than Roberts. He is less visable than Roberts if that is not a big joke.
How much have Hull and Peryea spent on their campaigns? It's in the thousands (though Peryea using the district copy machines might have defrayed that cost). WHY are the so desperate to stay on the Board of Education?? Do they need to make sure things stay COVERED UP? You see how they both speak in public and private. Clueless and sarcastic. Are these the types of people we want taking care of our kids? NO! Vote for anyone BUT them!
The Patch and many other have covered Oswego but nothing about East Aurora. I called the other day about my tax levy rates. Two weeks and not a report many of my neighbors had a breakfast this morning and are canceling The Beacon.
We also discussed the poor reporting of The Beacon It is unfathomable that our Alderwomen story was missed for 18 months. It also shows the level of city wide corruption. Lynne Johnson should resign but anyone can see the coverup on the part of the City and her voting record.
Turn out last night at the School Board Debate was very poor. Maybe 40 people, most of whom are not voters. I guess people would rather get their information from an anonymous blog that to hear for themselves.
First, the Patch, in any town, is a choice by a community member to put it out. So you can sign up for the job, if you'd like to see one in Aurora!
I do believe I counted few more than forty at the forum, but it was a low turnout. Many people early vote, so this forum was a little late. Others may feel they know who they want to vote for, there are those who are not familiar with the candidates. The crowd looked like a mix of interested parties, people who have a stake in the election, and senior citizens.. All in all, I think turnout to the polls is expected to be low. So people are not getting their info from a blog, but rather not voting at all. The Audie
Of Course turn out at the school board debate was low. Turn out on this blog is low. Nobody cares. The low turn out at the debate is a direct reflection of the community which is the REAL REASON District 131 schools are failing. It is not the administration or the teachers, but rather the community. If the community wanted better schools, they would demand them, but the vast majority of the community couldn't care less about the kind of education received or they do care but not enough to actually do something.
POSTING ON THIS BLOG ISN'T "DOING SOMETHING" either. Voting, going to meetings, attending events, sending emails, contacting teachers/administrators, is all doing something.
You're wrong...and yelling just makes you look immature
said...
Actually, posting on this blog IS doing something! It is informing people about things going on behind the scenes...often, things that would otherwise get swept under the rug. The most recent example is the multiple postings by Mr. Padron. Yes, there's a lot of nonsense and BS here but that's part of life in our information-saturated age. Learn to filter out the useful and true stuff and ignore (or dispute) the rest!
Go ahead and continue to display your immaturity...I'll continue to remind our community about the GOOD things that this blog has accomplished:
--Mr. Padron has exposed wrongdoing in the central office.
--The Band Boosters pancake breakfast was rescheduled last year after it had been announced the breakfast would be cancelled. Mr. Mills acknowledged that more parents stepped up to attend boosters meetings.
--More than $1200.00 was raised last summer for a deserving EAHS student's college expenses through Angeldorm.
--Links to news releases from various sources (the Tribune, Beacon-News, Montgomery & Oswego Patch, D131 website) are provided on this blog, making it easy to find information about our district.
--People are able to ask questions and state their opinions without having to worry about their jobs or being censored (as long as no obscenities are used). This is especially important since a neighboring district routinely removes community members' comments from its Facebook page.
As others have said, if you don't like what you read on this blog you have at least two choices:
1. Correct erroneous information, providing supporting evidence for your point of view
I think the Forum showed what is wrong with 131. The parents don't care. It is interesting however the two elected currently are completely out of touch. The public would not know this because they don't attend meetings.
Hopefully, Hull and Peryea will not get reelected. They claim everything is going well, but I am not sure what plant they live on.
Overall just special interest groups and a very boring evening. I almost choked with Hulls comments on Afro American teachers he started the debate that whites do not do as well teaching students of color.
I'll choose to "Correct you" ok, and then we will find out what happens when somebody tries to post the TRUTH on this website. It will get covered up with garbage and lies.
- Mr. Pardon exposed wrongdoing in the central office IN PERSON at SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS. This blog is NOT his main vehicle
- The Band Booster pancake breakfast was never cancelled. It was always under the assumption that it would be rescheduled.
- More that $1200 was raised through ANGELDORM, not this blog. This blog might have helped advertise but there is no way of tracking that, because it was all over Facebook too.
- Links to the news releases are in the board packets, they don't need to be here. Learn to use the internet for more than just blogging. They are very easy to find in the board packets.
- Your last comment is true, people do state "stupid" opinions without having to worry about their jobs. But then they also can call names and not address real questions to people who have real answers.
1 out of 5 - good job. You probably graduated from district 131.
Are you unable to read, too stupid to understand what you read, or maybe just too desperate to discredit this blog that you deliberately distort what you read?
--First of all, nobody is claiming that Mr. Padron uses this blog as his "main vehicle" to expose wrongdoing. Like many of us, he also goes to meetings. But he has also posted more than a dozen of his communications on this blog. Using multiple vehicles to expose corruption is a GOOD thing.
--You are WRONG about the pancake breakfast not being initially cancelled. Quoting directly from the Spring 2014 boosters' Facebook page: the breakfast was listed as having been "cancelled for this year". Those were the EXACT WORDS used. Mr. Mills did step up and explain on the blog (!) that more parents needed to participate, and the breakfast was rescheduled...partly thanks to the people reading this blog.
--I know at least 3 people who found out about the Angeldorm fundraiser on the blog (not on Facebook). I am one of them; I donated $100 (money that would not have been donated otherwise, since I am not on Facebook).
--Links to news releases are indeed in the board packets...sometimes several days after those links have been posted on this blog. By then it's old news. Oh, and those news releases you mention are just the ones the central office picks out. There are plenty of news links on the blog that are not in board packets. If you choose to limit your reading to the links provided by district administration, that's YOUR choice, but some of us prefer to get our information from several sources, including blogs.
Listening to the seven candidates gives me hope for EA and it is unfortunate that all seven of them can not win that would bring a new day to EA.
Hull and Peryea should not be reelected and this blog gives everyone a forum to state their opinion.
Mr Padron has made a case for corruption and I believe Hull and Peryea are responsible for turning back the clock and not questioning anything. That is not a good BOE member.
We as teachers need to unite against a poor settlement. The disparity in wages, and respect is more than apparent. The district is currently crying poor mouth with 80 million in the bank. It is time to realize we need to save our pennies and STRIKE. Dr Popp is not to be trusted, he allows Gloztbach and Thruckenbrod to run the show.
If our Union can not get us a 5% raise we should vote them out. Giving extra PPAs at the end of the school year is not going to pacsify us. MONEY TALKS!!!
Dear Throwback Thursday, Thanks for the article. Read Larry Malachers comment. "its part of the direction to "MOVE the DISTRCT FORWARD". Sounds like the same lies that Peryea and Hull are using in their campaigns.
"Move the district forward" is a meaningless catch phrase. In what specific way did Larry Malaker plan to move our district forward? How was that plan achieved by replacing the band director, against the wishes of the community?
Now ten years later Raymond Hull uses a similar phrase. Those of us who've been in the district for awhile are cynical. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.
Rumors are flying all around that Marty Feltes is being "fired". It is on the personnel report and the Board of Ed will approve it at Monday's Meeting.
Thank you Ralph Padron for exposing all the corruption at East Aurora. Don't stop your investigation as you have already done us residents a GREAT service in publicly presenting all your findings.
Please keep us informed on your other issues you are getting into. Rumors have it that more individuals will be removed. Let's hope that is true
I agree with you, old timer. For more years than I can recall, the school board has taken one step forward and two steps back and called it progress. One candidate was correct when she said something along the lines of -initiative fatigue. This is so true, this district changes programs, policy and protocol every time an administrator sneezes. Just for the sake of claiming new initiatives. What they fail to report is there is no progress or improvement with these newly implemented plans or newly hired personnel. Looking forward to some real change in the Board and the way business is handled in 131
Bye bye Marty. About time you were you were let go. You have cost this district more in money and stress brought on by your adult bullying than anyone in the history of EA131. Some legacy. I am sure this is not the last we will hear of you. Keeping up with what's going on at COD? How about with the altered student test scores made at that school down in Atlanta? Small potatoes compared to the havoc you've wreaked on our District. What goes around comes around. No one is immune, especially narcissists like you.
April 3, 2015 Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer East Aurora School District 131 417 5th Street Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
Dear Mr. Hanley
1 Please provide to me emails sent from Raymond Hull to Michael Popp (per attached spreadsheet).
2 Review attached redacted emails received from previous FOIA’s. Am requesting these be resent unredacted.
3 Also explanation on the Cordigan & Clark email which was redacted yet appeared on the next page unredacted.
If request 2 & 3 does not follow under the FOIA guidelines, if not please advise whom/where I should direct this to.
Please respond via email when finished.
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
The district is purchasing and swapping out all phones so they have data packages that can text message. Maintenance staff will all be provided one first along with other district personnel. Tyler and Glotzbach have told employees to text and do not email. CORUPTION is being swept under the rug. This is taking away ten of thousands of dollars from students.
Please get the word out and thank you for this blog. This district needs a new BOE or the State needs to come in.
The district has always had those types of phones and I know for a fact Joan would never tell someone to text. She is a person of integrity. If something needs to be sAid, she picks up the phone.
HULL SAYS- "It's political rhetoric to say the schools are not safe. "That's really wrong and hurtful."
WHAT??? Hurtful to WHOM? YOU!??Maybe because you don't have to be there all day?? Sitting in your cushy Public Works job with the City of Aurora all day long! You are 100% out of touch with what is happening.
Please do NOT re-elect Ray Hull for the BOE! HULL IS BAD FOR East Side Schools!
I agree about Hull needs to go. What is wrong and hurtful is the way they have allowed things to get out of hand and affect the quality of life for all students at the HS. The one principal who was making a sincere effort to fix the truant and disciplinary problems, they force him to resign ( do not renew his contract). Hull is not a good Board member option. People get out there and vote!
No Ray apparently you missed the rhetoric class that night in college. It is wrong and hurtful to deny that there is an actual real life problem with gangs drugs and weapons and that teachers and students have to slog through this mess and try to teach and learn. Maybe if we all felt safe performance would shoot through the roof!! (sorry for the choice of verb, but hey)
The comments of Hull and Peryea show how out of touch they are with regards to student discipline.
The entire BOE needs to be replaced for allowing without question from one BOE member, the comments of Thruckenbrod at a meeting
Thruchenbrod stated students with weed do not face discipline since many students in our district use it as a cheap drug for medical purposes. He stated that is the best students can afford. Allowing a administrator like him to work in 131 is very troubling, and NOT ONE BOE member questioned him.
Need the above for the timeline Jan 1 2014-Current April 6, 2015. All revisions to be included.
2. Janitorial Purchase Order # 67078 dtd August 30th 2012 Purchase Order for Mayfair Hotel & Supply related to 2012-2013 Custodial Supply Bid.
3 Janitorial “bid results” for the 2012 2013 Custodial Supply Bid. Please include all Purchase Orders Issued to those awarded those contracts.
4 Application for Michael Glowanka Building & Grounds Supervisor
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
MARY LOUISE PERYEA reaches a NEW record LOW today! WHAT kind of CRUD do I find in my mailbox after a hard day's work? Her libelous and slanderous dirty political mailing attacking another board member! I would DONATE to a fund to take "LOU" to court for that! And as far as her and her running mate RAY HULL being responsible for our precious children? THAT is a SCARY thought! WHAT ARE YOU TWO COVERING UP? WHY do you need to stay on the board SO BADLY that you will act in such a manner as to ALARM our community with this garbage? If anyone out there had an inkling to vote hull/peryea NOW would be the time to re-evaluate that decision!
Hull, Garza and Peryea are running together and it looks like City of Aurora is trying to control the election and the district finances. Why are they so desparate last I checked the school board is a non paying job. I guess it is a paying job if you award contracts to Weisners cronies.
Anonymous Another level of corruption said... In the latest 131 scandle, Dr Popp has allowed Peryea to use district property to campaign. She was at EAHS today asking staff if they lived in 131 and could vote. She also asked students to take home a card to request a absentee ballot. A post card was handed out to vote for herself, Garza and Hull. The postcards have not campaign disclosure information on them. A call placed to the election commision remained unanswered.
March 27, 2015 at 5:02 PM
That same day Peryea was spotted using district copy equipment to run copies. The copies that appeared in the mail had Peryea's address on them. Dr Popp knew copies were run on the district machine. we are so discussed by his actions nobody has any respect for Dr Popp. It now shows the level of coverups he would go to. It is Unfortunity someone would be so hurtful and Hull and Peryea call themselves Chistians.
Central Office news is we will need to go on strike the district is offering us NOTHING They claim they are broke. They claim that for every penny a position will need to get cut and not filled. This means higher class sizes.
Please be very vocal that we will not settle unless we are paid what other districts are paying. Dr Popp has had us work in unsafe buildings all year. Tell your Building Rep. STRIKE and vote for a board that will bring fiscal accountability..
You must of not got the CRUD someone else put out about Peryea and Hull some sent out that didn't put any affiliation on it. Some of the information I got was from Citizen for D131.
I'm not saying I'm for Hull and Peryea just that it is funny there is nothing on the flyers about who sent them. This one should be looked into.
