Share YOUR knowledge with the East Aurora community here...
...and help multiply our power!
200 comments:
Ralph Padron
said...
Oct 5, 2015 Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer East Aurora School District 131 417 5th Street Aurora, IL 60505
Mr Matthew Hanley
Re: FOIA Request for Documents EAHS Bank Account July 1 2015 – Oct 5 2015
Monthly Bank Statements
1 List of all transactions
2 Purchase Orders (if applicable) pertaining to above
3 Time Sheets for temporary hires for AD position
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).
16-17 weeks of paid vacation plus holidays/teacher institute days. pensions that are out of line and way, way more than even the maximum someone can collect from social security at age 66. retirements starting at age 55. wages that are out of line for part time job of a teacher. 6 hour work days. (yes, I read the contracts) did you ever stop to realize that the surrounding districts are just more overpaid than district 131, instead of district 131 being underpaid. I have no sympathy for individuals who continually look for more handouts while not bringing value to work . Start actually teaching. I have a daughter who is a teacher and at least she admits that she has a great gig being a teacher and getting the bachelor and masters degrees in education were the easiest things she ever did in school. Life long Aurora resident...
Teacher hours are 7:45 to 3:15, which is 7.5 hours. Summer is 10 weeks; winter break is 2 weeks; spring break is 1. Teachers pay 9.5% of their income into TRS, which they might not even get, and it is a much larger percentage than most pay into Social Security, which they cannot collect. My daughter is a teacher, too, and she went to not one, but two highly selective universities for her BA and MA degrees and worked extremely hard, graduating at the top of her class. She works 50-60 hours a week and is proud of what she does. I, too, am a lifelong Aurora resident and I am glad that my tax dollars go to support teachers like my daughter and the other EA teachers.
FYI - Social security is not a retirement plan. It isn't made to support you when you retire.
Teachers do not get paid vacations. They work for their money, but instead of getting paid their full wages they basically give the district a free loan and spread their income out allowing the district to earn interest off of their money. Teachers commonly spend their summer "vacation time" teaching summer school, working a second job, taking classes, attending workshops, etc.
During the school year they work way beyond school hours. They coach sports, run clubs, attend workshops, grade papers, make lesson plans, assessments and activities. They work evenings and weekends making sure everything is ready for their classroom.
If your daughter thinks her job is easy she probably isn't very good at it because she is not committing the time and energy it takes to be an outstanding teacher.
Teachers are the foundation of our society and I am very thankful for them.
This would be a good time to remind everyone that comments must be identified. Anonymous comments go straight into the spam file… and identified comments are much easier to reference when responding or replying.
As a taxpayer attending the meeting yesterday, I feel the board of education should move for the immediate removal of all administration. The fact that teachers can't even get pay checks on time and do not have access to a word processing program to send letters home is unbelievable. The list of complaints was a list a junior administrator should solve. My question would be if they can't pay someone after several attempts how many employees are they overpaying.
Popp and his administration then presented to the board a list of building issues. A video presentation with children learning in the hallway at a school was presented. If the principal, Popp and whoever else was in charge could not see placing the reading students next to a gym was not a good place with screaming children then they should get fired on the spot. I was ready to ask for a tour and relocate the children myself.
My tax dollars are being wasted, the children are not learning because of incompetent administration and the teachers are being mistreated. What else.
First, great post blog admin! Sharing the knowledge! I didn't make it to the meeting, but I visit schools and in a district with the money we have and all the money we have spent, it is a disgrace how little has benefitted the process of educating the children of 131. What good is a budget if it is not used to better serve those you are in the business of employing to create a better product? In this case, that would be giving the teachers tools and an atmosphere for educating the students.
It's about time someone checks on Larry Wilson,they should also check on his buddy Luis Ibarra who conducts his landscaping business on D131 time meanwhile Larry rides around all day in the D131 van burning gas cause he thinks he's a supervisor(snitch).Guess when your the two snitch's for Dick it's ok! And what about the new phones that administration received REALLY there was nothing wrong with the ones they already had!What a waste of money that could be used to give salary increase!
It's funny how administration has worked over the teachers for years and now the shoe is on the other foot. This was the second meeting I attended since working here. If the board could fire the entire administration at the meeting they would. Leonard stated they are making changes soon. Dr Popp has no respect from teachers or the board. It shows what goes around comes around.
Also, I felt Hanley, Popp and the student board member showed no respect for children past their bedtime. Many of us felt the endless dribble coming out of their mouths could have waited until the many six year olds received acknowledgement.
Kirstin Strand stated that they can't meet the teachers financial expectations. What are the teachers financial expectations? A fair and competitive wage.
The average district in the U.S. spends between 70% and 80% of their annual budget on salaries. What does District 131 spend? Only 58%. In addition, the board is sitting on over 80 million dollars. That is far more than any district. Kirstin's statement is a lie. It's not that they can't pay teachers a fair wage, it's that they choose not to.
Kirstin (and s few other board members) claim to be Christians. I wonder if they ever read their bibles? If they did they would find passages like:
Leviticus 19:13 Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker.
Deuteronomy 24: 14-15 do not take advantage of a hired worker...Pay them their wages or it becomes a sin in you.
Malachi 3:5 so I will come to put you on trail. I will be quick to testify against... Those who defraud the wage earner.
It all comes back to the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Kirstin's statement We respect you BUT... As soon as she said the word BUT she showed enormous disrespect.
In schools the sin is tenfold. The board is not just defrauding the workers but also the children. The board is certainly not fulfilling their oath to do all they can for the children. I can't imagine how a Christian, on the day of judgement, standing before the lord with be able to explain how they sat there with over 80 million dollars and denied the workers and children they swore an oath to represent.
please don't bring god into this battle as you look like an idiot trying to spin passages from a 2000+ year old book to make your point. All of those quoted scripture you spew aren't applicable in this situation:
*Leviticus 19:13 Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker.
When has the district held back wages? I believe all the teachers and staff are receiving their paychecks on a normal agreed upon schedule....
*Deuteronomy 24: 14-15 do not take advantage of a hired worker...Pay them their wages or it becomes a sin in you.
Again, how has the district taken advantage of these hired workers? The district has a contract with them, the wages and conditions are spelled out and the work completed and the wages paid...hhmmm no SIN here?!
*Malachi 3:5 so I will come to put you on trail. I will be quick to testify against... Those who defraud the wage earner
Not sure what "trail" the lord will put the Board on, but probably not a lot of testifying happening as there hasn't been any defrauding....
As far as a surplus being on hand, are you aware that it is state law that districts are mandated to have cash reserves on hand for a minimum of 3 months? Probable not since facts don't apply in this situation as your citations of any perceived wrong doings are from the largest book of heresey ever compiled....
Please leave god out of it or we will establish a new low for this blog as the band cronies will start to cite Jesus as the reason why the band program has been slighted over the years. GOD HELP US ALL
Strand can talk about the teachers and the fact they have NO money for us but she had NO problem voting for the Matt Hanley $40,000 raise. She remains the only board member who supports that.
"East Aurora High School teacher and union representative Melinda Thomas said teachers might have voted down the most recent contract because of what they perceive as a lack of respect, pay and resources"
And nobody said anything about Kaisershot except you. That was +10 years ago, under a totally different administration and school board. Thank God (yes, mentioning religion!) teachers have tenure or that horrible school board ("from hell"...religious reference again) would have been able to take away his job instead of just reassigning him. Instead, the administration was required to keep him employed in D131 which meant that our Simmons kids got an outstanding band director for ten years.
I give the current board & administration credit for finally realizing the wisdom of hiring additional assistants and a second band director at the high school. Our district's band program (from 5th grade through high school) is one of the best things we have going on the East side. Now let's see if the administration sees fit to support other programs our kids deserve.
Apparently "YAWEH" has an issue with religion. "the largest book of heresey ever compiled..."??? Apparently we have an atheist among us.
Fortunately most people understand and believe in the morals and teachings of the bible. It was clear at the board meeting that most of the board members do have a conscience. Several were very uncomfortable. Kristen in particular could not even look at the teachers as Melinda spoke and the teachers applauded her. The shame was written all over her face. She knows that they will have to answer for thier decisions in this world and the next.
You were correct that every school district must keep some money in reserves, three months worth. For East Aurora that means approximately 34 million dollars should be held in reserves. It's no wonder that the state has been asking questions about why the district has well over double that amount. It is also no wonder that the district is denied any addition aide. Who is going to give us any aide when the district is showing such a huge surplus. To receive state aide, you must show a need.
Just to clarify, it was supposed to say "trial" not "trail" since you can't deal with a simple typo.
One may ask where's Waldo in d131 we ask where's Sarah. We had hoped she would be honorable and step down but that does seem to be the case. We just received an update that a mediator was picked. Some members were forwarded attachments with the district lawyer Wilsons name on it. We pay big dues only to get representation from the districts attorney. This is a crime. We need an accounting of our dues at the local.
Why did Sarah not attend the BOE meeting and speak. It is not the job of the building rep to speak. Sarah has never stood up for us and nobody believes Sarah and Hettinger will now.
The feeling was by many the board was bending so our best bet is to continue to show up at meeting and express our displeasure. Another wards WE ARE SCREWED,
Oh boy here we go again....the Band people have jumped in and now we are back to bashing Sarah. Its like a time warp here at the blog.
Again the question that hasn't been answered is why should she Sara step down? She was elected for a term. The union is moving through the process that the IELRB has set forth. Mediation has to be JOINTLY requested so that may be the reason that the district attorney's name has shown up on shared documents.
This group is so divided and spinning their wheels in every direction but forward it is sad to see what is happening. I agree that the teachers deserve to be treated fairly and paid for their services, but to think that in a recession that has hit this state and country and specifically East Aurora the way it has that you are all going to receive 20,000 increases....you all need to come back to reality. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail in the end- cause you know what the board knows they have you all, that there will never be enough votes to authorize a strike....
I wish our union leaders displayed this much passion and participation: http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-yorkville-teachers-st-0930-20150929-story.html
If you are correct that the district budget is 170 million dollars (and I don't believe you are), that means that the district is only using 47% of the budget for instructional salaries. That also means to meet the national average schools spend on instruction, we should be spending another 40-55 million for salaries. I'm sure every teacher could be paid a fair and competitive wage for that amount.
Sara should step down because she does not represent the wishes of the mojority of the union. She has completely ignored the members and makes the the administrations arguments everytime we try to make it clear to her what we want. Since May, we have seen her publicly only once and she wouldn't respond to verbal questions. She and the negotiation team picked through index cards and selected only the questions that they wanted to address. Many people were ticked that she refused to address many of their concerns. She then walked out as many union members attempted to get answers. She has been completely unresponsive.
You are incorrect when you stated "Mediation has to be JOINTLY requested so that may be the reason that the district attorney's name has shown up on shared documents." Binding Arbitration must be agreed to by both sides. A mediator only needs one side to request for it. In this case, it has been clearly documented that this was requested by the union. This is also NOT the first time that Sara has relied on the districts lawyer. This past spring Sara cancelled the contract vote when it was made clear by the members that the contract was an insult. After Sara consulted the district lawyer, she reversed her decision and put the contract back on for a vote. This was documented in an email sent by Sara to the entire membership.
You also mention the financial situation of the State of Illions. It is amazing how every time education is mentioned, we have a financial crisis in this state. Mention teacher pensions and they claim that we are in a 100 billion dollar deficit yet if you go to the TRS website, they show a balance of 45 billion dollars in the TRS account (And that's after all the billions that our politicians stole from it). Somehow this recession hasn't affected other areas. We have 21 billion to spend on road construction just this year alone. Our representatives are pushing to give Exelon a 1.5 billion dollar break at the expense of the tax payers. They are also trying to get a billion dollar casino passed for Chicago. And don't forget they are still pushing for a third airport in Peotone. That project would dwarf all the other projects combined.
If you want to solve all our funding issues, it is easy. Just understand these basic facts. 40 years ago, for every dollar that individuals paid in taxes, corporations paid $1.50. Today for every dollar individuals pay in taxes, corporations pay only 25 cents. If the corporations in America were made to pay their fair share of taxes, all our financial issues would be solved. In fact 1/4 of corporations in America pay nothing in taxes and many are receiving money from the government. General Electric made 21 billion dollars of profit and received 4 billion dollars from the government. That is 4 billion dollars from tax payers for having done business in America. Americans need to wake up and realize why we are having the financial issues we do.It's not the teachers fault.
Thanks for sharing the reasons that you believe Sara should step down. Now the question is What are you going to do about it? Continue to complain and moan through an anonymous blog? Or actually grow a pair and make these "complaints" public and actually ask/ request her to step down? My guess is NO since you happen to be in the minority of thought on this and most other topics. Let's exam...