YAY! A new day for EA131! See where CRUD gets you Peryea? Both you an Hull gone. Thanks for doing us a favor with that wonderful mailing of yours. Many people at the polls took notice of it- that's one of the reasons why your in the bottom 2! Bad comes back around...sometimes it just takes a while.
"It appears that Alex Arroyo, Kenneth Darby, Kimberly Hatchett and John Laesch were elected to the East Aurora School Board. Each is a newcomer to the board.
Nine candidates ran for four seats, each with four-year terms.
With 39 of 39 precincts reporting, Arroyo received 19 percent of votes, Darby received 14 percent, Hatchett received 13 percent and Laesch received 12 percent, according to unofficial vote totals.
Mary Garza received 11 percent of votes, Raymond Hull received 10 percent, Anita Lewis received 9 percent and Mary Louise "Lou" Peryea and Julie Garofalo each received 7 percent. Hull and Peryea were the incumbents"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The people have spoken...We have four NEW School Board members!
Everyone is happy now, but your lives are miserable and you will find fault with these individuals as well. Find Jesus, he is the only one that can save you and he is perfect.
No, the residents of carillon and ward 1 spoke. They were the only ones who voted and all they care about is taxes, not the kids. As usual the main part of aurora who have students in the schools didn't care enough to vote. I feel bad for our students. But wish the new board prayers and hope they can make some great strides moving things forward.
Really? Peryea or Hull obviously wrote this! I believe it was the will and prayers of the good people who are striving to better EA131. Accept it. You have no choice.
Thousands of citizens went to the polls yesterday to vote for School Board, and you blame (or credit) this blog for the results?? Are you delusional or just plain clueless about how the democratic system works?
And "Everyone is happy now, but your lives are miserable"...that statement makes absolutely no sense. If "everyone" is indeed happy, how can anyone's life be miserable? Unless, of course, you are schizophrenic in addition to being delusional and clueless ;)
I do agree with you about one thing, though: Jesus is the only one who can save us and He is perfect!
Your lives are miserable. you will find a problem with the newly elected board in no time. I have been in the community for 50 years. The board from hell were the ones that voted not to get the land by the mall because they did not want busses. Waubonsie Valley Emerged. The board from hell was the board that cut middle school athletics which led to the increase of gang activity in the 90s. The board from hell was under radakovich, wait it was under roberts, wait, now it's under popp. That's why you idiots are clearly what you are, idiots. You will never stop complaining because you are a bunch of low income losers who are unhappy in your own life. I will gladly eat my words if no one on this blog complains about the newly elected board in the near future. But the sad fact is that you will be whining in no time about something because that's what our community does. Sad.
You are just a sore loser...and you most definitely do NOT know me! I have anything but a miserable life; on the contrary, I have a successful career and upper-middle-class income and have raised children in Aurora who are now productive citizens. I voted yesterday, and I also attend many community events. Seems to me the whining and complaining are coming from you, not me!
The voters have spoken. We have new people on the School Board.
Peryea! Go home,you're drunk! My goodness, what a crazy rant! We are glad your gone, so move on already. Wow! And you seriously wanted us to elect you?? I can just imagine what the next couple of BOE meetings will be like! Will you be putting a lamp shade on your head and dancing on the desk?!
Not miserable either! I am also from an upper middle class home with children in East Aurora schools. I voted for the 4 new board members because this last board was embarrassing to watch and was anything but transparent! I was appalled by the way they wasted money on important positions like buildings and grounds. My taxes pay for what the district purchases and if the board can't respect our hard earned money, they will indeed be voted out! Citizens of East Aurora are smarter than you think, as evidenced by yesterday's vote.
If you are upper middle class, and you are sending your kid to one of the lowest performing schools in the state , than you are stupid. 35 grand and a Kmart credit card doesn't qualify you as upper middle class.
There are many upper-middle-class homes and neighborhoods in District 131. Hometown, Stonegate West, Nature's Edge...as well as some nice older homes in Ward 1. You display YOUR ignorance when you stereotype the voters in our district.
I have neighbors with graduate degrees who earn upwards of $100,000 and choose to live within the boundaries of District 131. Their children attend Rosary and Marmion (private Catholic schools), but they pay taxes to support D131 and care a great deal about our district. There is a lot of diversity in income, ethnicity, and educational level in our district...and people like my neighbors & me turned out to vote yesterday for 4 new School Board members.
Great article in the Beacon, it shows the 4 new members are already more intelligent, and thoughtful than the 4 they are replacing. The voters did us well wherever they came from .
"School board president Larry Malaker, who retired Thursday, said earlier this month that the move was designed to improve student programs, but he would not be more specific"
~~~~~~~~~~~~ Of course he would not be more specific; the phrase "improve student programs" is vague and meaningless! Malaker's comment was just an attempt to cover over the REAL reason Mr. K was deprived of his high school teaching position: the administration (and ONLY the administration, against the wishes of parents, students, alumni, and his fellow teachers) chose to PUNISH a good teacher simply because he had the guts to stand up for the best interests of his students.
Yes, it's been ten years since Malaker and his fellow administrators had their little bully party, but he and Clayton Muhammad are still involved in the district, with the Aurora East Education Foundation. Ray Hull lost his bid for re-election to the School Board, perhaps partly because many of us oldtimers remember his involvement in supporting"Serial Bully" Radakovich.
Time "marches" on (pun intended), but some bitterness will probably always remain about a certain dark spot in our district's history.
199 comments:
Nice red and black image, administrator!
And thanks for reminding us that TOMORROW is the deadline for registering to vote. Our School Board has a LOT of important decisions to make in the near future, and we need to choose candidates who will support what's best for our students!
Looks like the district is going to run a referendum. Please support Lewis, Laesch, Darby and Arroyo if you want to stop wild spending and return fiscal responsibility.
I READ THIS AT THE March 2nd BOARD MEETING
This is directed to Board President Raymond Hull.
A. For nearly 2 months the Bldg & Grnds Director has been absent from his job. What is his status? In addition the Personnel Report has never acknowledged this absence which is unheard of.
1 If a teacher would have done this, would the principal report this, that he/she has walked off the job?
2 Why hasn’t Human Resources updated this on the semi-monthly Personnel Reports given to the Board to approve?
3 Should the Superintendent insist on having his status updated? Is it required by law or Bd Policy to address this issue? Please respond to why this has been allowed.
4 Based on this factual information, I am requesting the Board reject tonight’s Personnel Report.
B. Regarding the recent Police Report: All 3 employees questioned made false statement regarding multiple issues.
1 The Superintendent and Bldg Grnds Director both stated my wife and I were receiving “Free Health Insurance”. The BG Director stated “this was a mistake and was subsequently corrected which infuriated Padron”. I would expect nothing less than requesting their documents to support their statements. Lorryl brought evidence that this she indeed paid the premiums. I am insisting on Dr Popp and Bldg Grnds Director provide documents to support their responses.
2 Regarding the BG Purchasing supervisor’s comments:
As he recalled “delay in Valdes supplying trash liners”
“Where are the document/emails to support this?
“when asked about the separate purchases $24,990.00 preventing the purchase from going out to an official bid upon reaching the $25,000.00 he said he could not answer that”
AGAIN NO DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT THESE STATEMENTS
3 He also justified the $1,000.00 additional charge of training and freight.
Did he check the policies pertaining to these charges? If he did, he intentionally disregarded them.
I will be appealing this Police Report to the States Attorney to prove the above, in addition to several false statements on this “Report”. Again, if things were up and up, this would not be necessary.
C Update on the “Email Scandal”
1 The second complaint has been approved and the FOIA Officer will be receiving it this week.
2 Lingering question still is unanswered “Why were they never released”
3 Additional Evidence has been discovered to support my complaint
Has Transparency been redefined by this Board of Education?
Popp, Truckenbrod and Flanigan should be terminated by the Board of Ed. A prime example is the chaos this week. In the middle of early testing a Principal at a middle school, and Elementary school was told after five years of service they would not be retained. They started the process of telling staff they would not be coming back next year. Both buildings operated under chaos and gossip, that is human nature.
On Tuesday everyone started that day with the Principals telling us they would be retained. We will not mention the names for further injury to the Principals reputations. However this shows a lack of planning and direction how is it any leadership exists.
The annual Music In Our Schools Month Choir Concert will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5. The concert will feature songs from around the world as well as a variety of musical time periods, from classical to contemporary.
Admission is $2 for anyone 13 years or older. Anyone 12 or younger is free. Tickets are available at the door. Proceeds support the East Aurora High School choir program.
The concert will be conducted by East Aurora Choir Director Lisa Gawlik, accompanied by East Aurora High School accompanist Nancy Tabb.
For more information, contact Gawlik at lgawlik@d131.org or (630) 299-8146.
Where are the minutes from the February 2nd School Board meeting?
Our Principal at Allen was bullied by Tom Flanigan for allowing teachers to speak up about our horrible curriculum. This is the new day in EA GOD BRING US A NEW BOARD.
The corruption, cronyism and gross misappropriation of funds will obviously never be admitted to nor addressed by the the powers-that-be in this district.
Issues that should have been dealt with long ago have been allowed to continue and get worse.
Adult bullies are allowed to run wild with no repercussions. It is now time to take these issues to a higher governmental body who will take action. It has been a long time coming...
To: Michael Popp, Christi Tyler
From: Ralph Padron
Subject: Email Instructions & Violations
Came across this email via FOIA response and immediately “Red Flags” arose.
1 It is evident that your instructions to “We need to stick to the current preferred vendor list” was not adhered to. Why would that be?
A. Is there a reason for using Artlip and Melcor Roofing exclusively?
B. Are there documents to support those authorized vendors not be given the work?
2. Note the attached purchase orders confirm an unauthorized vendor was being utilized. Please explain.
3. The attached invoices do not have PO# referenced. From an accounting standpoint, this is mandatory and payment should not be made until the vendor corrects this.
4. Were these invoices and selection of vendor challenged or rejected by the Business Office or was it never addressed?
5 Upon reviewing the List of Bills thru mid January 2015, Artlip was paid a substantial amount for services at EA.
Please advise if I need to FOIA the above for the invoice/work order history for these 2 vendors
A written response is requested.
All school personnel are responsible for reporting fraud, waste, or abuse to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. You can make your report at the OIG Fraud Hotline (below).
The OIG identifies and investigates individuals and groups who may have committed fraud with education funds or with respect to Department-funded programs. Each week, criminals are prosecuted and convicted, and receive sentences that include significant prison terms and monetary penalties. Cases have included school or college officials making false statements regarding grant eligibility and performance; creating false documents to obtain grants for students who do not attend the school or are enrolled in ineligible programs; setting up shell companies to which education dollars are funneled; embezzling money from school accounts; using school accounts and credit cards to make purchases for personal purposes; and accepting bribes and kickbacks from contractors.
Please help us put a stop to these crimes. In addition to reading and distributing this information, report any suspicion of fraud, waste, or abuse to the OIG Special Agent in Charge in your geographic area-
Gary D. Whitman
Regional IG for Audit
(312)730-1620
Thomas Utz Jr.
Special Agent in Charge
(312)730-1652
Located at: Citigroup Center
500 W. Madison St., Suite 1414
Chicago, IL 60661
YOU CAN FILE A TIP at the Hotline anonymously in several different languages here:
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oig/hotline.html?src=rt
If you prefer, you may contact the Inspector General's Hotline anonymously by:
Calling the OIG Hotline's toll free number 1-800-MIS-USED.
Hotline Operators take calls during the hours of Monday and Wednesday 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Eastern Time; Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM, Eastern Time except for holidays.
You may also download a hardcopy of the Hotline Complaint Form, complete then mail or fax to:
Inspector General's Hotline
Office of Inspector General
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue,S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-1500
Fax: (202) 245-7047
You are protected when you report information about your employer to the Inspector General's Office (called "Whistleblowing"). You can report anyone who takes action against you for doing so.
To report whistleblower reprisal prohibited by the Whistleblower Protection Act, Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-19, Section 1553 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), or Section 828 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (NDAA), please use the Whistleblower Reprisal Complaint Form here:
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oig/recoveryact/edoigwhistleblowerreprisalcomplaintform.pdf
How many children are going to get injured or killed will Dr Popp and Mark Thruckenbrod learn on the job. The blood of the community is on the hands of Our School Board for hiring him.
Ralph Padron needs to give it up after so many complaints what has accomplished but ruining a fine man's name. He and his wife did not pay insurance that is a fact and he can't give it up. if he was such a good business man why did he not buy his own insurance for he and his wife.
"He and his wife did not buy insurance"...
WRONG.
Lorryl Padron has evidence that she did indeed pay premiums. So they DID buy insurance. Too bad for our district's administration that their LIES are being exposed.
There is a joke going around Central Office but it is a trueeism on how the District runs. If you are Dr Popps last meeting of the day that is direction the District may go in if you are quick enough to get the email out. dr Popp was never prepared to become Superintendent. he should have worked as a Asst Sup or Sup in a small District first.
The Board blew it in hiring him. they are also responsible for the massive changes in school safety and discipline. The staff was ill prepared to throw together a new alternative plan and open a all day Kindergarden. Ray Hull is to blame his objective was to close the Urban League. To staff that would have been okay if they had time. Today gang bangers sit in Alternative School at EAHS and our Middle schools with your children. Meanwhile a multi million dollar structure sits empty. Dr Popp still can not decide who attends what.
These are sad days in EA and Hull and Peryea should not return to the Board for the chaos they have created.
If you feel you are unable to use the OIG website, send any information about the District that you know or suspect to be theft or waste of funds, harassment, bullying, vendor theft, employee kickbacks or anything you believe is against the law and we will send it in for you anonymously.
You DO NOT need to tell us your name.
Email:
DIST131INFO@gmail.com
------------------------------
Si usted siente que no puede utilizar el sitio web de la OIG , envíe cualquier información sobre el Distrito que usted sabe o sospecha que el robo o la pérdida de los fondos , el acoso, la intimidación , robo vendedor , sobornos de empleados o cualquier cosa que usted crea que es contra la ley y nosotros lo enviará para usted en forma anónima .
NO es necesario que nos diga su nombre .
email:
DIST131INFO@gmail.com
ALL FOIA RESULTS I HAVE RECEIVED SHOWS FULL UP TO JAN 30 2015. NO SICK NOR VACATION DAYS APPLIED PER CHECK SUMMARY.
What is even more questionable, why the Personnel Report does not show his absence.
Re: FOIA Request for Documents “Marty Feltes Payroll Questions”
Dear Mr. Hanley
Please provide to me all documents pertaining to the accounting/application of all “Sick, Vacation, other authorized non-working days pertaining to Marty Feltes.
1 Time period is from Jan 1 2014 - current March 6 2015.
2 Am specifically looking for when these days were applied during any payroll period
3 Include those balances of those sick and vacation days for 2014 & 2015.
4 NOT looking for an explanation of why they were used BUT when were they applied.
This should not fall under the confidentiality of the employee.
5 As of today (March 6th 2015) what are the totals of unused balances for sick and vacation days?
Referenced the attached payroll summary obtained via recent FOIA, the documents appear to state that payroll is unaffected and no application of sick and vacation days.
Please provide guidance if any of the above cannot be answered accordingly.
Please respond via email when finished.
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
The article today shows the taxpayers why d131 is a waste. The Alternative Education program has always been a money pit. It also shows Ray Hulls care for everything black. If only a few students attend why is the district paying millions to keep it open. I read last summer they are paying over thirty thousand a month and also for the summer months when school is not session and all the costs including insurance and utilites. I am sure that comes to over one million while other kids are kept in overcrowded schools with poor heating.
I guess we know Hull will do anything to keep his Black sisters and brothers in a job. The Urban League is another example. By reading the Beacon News today it sure seems they are doing a good job. The gang banger already has two kids at seventeen the girl is guilty of statutory rape and who will foot the bill.
In our District if you show some competence the Popp administration builds a case and gets rid of you. Glotzbach and Thruckenbrod run the District not Popp. Our Principal is getting released this year at the HS. The reason is he made the mistake of being more educated than Thruckenbrod. This year he optained his Doctorate and Superintendent endorsement. He also spoke up against the new policies of the District.
This year more teachers than ever will be submitting their resignations. EAHS is overcrowded and dangerous. The curriculum lacks no plan and moral is at a all time low. The Union representation goes to Thruckenbrod constantly and names names. Teachers are then targeted by Division Chairs. Three Division Chairs will also be leaving. One has recently stated the following. The music man (Thruckenbrod) forces us to target teachers and I will no longer have a part in it. Teachers have been targeted after two attempts and many broken promises to improve student safety.
To all employees, and residents of East Side Aurora ;
Feltes will get paid after election which amounts to about $ 60,000 plus benefits. this BOE has made simular deals approved by Raymond Hull and company. It is common for this BOE to do this citing legal costs. Let us not forget Ernest Clark at $80,000 and the Porn case teacher at $20,000.
Where the heck are those February 2nd board minutes??
The Principal at the high school has done a great job and many of the teachers/staff support him. Hopefully, they are not getting rid of him. Non tenured teachers are looking for new jobs due to safety issues and salary.
If the district is losing large numbers of teachers due to safety and salary, then the administration and board have not done their jobs. The children need continuity to be successful.
The fact that the teachers in District 131 are paid up to $50,000 less than the teachers on the West Side and 204 just shows that the Administration and Board have not been doing their jobs for a very long time. It's also a strong indicator that the Union is in bed with the District.
The teachers who don't quit this spring need to stand up and demand better both for themselves and the students.
The teachers need to strike this year. The Administration has promised Sarah Intherium continued full release if she goes along with them..
Craig Rhaodes had part release until Harding came along was paid full release and promised us things would be better and made us vote for the contract last time. Harding promised us the District would listen to us with the committees. The committees further eroded our rights. Harding jumped ship got paid big bucks and became an administrator , only to leave for more money and become a Field Rep.
Intherm last week sold us out when we became concerned about safety and wanted to go public at a BOE meeting. She named names. Sarah to lazy and fat to stand in her feet and teach half days.
Byrd defended us and has complained about safety all year now he is being released.
Everyone unite it's time to strike'!!!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-auditor-st-0310-20150309-story.html
We the at Cowherd have issues with security. In fact we also wanted to speak and like at EAHS Intherium sold us out. Just wait until she brings a contract forward. Many of us are leaving or are willing to Strike.
The student who was almost killed was not in a gang but he was black. Gang related issues are up and the district will not acknowledge a poor plan. In School Alternative does not work. Lies from administration are not working they had complaints since Ocober. Our Principal has complained only to get told her contract will not get re-issued. Only to get re-hired a day later after teachers and support staff would have complained in masses. She is now looking for another position and another one of the district finest will leave. Look to Hull to install do noting Margaret Boyd who rips up referrals and allows teachers to get abused by students
Same Old Story
The entire district is bullied by the two Music Men. that would be Flannigan and Thruckenbrod. Our Union is worthless and in bed with administration. Intherum sat hand and hand and praised Joan for her work on screwing over good teachers at the last meeting. Our Principal is now getting bullied for not coming to Popp and speaking in public. Elementary staff needs to unite with middle and EAHS staff and vote the contract down. We need to say enough is enough.
The community also needs to vote out Hull and Peryea and get us a new Board. We need a clean sweep.
Written in tonight's Beacon is another insult by Leonard to the fine work men and women do in this district.
"This only works if you have qualified staff and supervisors," said Richard Leonard, a board member.
lLike Feltes was qualified this speaks to how they think about us. We have kept the building patched together for years and asked our Union to speak up. With the over one hour long presentation not one Union Leader was there to hear why we are getting insulted and the distrct is spending three times the cost.
Brown is a crony of Ray Hulls and does horrible work. it is time to elect a Board that treats us with respect.
We have asked our Union and the teachers have asked theirs to have a forum like high functioning districts. They have not listened maybe we should stop paying dues then we will get attendtion. Medina only cares about his eight relatives on the district payroll.
Ralph Padron: If you want to clean up wasted tax dollars, you should investigate the PARCC tests (and the multitude of other tests). This nation is wasting billions of tax dollars cramming these tests down everyone throats just to make certain corporations richer. Politically, it has the added benefit of allowing politicians to bash teachers and unions and their pension system.
So far, you have been too focused on D131 instead of looking at the bigger picture. Local businesses are stealing big money from tax payers but nothing compared to the testing companies and Silicon Valley.
You've been so blinded by your anger at D131 that you are missing the real crime.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2015/03/06/principal-to-parents-we-dont-need-to-get-used-to-this-we-need-to-stop-it/
The entire world has gone to computerized testing get over it.
The teachers at Allen are also behind times our district has a modern Curriculum but the teachers in 131 are too inept or behind times to. teach it.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-vendors-st-0311-20150310-story.html
Dr Popp had his henchman shake down teachers at our school and other teachers at another Elementary School for speaking out. Dr Popp will never directly confront anyone he uses his mouth pieces to attack us. this coupled with the lack of support by Intherm have put the fear into anyone who will speak out. basically he stated he supports his administration and wil not listen to us and our ideas.
Ms Strand and Peryea received a great deal of support from members of our building in the last election. they made us believe Johnson was a bully. Johnson may have been a bully with administration but she addressed concerns. the other BOE members did nothing. Thanks to Peryea and Strand now we have a real bully with the teachers.
Dr Popp is Mike Radaovich and the Board is the Board from Hell.
Date: March 11, 2015
To: Board of Ed President East Aurora Dist 131 Raymond Hull
From: Ralph Padron
Subject: Questions of Transparency
1. I have noticed a disturbing pattern which is of a major concern. Time and time again I have spoken at the Board Meetings and have NEVER received a written response (which I have requested) from Dr Popp or yourself. Many other speakers have experienced the same result. Can you please explain that?
2. Reference the current Email Controversy “Heat Exchangers & List of Bills”
.
A. This continues to be a topic with no end in sight. The emails have been released regarding the Heat Exchangers (see attached) yet the mystery continues. I don’t believe these emails contain statements regarding students nor District 131 staff yet the content continues to be withheld from public examination nor they contain information of a very sensitive nature.
Why have so many of them been eradicated and who determined that?
Was it Dr Popp or Bernie Weiler or somebody else?
I don’t expect an answer to that , only those few know who made that decision
The history of receiving answers to some “Black & White Questions” will more than likely will repeat itself of “No Response or Confidentiality Issue”
B. For several months this issue has been unnecessarily prolonged and made difficult in obtaining these emails by Mr Hanley’s responses. I would have expected something like
“Word your request this way and you will receive an answer” However Hanley’s responses would never give that suggestion. You would think that I was asking for information which concerned National Security. It is obvious that EA was going to make it difficult for me to obtain these emails. Would this have happened if I were an Illinois politician or the Mayor of Aurora?
C. The Attorney General of Illinois is now involved and will now determine what the results of the investigation. THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER GONE TO THIS LEVEL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
D. You Raymond Hull, should have intervened and put a stop to this nonsense and back up your statements of a Transparent Board and District. Have you reviewed the emails which you were one of the recipients several times? So much time and money wasted, if you would have shown some true leadership under your watch. Again Bernie Weiler’s Law Firm is the big winner for legal fees.
E. Regarding my wife Lorryl Denny Padron confronting Dr Popp on his false statement on the Police Report, did you find this offensive that she had evidence to support her statements? I would think that you would have made a statement regarding this issue or at the very least issue her an apology.
F. Several times I have provided proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the Purchasing Scandals uncovered warranted disciplinary action regardless of the employee’s position yet you have never met with me to explain and allow me to present the evidence which is of a very serious nature and violation. Three Minutes speaking at a Board meeting is not enough to adequately explain these infractions.
Corporate America would never tolerate the performances and overpay staff for “On The Job Training” in critical areas in decision making and managing finances. Do I need to mention names?
I suggest you prioritize your “Board Comments” time in addressing those Important Issues instead of putting time portraying yourself as a victim in “accusing Denise Crosby and myself of being Bullies”.
Unfortunately it is of many an individuals opinion in East Aurora that the current Administration and Board has lost its credibility and is beyond repair.
Again I ask “What is the big secret” regarding the content in the emails”
Ralph Padron
Hey PARAC- Learn how to spell PARCC and not to put periods in the middle of sentences before you attack the hardworking teachers of d131. Today the headphones for testing didn't work- kids went without lunch after testing all day at the high school-- the ceiling is falling down and they have multiple garbage cans to catch drips-- Soft lockdown to cap off the day because of gun or gang violence outside. Not knowing how to teach a modern curriculum?" Most of us have to start from scratch each year because admins don't know which end is up. We can teach curriculum just give us some time to hone our craft instead of being bound down with ridiculous b.s. testing that has no link to any curriculum being taught at the present time. But I feel sorry for the kids. Besides the teachers we are all just an afterthought.
Dr Popp, Flanigan, Thruckenbrod and Childress laid down the law to several teachers groups since the last meeting.
We are to follow the chain of command and not speak to the public. Really? Dr Dictator is out of control, did he ever hear of freedom of speech.
The gangs run the schools, but again our union will not back us. Popp is sending emails directly to many of us. how unprofessional. We are not to speak. Vain anger from a little man. After the entire school year they decided to remove 5 students and send them to the Extension Campus. Now Orstead will have twenty students in a multi million dollar building. meanwhile we have thousands of students in a overcrowded building.
The Board is allowing this but then again Hull thinks teachers that are white are not capable of teaching students. Mr Padron is correct the victim is not Hull but the teachers.
It dawned on me as I was getting ready for work this morning. The union president must have the read the wrong job description which is why she believes she works for the administration and not the teachers.
EA teachers - please support John Laesch as a candidate for School Board. Have known him for a long time and he is very pro-teacher.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-forums-st-0315-20150313-story.html
Hulls good friend Juan Thomas notified candidates of a upcoming debate by envelope yesterday in mailboxes with NO stamp. A violation of the law and only a four day notice. This is also the Dupage Chapter. We find it interesting that Dupage NAACP would be interested in 131.
We are also sure Hull, Hatchet, Peryea and Garza have been having District administration write answers for weeks as to questions that B2M students will be asking.
What level will someone goto.
Just when Hull could not reach a new low level he is having City of Aurora workers remove sign claiming it is on the parking when sign are in people's back yards facing busy streets. I called the City today and that's what was explained.
HEY EVERYONE! GUESS WHAT !? MARTY FELTES IS COMING BACK! There you go...no more gossiping and asking if he is returning. It's a sure thing!