To request a mediator through the FMCS both sides must agree for one to get involved. Here is the link with the facts on that: https://www.fmcs.gov/resources/faqs/
Also this is pulled directly from their page: How does FMCS become involved in collective bargaining negotiations?
FMCS mediators communicate with both labor and management parties to a collective bargaining agreement prior to the start of negotiations. This communication begins when one or both of the negotiating parties files an F-7 Notice of Bargaining, a legally-required notice of intent to open a collective bargaining agreement. At the request of both parties a mediator can provide assistance.
Next topic: regarding the contract vote in spring and the scheduling, cancelling and rescheduling- the union was teetering on an unfair labor practice by signing a tentative agreement and then potentially "reneging " on bringing it to the membership to vote. Again, your argument that Sara doesn't represent the wishes of the majority is false as the majority spoke with the NO vote and the team went back to the bargaining table.
Lets examine your false claims on TRS shall we....you claim that TRS is crying broke of over the tune of 100 billion, yet they show reserves of 45 billion on their website. You are correct that they have 45 billion in reserves as TRS has been an amazing steward of teachers retirement contributions (so much so that Rauner made millions off our investments). The 100 billion number we hear about in the public is the unfunded liability- i.e. the amount that TRS will owe in benefits to future retirees and the estimated amount that the system will be short. You continue to babble on (again out of context) that the politicians "stole" this money from us. That is only a half-truth, I would advise you to research a bit further on the "pension holidays" that the General Assembly approved to short-change the system. When you do you may be surprised to find out that your own union (IFT) and the other "better" union (blog endorsed) IEA BOTH signed off on the pension holidays through committee hearings. Check your facts- since you and other union members elected the officials responsible for this (both at the state level and your union) then you are as much at fault.
I will agree with you on your corporate greed rant as I agree the state and the country have given too many kick backs to the corporations. You are correct in the 40 year window as this aligns with Reagan and the elimination of tariffs and trickle down Reaganomics. However, teachers have to be more involved like everyone else when it comes to these decisions being made. In the last election here in Illinois over 1/3 of union households voted for Rauner?! The change for this needs to happen, but it aint gonna happen at the bargaining table in East Aurora?
Again, grow a pair get more active within the framework of your union, be the change and use your power collectively. However, I fear people such as yourself (and the 5 other Sara "haters") will continue to blame her, the AFT, corporations, politicians, etc. rather than look at yourself in the mirror. If you don't get organized as a group the Board will have their way as you wont have the votes for any true job action (i.e. work stoppage or strike).
The article by the teacher sitting in the hallway shows the teachers are trying to shake administration down by showing how bad it is. Does anybody believe that she could not find a quite hallway. Ms Cook along with Popp and whomever the principal is should get fired by the board. It looks like they are trying to prove a point by putting kids education at risk.
To Fire them all, I am a member of the Dieterich neighborhood. I have volunteered listening to children read in the school. I have no reason to "shake"'anyone down. The school is crowded. 30 students in some classrooms, and no place to add additional class space. Bad planning by previous Boards and admin. This school had an addition put on and they have outgrown that addition already. There is plenty of land to expand, but in the long drawn out process of getting this done, many students and teachers are suffering the consequences of poor planning and a slow fix. They need to rent a number of additional portable classrooms and fix these problems in ALL EA schools. Something....anything, and soon! Students achievement are not going to improvement with these types of learning atmospheres. Why not blame the teachers for not creating additional classroom space, when they are not creating their own curriculum. This is not a shake down. I am calling out the admin and BOE. Give the teachers a contract, not just a fair contract but a contract with a bonus for those who have been teaching for years in these 131 schools, inspite of the crowded classrooms, lack of space and lack of support from those who were elected and hired to run the district. Without our teachers extra efforts, our district report card would be much worse. Dr. Popp has been here over a year now. We do not need to see another strategic plan. What we need is an immediate implementation of action, starting yesterday!
The article shows the kids will get used any cost. Everyone could see Popp just wanted all new buildings that the community can not pay for. In Indian Prairie the tax payers and contractors pay taxes and impact fees. In East Aurora we allowed Biglow to pay nothing. The real board from hell has the serial bully days of Radoavich.
Dr Popp was been here 18 months and his first order of business was to build a administration center fo himself. He then proceeded to slap teachers in the face with a .8 % raise while giving Hanley a $40,000 increase. The board needs to fire Popp, Hanley and Gloztbach. Glotzbach has made statements about teachers that you can only be a teacher , or a good mom , not both. It is this attitude that will lead to a strike. Glotzbach made a decision not to have children and she thinks if we do we are bad employees. The board needs to take swift action NOW.
Teachers have no materials just a curriculum that is copied. The copies are poor quality. We in elementary don't even have text books since Popp took over. What are they doing.
Sorry for the typos, reading the blog on lunch hour and had to get my two cents worth off my phone.
Date: October 9, 2015 To: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131 Subject: Overpayment Scott Osmond
Board of Ed:
Recent FOIA response uncovers the following: (See attached) Scott Osmond (B & G) hourly overpayment for years
Hourly pay history Fiscal Years 2016 $ 23.37 2015 27.15 2014 26.75 2013 26.36
2012 + I don’t have records for that yet
Questions:
Why was a serious error made in his job classification all these years Was Human Resources Asst Supt Joan Glotzbach responsible for assuring correct Classification
Why the reduction suddenly for FY 2016
What is the total overpayment amount after adjusting Hourly rate (Regular & Overtime) Social Security Contribution by EA 131 IMRF Contribution by EA 131
Are benefits paid by EA correct for all areas
Are there other employees misclassified
What is the answer for the Double Time Rate being paid
Can the regular & overtime hours be confirmed they are actually worked at B & G
What is the timetable to recover these wasted Taxpayer Dollars
Was it the responsibility of the employee to inform HR he was overpaid
I am requesting an audit/investigation be done which again exposes the shameful activity and wastefulness of Taxpayer Dollars.
When will the Board of Ed take disciplinary action to those responsible or do we continue to get excuses and pointing figures as is the response
The district and boe was looking for new administration offices under Dr Roberts. It was going to be at the old Waubonsee building but the deal fell through . The service center was going to house some alternative programs. This place has the ceiling falling in, leaky pipes and the majority of administration is in other buildings. Out of site out of mind; whose day to watch?the taxpayers have said "no new buildings" how will overcrowding ever be addressed blog administrator? The buildings are not collapsing as stated. They are certainly old and challenging but what do you expect they are 80-100 yrs old.. The teachers don't care how the bill is paid or what the districts ability to sustain is because they live in the other districts they Continue to mention.
Dear Mr. Pardon, You are absolutely my HERO!!!!! I for one am thoroughly impressed with your most recent uncovering of another EA corruption...this is yet again another example of how irresponsible the District of EA is!!!! These funds could go toward educational use for the children of EA and to well deserving teachers of EA. I am a tax payer of EA and I am 100% in support of the teachers in their well deserved raise. It is truly upsetting to see all of the EA funds go toward wasteful spending and stealing. It's disgraceful!!!!! EA pay our teachers what they deserve and give them the needed supplies to do their job. And PLEASE stop STEALING, this is SICKENING!!!!
I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EXHAUSTED IN MY WHOLE LIFE!!I work 7-5, go home gulp down dinner and work till 11- and pass out at the computer. Get up and do it again- weekends are not weekends they are an occasion to grade and do lesson plans-- then Monday comes and start again- you say well you have a three day weekend- yahoo now I can get that third uBd or PLC project done I really didn't have time for- THERE IS NO TIME FOR THE ART OF TEACHING WITH EACH NEW INIATIVE THEY THROW AT US -Summers are no longer summers but an occasion to browbeat teachers to come in for all sorts of training and curriculum writing. The month of August is totally chewed up by workshops. Sorry Sarah- you are useless to us and firmly in the pocket of admin- not to say I blame you but then don't take the job Sarah if you can't do it!! You are right-- there is money for $40,000 raises and all sorts of perks except to pay the people who are directly and intimately tied to the success of the East High students- their teachers. These students will not remember Popp, or any admin but they will remember a teacher that helped and cared about them, and spent half of their paltry paycheck on them!
Welcome to the real world where you have to work. Sounds like you need a boyfriend. Step up and take a Union position if you think it's that easy. If not quit complaining. If you think being in the union is so easy then do it. Truth is, it sounds like you can't even handle teaching so you better not take on anything else.
Sounds like Carla Hettinger is fighting back by call us babies. Carla takes at least four big vacations each year and talks about her vacations at union meetings like we are suppose to care. Carla has done this off the backs of union members who pay big dues. We have no input on her job or her sell out side kick Adam Harding who sold out to administration when he became one of them only jump ship for money with the union leadership. Why are Adam Hardings and Carla Hettingers not elected? Maybe we need to pay some of our dues to Ralph Padron to investigate the unions books.
Our union uses the district attorney's because they do not want to pay. In a statement written by district they stated they had 57 issues and 57 issues have been settled. Does that not show us the union leadership is in bed with administration.
I am one of the lucky ones. I teach here because I feel I make a difference every day with students that do not have the resources at home to supplement their educations. I also fall into a salary lane that is not under paid. I do want to get treated fairly and that is not happening. Our union is not defending our working conditions and many of us do vote no because of that.
Sara has failed us in every way and needs to resign. Carla and Adam are just plain corrupt and self serving. We no longer trust our union leadership.
The administration would have been housed at the Waubonsee along with about five hundred students who would have given career training. Nursing programs from Rush Copley and computer programs from major corporations like Microsoft, Cisco and SAP would have been taught. Students could have had a career ready certificate and it would have helped alleviate the overcrowding at EAHS but the City and Waubonsee Community College did not support learning and EA suffered. Today the taxpayers support a vacant Waubonsee building.
Maybe Ralph should check into the cost of supporting a vacant building.
Dr Popp has failed this district with his 204 attitude. Teachers know what he says behind our backs. Let's see if his girlfriend could last one day or even himself. Dr Popp has leaks all over his administrative staff and we have heard he has stated we lack the creativity to do our own lesson plans. He is not a Superintendent in fact he qualifies for the Director he was in 204. If the community would see what he considers a unit they would be outraged. Of course our community does not care. My colleagues and myself included are lucky if we ever meet 60% of the students parents. Perhaps we should bring the units to the BOE and seniors that complain about their taxes. Perhaps then we would have outrage. I ask has the BOE ever seen a unit? I know Strand has but says nothing. A unit is made up of poor quality copies from the repo department. Then they tell us find your own resources but then we have a copy limit in our building. The repo department is weeks behind. Duh, Dr Popp it is because we have no resources.
Ea teacher is correct that is why we do not retain teachers and with Dr Popp it will only become more demeaning in 131
BOE come and see our working conditions and then you will see Dr Popp needs to get terminated along with his 204 friends.
Listen Baby I've been working since I've been 16- THERE'S YOUR REAL WORLD and I'm not scared to work -Oh and I like your sexist comment I need a boyfriend- since I'm a straight man, that wouldn't work for me but maybe you would like that!! Do you put in 12-14 hours ? I am saying I want to put that time into TEACHING not b.s. paperwork!! I don't think being in the union is easy so I don't do it-but if I was you better believe that I would give it my all and be an expert on contractual and Union issues!!!!
Sounds like EA teacher is spot on and it's MR./ MRS. Baby, AKA "baby" also anonymous who can't handle the truth. It also sounds like "baby" is one of a select group in our district that is being grossly over compensated for their position or perhaps soon will be even though it is claimed that EA is a poor district. Here is a fun fact for you. Since you so elequently (lol) stated, "welcome to the real world where you have to work" this is referred to in the "real world as overtime" where this is compensated. Another fun fact, in the real world when one does not perform their duties/ responsibilities the individual is not requested to step down they are "fired." Here is one more fun fact, I am NOT an educator... I am a tax payer of EA!!!!! Teachers of EA hang in there. I know many in this community that are now just becoming more and more aware of the gross injustices in EA that both you and the children of EA have had to endure over and over again. We expect more for our tax dollar
What are the qualifications of the few district teachers that are writing curriculum.? The qualifications are you must have your lips attached to Joan's butt. The real teachers who had the qualifications quit the committees because they advocated for us. Thankyou to the teachers at Gates that showed up to give the board a real idea of what we put up with. Many of us are afraid to go to the curriculum committee because Glotzbach will get even. The teachers from Gates are friends with Johnson so they are protected. In fact one of the teachers is related to Arroyo. They speak for us! Thank you ladies and gentleman.
The baby reference is Hanley. He is the personnel press secretary for Popp. He is the only central office employee not required to attend after school events or events in the evening. His secretary who is fluent in Spanish is taken away from badly needed services for the district and actually does all the FOIA work except when Padron Foias Popps emails. Then Matt takes over. We at the service center can't stand him. He walks up quietly and listens in on conversations and quickly reports to Popp. Thruckenbrod, Glotzbach, Hanley are all insiders. They joke about the teachers and have forced Sara I into tears. They think we are losers because we are not from Naperville or Wheaton.