He will be back to start harassing all of you next week. Here's an idea...REPORT HIM WHEN HE BULLIES YOU. Keep a notebook with you at all times and write down everything he does.
He has already been reported several times to the Office Of The Inspector General. But YOU...the staff at District 131 has to help as well. File grievances against him. Tell your steward. File a tip on the OIG hotline! If the administration and Dick Leonard want him back so badly show them what you will do to fight back by REPORTING him!
You must be a MALE coach, the only type of person he shows any respect towards.
Feltes will be back March 23rd and watch for resignations in the Directors and other Principals very soon. The names will show we are losing the good ones. Everyone is hoping a new BOE will take charge and rid of Popp. He brings incompetdentcy to a new level. He allows Glotzbach to run the district and he will not make a decision. Then there is Thruckenbrod his secret fishing buddy to add to the incompetdance.
As for Feltes, Popp will keep him because of Dick Leonard. Look for more rapid decline and student issues through the Spring.
Someone should ask the Mayor if that is Hull's job he is with water and Sanitation and I would think he has no authority to do so. Just shows the Mayor is as crooked as they are.
hull Is having City workers pull down signs. I am disappointed that someone as nice as Mary Garza would be taken in by him.
Workers are being harassed daily by administration not to speak out. I have friends who work for the distrct and they have seen it this bad
Hull is a racist to the bone and only believes in BLACK Power. employees are losing their speech and all rights. Anyone who can steal signs is stealing the district blind
The reason Feltes is coming back is Leonard. He and Popp visited our school last week. Leonard never looked at the kids. He only looked at the building. Everyone knew he and Popp made a deal. The two commented how great the building looked. Code language for Feltes is doing a terrific job.
Popp and Leonard must be blind. The paint is peeling, and half the electric sockets don't work. The roof leaks and half the sinks and toilets are out of order. The heat is another story. Half the classrooms are freezing and the others are so hot you need to keep a window open in winter.
Strand is no better, she is always parading her Naperville friends around to seek more donations for herself. The kids in our building are the actors on her stage. If you have made the mistake of complaining to her good luck. You can expect a call from Flanigan personally. The word is then we are watching you..
The moral at Brady is at a all time low. With the evaluation model our Union sold us down the river on teachers know they will get terminated if they speak up. If we don't take matters into our own hands and strike this year there is no hope.
Last year we lost a ethical leader, now we have Popp who is paranoid and a introverted dictator. He hides behind Flanigan. There is no hope for EA
If what you say is true NAACP debate said.. that the letters where delivered without a stamp in there mail boxes that is a Federal Offense no one except the Post Office can put anything in you mailbox except The United State Post Office. If these candidates go to this forum then the have no respect for the law. Now I am say if this is true that Juan Thomas did this and it is a federal offense and if the candidates go then they have no respect for the law and shows they are corrupt.
I am disappointed that Mary Garza who claims she is for the kids now is working with Ann Benevides and her worthless husband to get herself elected. Lets not forget the fiasco of the summer when the Board named the Center after Benevides taking it away from Jaybird.
Jaybird is the child our entire staff favored along with Anna Sanford who started Preschool in our district. Benevides is a big friend to Ray Hull and it showed who Ray was when he took it away from two upstanding choices to give it to Benevides who she is self centered and only cares for herself.
The Jaybird story shows the arrogance this administration has operated under.
Quad County Urban League Building: Mrs. Johnson stated that the administrators have not been very happy with the education at the Urban League. She stated that the building is impossible to purchase right now; it is so far under water. Mrs. Annette Johnson stated that administration will be bringing a proposal to the board in January that would move 300 students from East High to the Urban League. These would be high school credit deficient students (second year 9th graders). The district would work with the Urban League to hire the right staff to service the students. Mrs. Johnson stated that there would be a joint agreement stating that after a year or two of employment at the Urban League these teachers could apply with District 131 and be considered for employment. There would be an administrator at the building as well as a Dean. Mrs. Johnson stated that the Urban League has agreed to this concept “in theory”. Mr. Leonard asked what would happen to the students that are there now. Mrs. Johnson stated that we would probably move towards a program similar to West Aurora where alternative school students will go to a program at the high school at night. The special education program students would go back to Camelot and Fox tech. The teachers would not be in the collective bargaining agreement. These individuals would be Urban League employees. Discussion ensued about this initiative costing the district more money than is currently paid. Mr. Hull stated that if the Urban League cannot do an adequate job now with the students that are there he does not want to support them educating any more students. Mrs. Lou Peryea asked if we would be paying for slots as we have done in the past and Mrs. Johnson stated that we would. Mr. Leonard asked when this is going to happen and Mrs. Johnson stated that it would happen next
2year; they would be bringing in a proposal in January. Mrs. Johnson further stated that the problem with this school is that they are ready to flunk students without district intervention.
Juan Thomas has already had his brush with the law. He was disbarred several years ago for taking his clients money and not preforming services. Is this the best the NAACP can get. It also shows Hull keeps bad company so are we surprised that he put envelopes in candiadates mailboxes without a stamp.
Hull must be worried if he has to have Juan create a forum with Boy 2 Men members asking questions. Do we really think Hull and Peryea have not been given the answers. hopefully they know how to read Mike Popp and Matt Hanleys writing.
Interesting comments from Tom Weisner. Maybe he should ask Ray Hull why in one year since becoming Board President all the policys changed regarding Zero Tolerance and Suspensions.
The good administrators are leaving and students are now in harms way. Under Hull it is okay to bring a gun to school or all allow gangbanders to bully students into joining a Gang.Meanwhile the good students are being chased away. Attendance is down and safety concerns are facing teachers and students today.
Dr Popp never had intentions of addressing the CORUPTION in B & G. Look at his record. he first allowed Feltis to steal the district blind and then when Padron exposed Rana. Popp told Feltis lay low and we will put Rana in charge. There are other people working in B&g that have had more experience but Marty picked Rana when he went on sick leave and Rana is still in charge.
Popp and the entire board need to be removed. Administration with ethics are leaving at record pace. Wait only Gloztabach and Thruckenbrog will be left. Leonard will make a deal for Feltis
https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=36687129
If the candidates go to the League of Women Voters forum and not the NAACP they will be painted as racist so they will have to go regardless of how the invitiation was presented. Its in the Beacon and on the District website.
Peryea is out playing the poor senior to voters living to them in Marywood which is in Ward 1 to lower their taxes while telling the other that she will bring busing and new buildings to EA. Which is it? Can you trust her? She is the same person who looked the other way when much corpution was revealed this year. She will do anything to get elected including not asking permission to put her signs with other candiadates that want her distructive behavior off the BOE.
Why is the NAACP of Dupage County running the debate.? I am sick of Ray Hull promoting his racist agenda. First, he has publically stated whites are not capable of teaching our students. Then he goes on to attack a white teacher at EAS stating she treated his daughter poorly. The EAS students voted her as their top ten. Hull attacked her when she was recovering from cancer.
Now Juan Thomas coming into Aurora to promote a racist forum. Then having Boys II Men run the event. Then we had the I am a victim speech attacking Beacon reporter Crosby and Board member Johnson.
Does anyone see a pattern? If anything sell the popcorn it will be interesting.
Mr Thomas go run a forum in Dupage and stop promoting racism.
BTW, Why no event for Latinos.?
Mr. Feltes thinks he is above the law. He may want to read this article about the College of Dupage part-time employee who embezzled school funds. He is now sitting in jail on 400,000 bond.
http://www.dupageco.org/States_Attorney/States_Attorney_News/2015/49501/
There are a couple of camps within the School Board candidates. One is the mayors camp. Not absolute, but questionable if they work for the mayor as to whether they are working for the community of 131 without too much influence by Tom.
Camp # 2 is the Annette camp. Anita is a member. They have joined forces in the past to make sure they had majority vote on the board. This group appears to be very active trying to discredit anyone who is NOT in their corner, which would be the 2 city employees, whose boss has been outspoken against Annette and Lou P. who has been vocal in disagreeing with Ms. Johnson.
The other candidates seem to be under the radar, but not necessarily not aligning with or choosing sides with one of the two listed above. Common bond or coincidence that signs of certain candidates appear at many places together?
No matter what side anyone in this community decides they feel best reflect their ideals for our school district, the most important thing is that people vote. If you are unsure who to vote for, try to attend the candidate forum. Be an educated voter and find out from friends or neighbors, or search the Internet to find a bit of history on those who are running. This is an elected position that hits closest to home for most everyone in EA. School board members make decisions that create the educational environment that our children are given for the foundation of their learning. Choose wisely...and be sure to vote!
I guess I will join the Annette Camp. Annette was the only one who spoke up for the residents. The Mayor has made the EAST Side his dumping ground for years. High taxes, High crime, abbandent falling down unsafe building and overburden schools because of failures on the Mayor part to enforce housing codes.
If what you are saying is true we need to support Annette and not elect Hull. Garza and Peryea. I wondered how Peryea , could afford such beautiful postcards and multi colored signs. Now it makes sense..
I have been alarmed by the Mayors influence on a finance committee made up of his cronies. When does it meet in the dark of night? Any updates!
I have a whole new respect for Annette. Does anyone think the East Side today is a great place to live.
Thanks for your post you have helped me connect the dots.
Nobody needs to discredit Peryea she came to serveral of my neighbors door in the middle of the day wearing Pajama bottoms and jacket that had not been washed in months. I through she was a beggar. then she tells me I am a senior citizen living on a fixed income and I oppose higher property taxes. This is the same women that thinks we don't go to BOE meeting and hear her tell everyone to pay more taxes. She can move tomorrow while I am stuck with high taxes and a low home value.
Feltes was spotted this afternoon driving by Simmons a brand new Harley. What is Popp doing it seems he is allowing him to take time off until his contract automatically renews. if he is well enough to ride a Harley he is well enough to work .In a year he bought a Haley and a brand new 40k plus SUV. I wonder how he can afford such luxuries on his salary. Oh it must be kickbacks.
We need a new BOE period. Everyone talks about Johnson but Leonard allowed Feltes to terrorize hard working Maintenance staff and Strand made promises to teachers that never came true. In fact more of us are afraid to speak more than ever. The new evaluation model leaves us more vulnerable than ever.
In EA today, there is little hope. Hull and Peryea need to NOT be reelected. In two years we then need more fresh ideas. This happened eight years ago when the last BOE from hell resigned. As for Lewis, she has worked with many programs in this district and continues to donate her time. She is one of the GOOD ones.
Impressive board meeting tonight. I was saddened by the decision made to discharge a teacher who obviously cares much more about the children she teaches than the administration does! Many teachers came forward and advocated for her as well as her husband and pastor; calling into question the way the district decides who will be cut from teaching. Her husband who has run evaluations himself for 26 years in another govt. capacity called it a "one-sided" investigation. This raises the question- is this how the entire district is being run? I am glad the BOE tabled that vote and hope she keeps her position!
Many came and spoke out about the nefarious things that watchdog/whistleblower Ralph Padron has been exposing about the district and that the BOE and admin. keep denying. Some of the board members looked sick as person after person came forth to call them out on their questionable practices (that is probably an understatement).
A Union rep. and a steward for the maintenance staff came forward to express their dismay at the fact that in-house jobs had been given away to outside vendors to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A former employee of the district who had been associated with the Buildings and Grounds department brought forth facts on the suspect practices of B&G director Marty Feltes (currently on sick leave, yet seen riding his motorcycle all over town and the western suburbs) exposing where large amounts of money was wasted and unaccounted for.
Ralph Padron spoke on more FOIA violations, showing pages and pages of almost completely redacted FOIA documents. Annette Johnson came forward and stated that these documents had nothing that FOIA law states needed to be redacted. She said she would be turning over her emails as there was nothing that needed to be blacked out. She also spoke on Lou Peryea's unethical campaign method of using her district email to campaign with, a violation that she has been warned about in the past. Her running partner, board president Ray Hull stated that outside counsel had been sought and had agreed that Peryea's "apology" about her actions was good enough. Not much of a surprise as he is endorsed by her on her campaign site- http://lou4district131.com. Johnson is escalating her blatant violation to an ethics committee and I hope they take action as the BOE needs to follow it's own policies!
When the time came for board comments, most were silent. Hull and Peryea gave what amounted to campaign speeches which the audience did not respond well to. Not the place nor the time for that several were heard commenting. Strand said to table the vote on the dismissal of the teacher. An obvious decision considering the overwhelming evidence that the decision to dismiss her was a grave error.
Let's hope this is the beginning of a turn-around for EAD131. Get out there and vote for the people who are serious about making a change for the kids!
WHAT Disfunction.
I attended the EA BOE meeting tonight they had so many issues it is clear we need a new board
A wonderful Arfo American teacher has dismissed and many showed up to support her. You could tell she cared for the students of EA.
The Maintenance Union called out Leonard for making them sound inept. They also talked about the millions wasted.
Another speaker revealed the District just paid $80,000 for the same study they had two years ago.
A teacher at EA talked about unsafe working conditions and the district inability to hire additional security.
A taxpayer talked about why the district hired such a unqualified purcahsing agent.
Ralph Padrom topped the evening off with showing the public blackened out emails about district finance. I sure shows transparency.
Johnson revealed Hull and Peryea used the district to coverup campaigning going on in the district. everyone could tell Popp was part of the coverup. Hopefully she follows thru with the Staes Attiney.