Padron please post the email Hanley wrote about Popp we all need a good laugh.
Teachers in our district are mistreated we spend 12 to 14 hours per day working on endless projects from principals and central office admin that does not have a clue. We deal with children with social emotional issues with little support. The majority of us study to become bilingual to deal with parents. We pay from classroom supplies and resources that the district should provide. I am still paying student loans and to make more money I am paying from additional education. Now this $90,000 a year and I bet he knew he was overpaid. How could the business office no know. The business office is rude and heaven help us if we call and ask about unpaid stipends.
What new in central office is that Matt Hanley is spending time running a external program to keep Mike Popps name low on the Google list. Recently Hanley is was given another laptop which appears to not be linked to the district server. The board may want to ask for a report on all computers issued to central office staff. Matt is Mikes personnel watch dog and is wasting district time fixing Popps imagine.
Yahweh wondered what funds have been withheld. How about stipends for the activities and athletics that began at year's start? Perhaps the summer camps that finished long ago? There are some examples for you so you don't have to wonder any longer.
Be sure to mention names in full when posting, so that Google searches get the correct person. Such as Matthew Hanley and Michael Popp. We do not want comments crediting or blaming the wrong person and searches not showing complete and accurate information.
Michael Popp and Matthew Hanley have intimidated the entire central office staff and our vote reflected such in the union contract. Moral has never been so low. Yes it is true Hanley walks up quietly behind us and attempts to find out if we are on the blog. Everyone is afraid to speak. Popp never says hello in fact he avoids eye contact and thinks he is to good for EA. Does he think we are that stupid we use our phones or computers from home. Glotzbach still runs HR and Thruckenbrod is running the schools. Thruckenbrods name is the enforcer and he has made it very clear he will only will stay as long as Popp does.
Intherm will not respond to union members and name a negotiating team. If you attempted to fight for teachers rights and object to administrations demands at the last meeting she would not allow us to be on the team. We know Sarah has been promised a job by administration. Sarah is a fool; administration can't make any promises unless the BOE approves it.
Please come to the meeting and shout her down. She needs to resign!
Oct 13 2015 Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer East Aurora School District 131 417 5th Street Aurora, IL 60505
Dear Mr. Hanley
Re: FOIA Request for Documents for all “Paid Speakers” for the East Aurora High School from Sept 1 2015 – Oct 12 2015 To include all “Motivational Speakers”
Please provide 1 Invoices 2 Contractual agreement or Purchase Order 3 Specific dates, event & purpose 4 Method of Payment & copy of payment
Reference: Veterans Day Event at EAHS Please provide all
1 Purchase Orders 2 Invoices 3 Competitive Quotes 4 Paid Speakers & non District 131 employees being paid 5 Event Agenda
STOP the INSANITY!!!! Today at school we received an e-mail requesting that we the teachers, send two students at the start of our 4th period class to Ms. Gibson, our assistant principal so she could explain to these students how they can assist during their lunch period with soliciting socks!!!!!! Why is explaining how to sell socks more important than our instructional time in the classroom? Furthermore, I believe the price of these socks is $15.00. I'm confused, we are a low income school, where all of the children are on free breakfast and lunch. If the children can afford to pay the cost of the socks, why are we providing free meals? A final thought.... On Wednesdays and Fridays a teacher's class time is now interrupted during period two to distribute a morning snack to the kids. Again, I am confused.... Didn't the children receive breakfast at 7:30 am? I simply do NOT understand why the instructional time is interrupted with ridiculous nonsense.
Ms Gibson has a background of exploiting the poor. Gibson and her mother Avis Miller mother run a questionable non for profit that is supported by the EA School district. Her sister Jackie Durham is a mole in the union meetings. Please remember when other teachers did not keep up their reading endorsements they were forced to leave by Glotzback. Avis Miller was transferred to Brady Elementary were she is unable to communicate with students and parents assigned to her. End of story Dr Popp will look the other way for his friends and does not care about instructional time or sound education.
TBT- that is still funny! Sad part is, after all these years there is still a problem with accountability in 131. So maybe we should look and see who are the common players that were here when Jay was here and are still here, in admin and on the Board? Jay has been long gone and there are still expenses being created that should not be. Who is creating these bills and how many people are allowing them to continuously be approved for payment?
All kids should eat every 2-2 1/2 hours. Brain science tells us this! Let them get a snack....it may be the only good nutrition they get. Food is not nonsense to many of your kids
Date: October 16, 2015 To: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131 Subject: Hiring of Interim Athletic Directors Board of Ed Recent FOIA response states the following (See attached)
2 Interim Athletic Directors Rudy Keller & Michael Rogowski filling in for Dennis Renner whom is on medical leave $ 39.67 per hour each or $ 79.34 combined Time period from August 20 2015 – Oct 31 2015 Time sheets (AD’s) to keep track of and submitted to Nestor Garcia Job Description is for Asst Principal for Athletics & Bldg Operations Athletic & Student Activites Director
Comments/Questions:
I requested (via FOIA) application/resumes. No documents available
Mr Keller & Mr Rogowski are retired staff members from Dist 204 Indian Prairie
Mark Truckenbrod oversees East High & Michael Popp both came from Dist 204.
Did Truckenbrod or Popp contact them for this position
Why does it take 2 individuals to replace Mr Renner East High has several experienced competent individuals with whom could have easily filled this position.
Compensation is equivalent to $ 3,173.60 Weekly $ 165,027.20 Annually
Previously former AD Nate Parry was on medical leave and no interims were hired however the EAH staff filled in and did a commendable job. Per Job Description (s), are all functions being performed & who is supervising
Last but not least: Has Jessica Brummel been targeted for harassment due to her refusal to sign time sheets which could not be verified for hours worked?
The answer is yes and this Board of Ed needs to hold Truckenbrod and his accomplices accountable for this intimidation.
Enough is enough : DO YOUR JOB BOARD OF ED & TAKE ACTION
Actually Parry WAS the interim AD and Glotzbach only paid him minimally. She didn't want to give him any compensation for all the responsibility that job has.
Currently, there is no communication and nobody knows who is doing what at the HS. A lot of activities do not have a supervisor present and coaches are expected to coach and supervise. But that's what it was like with Renner healthy so not much has changed with that.
We need to come prepared Tuesday and let Sara know she does not represent us. She needs to step done. We need to tell everyone who will listen we are striking against our union. Hettinger is more concerned about her vacation account and Sara is more concerned about the job she has planned after she is no longer union president. Our union is stopping our rights just look at her team
Judy Durham, long time district mole and a good friend of Matt Hanley. Recently Hanley gave an award to her aunt for distinguished alumni. The district looked the other way when not firing Avis Miller for not keeping up on certifications. Her sister was promoted unfairly at Simmons and is a member of administration.
Steve Huffman long time mole of administration at Bardwell. We told teachers at his building the contract is very fair. The teachers at Bardwell may not experience the discrimination and unfair treatment because of Dr Garza however they should read the contract. Dr Garza may not be the principal forever. Steve is a liar.
Filberto Torres a big Mark Thruckenbrod and Cresbo fan. What does a PE teacher at EA understand about teaching without a curriculum.
Jennifer Gentile and Debbie Weber powerless they keep saying Sara is the problem but will not speak against her in public. They have attended every meeting that kisses butt with administration. Debbie is allowed to leave the building at Waldo and many times will not come back for hours. Anyone else would get fired.
Adam Melchi, Irma Gibbs and Alba Hernandez what do they know about teaching?
By this group we are screwed. We need to strike and strike now.
The Ad's are fishing buddies of Popp and Thruckenbrod. They recently went to Canada with Popp. They are worthless why is Jennifer Brummell not in charge?
Why was Melinda Thomas not asked to join the negotiating team? She spoke up for teachers rights something that Sara should be doing. Sara did not even attend the meeting and never speaks for us. She needs a vote of no confidence and needs to resign. Come to the meeting prepared Tuesday to ask questions and become very verbal if she does not step down.
I find it interesting that Michael Popp and Mark Truckenbrod can hand out what amounts to $200,000 to retired cronies from district 204, plus give Matthew Hanley a $40,000 raise, but teachers get screwed, having to write their own curriculum, and work 12-14 hour days just to finalize ridiculous paperwork that has nothing to do with teaching. Must be nice to be able to dip your fingers in that pot at the Service Center!
And Jessica Brummel is a person of extreme integrity. I have known her many years, and worked with her. Of course they would target her, she is a competent employee who doesn't bend rules to pad the 204 payroll!!
I was at the 5th grade soccer tournament today and have taught and coached in the district for a long time. With the amount of bad publicity our district receives, you would think a guy like Matt Hanley would want to be there taking pictures and helping to promote the great events that take place in our district. There are hundreds of kids from all the elementary schools participating in the tournament and they have a blast! You would think that if you were being paid 120K you would want to be visible and justify your job. In fact I dont think he even sent out one of his useless emails to promote the tournament. Clayton Muhammed used to attend all the sports tournaments and take pictures and it was great to see him showing support.
Why not Melinda Thomas as our rep. I have worked at EA in the Math Department for many years and do not know Torres. How long has he been a Rep and why did Sarah pick him. There is no confidence in the union or its leadership. We should also get an accounting of the money. Why is it we do not have our own lawyer?
A letter was put out with mistakes and threats recently about strikes and mediation. Does our union have a lawyer that reads what they put out. How many times has our union represented a district on strike. These questions should get answered. We need to ask questions.
Hanley is a joke and is allowed to do nothing. He is never seen and his raise was more than a starting teacher makes in one year. I attended a recent meeting and he was standing in the back with Thruckenbrod and they could not acknowledge staff. In fact they think they are better than us. Then administration wants to know why the contract has not passed. I read the article in the newspaper and of course Hanleys former employer played it down .
A letter was put out with mistakes and threats recently about strikes and mediation. Does our union have a lawyer that reads what they put out. How many times has our union represented a district on strike. These questions should get answered. We need to ask questions. Can you post this letter. I would like to read it. I agree with all that you have stated. You are correct we have no confidence in our union leadershi
WTH Ms Gibson exploits the poor. " Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt. What's questionable about The non profit? Go to GuideStar.com and look up It. While you're looking look at Aurora East Education Foundation and question why they lost their non profit status.
C'mon, "EA Pride", you don't need to rain on the parade. I am unable to attend the union meeting tonight. If someone could please post some of the comments and concerns made tonight at the meeting, that would be spectacular.
I do remember the East high marching band winning a trophy for best in parade in the 1990s. I think it was Batavia's loyalty day parade, or it could have been Aurora University homecoming. So the current East high marching band can claim to have participated in their first ever FIELD competition, but not their first-ever competitive marching event.
I do agree with the others that it was a good experience for our kids.
The union meeting was a joke. Sara and some of the negotiating team are trying to put up every block they can to the members standing up for themselves. They are being caught in one lie after another after another.
Previously, they tried to claim that other districts were not covering insurance at the same rate that 131 was. It was proved a lie. Other districts are within one percent of what District 131 is.
They claimed that salaries at certain parts of the pay scale are comparable to other districts. They are not! Even if the base pay for first year teachers may be close, when you factor in TRS contributions, even first year teachers are amny thousands behind neighboring districts. When compared to to other urban districts in Illinois, we are even further behind.
Sara and one of the high school reps claimed that 75% of the entire membership must vote YES to strike. That was also shown to be a union leadership lie. A simple majority of those who cast votes is all that is required. The only districts that must obtain the 75% threshold are those in cities with over a 500,000 population. The law, pushed by Rahm Emmanuel, was intended to screw over the teachers of Chicago.
The leadership also claimed that the district could decide to cut off insurance the first day if we chose to strike. Again another lie. Federal Cobra Law requires that an employer give employees at least a thirty day notice before discontinuing insurance. That is why we double pay the first months insurance when we are hired.
Further Sara is claiming that she can not disclose what the union demands are before the negotiations begin. Again another lie. It turns out that Sara had not even looked at the demands that the teachers sent in to her. She will be going into the negotiations on Friday completely unprepared. Or completely prepared (from the district standpoint) considering that the union has never negotiated for us. They simply take whatever offer the board and administration give them and present it to the membership.
When are the union members going to wake up? Sara is in bed with Joan and Annette (just as every previous union leader has been). They have promised to take care of her if she takes care of them. The last thing Sara wants is to go back into the classroom. She can't even get out of her chair. How could she possibly chase after a room full of students?
It was clear at last nights Union meeting that Sara doesn't have a clue. She claims that she is not allowed to share with the union members what demands are being made on our behalf but that is a lie. At the last open meeting at the high school she assured the membership that not only would we be able to see the our unions list of demands but that we would be able to approve them by vote before new negotiations began.
I don't think that she even looked at the lists of demands before last nights meeting. Sara step down.
Annette is doing exactly what she said she would, she's f*<€!ng us with insurance. Look at the employee cost increase and the look at the total premium increase. HMO. Total premium went up less than $11 yet the employee is paying $104 a month more. They just took away any raise they were going to give you and used it to cut the districts portion of insurance. Look at the PPO cost increase. They just jacked up the employee cost 73% when the premium only went up 7%. It's interesting that they did not release these numbers before last nights open Union meeting. The last chance to speak up before mediation begins.
Glad that you pointed out the changes in costs. I reported the new insurance costs to my wife, and that only supported the reason on why I am working a part time job on nights/weekends/holidays on top of my full time certified position at EA. Ridiculous!
Why is Annette increasing the insurance. Sara Intherm, Deb Weber, Jennifer Genile and Jesse Medina all agreed to it. They have been chosen by us to represent us on the insurance committee? We have to stop blaming everyone and blaming ourselves for who we elected. Sara lied last night when she stated we could not strike without 75% of the membership. They also misrepresented the information on COBRA.
Sara was questioned about why we do not have our own lawyer and what experience her team has. She stated we have Hettinger. Hetttinger is not a lawyer and they have been giving misinformation out. The strike rules, number of days to make up if there is a strike and cobra are just a few examples. Ourselves to blame is correct we now have them making choices for us.
I attended my first meeting in over 10 years working at the district. I left feeling sad that is has come to this. Sara Intherm is so confusing the staff mistrusts her. She tells us the wrong information and is always not prepared. She is the problem but nobody will ask her to step down. They just complain. I am not a building rep but they need to step up and represent us.
I know it is not possible to ask for $15,000 raises or TRS plus a raise. Like busing we lost the battle 20 years ago. Poor administration, heavy low income growing year after year and no new sources of revenue have put 131 in a point of no return. I also understand relying on the State for revenue makes it difficult.
We need to ask for fair treatment and the board needs to ask Hanley to give back his $40,000 raise. Step two phase in TRS at 2% over 4 years. Insurance across the nation has gone up lets call it fair.
My plea to Sara please resign if a strike vote is taken it will destroy any hopes of a positive work place. The students deserve better.
Not surprise- remember Jennifer Gentile was a cronie of Glotzbach, with her administration gig in HR. She also got a back room deal for herself when she left central office...and that's who is representing us?!
You are out of your mind!!! 15,000 dollars is very doable! Your lowball accounting is stupid!!!!! Pay EA teachers a fair wage and stop making stupid remarks about how poor we are as a district. The facts are administration is among the highest paid in the county. Pay us 15,000 and our TRS and stop making excuses as to why we can't be paid...... Interesting how EA economics has never stood in the way of administration pay... So just shut up and stop talking like a victim that is willing to accept whatever is given to you. Stand up and be counted as a professional and demand more!!!!!!
Must be two Annette Johnson's she was at Turners Club all night watching the Cubs with her some friends. Ms Childress has young child she watches at night and Jennifer does not live in Aurora. More lies.
If they spend $40000 on Matt Hanley then they can pay us. The secretaries do the work for Matt Hanley every day at the SSC. We are the ones that pull the FOIA requests not Matt. Today and most every day Matt follows Popp around they left early in the morning and are not coming back all day. Popp has a personal photographer and speech writer. Hanley is never involved with students unless he can take pictures of Popp at an event. When the raise came many of us lost respect for Popp.
Jennifer Gentile was pushed out by Glotzbach, in fact she stated Joan would give her a nervous breakdown if left to work her. Same story on Braddish she was blamed for all of Glotzbachs mistakes. The truth is Sara Intherm and Hettinger are very close to Glotzbach.
Childress is home everyday by 6pm since her husband works 2nd shift so I doubt they are hanging out with Johnson. Johnson has no friends she does has respect of many of us. She also voted against Hanley.
I am not very knowledgable about taxes and such. I pay my fair Ahare, I am sure. I see many folks who live in an area with higher valued homes, complaining about their taxes. I just ran across my tax bill for this year and I see why they are complaining to the school board. My taxes are in a lower valued area of Aurora. Comparing 2013 to 2014 many things remained relatively the same. Most were actually lower this year. City pensions increased over 100% I suppose that is due to many employees reaching the age for retirement. EA D131 went up a little over 10% but D131 pensions went down over 50%.
I guess what I would want to ask, why isn't the school district more transparent with where the money is going? Maybe people would be more understanding of the costs of educating the children in our community if they were to post the check register or all accounting statements in their website. I am often seeing many, very generous donations to D131, so not only are they getting extra government dollars for being high minority/ poor district, they get many gifts. Has anyone gotten an answer? Why are they having problems giving the students and teachers what they need to reach higher success levels?
You can look under the finance section and the bill lists every board meeting. They also attach the accounting statements once per month. I find them very transparent but would question why they are providing so many free meals to administration and teachers. They also look like they are charging plenty to the credit cards. I wonder if they are getting all the receipts.
I do not feel the teachers should be asking for $15,000 in raises that is crazy and insurance goes up every year and we are getting less. but I also think the superintendent should get fired for giving a $40,000 raise. I guess we fired the board that voted yes and the only one left is Strand. I will make sure not to have my family or myself vote for her.
Our union is so horrible they will not even tell us in large terms what they will be discussing when they meet with the mediator. On Tuesday we should have been given a list. It is time to step up meet with the union that represents West Aurora and get some advice. The advice will not ever come from Intherm or Carla. We need a new union.
Gentile is a month piece for herself. She ran for the union to get even with Glotzbach. When asked about Intherm she gives you half answers and states what can i do. Sara controls everything. Everyone knows that is not true.
We have two choices) Go talk with another union or wait until May and take over the union. Demand Hettinger not get assigned to EA. The bottom line is we are screwed this year.
I'm beginning to regret voting for some of the board members in the last election and the ones that where there are no better.
Who is looking at the receipts from the credit cards by law they have to be approved before they are paid. You can find that in The Administration Code under The Illinois School Code.
The way the board is handling the union contract is awful. Lying and threatening their health insurance. The three new members said they told Johnson the would elect her President but she couldn't act the way she did before. So you must think by her say she would mess with the teachers insurance is ok and when did the President of the Board have the authority of her one vote to change things. Looks like those three new ones are afraid of her and have no backbone.
I pay large taxes to d131 and I could not be happier Annette Johnson is back in charge. She did a great job with the insurance and I am sure she continues to monitor the cost.
I do attend meetings and it does not appear the board lies or mistreats the teachers the administration does. The teacher report this meeting after meeting. I also feel the prior board did a disservice to the teachers when they have the PR guy a big raise.
My only worry is Annette will not run again but if she does I will go door to door to make sure she looks out for my taxes.
"The band has grown from about 100 members to slightly less than 250 since Liska came to the district, he said"
Looks like somebody's trying to rewrite history. According to the administration at the time (as reported by the Beacon-News in 2005), there were 120 band members the year before Mr. Liska came to the district (NOT 100). As student enrollment has grown, the percentage of EAHS students in the band has grown at a similar rate.
Mr. Liska has done a good job the past couple of years leading the EAHS band program, with plenty of assistance from grade & middle school directors, several part-time adult assistants, and (as of this school year) an additional full-time director. Recently the band participated in their first-ever field marching competition. This was NOT the EAHS marching band's first competitive event, since a trophy was awarded to the band in the 1990s for first place in a parade (and maybe the band received previous marching awards under Mr. Nelson but that's before my time).
I have had the pleasure of talking with Ms Johnson about a paper I am doing for college. I also work for 131. Talking with her on school finance is interesting and knowledgeable. It is unfortunate the staff does not have the chance to ask her questions one on one. I do see both sides to the story but I can not forgive Dr Popp for being so insensitive to our needs. I also think we need to attend curriculum/board meetings and openly voice our concerns.
We as teachers do need to lobby the State for funding. We also need to stand up for our rights it is the only way we can help scope the changes for students of our district they are getting short changed.
Well 120 the year BEFORE Mr. Liska came is different than Mr. Liska's first year isn't it? Don't you think it's possible some kids dropped out of band because of the situation? And the article did say the word "show" which is different than a parade competition.
And the band program has grown faster than the population of the school, especially in recent years.
My documentation trumps your so-called "truth"
said...
From the Beacon-News, December 2005:
"District numbers show that there are 119 band students this year, which is just one less than last year"
So there were 120 the year before Mr. Liska came, and 119 for Mr. Liska's first year. Yet he was quoted in today's paper saying there were 100 his first year...hmmm, who's trying to rewrite history??
And maybe LAST year the band program grew faster than the population of the school, but that would only be one year out of ten. Here's a quote from 2014:
"The percentage of EAHS students in the band in 2005 was 4.73 percent (120 out of 2534).
The percentage of EAHS students in the band in 2014 is 4.70 percent (165 out of 3510)"
Again, a shining example of revisionist history where the EAHS band is concerned.
I have worked for the district 20 years my base pay is $61,600. Many of my fellow teachers have other jobs to support themselves. I am fortunate my spouse works in another that pays better. The both of us feel I have the job that made us both become teachers. I serve the poor and make life because of education
This year I am bitter, I feel used. I have never spoken with Hanley or seem him at my school but a $40,000 showed us what the board and Dr Popp think of us. I do realize most of the board did not give him the raise but they need to fix it to make the district whole again.
That needs to start by a resignation Ms Strand and Mr Leonard for their public support of Hanley.
I said they were hired last year. That's a true statement. But I could also mention that Mr. Gasso had been working with the percussion section since 2013 or maybe earlier (at least a full year before the other adult assistants were hired).
Date: October 27, 2015 To: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131 Subject: Questionable Expenses & Promotion of Matt Hanley Board of Ed
Here are some very interesting facts concerning the activity of the Communications Director 1 Re-organization of Administrative Position by Mike Popp resulting in Matt Hanley Promotion and amended contract salary to $120,000.00 + TRS is very suspicious and unethical for the following reasons
The TEACHER CONTRACT WAS AND IS STILL UNRESOLVED !!
Mike Popp urgent rush implementing this contract be passed on May 4 2015 .
4 New Board Members were taking office that same evening yet Popp insured this Promotion be one of the last acts of business by the previous Board.
Current Bd Members Annette Johnson & Richard Leonard voted no Kirsten Strand voted yes Matt Hanley’s contract was never signed
2 Invoices totaling $ 2,230.00 for 3 Power Point Presentations for Red & Black Day
3 Ghost Writer Dan Campana (former Beacon News Reporter) receiving $ 500.00 for articles written in “The Enlightener”
Questions, Comments
Why is Matt Hanley outsourcing duties his office should be responsible for? Ghost Writers, Slide Show Presentations totaling $ 2,730.00 +
Again Wasteful Taxpayer Dollars being approved by Mike Popp
Mike Popp’s lack of managerial skills, insensitivity, in offending the heart and soul of East Aurora THE TEACHERS & THEIR STAFF proves the Superintendent is unqualified in leading the District. This decision alone is one of the major issues in the Superintendent creating an atmosphere of hostility, anger and lack of trust and respect for those Administrators and Board Members who support Popp’s disregard in resolving the current teacher contract.
I certainly hope current negotiations DEMAND REMOVAL of those administrators (Mark Truckenbod & Joan Glotzbach) who intimidate and disrespect those teachers whom are underpaid and disrespected on a daily basis.
That just may ease tensions and boost morale in a dysfunctional School District
Instead of the 20 comments about the band could you please print my comment about the LACK OF a lawyer for the teachers we are using district lawyer!!!!!
The celebration taking place next week is costing the district big $$$$.
FACT We are not getting paid stipends from last year and our wages are the lowest in the area. Rudy Keller a Popp crony from 204 moved his Veterans event to EA anything to improve Popps image. The district is spending over $10,000 alone on a flag that will get hung for 2 weeks. Staff at ROTC are outraged they are forced to piece together small events and spend money out of their pockets to feed students. We have no classroom supplies. Crespo will not approve purchase orders for building needs but now this.
Board members do you even care that money is wasted and we suffer.
I know everybody is busy. Grading season is upon us but please do not forget to show up at the next Board Meeting! We need more participation from the Elementary segment. Let's not allow our colleagues to fight for us! Remember that we are as strong as our numbers. Be prepared with the list of items that are not working in this district. I am not calling them "concerns", like Imthurn does, a concern is something that may or may not be real. The issues teachers are facing are very real: low salaries, retirement incentives that evaporated, non existent curriculum, Memorandums of Undersatanding that encroached in our prep times, lack of clear info from our building reps. These are very real. Be there on November 2nd!