Hull told the new candidates he is the only one qualified for the BOE because he has experience. He was also using the district for campaigning and should be turned in as well.
The tax payers also got a BIG increase tonight.
How anyone can elect Peryea and Hull after tonight is shocking.
The Popp administration will go down as the most corrupt in district history I has never MORE embrassed for our District than last evening.
Popp lied to the audience by telling us Byrd resigned. He was forced out. He attempted to control student Gang activity all year but was never supported by administration. After two gunman, and three shooting they are making some lame attempts. They still refuse to hire extra security however. Many doors go uncovered and many many fights break out daily. If not for the Aurora Police Department we would have NO security at all.
Dr Popp what shread of reputation we have had. THE BOARD FROM HELL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Date: March 16th 2015
East Aurora Board of Education Meeting
Subject: Email Controversy
Good news tonight is I received the “Heat Exchangers” emails. Bad news is they have been redacted. Does that surprise me? Here are several reasons why:
The Jan 14 request for these emails was discovered and downloaded. An IT employee handled this request. The FOIA officer responded “No Documents Exist”. Why would I receive a response that outright is false? The evidence speaks for itself.
On Jan 27 a revised FOIA was submitted and again was denied for “No Documents Exist”. What was the difference? The IT Employee was replaced by the FOIA Officer began responding all FOIA discoveries via the E-Log retrieval requests. Needless to say, the legal firm for EA became involved thus it became more confusing & difficult to obtain answers resulting in wasted time and TAX DOLLARS.
We are not discussing a threat to National Security here BUT information/questions related to Finance and Repair/Replacement of the Heat Exchangers. In addition why was this vendor chosen that was not on the Preferred Vendor List?
Bigger question
Why did this not go out for Bid? Cowherd School alone was $48,200.00
This is why the FOIA’s are necessary.
I conferred with the Attorney General’s Office for options and have submitted another complaint questioning, the redaction portions of these emails. Further complaints for violations are forthcoming. Again East Aurora’s attorney will get involved to justify the redactions and lengthen this controversy even further. And the audit for the Heat Exchangers hasn’t even started.
Property Taxes continue to go up yet getting answers on how the money is being spent in Dist 131 cannot be disclosed.
Who has made the decision to redact these emails?
Attorney, Superintendent, and HR certainly have input on this question
Transparency certainly has been redefined at Dist 131 and in some instances is totally
Non- existent.
Sad to see Spencer Byrd leave is one of the good guys. Spencer was a big improvement over Gonzalez ad Conrad. We know he went down fighting for the kids! it is unfortunate Popp and Thruckbrod will not resign.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-high-principal-resigns-st-0318-20150317-story.html
Spencer Byrd's resignation is nothing more than another notch in Central Office's belt. It follows an all too similar pattern of principals at EAHS over the last 31 years. In that time there have been TEN principals:
T. O'Hale
G. Postlewaite
J. Roberts
L. Conant
T. Jandris
R. Barwa
R. O'Neal
M. Gonzalez
S. Conrad
S. Byrd
Simple math says each one lasted about 3 years. But when you consider that Bob Barwa and Sheila Conrad make up about 15 of those 31 years, the other 8 principals survived just 2 years. How are you supposed to establish continuity with turnover like that??
It looks like many of the teaching staff will follow suit. The unfortunate students of D131...
...AGAIN.
:(
It should be noted that Spencer Byrd was working on a Superintendent certification. Perhaps, armed with this it was a good time to jump ship.
Best of luck Spencer to you and your family wherever you land. Hopefully your experiences with the central office in D131 have taught you what NOT to do.
Thanks Ray Hull for all of your public slander yesterday. You DID vote for Marty Feltes and it can be proven. Now, you have given his lawyer reason to go after the district in a slander suit for hundreds of thousands???
You need to RESIGN NOW! In a perfect world that money should be coming straight out of your wallet!
You and Peryea are incompetent!!!
Ugh! Hull was a joke last night... Not leadership material...never was...
I went to the Forum last evening and as usual very few residents came. Many did not live in 131 the others already supported candidates.
My observations are the following
Arroyo was hard to understand but did call on engaging the community.
LAesch needs to remember he is campaigning for EA not the national problems. He would have good experience in B&G .
Garza was too loud but certainly would work for the students. Hopefully it is not true she is working with Hull.
Garafalo was a know it all and for her experience as a educator offered few solutions. She thinks she is superior.
Hatcher did well and answered the questions. hopefully she can represent all students not just Arfo Americans.
Darby was the best he had reasonable answers for everything.
Lewis did very well her BOE experience showed.
Peryea was the worst. You would think she dates Popp. Everything is not wonderful.
Hull was a joke his discussions on d131 could lead to lawsuits.
We need new BOE members and all are okay expect Peryea and Hull. They all bring different experience to the BOE
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-forum-st-0319-20150318-story.html#page=1
After reading the article on the EA board candidate forum, I am anxious to attend the next one. It is very obvious some current board members and candidates are truly out of touch with what is going on in our schools.
At many schools children are out of control and challenging teachers. Not all, but enough to be disruptive to the classmates and classrooms around them.
At the higher levels it has escalated and for more than a few years teachers have to fear which students they try to enforce rules. Those who do not see this either are getting false reports or have their heads stuck........in the ground. Apparently, things were misrepresented, yet again.
I see the HS principal is reported to be "stepping down." I think shoved out the door would better describe what happened to Byrd.
I don't care what color the students are or the teachers. students who want to learn in D131 have teachers who go Beyond their job description, to give our students the best they have to offer. If our students are worried about the color of their teachers face, then shame on us, as parents, for making that an issue. In a future that offers global opportunities, our children should be prepared to work for and with ANYone of any color. Anyone who is focused on what color EA teachers are as being an issue in our district, should not be elected.
The teachers do not need more training on how to work with students of color. They are in those trenches everyday working just as hard for ALL the students. Even when their time must be taken away from teaching so they can be hall monitors, traffic cops, counsellors and healthcare givers.
I think each of those candidates should be turned loose in the above side jobs the teachers have to do, to see what the real world inside D131 is truly like.
I cannot express enough gratitude for what our HS principal has tried to do inspite of those he works for. Same is true for our teachers who work in less than ideal learning environments, everyday.
We need people on the Board who are not trying to make deals for their neighbors and friends. We do not need people who are treating their postion on the Board as a social event. We need people who have a priority focus on improving the education opportunities for all the students. Starting with removing the blame game and stop making excuses for the problems of education and start taking accountability. The Board needs to ask itself-what have we been doing wrong? The district is run from the top down. So make the changes accordingly. Stop blaming everyone from the bottom up. Fix things at the top first. This is the community's job, by electing a new board. Then, keep them accountable for making sure the Superintendent does his job effectively.
The Board needs to change, we have had the toughest year, since I started. The students have taken over the building, the teachers have no place to turn. Our Principal asked for two PPA all year. The building has no security, and runs Alternative Ed until 8pm. Students have had weapons all year, have not been expelled, drugs are sold at a unprecedented rate. Two Sodexo employees purchased drugs, this was reported to Glotzbach, and nothing was done. The list goes on and on.
Our Union is powerless, teachers are saving for a strike. We will send Dr Popp a message. Hull and Peryea CAN NOT be reelected. The others that seem troublesome are Garafalo and Hatcher.
Hatcher is another Hull, and does not believe white teachers can teach students that do not look like them. That is a troubling statement. Garza, seems good but if Hull petitioned for her that is more troubling. She would owe her vote to him. Garafalo, would think her past practices would work at d131. Marmion vs D131 are very different. All children are good! Wow by 14 many students have lived a lifetime. They are broken, reading at 4th grade level, and live in such poor conditions, education is not a propriety?
Please community help take OUR district back.
Popp needs to get fired he was never prepared to run the District.. The BOE needs to get replaced because they hired him. GET THE BROOM OUT!!!
Maybe since "someone" decided to oust Bryd, the new Board could find they need to replace Popp and bring Byrd in to do the job. He was making some definite positive change at the high school.
Well said Rant...
Student's behavior is a major concern. When principals support the teachers in giving consequences, a change should follow. But when the principal tears up red slips, while the students are physically abusing the teachers (in elementary mind you), these are the things that are not supported by the administration and teachers are told to simply "deal" with it. I'm sorry, no teacher should have to be subjected to that on a daily basis while students get a lunch detention for assaulting a teacher. This year seems to be a tipping point for a lot of teachers, and the students are the ones who are going to lose out.
Ms Strand is a major concern for teachers currently today. Many groups have talked with her and she keeps telling us all is well. I wonder how she would feel if her husband had teach some of the students Ms Hearon teaches.
Scott Strand has been given the cream of the crop at Bardwell. Many new teachers are given the very hard to educate. Children come to our classrooms in fifth grade and do not know numbers or alphabet. The discipline is also a factor. Many students should place in Sped but our district looks the other way.
Please community elect a NEW BOARD.
Feltes needs to stop using the few "buddies" he has left in the district as his mouthpiece. He is trying to get disability (what a joke!)so now he is telling his buds to say he is selling his motorcycles . Too much! Don't let him fool you...he is still trying to bs and bully everyone even when he is not at work. There will be plenty of care for you in jail once the books are busted open and others see what financial damage you have done to this district- students, staff and taxpayers alike.
Strand has a Garza, Hull, and peryea sign in her yard. So I guess that proves Garza is working with them.
How silly! If someone agrees to allow you to advertise, by way of a sign, in their yard or place of business it does not mean that everything you do from that day forward must align with that persons wishes or thought process.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-homelessness-st-0322-20150320-story.html
well said rant- Its the same at the high school--teachers cover for missing PPA's 3 were gone today-- and the PPA'S have given up they say they refuse to do anything because they bring these kids to the Deans and the Deans do nothing. Kids can cuss you out and leave your room- nothing- no consequences. When a teacher writes a referral- we are told we have poor classroom management and you know this goes on your evaluation. The kid with four count em' 4 instances of being caught dealing drugs-- he's still there-- bull@#$% presentation on school safety- we don't need some high falutin' entry system we need manpower and consequences that stick and some help from division chairs instead of telling us IT'S OUR FAULT- Oh well we were sold down the river when they gave us Charolotte Danielson- I think even Spencer Byrd realized the busllsnarky about 'excellence' is a place to visit when he was rated--'proficient' see Spencer the crap came back to hit you in the face- though I am sorry to see you go-- thanks for nothing guys.. you don't support us, you don't help us, we have to teach and be the Deans and be the PPA'S to now? Oh, wait just tell our Union President she will fight for us ..ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ........................
EA Dean
We are very sad to see Spencer go. Yes, the teachers are frustrated, but we have been told to dummy down the consequences for behavior. This is the wonderful " plan" our Dr indian Prairie.
Drug Dealers are not expelled. In fact we have had a known Drug / Gang Dealer in our office weekly. Spencer, asked for placement at the Extension Campus. Contrary to opinion, we are not free to send students over. We understand there are less than 20 students there. Jess Ostead has had her hands slapped numberous times by Thruckenbrod for attempting to do the right thing.
The District answer is always the following.
We do not expell, or we are not running a Reform School. It is noted the student in question was finally arrested by APD. APD is our new method of explusion and has been wonderful. Dr Popp, still will not process the expulsion.
PPA's
Spencer asked in September for more PPAs. He was told to manage them better and the BOE had no money. Several BOE members have toured the building and are aware. Nothing has happened.
Spencer was told his contract would not renewed. He did have a difference of opinion with administration. He went down fighting for us. Please spend your summer looking for a new job it's hopeless.
SO glad Clayton "Farrakhan's Disciple" Muhammad doesn't work for our district anymore (although he is still involved with the Aurora East Educational Foundation):
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/02/20/farrakhan-begs-for-big-ufo-reveal-president-barack-obama-open-up-area-51/
Clayton is involved he is openly campaigning for Hull, Peryea and Garza.
He is also involved in the Forum with the AEEF and arranging a broadcast on Aurora Free Tv. You can bet not one question will come up about crime or taxes on the Eat Side. That is what you get when the Mayor controls the BOE.
Spencer Bryd, attempted to improve the HS. The DC positions are a waste of money. They are highly paid administrative secretaries, paid to write Curriculum for Central Office, as well as harass teachers. Andrea is leaving after revealing big philosophical differences with Thruckenbrog. He is Mr Popps lackey, and will soon be promoted Associate Superintendent. This man lacks the educational ability to lead anything. He holds a music degree and lacks core instructional leadership.
Teachers, with Danielson we do not stand a chance that is why everyone in HS administration, other than Dennis Renner are getting out while the getting good.
Open Letter to Board of Education President Raymond Hull
Part 2
Date: March 21, 2015
To: Board of Ed President East Aurora Dist 131 Raymond Hull
From: Ralph Padron
Subject: Questions and Concerns
Ray,
I begin with challenging your most recent statement at the NAACP Forum (March 10) in which you stated that you “voted against the hiring of Marty Feltes as Director of Building & Grounds.” THIS IS A FALSE STATEMENT .