Oct 30 2015 Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer East Aurora School District 131 417 5th Street Aurora, IL 60505
Mr. Matthew Hanley
Re: FOIA Request for Documents Subject: Pay History Report records for Alfred Morales, Kim Mundt, Veronica Torres Salazar, Mary Pabley, Mary Ann Higgins
Provide final Pay History Report for FY 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 This would include year end totals for Gross Earnings & EA 131 contributions See attached (page 2) of Scott Osman’s 2015 summary report
Scott Osman's Gross Salary $ 62,778.21 EA Contribution $ 30,058.58
Total Package $ 92,836.79
Also ref: Alfred Morales 1 Application for all positions applied for at EA , to include original application 2 Current Job Description
Teachers can't get a competitive wage or raise, but the district can pay who knows what for Jim Cornelison to come sing the Star Spangled Banner? I doubt that EAHS has a lot of hockey fans in the student body.
I bet it is hard to teach in this district with parents that don't care if their child gets an education. Last year my child was at Waldo and in some of her classes only two maybe three turned in homework. Many didn't come to school every day. You have to have families living in the district that want their child to learn. We have quite a few but not enough. It is the administration and Board that let non English speaking students keep learning Spanish instead of English. Even now when the do phone blast they start in Spanish. Is this the United States of America or Mexico.
The administration in EA has lost their vision. It is the 204 way or the highway. Teachers are the most underpaid in the area. We do the job of the parents but this is a poor community. Families work and lack basic literacy. The Popp administration has slapped us in the face with large raises to administration. The Matt Hanley raise was the final straw. All week Popps cronies have planned a celebration of Veterans Day. The flag and its hanging of will cost the district over $10,000. Who knows about the singer and the many class hours wasted when 204 comes to town Monday.
Do the students need a $10,000 flag hanging or books and computers? Why is the union and board not objecting? Please someone help
Adam Harding is a sell out he was in the newspaper standing up for teachers in Yorkville yet we pay big $$$$ union dues to support him and can not issue a word for us. We do not have a lawyer or representation. Sarah will sit on her hands next to administration and everyone will speak for her Monday evening. Is that fair she is paid to speak for us. We will then get face the wrath of our principal on Tuesday.
It is a insult that a janitor is paid more than us. Why get a degree and go into debt. Work at EA and everyone will get paid retirement except teachers. The teachers are the only ones getting evaluated and we are the lowest paid. I regret investing in this district with my fifteen plus years
Date: October 31, 2015 To: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131 Subject: Interim EHS AD Questionable Payroll, Hours Summary & Nov 2 2015 Veterans Event Expenses
Please review the attached Summary for the 2 Interim EHS Athletic Directors Rudy Keller $ 6,644.73 Mike Rogowski $ 7,219.54
Did Rudy Keller and Mike Rogowski perform all duties per their Job Descriptions Were their hours questionable and approved by “Rubber Stamping” if not, why was Jessica Brummel reprimanded for refusing to sign verified hours (Note:14-15 hr days submitted)
The Summary is from Sept 3 – Oct 17 2015 only (Will update with future FOIA)
Regarding the Nov 2 2015 Veterans Day Celebration
How many work hours were dedicated to the upcoming Veterans Day Celebration
Was either Interim AD involved in this event, if so to what was there role
Did the EA purchase $ 6,000.00 + in flags?
Was the cost of mounting the Large Flag at EHS cost $ 4,000.00
Why did EA purchase $ 1,700.00 in coats for staff for this event
Did EA Dist 131 ever host an event like this before
What are the actual costs for this event & why is EA paying for this
Why such an extravagant program for a 1 hour + assembly
Jim Cornelison (Chicago Black Hawks Singer) singing National Anthem (Is there a fee for his performance)
What are the Employee OT costs for this event
Upon reviewing the hours and pay received by Rudy Keller & Mike Rogowski, I would have hoped that the words “Volunteering, Charity & Giving Back to the Community” be applicable.
Bigger question: Who spearheaded this event and approved these costs
Per my FOIA Request I did not receive the actual “signed time sheets” nor the actual pay stubs.
If the AD’s have been paid, why would the STIPENDS due EA Teachers & staff (which have been finally paid after months of delay’s) not have priority before these payments.
A reminder of the 204 connection, Mike Popp, Mark Truckenbrod, Rudy Keller and Mike Rogowski Is either Mr Keller of Mr Rogowski a fishing partner of Truckenbrod & Popp
It is no coincidence Truckenbrod & Popp must approve these costs.
The Event will be a success and well it should be. I myself am a Veteran and appreciate very much the recognition and effort to honor those who have served thus I hesitate to comment & question on this event however feel compelled to do so especially when I see Taxpayer Dollars being spent in this manner.
This event is one that should be hosted by Dist 204 NOT EA 131
DOES ANYONE UNDERSTAND THIS IS A POVERTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
THERE IS AN UNRESOLVED TEACHER CONTRACT, MONEY IS NOT AVAILABLE
RETIRED SENIORS PROTEST THEIR TAXES @ BD of ED MEETINGS
I read the article today about Dr Popp and I have to question what is he doing. He says the number of students will drop taking the ACT because the district now has to charge for it. He states they are still considering what to do. He never questioned what to do when giving Hanley a raise. He has to problem bring in professional singers and spending $ 10,000 plus hanging a flag for his PR campaign but he has problems paying for a ACT test. The school board and Popp have lost priorities. Shame on y'all.
I just got my 2 figure stipend payment... My child can eat, AND there will be $5.00 for gas to the board meeting!
said...
Why has East Aurora School district paid a penalty of $511,560.10 for giving raises of over 6% to 87 "educators" soon entering retirement? I, too, am interested in a large raise ($40,000 or so.) To whom shall I speak to sign up for said raise? By the way: I am an "excellent" educator, but my documentation will most likely label me as "proficient..." just as Mary Poppins was just a "proficient" nanny. Please also consider EA vomit bags as our thank you gift this year, because I needed one after reading this article:
Is the district just trying to blow through cash now to make the financial situation seem more dire than it truly is to an arbitrator? First, the thousands of dollars for the ceremony next week, and I see that a glass company was parked at Simmons for 2 days last week replacing windows. Were that many windows broken and neglected that it needed two days work?
Please don't complain about the 6% bump. I am near retirement and make $16,000 less than others who work far less than we do in other districts. I am also working two stipends. The district is complaining this is creating the pension penalty and will get rid of it without no warning in the new contract. We the underpaid teachers are the only ones in the district that do not get our pension paid we work for it. Janitors, secretaries, support staff and worthless administrators are all paid. So they pay a small penalty we are worth it.
Agreed. And based on the Tribune article, it seems these penalties apply to raises that exceed 6%, often given to administrators. In fact, all of the examples in the Tribune article were admin who had received 15 or 20% in the years preceeding retirement. In 131 these penalties are not being paid because of teacher retirement bonuses paid at the legal 6%. It's for $40k raises. Our administration needs to be held accountable for these penalties which are paid with tax payer dollars so that they can pay their buddies. How is the school board allowing raises like this? Meanwhile teachers with a family of 3 qualify for food stamps based on a 131 salary. Leaders, you should be ashamed of yourselves.
Do you really think that the district paid anything extra to teachers? Hint, they didn't. Not one teacher got a larger than 6% bump for retirement.
I'm sure that the penalty was incurred for giving Jerome Roberts all his accumulated sick and personal days a year early and the $87,000 bonus the board gave him as a thank you gift for no apparent reason on his way out. They made sure that the tax payers of Illinois would give Jerome Roberts a sweet retirement down in Florida.
Illinois is one of the very few states that have both wealthy and poverty striken school districts. Almost every other state in the nation provides the lions share of education funding. That is why we have districts in Illinois spending over $30,000 per students while others are spend about $7,000. The entire system in Illinois is corrupt, especially in education. Maybe you should be FOIAing that?
The board paid Roberts his salary until March the sick days paid him through June when his contract expired. I for one would be happy if he was still here. Everyday was were greeted with a hello and asked about our family by Roberts. Popp walks past us like we are below him. The only ones Popp protects are Glotzbach, Hanley, and Thruck. His pet name not ours although he drives over us like he is one. Tyler is his indentured servent and Reyes Childress is protected by Johnson. Everyone feels the district lost its togetherness since Roberts left. Lisa Morales is afraid to talk and everyone knows she is kept around because she speaks Spanish.
That is why everyone who could vote cast a NO against the contract at the SSC and ASC
Here we go AGAIN with Dick Leonard! PLEASE BOE, see that he has his own personal agenda here that has nothing to do with finance. He has a personal problem with the maintenance department. He is the one that got his friend Marty Feltes the job as B&G director, even going as far as changing the job description to accommodate his crony for not having the proper credentials for the job in the first place. Then his friend proceeded to destroy any plans that had been put in place to improve the district as far as buildings and grounds. The kids could have had a proper stadium and track (they cannot even have home games on this one!)instead Feltes blew the budget on things like the giant concrete room in the basement that holds mostly junk and still has tons of space left over(please go view it, it is in the basement of the high school). Dick Leonard also is/was on the B&G committee. So, he looks very bad all around for not have seeing and preventing this.
Leonard is on a non-stop, one-man crusade to prove that he and Marty Feltes were the ones who were in the right here and that the maintenance department does nothing. He is a bully just like Feltes was. We hear he made Alex Dimare get a quote for outsourcing us AGAIN! This is all in an attempt to try and make himself look better to his friends. It is NOT for the betterment of the school system. He is lying and wasting time and money while the rest of us are trying to move on and fix all of the things he and his friend ruined.
Nov 2 2015 Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer East Aurora School District 131 417 5th Street Aurora, IL 60505
Mr. Matthew Hanley
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
1 Subject: Maintenance (Bldg & Grounds) Summer Help, Temporary Help
Time Line: FY 2013 – Current 2016
Master List to include Name, Pay Rate, Department etc ALL Pay stubs for individual last name of “Darby” Application of individuals last name of “Darby” Total Number hours of worked, total earnings to date whose last name is “Darby”
2 Subject: Diane Thomas
Previous & Current status to include application Job Description (include current pay rate) Pay stubs for FY 2015, 2016
3 Subject: Interim Athletic Directors Rudy Keller & Michael Rogowski
Contract beginning Nov 1 2015 Pay History Report for Oct 2015 Signed Time Sheets & Pay Stubs
We should withhold our union dues after tonight Sara Intherm was not at the meeting to speak up for us. Gentile was there but no Sara. Who is representing us. We need to vote her out immediately. Gentile made am lame excuse that she could not speak. They get paid to represent us and we have to stand up for ourselves.
Through the years many students have worked during the summer at the schools that have been teachers, other employees or Board Members children. As long as another student wasn't by passed because his Dad was a board member it is ok. Ralph your grabbing at straws now. Has anything you FOIA been sent to a government agency to see if anything could be done about the misuse of money?
I think people should be more concerned about the money they spent on the Flags for the Veteran Day Ceremony. For a one day use that is a lot of money that could be put to good use somewhere else.
Where was Sara? Once again she was MIA. At the last union meeting Sara stated that she would be speaking at last nights board meeting. She was going to be tough and make the demands for the teachers and staff. Where was Sara? The Service Center was packed with union members but no union president. The board acted completely blindsided by the teachers concerns. Sara needs to go. She is not doing the job that she was elected to do.
Go to this link to see pictures of the Veterans' Assembly at EAHS. I especially appreciated seeing the older veterans honored, and the family members of the soldier killed in action in the Middle East a few years ago (the Torres family).
It was an excellent program and tribute to Aurora's most patriotic citizens. Mr. Hanley did a grEAt job taking pictures and reporting it to the public.
What are we paying the union nearly a million dollars a year for if we have to completely represent ourselves? Not even our District 131 president and Vice President can speak for us? No one shows up from Local 604 except to scare the membership and put up roadblocks to representing ourselves. No other union in the world works (or doesn't work) this way. It's time to decertify the union.
Darby's son was forced on Building and Grounds. He used his fathers name to get a job. Darby is another Leonard he used his position on the board to benefit himself. He needs to resign.
Sara did your big fat a** get stuck in the chair last night. Please resign you are a front for the administration. What do you get paid for. Hettinger your are a corrupt SO*. We dont even have a lawyer because of your multiple vacations on our dime. You could not even show up to speak. Gentile we do not need your fake smile please resign.
Im so proud of our kids for being part of this event, however it seems like a lot of money was spent to remind the kids what an American Flag looks like.
Honoring our Veterans. - Anyone else think that this is Matt writing this blog post covering the districts butt? They are trying to make it not look like they wasted thousands of dollars just trying to create a photo op for Popp for his next job application. Did 200 flags really show us they care twice as much about the sacrifice of our veterans than if the district bought 100 flags?
The veterans that made it to the event would have been appalled if they knew the district took all that money away from the kids education. Kind words, respect, and appreciation is what all of us vets care about. Not more government waste and seeing an obscene amount of flags.
My social security check has been frozen two years in a row. You have nerve to ask for a raise when you are the lowest school district in the State. I can not believe our board was so wasteful that they offered a 7% raise Are you people all crazy. If you don't like the pay leave.
Is it even possible to withhold our dues? The letter to union members from Dick Manley was a joke as well. I don't see much support from AFT during this fiasco. Unions like ours would make for a good example on why Rauner thinks we can do away with them. We're throwing our money away at AFT and our reps. Hell, the district has already screwed us in insurance costs. They've already won. No realistic raise will make up for that. Sara won't step down; she has too much at stake. We're going to have to put up with this crap until we can elect someone else. EA can expect to have a major staff shortage next year. Seems like many teachers and support staff are looking for new jobs due to lack of respect from the admin and board. And the publicity that the district gets from the contract stalemate sure isn't going to help attract new hires. You think you have trouble filling vacant positions now, EA? Just wait till this Spring! I'm sure they think there are plenty of people lining up to take a teaching job, but that is not the case. We can't even fill daily sub positions! Contract teachers are having to sub during their prep times! They won't put up with that crap for much longer (or the fact that EA has still not provided completed curriculum).
Manley is still over the teachers union? No wonder you aren't getting anywhere. He has been in bed with EA administrators for nearly 10 years. Manley and Roberts. They were old buds. If the guy at the top of your union is playing for the other team, then it is no wonder you can get nothing from your local reps.
Sara's name along with, Weber, Melacki and Gentiles name was on the insurance presentation. They allowed the district to do what they do best sh** on us. We also understand Sara did not discuss money with the district in mediation. In fact Sara will not share what was discussed. She could have been at the meeting to hear us speak up, a job she should be doing. Who does she report in with maybe Ralph Padron needs to ask. At EAHS she is never here and we know she can barely get to her chairs. Really let's ask what does she really do? She needs to step down.
With all due respect 'Taxpayer1', you clearly don't understand what you're talking about. Even if we are the lowest district in the state, which is irrelevant, teachers should still get a salary that competes with others in the region. To your comment "if you don't like the pay leave", that is exactly what happens. EA is a stepping stone, the average tenure is somewhere around 4-6 years, and that may be a high estimate. How do you expect to keep good teachers with a bad salary? You want to complain about a pay raise, complain about Hanley's 50% bump. The guy makes $120,000 and probably "works" 30 hours a week.
Furthermore, how extremely ignorant of you to put all of the blame on the teachers when student motivation and parental involvement are outrageously low. Students aren't going to learn and retain when they don't do their work. Am I supposed to come to your house and get your child to do the homework since you won't?
It is absolutely amazing reading this blog. I cannot remember when I have read so much dribble in my life. One person gets a raise and he is demonized. An administrator does his job and is labeled a bully. A Union rep whose does not listen to whining is belittled and is said to not be a leader. Look, here's one of the big the problems. It is not that you are underpaid, it is that all the teachers in the other districts are overpaid. Period. Your salaries make no sense when one takes into account that the taxpayers of the district and the state have to take care of you from age 21 until your death. Way too much compensation/support for so little effort over so few years of employment. Retire after 30 years of part time work and get 70% of your pay for life. What kind of Ponzi scheme is that.
At the board meetings you should be screaming about the lack of parental involvement, lack of respect that some students have for themselves and others and screaming about where are all of the new students coming from as there have been no new housing developments in the district in years, etc. Maybe even assist management. It is you that is playing the us versus them game.
Again, when reading this blog, you really get the sense that the teachers and employees are the real issue.
Yup, one guy gets a raise and yet you get a lifetime of freebies and it is still not enough and you don't have the courage to address the real issues.
People are trying real hard to support this district but it is really hard to do so when the attitudes of the employees/adults are in most cases worse than that of the kids.
6% increased in pay for each of the last 5 years of employment for no other reason that to increase your retirement?? Nuts... I will admit it is better than the previous 20@ per year for the last 5 years that was stopped but the 6% should not be there.
Please tell me of any other public servant job where someone gets a 50% pay raise after 1 year. That just screams coverup or fraud. The previous person in the position did a much better job and there is no possible way anyone can show a justification for that raise. That is why there is outrage, a medicore employee with that kind of pay raise is wrong.
The real issue in this district is bad management and leadership. A bunch of old white people making money off the state at the expense of minority children who's education is the real victim.
You are the one who is spouting dribble. Not only are the teachers of this district way underpaid but teachers overall are underpaid for the degrees and education they bring to their positions. I did a quick search and here is a recent article about what employers are paying for degree positions. Instead of griping at teachers who have no control of the budget, perhaps you should be talking to your state reps who vote to contribute the least amount of money to education of the 50 states. They are the one passing the financial burden down to local taxpayers.
Job search engine Indeed.com took a look at job postings to determine how many organizations that are hiring require an advanced degree, and what the salary differential is for various levels of education.
Here's what the results shows of June 20, 2015: • Jobs requiring a Bachelor's degree paid an average salary of $65,000 • Jobs requiring a Master's degree paid an average salary of $82,000 • Jobs requiring a PhD paid an average salary is $97,000
In District 131 starting salaries for each of these degrees are:
(Year Year 1 beginning of the schedule) • Teachers with a Bachelor's degree paid a starting salary of $42,400 • Teachers with a Master's degree paid a starting salary of $46,300 • Teachers with a PHD degree paid a starting salary of $49,879
(Year 14 middle of the schedule) • Teachers with a Bachelor's degree are paid a average salary of $51,840 • Teachers with a Master's degree are paid a average salary of $59,482 • Teachers with a PHD degree paid a average salary of $62,420
As anybody can see, anyone who claims that teachers are overpaid don’t have the facts to back them up. Perhaps you should quit reading all the propaganda that the Koch Brothers put out and start looking up real facts. People like you are the reason that there is such a financial disparity between the 1% and the vast majority of the country. You should be asking the 1% who have over 90% of the wealth in this country to pay their fair share. Only then will teachers salaries compensate them for the work they do AND your taxes would drop to a reasonable rate.
" an administrator does his job and is labeled a bully "...
I don't see any where on this thread or the previous one where Dr. Popp was called a bully. He's been criticized for various reasons (as have others), but not called the B-word.
If by chance you were referring to 10 years ago, then calling the superintendent a bully was entirely deserved and accurate. That superintendent (Radakovich) was known by many to have been involved in depriving community supported teachers of their jobs in at least two other districts.
Defending "Serial Bully" Radakovich's actions against teachers who dared to stand up for their students and parents best interests is pretty much guaranteed to open a big can of worms. Are you sure you want to go there?
You just named many of the problems with the district that is not within any control of the teachers (no motivation from students, poor attendance, not completing work). How do you suggest fixing that? Will you work with the students at home? And if you think the teachers work part time ("whah! They only work 10 months!"), well guess what? They're only paid for 10 months of work! Of course, you're probably sitting pretty on your pay, aren't you? Care to explain who you are hired by, your salary, and your benefits?
Adding two more cents to the topic at hand
said...
I agree, Mr. or Ms. "Way past fed up" is Matt or admin. Who else would feel that way. I am happy some one posted the straight facts. Though I will agree that parents need to step up in 131. I volunteer and work in the community and parents can arrive at school an hour early to line up to pick up their children, but are no where to be found when a helping hand is needed for a family event or even to get their children to school on time with their homework done. Secondly, if a persons not given the proper tools to do their job, they cannot do put out the best possible product. If a mechanic was given a screwdriver and a hammer to fix your car, I am sure a good mechanic would be able to be creative and get the job done. Though it may take longer and the car may have taken a bit more of a beating to get things fixed, it could be done. Same is true for the EA teachers. They are being as creative as possible, putting together curriculum and making do with the supplies, classrooms and books they are given to use, but it requires more time and effort by students and teachers when trying to educate or be educated when you don't have the proper tools to do the job in high quality fashion.
Inside word is that certain board members and administrators were completely pissed off after Monday nights board meeting (and the last NO vote). They are most ticked off at Sara Imthurn and the Union. They want to know why the union has screwed up so badly at keeping the teachers and staff “In-Line”. They want to know why Sara and the Union have not done their jobs and gotten us to vote YES for the crap the district has offered us. None of them has a clue about what is really happening out here.
The real question is WHY would the board and administration have an expectation that the union would keep the teachers “In-Line”? Does the union work for the teachers or does the union represent the district. It would explain why Sara has made the decisions that she has of late. She refuses to tell the teachers what our demands are. We are hearing from negotiating team members that Sara has not brought any financial concerns to the bargaining table. Sara and Local 604 refuse to bring in an attorney to help represent us. Sara and the Union keep trying to use scare tactics to keep us from speaking up or voting in favor of a strike. Sara had no clue what was in the first contract offer, she just assumed that she would tell us to vote YES and the membership would follow. She had no answers to any of the questions that the members had. How could she lead the negotiating team that was supposed to put the contract together and have no clue what was in the contract? Here’s how. The district handed her the contract they unilaterally created and told her to have the members vote yes. The same thing they have done with every contract we’ve gotten in District 131
If the Union is going to take a million dollars a year from us and refuse to provide us any support in return, it is time to get rid of the AFT/IFT.
How stupid not to hire full time subs as we have always had for the high school. Ever hear of "penny wise and pound foolish"? Keep hiring teachers at a teacher's pay instead of a sub at sub pay==How stupid can these people be? Morale is the lowest this year as I have ever seen it-- and I have been here a while. Let's buy some more $10,000 flags!!!
I have never heard anybody, anywhere, say that teachers are overpaid before reading your completely ignorant comment. Do you realize that most teachers do not work from 7:45 to 3:15? Rhetorical question, of course you do. Most teachers put in 50, 60, 70 hours a week. Most teachers do curriculum work over the summer, paid or unpaid, because they care about their craft. My first year, I got paid $40,400 base and put in approximately 60 hours a week. This equates to approximately $18.70 an hour. Good thing I got that Bachelor's degree. More likely than not, my job is more important than yours.
The parents will not back up the teachers if they go on strike like in other communities. The district will advertise a 7% raise and you can bet $120,000 Matt will use his influence with his old employer the Beacon News to get the word out about us. We already know the board will not come up with any money. We need a new union but the law will force us to have no coverage for one year. Basically we are screwed.
To: Mr Richard Leonard Board Member East Aurora Dist 131 (Co-Chariman Building & Grounds) Subject: Revenue Recovery for EA Dist 131
Dear Mr Richard Leonard
Please research and demand monies returned/owed to East Aurora Dist 131resulting in overpayments & vendor charges which should have been disallowed.
• Overpayment of Scott Osman (Bldg Grounds employee) which was brought to the attention of Board of Ed most recently. (see attached)
• Also request a full audit to find others whom have been overpaid, especially the Overtime Rates (out of classification) which were paid Double time NOT Time & half.
• Are there any other employees who were/are being paid above their correct classification rate such as receiving double time NOT time & a half
I have been told “There is nothing that can be done”. Whoever takes position, have them provide documentation to support their response.
• Ref: PCS Industries, Why hasn’t EA demand a credit/refund for the bogus charges of Training/Freight $ 2,000.00 for the Floor Scrubber Scandal. Note: PCS Ind was awarded contracts via the recent Janitorial Bid I would expect it be no problem to credit EA for the $ 2,000.00 erroneous charge
• Ref. Joliet Boiler, my recent audit showed “Cartage” (freight) charges being invoiced. Again this should have been disallowed. (see attached) Note: Joliet Boiler is a current vendor & a credit is most certainly justified
There are more refunds to be pursued thus
THE AMOUNTS IN QUESTION TOTAL 100K +
I am requesting you personally investigate and oversee these violations. CORPORATE AMERICA WOULD DEMAND THIS MONEY BE RETURNED & DISCIPLINE THOSE RESPONSIBLE
Resolution to the above should be expedient thus replenishment of these funds could be directed to the Teachers as a “Gesture of Good Faith” in avoiding a strike
Of course you are pulling out the stops admins and union YOU DON'T WANT TO PAY US SO YOU TRY TO SCARE US-- WE ARE NOT BUYING IT CONTINUE TO VOTE NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leonard and padron visited the SSC together yesterday. What will Leonard do next to get attention? We all think there is nothing like an old fool that defines Leonard. Does he believe anyone at the SSC will trust him or respect him. Padron has destroyed many including Leonard's BFF Feltes. Richard you are a joke.
Padron many be behind firing Feltes but Leonard is still up to tricks. We know at the Hill is attempting to over turn the union an outsource us. Leonard is nice to Padron because Padron stopped looking into Feltes. Now Padron has focused on us attacking workers for phone records and pay records. He even attacked the American Flag. Meanwhile to millions wasted by Feltes just go away. Demire has told us he is getting direction from Leonard. Why only Leonard what does the other board think. What do you think Darby now that your son works with us.