Ref: Dec 2 2013 Board of Ed meeting minutes page 4
https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?mk=50101699&fn=minutes.pdf
Mrs. Annette Johnson read a bio for Mr. Marty Feltes who is being recommended for the Director of Building & Grounds position. Mr. Feltes thanked the board and looks forward to the new position. There being no questions or discussion, the motion was seconded by Mr. Richard Leonard and upon the roll call,
the following voted aye:
Annette Johnson Mary Lou Peryea Richard Leonard
Stella Gonzalez Mary Anne Turza Kirsten Strand
Raymond Hull
The following abstained: None
The following voted nay: None
The President declared the motion passed.
Can you explain this?
You have mentioned several times that the Superintendent Dr Michael Popp is accountable to the Board of Education, yet you refuse to hold him accountable for several controversial topics I have brought attention to publicly at numerous Board Meetings. My strategy has always been this,
1 Gather the facts/documents via FOIA’s
2 Present it to the Board of Ed and the Public
3 Receive a response
4 When no response is given, take it to the next level
Question: Why are there no responses from the Board and Dr Popp when is required. My request for a written has gone has been ignored numerous times.
Is this the definition of TRANSPARENCY which is the claim of EA Dist 131?
Evidently not.
Let’s look at another Major Controversy and that is the statement that I have many employees giving me leads in many an area within the District. Instead of threatening them with disciplinary action for speaking to me, have you and Dr Popp ever considered asking these questions
1 Why do the employees trust me to investigate issues?
2 Do these issues have any merit in investigating them?
3 Because many of the staff has lost respect for Dr Popp and yourself, they certainly trust me to bring this out and follow through with their frustrations and concerns for results.
4. The Purchasing, “Bid Rigging” scandals alone speak for themselves
The “Redacted Email” scandal is a great example of the many mysteries at EA. Time and time again the facts/documents were presented to the Board and Dr Popp, yet you, Mr Hull continue to do nothing and allow these issues to escalate, forcing me to submit additional FOIA’s and turn to the next level for answers and accountability.
A reminder the decline of EA Dist 131 has happened under “Your Watch”.
Much more will be exposed in the very near future which will continue to embarrass
those in positions of authority and responsibility.
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
If we had a real newpaper the District would not be stepping on our rights.
The blog is the reason the BOE members don't get along . It is also one of the reasons administration is running away from this district in droves. Now Mr Padron uses it to attack Mr Hull and others. Why they are not getting paid?
Two years ago it was Johnson and Padron. Anyone see a pattern.
Ms Garza do not take support from Carlson SE has started the blog
Mr. Padron does NOT use this blog to "attack" Mr. Hull (or anyone else, for that matter). It is not attacking someone to politely remind them that their recent statements do not agree with previous conversations and/or actions!
Mr. Padron simply states the TRUTH, and lets the chips fall where they may. If certain people in our community are bothered by that, it is their problem.
Dear watch and listen, I am sorry, I do not see the pattern you are suggesting. Can you be a bit clearer? As for the blog being the case for admin leaving and the Board not getting along, then maybe we do need a new board and wave good bye to those admin who would allow a simple blog to control their lives. Are you SERIOUS!??
I am not a part of what is going on in the schools. I am neither employee nor student. I suspect from what I read in the Beacon and on the blog and speaking to those who are a part of what is going on, that facts do come up in the blog. Those that do not want stories out, try to discredit the comments/commenters. Those that know the truth are the ones most bothered. As an outsider trying to understand, I see two sides, those that are in a position to right the wrongs or improve situations and those who are at the mercy of the previously mentioned. This could be anyone from a lone or rogue Board member, an administrator or teacher or staff person.
NO one wants to feel as if they lack worth. Whether it be in their opinion or in the way they choose to do their job. If admin is leaving in "droves" the superintendent needs to look at HR. If BOE members don't get along, maybe a change or new members will show where the real problems lie. To blame a blog is just simply ridiculous. I for one am looking forward to seeing new faces on the BOE. Hoping it brings new direction for the district.
The district currently has a Superintendent the BOE should have never hired. Two years ago they finally got it right and made some much needed changes.
Changes the community considered successful are the following
Cleaning House with Central which included Augustine, Aird, Muhammed, and Gonzalez.
Cleaning up Insurance and credit cards.
Then they fell apart and got back into there old ways by the following
Hiring Popp a bad choice he does not understand the EA community and has brought a level of mistrust and coruption to the district.
Hiring Feltes let's not beat a dead horse.
Hiring Tyler just look at her track record at WA.
Not addressing Glotzabach as part of the cleanup.
Changing to the 204 discipline method has disrupted teaching and learning.
The entire BOE should do the community a favor and resign. The seven new candidates should release Popp and engage the community in hiring a new Sup for our district.
That is in a prefect world and it will never happen
I don't know where you're getting your information, but Cobbett is not leaving because of Truckenbrod. As for Byrd, yes, he has worked to improve safety, but he has also admitted rather openly that he is probably not welcome back due to his tendency to run off his mouth. He has, from day one, criticized what he calls the "unit office". I blame him for his inability to artfully negotiate. Everyone at the high school has seen how he flies off the handle. Undoubtedly, upper admin did not appreciate this. Someone of his education level and leadership level should have learned these skills already. If he could not play nice with his superiors, then I blame him for the instability that the high school will face in the year to come. We wish him well, but it's time to stop canonizing the guy.
Good Evening -I’m David Finlay and I’m here tonight to speak about my experience with 131 and my dismay at the rapid deterioration of conditions.
I am the former Construction Manager and acting Director of Facilities whose position was eliminated to make way for the missing Director of B&G. I am a licensed Architect and General Contractor, hold Certifications in Life Safety, ADA, FEMA emergency management and more. I have bid and managed over $400M in complex buildings. Judicial centers, Manufacturing, Municipal, and Commercial projects. I was in charge of construction at the Magnet School, a $6M acclaimed project finished on time and under budget.
2 years ago the downward spiral started with the hiring of an unqualified Director of B&G that did not meet the job description. One year ago the deterioration was exacerbated with the board elections and a superintendent change. A sad day at EA.
I have followed the exposure of wasted dollars, the intimidation, and the lack of management skills required to run a $180M business. A business that impacts the vulnerable lives of 15,000 students.
Note the following:
o The new kindergarten facility. Mis-managed, over budget, delivered late, with lawsuits pending. Everyone involved in this debacle lacked the required project management experience. How many 100’s of thousands of dollars wasted?
o Recently the Board authorized an $80,000 facilities study. The district has one, completed 2 years ago. What has changed? The board and superintendent. More wasted money.
o Even simple projects are replete with collusion. Do you think that 2 men can drive to a flagpole, set up a lift, remove a huge amount of rust, prime paint the pole and paint 2 finish coats – all in 1-½ hours? Does paint dry that fast? THERE WAS A BONUS PAID OF $7500 previously reported here. Who received the money? More mismanaged projects adding up to big losses.
After 1 year of the new superintendent and Board, and work by the Director of B&G, the district is millions in the red, the employees are intimidated into silence, the student gang activity is rampant, and the teachers are leaving in droves.
Current deficit spending will lead to the running out of money in a few years and higher taxes will result.
The people who are in positions to protect the district have failed.
I would ask everyone in the audience to take this message back to the voters. Elect a new board. Control the spending and control your taxes. Save the children. Give them the education they deserve. It’s a win-win.
Is Hull's crazy behavior an attempt to scare off potential candidates or is he just starting to lose it? The election forum at the High School should be interesting...try and keep it together, huh?
Canonize Byrd not really!
Defend him yes! He has vocal to Central Office and as for politics maybe he was not a politician but he should have not had to be one if he was fighting for the safety our students and staff.
It shows the current attitude in EA.
Another gun at EA today what else is new.
District personal have reported multiple phone calls from Marty Feltes to district employees. Meanwhile Marty milks the disability claims. Glotzbach and Popp know this and have nothing about it. If he can call district employees why is he not working?
Does this not prove insurance fraud?
He has been told to take off so as not to cause embrassment during election. Ralph exposed the district and now they are covering up. No employee is allowed to get by with fraud.
More than fraud...how about EMBEZZLEMENT of federal funds? Hull loves to make fun of things like this...really...hmmm?
You joke about trash can liners (hey, guess what? NOT paying more than you need to on a small thing like can liners district-wide means we could afford more crayons so 6 kids don't have to share ONE box!!). Not very funny to the tax-payers and the students is it Ray?
Why don't you look into these phone records and come back to us with a report on what REALLY has been happening behind the scenes regarding Feltes(and others)and district funds! We have a right to know! I know I was NOT planning on having ANY employee...not even favorites among the Administration like Marty sit at a social club during work hours on his district phone doling out "orders" to employees. Or to be calling into work hundreds of times to Dave Rana when he had his heart condition or now during his sick leave? yeah, that's called "working" (or more like spying as we know when it comes to Feltes)and it's FRAUD when he's off work "sick". Who was running the ship while he played fast and loose with our money than lied and NO ONE knew about it? REALLY??
Yes,I am sure the FOIAs will be rolling in soon for these. How about a few less unneeded redactions this time? How about instead of jokes, laughter and diversion we hear the TRUTH for once! Who else was involved with misappropriation of school district funds? I wonder what those phone records will show? In fact, that would make a great question at the upcoming campaign debate at the High School!
Hey, anyone not involved in the corruption should have nothing to hide, so STEP UP!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-summer-st-0326-20150325-story.html
Election year help is finally on the way
The administration finally agreed to give the HS two more PPAs. This has been on the table since October when Popp claimed the BOE had NO money. How many Gangs were allowed to bring weapons in and recuit?
The safety of staff and students was in jeopardy all year but now our administration gives in. Thank you Ms Denoot for speaking out for us. You can bet if it was not election year this madness would continue.
Reading about Feltes makes me sick ever go in the basement and look at his $420,000 cement closet. then go on the track that another year of our students have to play all games away because it is to danergerous to work on.
A new BOE should fire the Sup in training and start worrying about the students .
In one year, Dr Popp and his parinoid behavior have ruined the district. Many know telephone calls are monitored, emails are checked and it leads to a non productive staff. Text messages are sent as the offical way of communication, so nothing can be tracked.
D131 is not family anymore, and moral could not be lower.
When resumes are sent out be are sad to affilate our name with 131. Staff can not be trust anyone.
.
There is alot of things being said on this blog and I hope you all get out and vote on April 7th or early vote right now.
There are 24,000 registered voters on the East side but last School Board election only 2500 voted. This year the voter turnout is expected to be even lower because there are no major elections going on. Your future will probably be decided by 1500 people.
I have voted, but what you say is true....few will vote.
Fact... Many will continue to complain or be complacently ignorant and settle for less than the children deserve.
Hope I am proven wrong.
In the latest 131 scandle, Dr Popp has allowed Peryea to use district property to campaign. She was at EAHS today asking staff if they lived in 131 and could vote. She also asked students to take home a card to request a absentee ballot. A post card was handed out to vote for herself, Garza and Hull. The postcards have not campaign disclosure information on them. A call placed to the election commision remained unanswered.
Peryea was given a pass by Popp at the last BOard meeting for using the district email system to campaign. This was her second violation in two years. Popp was asked to recuse himself and bring in a independent to review the case but refused. Is Popp not the Boards employee. How is he allowed to get by with this?
Peryea pulled the same move two years ago and two teachers were displined for violating Illinois law. This year she did the same thing. If she can't follow the law and Dr Popp looks the other way what else are they hiding?
http://www.rebootillinois.com/2015/03/25/editors-picks/mattdietrich/top-10-biggest-winners-losers-under-proposed-illinois-school-funding-formula/35412/?utm_source=patch&utm_medium=partner&utm_content=&utm_campaign=
Peryea was in using the district copy machine behind Gloztbachs office after 4:30 yesterday.
I voted with much concern about the candidates. it's not so much who I voted for but who I voted against. I voted against the following.
Lewis because she was part of the past and never accomplished anything when she was on the Board.
Hull because he by far is a complete NUT JOB. His Afro American agenda only has NO place in our district
Peryea Because she is on the BOE and continues to say everything is going well and will never provide any oversight. The purchasing issues should have been stopped
Garafalo Because her brother is district attorney and they have not represented the district well. she has a major conflict and would have to remove herself from any legal issues the district has.
Garza Because she is to close to Hull and Peryea and I DO NOT want the City of Aurora controlling the school Board. She also has not been the most ethical when pushing her children ahead of others that need services more than hers.
Unfortunately I did make a mistake I voted early without going to forum. It would not have changed my mind about the above mentioned however last evening I got a ROBO CALL from Hatcher. Robo calls for school board elections are a bit much.
Glotzbach's Director Nancy is being released because of the finger print scandal Gloztbach created. This is unfair when will Popp have the ethics to the right thing? When will the BOE have the ethics to protect whistleblowers in the District.?
Teachers and administration need to become vocal if this District will ever change.
Currently, Popp is sitting on records that show Marty Feltes is faking is illiness. Why will Popp not fire Feltes or the BOE take action. Must be tricky Dick Leonard again.
Date: March 30th 2015
To: Raymond Hull
From: Ralph Padron
Subject: Update
Ray
This letter is to make you aware of several developments which is necessary be made public regarding action taken against East Aurora District 131
1 The Attorney General of Illinois will be reviewing the emails in question to determine if EA Dist 131 was justified in redacting them. This decision is very important in disclosing information regarding the “Heat Exchangers” controversy and opening up an investigation & audit of this questionable expenditure which I am currently putting together.