Dr Roberts was rarely at work at or before 8 and never after dark. He was never in public representing the district. Annette Johnson barged in past Rene like she wasn't there. I remember the APD being called because she was screaming and cursing at Dr Roberts. If nothing else her public antics since Popp arrived have cease. Maybe her year off she saw how profession, reasonable elected official conduct themselves. Lisa was more afraid before Popp arrived because we all know that outside of Joan no one was safe.
Mr Padron, Dick Leonard can't start his computer without help. Asking him to investigate anything will confirm that he does not have a relevant skill set. The election cannot come soon enough. If he is visiting buildings with you shows that he is definitely suffering from dementia . He does not realize how your inquiries cause his friend to lose his job.
Johnson needs to return to her old form and fire the entire Central Office. She needs to start with Hanley first and then go down the Hallway skipping over Megazzini. We all know she will protect are Reyes Childress but technology is a mess and fears her since took it over? She also fired the copy department that knew are district for years and now look. The copy department is running almost a month behind. The district does not need a cheerleader it needs a superintendent who will run the district not Glotzbach. Hanley should attend events and represent the district not Popp. He never leaves his office only to accompany Popp for photo ops.
The board today is a slight improvement over last year but they have done nothing they have promised yet.
First of all Johnson is the Board President but she doesn't have the right by herself to fire anyone. If the Board doesn't have the faith in the new superintendent he needs to be fired and they hire another one. I don't think their are too many waiting in line to be the Superintendent in this district believes that the board should run it. To be honest Johnson needs to go. If she is so good why has all these misuse of money Ralph has brought up she didn't know.
As a taxpayer Johnson has represented me well and I am hoping that she runs again and continues to work on cleaning the district up. I retired many years ago but have many friends who still work at 131. They are frustrated that Hanley can collect a $40,000 raise and do nothing. There are many that would line up and take a $220,000 dollar job don't kid yourself. They need to fire Popp he was demoralized everyone teaching. If Mr Hanley truly cared about EA he should have never allowed himself to be put in the middle of a pr disaster.
I have to agree with Taxpayer12. Didn't Johnson brag about all her accounting experience and business knowledge. Seems like someone has slipped quite a bit by her, and continues to do so.
How about the credit card scandal a few years back when The Beacon ran an article about the misuse. There where charges where an Administrator paid her phone bill. Then until today Administrators like to have a lot of working lunches with just themselves. Also Administrators taking family with them on trip and the family member doesn't not pay for themselves. How about Scott Osman who got paid double time before he got time and a half. Where I work if they over pay you then you pay it back.
Ralph has brought out many misuse of funds and our community does nothing. Who ok'd all those flags at the High School that had to cost a lot and it was overkill.
Why is it that our District for the Teacher strike isn't getting any press time like most of the others in the past months have? Yorkville is the newest one getting air time. This Teachers Union President should be doing something to get attention. I don't know if you would have to be a Union President to get in touch with the news. Have any of you teachers thought about this?
We need to replace our union and fast. They will not negotiate until Dec 3rd. By all accounts the district wanted to wait. This means at best a strike vote will not happen until after the beginning of the year. They are hoping we give up. If our union can not force the district to meet what good are they. They all need to step down.
To EA1- how can you say you feel Johnson has represented you well and then turn around and complain about the things that have happened in our district while she was on the Board and was board president!? She can tell you she is in your corner and she is fighting the fight for you in her Ward, but what goes on in the board room behind closed doors is often very different from what you see in public. Ms. Johnson takes much credit for things she has not done and puts blame on others for her own doing. Beware where you lay your alliances.
I think someone mentioned earlier, there are slim chances our local paper is going to write negative things, when one of their old coworkers is the district PR guy. Every once in a while a new reporter comes on and actually reports what happens at Board meetings and in D131. But not for long. Crosby has reported a few things, but it was mostly when Johnson and the mayor, or Johnson and other board members were going at it. The teachers need to make their own news happen, if not thru the Beacon, then see if The Voice will print letters from teacher Union members to the community.
Date: November 8, 2015 To: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131 Subject: Negotiations Nov 6 2015
I must first state it was a pleasant surprise to have a 3rd party contact me with information from someone present at the Friday Negotiations Meeting. Here are the facts & questions arising as a result of the Union, EA Staff, and mediators attending the meeting.
• Next meeting is scheduled for December 3 2015 Where is the SENSE OF URGENCY in resolving this contract Will this delay breed more anger & frustration with the Teachers & their Staff
• Why did Sara Inthurm Union President NOT comment during the entire time Does Sara really believe the rank & file have her support
• Why did Superintendent Mike Popp ALSO NOT COMMENT Deflecting his failure as EA ‘s Leader as controversies & wasteful Tax Dollars continue to surface.
IT IS APPALLING THAT BOTH SARA & MIKE DID NOT PARTICIPATE NOR COMMENT
• Again Matt Hanley’s promotion & performance surfaced as a major issue Does Mike understand this is a MAJOR MAJOR ISSUE Why will he NOT address & correct this mistake This issue has destroyed employee morale which is irreparable
• What did Board President Annette Johnson mean when she stated “Regarding that administrator, it will be dealt with” Is she referring to Matt Hanley & what did she mean by “Dealt with”
• Did the Union present a resolution that will be accepted, rejected or be negotiable
Please comment publicly at the next Board Meeting on the above
Tomcat8, That was brought up at the general union meeting in Montgomery. I thought the same thing but the comment about no press was quickly "slapped down". Even coverage of the last board meeting was soft. I felt teacher union members came across strong but this was not conveyed in the beacon news article. Sad.
The Beacon never reported on the last board meeting you can bet Hanley called in a favor. It is news when 20 speakers get up and complain. Yorkville, Indian Prairie and Kaneland have been reported but no Aurora East. This is a Aurora newspaper. It looks like Hanley is controlling his past employer.
Someone needs to call the Chicago Tribune and report the pro district newspaper with ties to Hanley.
We, the union membership need to set a deadline for this board. Either we get a contract by December 1st or we strike. Lets take a lesson from strong unions in the area ie. Lockport. Otherwise we will get strung along till until Jone.
I believe anyone of you can call a news station and they will keep who talked quite. Think about all the other districts that have come forward with their contract problems. If your Union says no press then they are being manipulated by the district. I know it is a scary thing to strike but it is time to stand up for the students and you teachers. Do you not have a strike fund?
Board Members you are a disgrace to the teachers and taxpayers. While I as a taxpayer don't want to see my taxes go up I see what these teachers go through and how you reward administrators for doing nothing. You are making these teachers a scrape goat for you to continue to reward administration for their short comings.
Our union is the problem NOT the board or administration. They agreed with administration to meet on Dec 3rd. They could have said NO and demanded that they keep meeting. Sara and her entire team does speak up, they allow the district attorney to run the negotiations and write the contracts. What are we paying union dues for. They have two attorneys sitting at the meeting, we have none. In fact Sara and her team did not show up to the meeting. If I payed taxes in 131 I would be very happy with the board they have out smarted our highly paid team at every move.
We need to demand a vote now. It is my understanding that by scheduling a vote we would have to wait 15 days and then strike. That is why they waited until the 3rd. If we follow the timeline we would strike during Christmas break.
Talk with your building reps about getting signs. Sara is attempting to scare us and stop us. She was calling teachers on Facebook last night and telling us to stop. Teachers gave her and ear full. It is time for her to resign. Do not listen to rumors Glotzbachs got your names. There is strength in numbers.
Somebody needs to explain why the teams are not meeting until December 3rd. We've already been without a contract for 5 months. Why the delay. What purpose does it serve? If there is no progress being made, Sara should be declaring an impasse and calling for the strike vote. As usual Sara is asleep at the wheel.
Be careful teachers, Ralph Padron took information from us in the maintenance department and gave it to Leonard. Ralph never helped recover the millions Feltes took from the district. The floor scrubbers are broken the pipes and roofs leak and heating units are not working. All this money wasted that could have given us a raise.
Ralph's lastest caper is phones that use to call parts orders in and communicate. Ralph via Leonard turned us in. This is the same way he will turn you in. Bothers and sisters in unity.
Taking away district phones is a big mistake. This is another one of Dick Leonard's attempts at making the maintenance department look bad. How will they be contacted in case of an emergency on the weekends or other times when they need someone for a specific job? How are they supposed to call out for things they need to keep the district running smoothly? Everyone gets fooled by tricky Dick, the question is "Why?" when you have all of the facts you need sitting right in front of you? Now we hear all over-time will be denied?
Dick Leonard tries to vilify the maintenance department in his crusade to save face for himself and Feltes. Anyone can see this! He cares not for this school district only for himself and his neighbor/friend Feltes. Why is he allowed to continually waste the district's time and money?
Here is in black and white- Leonard got Feltes hired even though he did not possess the qualifications listed for the job of Director of Buildings and Grounds. Feltes massively screwed up the B&G department and was fired. Dick not only was/is his friend but sat on the B&G committee. Dick knew what Fletes was doing and did nothing to stop it. Now Dick is trying to make it look like it is the maintenance department's fault that Feltes mismanaged funds and failed so miserably in his position.
As stated above he told another outright lie, that Feltes fixed the tiles and pipes in the locker rooms. Anyone can see they are in horrible shape because they never were touched! He also stated that the maintenance workers were refusing overtime. Huh? Pull the time cards and take a look! Plenty over overtime listed on them!
Please see him for who he really is and ask him to step down from the board of ed.
Ralph leave the district alone. You always claim big news is coming but not one agency took your case. You claimed to investigate Feltes but now you go to lunch with Leonard, Feltes best friend. Why would you allow yourself to keep company with a cheat. You made a big case out of Wilson and nothing happened. It showed the maintenance employees who you are. What have you done but tear innocent people down. Anyone who can look the other way Leonard shows your investigations are a fraud.
While getting ready today to face another day without curriculum and planning time I have a couple of thoughts. The wind that blows outside is only part of the foul air blowing out of Sara Imthurn. Sara while collecting the million plus per year our union takes from us spends time educating herself. She used the excuse she was home taking care of family matters. This story made many us feel sorry for her. It now comes to pass, Joan Glotzbach gave her a pass. While teachers and support staff struggle to keep up daily, Sara sat in a classroom increasing her salary lane. Sara also took classes to write curriculum, in essence getting ready for her new title. The story goes Sara can no longer chase kids around in a classroom. Glotzbach as underhanded as they come makes room fo Sara in administration. Glotzbach helps Sara move to the MS/PH.D. column. Please remember she sits at the right hand of Glotzbach telling everyone how hard Joan worked to screw us in the evaluation model. Please remember it was Sara who signed all of the secret MOUs. Please remember it was Sara who will not take the millions we have paid and hire a attorney.
I would like to thank Mr Padron for his tireless work in researching 131. He has helped many of us see the light and conduct our own research on 131. Remember we teach our students knowledge is power.
Unbelievable, many teachers are so overwhelmed with the new curriculum that we have no opportunity to further our education. We spend countless hours just doin lesson plans or chasing down classrooms materials all of this while Sara betters her education and salary. I am sure a deal was cut by Sara until teachers started questioning it. Sara please please step down. Thanks Ralph for keeping us current with the corruption and cronyism of EA administration
Please resign, if you had an evaluation process you would be fired or forced resign. The time has come when you have put yourself above us and we no longer feel that you represent our needs. Back room deals with Harding and now yourself have put EA teachers in a horrible position. Strike and we don't get paid for the holidays. We also will suffer frostbite on the pick lines something I am sure Glotzbach Popp and The board cooked up with you. Don't strike and we are screwed for another two years. That allows the district weed out the trouble makers and hire more first year teachers that are paid less.
Sincerely The screwed experienced MS level teachers
I am sorry to hear this about Sara, many of have asked her about her plans and she always states she wants to continue as union President and if the rank and file do not reelect her she would love to go back to teaching. This is proof she intended all along to become a district administrator.
200 comments:
Oct 5, 2015
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Mr Matthew Hanley
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
EAHS Bank Account
July 1 2015 – Oct 5 2015
Monthly Bank Statements
1 List of all transactions
2 Purchase Orders (if applicable) pertaining to above
3 Time Sheets for temporary hires for AD position
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
16-17 weeks of paid vacation plus holidays/teacher institute days. pensions that are out of line and way, way more than even the maximum someone can collect from social security at age 66. retirements starting at age 55. wages that are out of line for part time job of a teacher. 6 hour work days. (yes, I read the contracts) did you ever stop to realize that the surrounding districts are just more overpaid than district 131, instead of district 131 being underpaid. I have no sympathy for individuals who continually look for more handouts while not bringing value to work . Start actually teaching. I have a daughter who is a teacher and at least she admits that she has a great gig being a teacher and getting the bachelor and masters degrees in education were the easiest things she ever did in school. Life long Aurora resident...