2 I have a meeting Wednesday with the a Federal Investigator to submit a complaint regarding the Purchasing irregularities this past year, specifically bid rigging and intentional breach of contract at the Bldg & Grounds Dept. The janitorial portion is the first complaint and the central figure is David Rana and those supervising/approving these transactions during this time period.
Many other complaints will be made regarding multiple issues.
3 The most recent Aurora Police Report will also be appealed with evidence supporting my charge of false statements made by all 3 individuals questioned.
The response which has been made repeatedly by EA is that all these were corrected and why is Ralph on a crusade to bring havoc and mud to the District. Let’s make sure we differentiate “HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE & COVER-UP” and your lack of leadership as Board President in representing the Taxpayers in East Aurora and beyond in protecting the tax dollars spent for education.
It is shameful that the residents of Aurora continue to carry the burden to pay for the unethical & llegal purchasing and awarding of construction contracts being uncovered.
Never have you intervened as Board President and request a meeting to discuss these issues in an effort to resolve the above. It is common knowledge that there is a “NO Vote of Confidence” in the Superintendents ability to resolve these matters. Need I say more.
Never have you nor Dr Popp ever responded in writing for the numerous requests I made public regarding the multiple serious violations which I presented (with documentation) to support my claims.
There will be more complaints forthcoming which unfortunately require the resurfacing of many scandalous violations which were mishandled and considered closed. I can assure you the authorities I am in contact with (and there are several) have assured me that as long as I can support my claims they will look into these matters.
Again I remind you that many of these could have been avoided by addressing them properly not justifying them.
Regarding your statements on a most recent email dtd March 23 to me:
Ray: 1) First of all I am not REQUIRED to answer you.
Me: You are correct however you are held accountable to the those who elected you
Ray: 2) You answered your own question about transparency. My answer is I see right through you, that is my definition of transparency.
Me: My definition is making available the facts, decisions, and answers in governing a school district paid by Taxpayer dollars.
Yes Ray, we do disagree on many an issue however the above speaks for itself
As a result, I am forced to pursue this and much more with the authorities for holding those at EA accountable to the Taxpayers of Aurora and beyond.
Respectfully
Ralph
Got a flyer in the mail from Hull and Peryea. It looks like the materials Peryea was printing at the district. it goes on to state Hull put a end to the good old boys system. really who is kidding. just look at what Mr Padron has uncovered.
It also does not state who is paying for it. Most likely Dr Popp.
If anyone can prove that Peryea and Hull did print them with the districts funds please tell The Election Committee. In this day and age with cell phones that can take pictures you would think that if you seen these things you would take them for proof.
As for the robo calls from Hatcher and Laesch I thought it was a little too much but if it gets people out to vote then good for them.
Ralph keep up the good work you are doing.
Finally, the District will get the in-depth audit it has needed for some time. No Ms. Peryea, all is NOT fine in the District as you and many others will see. Those who are corrupt will be held accountable. Those in charge who did nothing to stop the corruption will be held accountable.
Hull and Peryea have campaign materials out that do not disclose who is paying for them. That is a campaign violation.
Hull and Peryea claim follow the policies yet they violated using the District email address to campaign. Peryea violated it two years prior by petitioning in the district. Teachers took the fall for her. Dr Popp took the law into his hands and did not turn it over to the election commission. That shows unethical behavior.
Why should anyone trust Dr Popp to manage the district.
http://patch.com/illinois/montgomery/deleted-facebook-comments-district-308-raise-plenty-questions-0?utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=schools&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_content=article-mostrecent
Hull and Peryea are running together and must have formed a committee for election. They have sent campaign materials voting households in 131. That is a major cost. They have fancy translated glossy cards being dropped at doors. Again, another major cost! They have signs plastered all over 131! Again another major cost!
Peryea did violate Board policy by using district email. This was her second violation!
Dr Popp has come into question campaigning in the community with community leaders for Hull and Peryea. His quote has " I hope they are reelected they have been great Board members".
Is this the type of Board member we want on the Board? The district needs cleaning up it should start with them.
Local Chicago Office of the Inspector General (fraud and waste prevention) form for school districts in Illinois. GIVE THEM YOUR TIPS ANONYMOUSLY.
PLEASE help with what you know!
https://secure.cps.edu/ConfidentialComplaintForm/
I got the flyer for Hull and Peryea and it has the Service Center as their address I don't believe that it right.
I was wrong it doesn't have the Service Center address but it does look like they may have used a district printer for the flyers.
I believe the flyer has Peryea return address. However, she has printed at the district and it is impossible to go into Morales office or the copy room behind Glozabach and get a picture without being spotted. The machines are not in the open. area.
Central Office knows Dr Popps job could come to and end with a new BOE. He is very unethical and takes more time off than Roberts. He is less visable than Roberts if that is not a big joke.
How much have Hull and Peryea spent on their campaigns? It's in the thousands (though Peryea using the district copy machines might have defrayed that cost). WHY are the so desperate to stay on the Board of Education?? Do they need to make sure things stay COVERED UP? You see how they both speak in public and private. Clueless and sarcastic. Are these the types of people we want taking care of our kids? NO! Vote for anyone BUT them!
The Patch and many other have covered Oswego but nothing about East Aurora. I called the other day about my tax levy rates. Two weeks and not a report many of my neighbors had a breakfast this morning and are canceling The Beacon.
We also discussed the poor reporting of The Beacon It is unfathomable that our Alderwomen story was missed for 18 months. It also shows the level of city wide corruption. Lynne Johnson should resign but anyone can see the coverup on the part of the City and her voting record.
The Patch is a local online paper (i.e. Naperville Patch, Montgomery Patch). I have always wondered why there is no Aurora Patch?
Turn out last night at the School Board Debate was very poor. Maybe 40 people, most of whom are not voters. I guess people would rather get their information from an anonymous blog that to hear for themselves.
First, the Patch, in any town, is a choice by a community member to put it out. So you can sign up for the job, if you'd like to see one in Aurora!
I do believe I counted few more than forty at the forum, but it was a low turnout. Many people early vote, so this forum was a little late. Others may feel they know who they want to vote for, there are those who are not familiar with the candidates. The crowd looked like a mix of interested parties, people who have a stake in the election, and senior citizens.. All in all, I think turnout to the polls is expected to be low. So people are not getting their info from a blog, but rather not voting at all. The Audie
Of Course turn out at the school board debate was low. Turn out on this blog is low. Nobody cares. The low turn out at the debate is a direct reflection of the community which is the REAL REASON District 131 schools are failing. It is not the administration or the teachers, but rather the community. If the community wanted better schools, they would demand them, but the vast majority of the community couldn't care less about the kind of education received or they do care but not enough to actually do something.
POSTING ON THIS BLOG ISN'T "DOING SOMETHING" either. Voting, going to meetings, attending events, sending emails, contacting teachers/administrators, is all doing something.
Actually, posting on this blog IS doing something! It is informing people about things going on behind the scenes...often, things that would otherwise get swept under the rug. The most recent example is the multiple postings by Mr. Padron. Yes, there's a lot of nonsense and BS here but that's part of life in our information-saturated age. Learn to filter out the useful and true stuff and ignore (or dispute) the rest!
Nothing will get done, until people speak out in real life and not on a blog. FACT.
Go ahead and continue to display your immaturity...I'll continue to remind our community about the GOOD things that this blog has accomplished:
--Mr. Padron has exposed wrongdoing in the central office.
--The Band Boosters pancake breakfast was rescheduled last year after it had been announced the breakfast would be cancelled. Mr. Mills acknowledged that more parents stepped up to attend boosters meetings.
--More than $1200.00 was raised last summer for a deserving EAHS student's college expenses through Angeldorm.
--Links to news releases from various sources (the Tribune, Beacon-News, Montgomery & Oswego Patch, D131 website) are provided on this blog, making it easy to find information about our district.
--People are able to ask questions and state their opinions without having to worry about their jobs or being censored (as long as no obscenities are used). This is especially important since a neighboring district routinely removes community members' comments from its Facebook page.
As others have said, if you don't like what you read on this blog you have at least two choices:
1. Correct erroneous information, providing supporting evidence for your point of view
2. Don't read it.
I think the Forum showed what is wrong with 131. The parents don't care. It is interesting however the two elected currently are completely out of touch. The public would not know this because they don't attend meetings.
Hopefully, Hull and Peryea will not get reelected. They claim everything is going well, but I am not sure what plant they live on.
Overall just special interest groups and a very boring evening. I almost choked with Hulls comments on Afro American teachers he started the debate that whites do not do as well teaching students of color.
TO: Interesting use of the word "nothing"
I'll choose to "Correct you" ok, and then we will find out what happens when somebody tries to post the TRUTH on this website. It will get covered up with garbage and lies.
- Mr. Pardon exposed wrongdoing in the central office IN PERSON at SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS. This blog is NOT his main vehicle
- The Band Booster pancake breakfast was never cancelled. It was always under the assumption that it would be rescheduled.
- More that $1200 was raised through ANGELDORM, not this blog. This blog might have helped advertise but there is no way of tracking that, because it was all over Facebook too.
- Links to the news releases are in the board packets, they don't need to be here. Learn to use the internet for more than just blogging. They are very easy to find in the board packets.
- Your last comment is true, people do state "stupid" opinions without having to worry about their jobs. But then they also can call names and not address real questions to people who have real answers.
1 out of 5 - good job. You probably graduated from district 131.
Are you unable to read, too stupid to understand what you read, or maybe just too desperate to discredit this blog that you deliberately distort what you read?
--First of all, nobody is claiming that Mr. Padron uses this blog as his "main vehicle" to expose wrongdoing. Like many of us, he also goes to meetings. But he has also posted more than a dozen of his communications on this blog. Using multiple vehicles to expose corruption is a GOOD thing.
--You are WRONG about the pancake breakfast not being initially cancelled. Quoting directly from the Spring 2014 boosters' Facebook page: the breakfast was listed as having been "cancelled for this year". Those were the EXACT WORDS used. Mr. Mills did step up and explain on the blog (!) that more parents needed to participate, and the breakfast was rescheduled...partly thanks to the people reading this blog.
--I know at least 3 people who found out about the Angeldorm fundraiser on the blog (not on Facebook). I am one of them; I donated $100 (money that would not have been donated otherwise, since I am not on Facebook).
--Links to news releases are indeed in the board packets...sometimes several days after those links have been posted on this blog. By then it's old news. Oh, and those news releases you mention are just the ones the central office picks out. There are plenty of news links on the blog that are not in board packets. If you choose to limit your reading to the links provided by district administration, that's YOUR choice, but some of us prefer to get our information from several sources, including blogs.
And yes, I am a D131 graduate.
;)
Listening to the seven candidates gives me hope for EA and it is unfortunate that all seven of them can not win that would bring a new day to EA.
Hull and Peryea should not be reelected and this blog gives everyone a forum to state their opinion.
Mr Padron has made a case for corruption and I believe Hull and Peryea are responsible for turning back the clock and not questioning anything. That is not a good BOE member.
Here's a link to 26 pages of recent articles about our district:
https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=36770071
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-04-06/news/0504060332_1_band-director-band-program-band-students
We as teachers need to unite against a poor settlement. The disparity in wages, and respect is more than apparent. The district is currently crying poor mouth with 80 million in the bank. It is time to realize we need to save our pennies and STRIKE. Dr Popp is not to be trusted, he allows Gloztbach and Thruckenbrod to run the show.
If our Union can not get us a 5% raise we should vote them out. Giving extra PPAs at the end of the school year is not going to pacsify us. MONEY TALKS!!!
Dear Throwback Thursday,
Thanks for the article. Read Larry Malachers comment. "its part of the direction to "MOVE the DISTRCT FORWARD". Sounds like the same lies that Peryea and Hull are using in their campaigns.
It will be a sad day in EA if they get re-elected
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-forum-st-0402-20150401-story.html
"Move the district forward" is a meaningless catch phrase. In what specific way did Larry Malaker plan to move our district forward? How was that plan achieved by replacing the band director, against the wishes of the community?
Now ten years later Raymond Hull uses a similar phrase. Those of us who've been in the district for awhile are cynical. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.
Vote for CHANGE on our School Board!
Rumors are flying all around that Marty Feltes is being "fired". It is on the personnel report and the Board of Ed will approve it at Monday's Meeting.
Thank you Ralph Padron for exposing all the corruption at East Aurora. Don't stop your investigation as you have already done us residents a GREAT service in publicly presenting all your findings.
Please keep us informed on your other issues you are getting into. Rumors have it that more individuals will be removed. Let's hope that is true
Ray Hull is a return to the dark past his campaign manager is Juanita Wells and Larry Malaker is his close friend.
I agree with you, old timer. For more years than I can recall, the school board has taken one step forward and two steps back and called it progress. One candidate was correct when she said something along the lines of -initiative fatigue. This is so true, this district changes programs, policy and protocol every time an administrator sneezes. Just for the sake of claiming new initiatives. What they fail to report is there is no progress or improvement with these newly implemented plans or newly hired personnel.
Looking forward to some real change in the Board and the way business is handled in 131
Bye bye Marty. About time you were you were let go. You have cost this district more in money and stress brought on by your adult bullying than anyone in the history of EA131. Some legacy. I am sure this is not the last we will hear of you. Keeping up with what's going on at COD? How about with the altered student test scores made at that school down in Atlanta? Small potatoes compared to the havoc you've wreaked on our District. What goes around comes around. No one is immune, especially narcissists like you.
April 3, 2015
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
Dear Mr. Hanley
1 Please provide to me emails sent from Raymond Hull to Michael Popp (per attached spreadsheet).
2 Review attached redacted emails received from previous FOIA’s. Am requesting these be resent unredacted.
3 Also explanation on the Cordigan & Clark email which was redacted yet appeared on the next page unredacted.
If request 2 & 3 does not follow under the FOIA guidelines, if not please advise whom/where I should direct this to.
Please respond via email when finished.
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
Heads up
The district is purchasing and swapping out all phones so they have data packages that can text message. Maintenance staff will all be provided one first along with other district personnel. Tyler and Glotzbach have told employees to text and do not email. CORUPTION is being swept under the rug. This is taking away ten of thousands of dollars from students.
Please get the word out and thank you for this blog. This district needs a new BOE or the State needs to come in.
RAYMOND HULL VOTED **AGAINST** DECREASING OUR Property TAXES!
Remember this when voting on Tuesday. May Lou Peryea is his running mate. DO NOT let these two stay on the Board of Education for District 131!
Read about it in the Beacon News here:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-taxes-20150403-story.html
Text messages can be kept on the phone and I do believe that it was added on to the FIOA request.
The district has always had those types of phones and I know for a fact Joan would never tell someone to text. She is a person of integrity. If something needs to be sAid, she picks up the phone.
Text messages are much harder to get and do not provide the detail emails do. It shows a poor lack of judgement.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-elections-st-0405-20150404-story.html#page=1
You must never watch some of the Judges shows some people leave very detailed messages on phones enough to find them guilty.
HULL SAYS- "It's political rhetoric to say the schools are not safe. "That's really wrong and hurtful."
WHAT??? Hurtful to WHOM? YOU!??Maybe because you don't have to be there all day?? Sitting in your cushy Public Works job with the City of Aurora all day long! You are 100% out of touch with what is happening.
Please do NOT re-elect Ray Hull for the BOE! HULL IS BAD FOR East Side Schools!
I agree about Hull needs to go. What is wrong and hurtful is the way they have allowed things to get out of hand and affect the quality of life for all students at the HS. The one principal who was making a sincere effort to fix the truant and disciplinary problems, they force him to resign ( do not renew his contract).
Hull is not a good Board member option.
People get out there and vote!
No Ray apparently you missed the rhetoric class that night in college. It is wrong and hurtful to deny that there is an actual real life problem with gangs drugs and weapons and that teachers and students have to slog through this mess and try to teach and learn. Maybe if we all felt safe performance would shoot through the roof!! (sorry for the choice of verb, but hey)
The comments of Hull and Peryea show how out of touch they are with regards to student discipline.
The entire BOE needs to be replaced for allowing without question from one BOE member, the comments of Thruckenbrod at a meeting
Thruchenbrod stated students with weed do not face discipline since many students in our district use it as a cheap drug for medical purposes. He stated that is the best students can afford. Allowing a administrator like him to work in 131 is very troubling, and NOT ONE BOE member questioned him.
April 6, 2015
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
Dear Mr. Hanley
Please provide the following documents
1. Purchasing Policy
A purchases for the following $$ amounts
B Quote Requirements/Procedures
C Opening of “Quotes” received to award Purchase Orders
$ 5,000.00 – 10,000.00
$ 10,000.00 - 25,000.00
$ 25,000.00 + above
Need the above for the timeline Jan 1 2014-Current April 6, 2015.
All revisions to be included.
2. Janitorial Purchase Order # 67078 dtd August 30th 2012
Purchase Order for Mayfair Hotel & Supply related to 2012-2013 Custodial Supply Bid.
3 Janitorial “bid results” for the 2012 2013 Custodial Supply Bid. Please include all Purchase Orders Issued to those awarded those contracts.
4 Application for Michael Glowanka Building & Grounds Supervisor
I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. I am asking that any fees be waived per 5ILCS140/6(c).
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
OpenlineBlog
2 hrs ·
ELECTION 2015 AURORA:
***East Aurora School District 131
Alex Arroyo...YES!
John Laesch...YES!...
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From Openline's Twitter feed:
#Election2015 East Aurora School District 131 - we strongly support Alex Arroyo and hope you do, too
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-register-st-0407-20150406-story.html
MARY LOUISE PERYEA reaches a NEW record LOW today! WHAT kind of CRUD do I find in my mailbox after a hard day's work? Her libelous and slanderous dirty political mailing attacking another board member!
I would DONATE to a fund to take "LOU" to court for that! And as far as her and her running mate RAY HULL being responsible for our precious children? THAT is a SCARY thought!
WHAT ARE YOU TWO COVERING UP? WHY do you need to stay on the board SO BADLY that you will act in such a manner as to ALARM our community with this garbage?
If anyone out there had an inkling to vote hull/peryea NOW would be the time to re-evaluate that decision!
Let's not forget Garza, I would have voted for her but now NO WAY .
Hull, Garza and Peryea are running together and it looks like City of Aurora is trying to control the election and the district finances. Why are they so desparate last I checked the school board is a non paying job. I guess it is a paying job if you award contracts to Weisners cronies.
VOTE NO TO HULL, PERYEA and GARZA.
Anonymous Another level of corruption said...
In the latest 131 scandle, Dr Popp has allowed Peryea to use district property to campaign. She was at EAHS today asking staff if they lived in 131 and could vote. She also asked students to take home a card to request a absentee ballot. A post card was handed out to vote for herself, Garza and Hull. The postcards have not campaign disclosure information on them. A call placed to the election commision remained unanswered.
March 27, 2015 at 5:02 PM
That same day Peryea was spotted using district copy equipment to run copies. The copies that appeared in the mail had Peryea's address on them. Dr Popp knew copies were run on the district machine. we are so discussed by his actions nobody has any respect for Dr Popp. It now shows the level of coverups he would go to. It is Unfortunity someone would be so hurtful and Hull and Peryea call themselves Chistians.
MARTY FELTES IS OFFICIALLY GONE!! Celebrate good times!! Now, if Hull is NOT re-elected EA131 may have a chance......
And to correct Peryea's mailing - Polls are open from 6 am until 7 pm!
Central Office news is we will need to go on strike the district is offering us NOTHING They claim they are broke.
They claim that for every penny a position will need to get cut and not filled. This means higher class sizes.
Please be very vocal that we will not settle unless we are paid what other districts are paying. Dr Popp has had us work in unsafe buildings all year. Tell your Building Rep. STRIKE and vote for a board that will bring fiscal accountability..
TOOO many lies...
You must of not got the CRUD someone else put out about Peryea and Hull some sent out that didn't put any affiliation on it. Some of the information I got was from Citizen for D131.
I'm not saying I'm for Hull and Peryea just that it is funny there is nothing on the flyers about who sent them. This one should be looked into.
Tomcat8
well at least they did not run it off the district copy machine.
Negative campaigning is wrong who ever does it.
Show proof that they run it of the district copy machine.
Congratulations to:
18.7% Alex Arroyo
13.7% Ken Darby
12.7% Kimberly Hatchett
12.3% John Laesch
Sorry:
10.7% Mary Garza
10.0% Ray Hull
8.7% Anita Lewis
7.3% Mary Peryea
5.9% Julie Garofalo
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-marty-feltes-st-0408-20150407-story.html
YAY! A new day for EA131! See where CRUD gets you Peryea? Both you an Hull gone. Thanks for doing us a favor with that wonderful mailing of yours. Many people at the polls took notice of it- that's one of the reasons why your in the bottom 2! Bad comes back around...sometimes it just takes a while.
Quoted from the Beacon:
"It appears that Alex Arroyo, Kenneth Darby, Kimberly Hatchett and John Laesch were elected to the East Aurora School Board. Each is a newcomer to the board.
Nine candidates ran for four seats, each with four-year terms.
With 39 of 39 precincts reporting, Arroyo received 19 percent of votes, Darby received 14 percent, Hatchett received 13 percent and Laesch received 12 percent, according to unofficial vote totals.
Mary Garza received 11 percent of votes, Raymond Hull received 10 percent, Anita Lewis received 9 percent and Mary Louise "Lou" Peryea and Julie Garofalo each received 7 percent. Hull and Peryea were the incumbents"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The people have spoken...We have four NEW School Board members!
Everyone is happy now, but your lives are miserable and you will find fault with these individuals as well. Find Jesus, he is the only one that can save you and he is perfect.
No, the residents of carillon and ward 1 spoke. They were the only ones who voted and all they care about is taxes, not the kids. As usual the main part of aurora who have students in the schools didn't care enough to vote. I feel bad for our students. But wish the new board prayers and hope they can make some great strides moving things forward.
Now we need to get the others out and have a whole new board.
Really? Peryea or Hull obviously wrote this! I believe it was the will and prayers of the good people who are striving to better EA131. Accept it. You have no choice.
I have and will accept it. But the miserable people on this blog will not and want a new Board yet again. Time will prove this, always does.
Wow...such POWER from this little blog :)
Thousands of citizens went to the polls yesterday to vote for School Board, and you blame (or credit) this blog for the results?? Are you delusional or just plain clueless about how the democratic system works?
And "Everyone is happy now, but your lives are miserable"...that statement makes absolutely no sense. If "everyone" is indeed happy, how can anyone's life be miserable? Unless, of course, you are schizophrenic in addition to being delusional and clueless ;)
I do agree with you about one thing, though: Jesus is the only one who can save us and He is perfect!
You can not blame the folks who worry about their taxes. You can blame the folks who did not care about their kids to vote. GET A LIFE.
Your lives are miserable. you will find a problem with the newly elected board in no time. I have been in the community for 50 years. The board from hell were the ones that voted not to get the land by the mall because they did not want busses. Waubonsie Valley Emerged. The board from hell was the board that cut middle school athletics which led to the increase of gang activity in the 90s. The board from hell was under radakovich, wait it was under roberts, wait, now it's under popp. That's why you idiots are clearly what you are, idiots. You will never stop complaining because you are a bunch of low income losers who are unhappy in your own life. I will gladly eat my words if no one on this blog complains about the newly elected board in the near future. But the sad fact is that you will be whining in no time about something because that's what our community does. Sad.
You are just a sore loser...and you most definitely do NOT know me! I have anything but a miserable life; on the contrary, I have a successful career and upper-middle-class income and have raised children in Aurora who are now productive citizens. I voted yesterday, and I also attend many community events. Seems to me the whining and complaining are coming from you, not me!
The voters have spoken. We have new people on the School Board.
Get over it.
;)
Happy with the election results!
Peryea! Go home,you're drunk! My goodness, what a crazy rant! We are glad your gone, so move on already. Wow! And you seriously wanted us to elect you?? I can just imagine what the next couple of BOE meetings will be like! Will you be putting a lamp shade on your head and dancing on the desk?!
Not miserable either! I am also from an upper middle class home with children in East Aurora schools. I voted for the 4 new board members because this last board was embarrassing to watch and was anything but transparent! I was appalled by the way they wasted money on important positions like buildings and grounds. My taxes pay for what the district purchases and if the board can't respect our hard earned money, they will indeed be voted out! Citizens of East Aurora are smarter than you think, as evidenced by yesterday's vote.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-tennis-courts-st-0409-20150408-story.html
If you are upper middle class, and you are sending your kid to one of the lowest performing schools in the state , than you are stupid. 35 grand and a Kmart credit card doesn't qualify you as upper middle class.
There are many upper-middle-class homes and neighborhoods in District 131. Hometown, Stonegate West, Nature's Edge...as well as some nice older homes in Ward 1. You display YOUR ignorance when you stereotype the voters in our district.
I have neighbors with graduate degrees who earn upwards of $100,000 and choose to live within the boundaries of District 131. Their children attend Rosary and Marmion (private Catholic schools), but they pay taxes to support D131 and care a great deal about our district. There is a lot of diversity in income, ethnicity, and educational level in our district...and people like my neighbors & me turned out to vote yesterday for 4 new School Board members.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-school-board-winners-st-0409-20150408-story.html
Great article in the Beacon, it shows the 4 new members are already more intelligent, and thoughtful than the 4 they are replacing. The voters did us well wherever they came from .
Where are the minutes from the March 2 School Board meeting??
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2005-04-23/news/0504230229_1_band-director-band-students-school-board-president
"School board president Larry Malaker, who retired Thursday, said earlier this month that the move was designed to improve student programs, but he would not be more specific"
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Of course he would not be more specific; the phrase "improve student programs" is vague and meaningless! Malaker's comment was just an attempt to cover over the REAL reason Mr. K was deprived of his high school teaching position: the administration (and ONLY the administration, against the wishes of parents, students, alumni, and his fellow teachers) chose to PUNISH a good teacher simply because he had the guts to stand up for the best interests of his students.
Yes, it's been ten years since Malaker and his fellow administrators had their little bully party, but he and Clayton Muhammad are still involved in the district, with the Aurora East Education Foundation. Ray Hull lost his bid for re-election to the School Board, perhaps partly because many of us oldtimers remember his involvement in supporting"Serial Bully" Radakovich.
Time "marches" on (pun intended), but some bitterness will probably always remain about a certain dark spot in our district's history.
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