Teacher hours are 7:45 to 3:15, which is 7.5 hours. Summer is 10 weeks; winter break is 2 weeks; spring break is 1. Teachers pay 9.5% of their income into TRS, which they might not even get, and it is a much larger percentage than most pay into Social Security, which they cannot collect. My daughter is a teacher, too, and she went to not one, but two highly selective universities for her BA and MA degrees and worked extremely hard, graduating at the top of her class. She works 50-60 hours a week and is proud of what she does. I, too, am a lifelong Aurora resident and I am glad that my tax dollars go to support teachers like my daughter and the other EA teachers.
anonymous 2 -
FYI - Social security is not a retirement plan. It isn't made to support you when you retire.
Teachers do not get paid vacations. They work for their money, but instead of getting paid their full wages they basically give the district a free loan and spread their income out allowing the district to earn interest off of their money. Teachers commonly spend their summer "vacation time" teaching summer school, working a second job, taking classes, attending workshops, etc.
During the school year they work way beyond school hours. They coach sports, run clubs, attend workshops, grade papers, make lesson plans, assessments and activities. They work evenings and weekends making sure everything is ready for their classroom.
If your daughter thinks her job is easy she probably isn't very good at it because she is not committing the time and energy it takes to be an outstanding teacher.
Teachers are the foundation of our society and I am very thankful for them.
This would be a good time to remind everyone that comments must be identified. Anonymous comments go straight into the spam file… and identified comments are much easier to reference when responding or replying.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/news/ct-nvs-indian-prairie-204-teacher-contract-school-board-st-1007-20151007-story.html
As a taxpayer attending the meeting yesterday, I feel the board of education should move for the immediate removal of all administration. The fact that teachers can't even get pay checks on time and do not have access to a word processing program to send letters home is unbelievable. The list of complaints was a list a junior administrator should solve. My question would be if they can't pay someone after several attempts how many employees are they overpaying.
Popp and his administration then presented to the board a list of building issues. A video presentation with children learning in the hallway at a school was presented. If the principal, Popp and whoever else was in charge could not see placing the reading students next to a gym was not a good place with screaming children then they should get fired on the spot. I was ready to ask for a tour and relocate the children myself.
My tax dollars are being wasted, the children are not learning because of incompetent administration and the teachers are being
mistreated. What else.
First, great post blog admin! Sharing the knowledge! I didn't make it to the meeting, but I visit schools and in a district with the money we have and all the money we have spent, it is a disgrace how little has benefitted the process of educating the children of 131. What good is a budget if it is not used to better serve those you are in the business of employing to create a better product? In this case, that would be giving the teachers tools and an atmosphere for educating the students.
It's about time someone checks on Larry Wilson,they should also check on his buddy Luis Ibarra who conducts his landscaping business on D131 time meanwhile Larry rides around all day in the D131 van burning gas cause he thinks he's a supervisor(snitch).Guess when your the two snitch's for Dick it's ok! And what about the new phones that administration received REALLY there was nothing wrong with the ones they already had!What a waste of money that could be used to give salary increase!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-health-grant-st-1007-20151006-story.html
It's funny how administration has worked over the teachers for years and now the shoe is on the other foot. This was the second meeting I attended since working here. If the board could fire the entire administration at the meeting they would. Leonard stated they are making changes soon. Dr Popp has no respect from teachers or the board. It shows what goes around comes around.
Also, I felt Hanley, Popp and the student board member showed no respect for children past their bedtime. Many of us felt the endless dribble coming out of their mouths could have waited until the many six year olds received acknowledgement.
Kirstin Strand stated that they can't meet the teachers financial expectations. What are the teachers financial expectations? A fair and competitive wage.
The average district in the U.S. spends between 70% and 80% of their annual budget on salaries. What does District 131 spend? Only 58%. In addition, the board is sitting on over 80 million dollars. That is far more than any district. Kirstin's statement is a lie. It's not that they can't pay teachers a fair wage, it's that they choose not to.
Kirstin (and s few other board members) claim to be Christians. I wonder if they ever read their bibles? If they did they would find passages like:
Leviticus 19:13 Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker.
Deuteronomy 24: 14-15 do not take advantage of a hired worker...Pay them their wages or it becomes a sin in you.
Malachi 3:5 so I will come to put you on trail. I will be quick to testify against... Those who defraud the wage earner.
It all comes back to the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Kirstin's statement We respect you BUT... As soon as she said the word BUT she showed enormous disrespect.
In schools the sin is tenfold. The board is not just defrauding the workers but also the children. The board is certainly not fulfilling their oath to do all they can for the children. I can't imagine how a Christian, on the day of judgement, standing before the lord with be able to explain how they sat there with over 80 million dollars and denied the workers and children they swore an oath to represent.
To: And Now a Word From Our Lord
please don't bring god into this battle as you look like an idiot trying to spin passages from a 2000+ year old book to make your point. All of those quoted scripture you spew aren't applicable in this situation:
*Leviticus 19:13 Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker.
When has the district held back wages? I believe all the teachers and staff are receiving their paychecks on a normal agreed upon schedule....
*Deuteronomy 24: 14-15 do not take advantage of a hired worker...Pay them their wages or it becomes a sin in you.
Again, how has the district taken advantage of these hired workers? The district has a contract with them, the wages and conditions are spelled out and the work completed and the wages paid...hhmmm no SIN here?!
*Malachi 3:5 so I will come to put you on trail. I will be quick to testify against... Those who defraud the wage earner
Not sure what "trail" the lord will put the Board on, but probably not a lot of testifying happening as there hasn't been any defrauding....
As far as a surplus being on hand, are you aware that it is state law that districts are mandated to have cash reserves on hand for a minimum of 3 months? Probable not since facts don't apply in this situation as your citations of any perceived wrong doings are from the largest book of heresey ever compiled....
Please leave god out of it or we will establish a new low for this blog as the band cronies will start to cite Jesus as the reason why the band program has been slighted over the years. GOD HELP US ALL
Kaishershot's departure was actually a result of ISS infiltration of the Board from Hell. Leave Jesus out of it
Strand can talk about the teachers and the fact they have NO money for us but she had NO problem voting for the Matt Hanley $40,000 raise. She remains the only board member who supports that.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-teachers-speak-contract-st-1007-20151006-story.html
"East Aurora High School teacher and union representative Melinda Thomas said teachers might have voted down the most recent contract because of what they perceive as a lack of respect, pay and resources"
.....No kidding!!
to "Get your religion influences correct"--
Huh? ISS? What's that?
And nobody said anything about Kaisershot except you. That was +10 years ago, under a totally different administration and school board. Thank God (yes, mentioning religion!) teachers have tenure or that horrible school board ("from hell"...religious reference again) would have been able to take away his job instead of just reassigning him. Instead, the administration was required to keep him employed in D131 which meant that our Simmons kids got an outstanding band director for ten years.
I give the current board & administration credit for finally realizing the wisdom of hiring additional assistants and a second band director at the high school. Our district's band program (from 5th grade through high school) is one of the best things we have going on the East side. Now let's see if the administration sees fit to support other programs our kids deserve.
Apparently "YAWEH" has an issue with religion. "the largest book of heresey ever compiled..."??? Apparently we have an atheist among us.
Fortunately most people understand and believe in the morals and teachings of the bible. It was clear at the board meeting that most of the board members do have a conscience. Several were very uncomfortable. Kristen in particular could not even look at the teachers as Melinda spoke and the teachers applauded her. The shame was written all over her face. She knows that they will have to answer for thier decisions in this world and the next.
You were correct that every school district must keep some money in reserves, three months worth. For East Aurora that means approximately 34 million dollars should be held in reserves. It's no wonder that the state has been asking questions about why the district has well over double that amount. It is also no wonder that the district is denied any addition aide. Who is going to give us any aide when the district is showing such a huge surplus. To receive state aide, you must show a need.
Just to clarify, it was supposed to say "trial" not "trail" since you can't deal with a simple typo.
The budget is about 170 million so that means they should keep about 50 million.
One may ask where's Waldo in d131 we ask where's Sarah. We had hoped she would be honorable and step down but that does seem to be the case. We just received an update that a mediator was picked. Some members were forwarded attachments with the district lawyer Wilsons name on it. We pay big dues only to get representation from the districts attorney. This is a crime. We need an accounting of our dues at the local.
Why did Sarah not attend the BOE meeting and speak. It is not the job of the building rep to speak. Sarah has never stood up for us and nobody believes Sarah and Hettinger will now.
The feeling was by many the board was bending so our best bet is to continue to show up at meeting and express our displeasure. Another wards WE ARE SCREWED,
Oh boy here we go again....the Band people have jumped in and now we are back to bashing Sarah. Its like a time warp here at the blog.
Again the question that hasn't been answered is why should she Sara step down? She was elected for a term. The union is moving through the process that the IELRB has set forth. Mediation has to be JOINTLY requested so that may be the reason that the district attorney's name has shown up on shared documents.
This group is so divided and spinning their wheels in every direction but forward it is sad to see what is happening. I agree that the teachers deserve to be treated fairly and paid for their services, but to think that in a recession that has hit this state and country and specifically East Aurora the way it has that you are all going to receive 20,000 increases....you all need to come back to reality. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail in the end- cause you know what the board knows they have you all, that there will never be enough votes to authorize a strike....
I wish our union leaders displayed this much passion and participation:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-yorkville-teachers-st-0930-20150929-story.html
Finally....a rational voice in EA!
To: Money balances
If you are correct that the district budget is 170 million dollars (and I don't believe you are), that means that the district is only using 47% of the budget for instructional salaries. That also means to meet the national average schools spend on instruction, we should be spending another 40-55 million for salaries. I'm sure every teacher could be paid a fair and competitive wage for that amount.
To AJ:
Sara should step down because she does not represent the wishes of the mojority of the union. She has completely ignored the members and makes the the administrations arguments everytime we try to make it clear to her what we want. Since May, we have seen her publicly only once and she wouldn't respond to verbal questions. She and the negotiation team picked through index cards and selected only the questions that they wanted to address. Many people were ticked that she refused to address many of their concerns. She then walked out as many union members attempted to get answers. She has been completely unresponsive.
You are incorrect when you stated "Mediation has to be JOINTLY requested so that may be the reason that the district attorney's name has shown up on shared documents." Binding Arbitration must be agreed to by both sides. A mediator only needs one side to request for it. In this case, it has been clearly documented that this was requested by the union. This is also NOT the first time that Sara has relied on the districts lawyer. This past spring Sara cancelled the contract vote when it was made clear by the members that the contract was an insult. After Sara consulted the district lawyer, she reversed her decision and put the contract back on for a vote. This was documented in an email sent by Sara to the entire membership.
You also mention the financial situation of the State of Illions. It is amazing how every time education is mentioned, we have a financial crisis in this state. Mention teacher pensions and they claim that we are in a 100 billion dollar deficit yet if you go to the TRS website, they show a balance of 45 billion dollars in the TRS account (And that's after all the billions that our politicians stole from it). Somehow this recession hasn't affected other areas. We have 21 billion to spend on road construction just this year alone. Our representatives are pushing to give Exelon a 1.5 billion dollar break at the expense of the tax payers. They are also trying to get a billion dollar casino passed for Chicago. And don't forget they are still pushing for a third airport in Peotone. That project would dwarf all the other projects combined.
If you want to solve all our funding issues, it is easy. Just understand these basic facts. 40 years ago, for every dollar that individuals paid in taxes, corporations paid $1.50. Today for every dollar individuals pay in taxes, corporations pay only 25 cents. If the corporations in America were made to pay their fair share of taxes, all our financial issues would be solved. In fact 1/4 of corporations in America pay nothing in taxes and many are receiving money from the government. General Electric made 21 billion dollars of profit and received 4 billion dollars from the government. That is 4 billion dollars from tax payers for having done business in America. Americans need to wake up and realize why we are having the financial issues we do.It's not the teachers fault.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-space-issues-st-1009-20151008-story.html
To Corporate Greed is Evil:
Thanks for sharing the reasons that you believe Sara should step down. Now the question is What are you going to do about it? Continue to complain and moan through an anonymous blog? Or actually grow a pair and make these "complaints" public and actually ask/ request her to step down? My guess is NO since you happen to be in the minority of thought on this and most other topics. Let's exam...
To request a mediator through the FMCS both sides must agree for one to get involved. Here is the link with the facts on that:
https://www.fmcs.gov/resources/faqs/
Also this is pulled directly from their page:
How does FMCS become involved in collective bargaining negotiations?
FMCS mediators communicate with both labor and management parties to a collective bargaining agreement prior to the start of negotiations. This communication begins when one or both of the negotiating parties files an F-7 Notice of Bargaining, a legally-required notice of intent to open a collective bargaining agreement. At the request of both parties a mediator can provide assistance.
Next topic: regarding the contract vote in spring and the scheduling, cancelling and rescheduling- the union was teetering on an unfair labor practice by signing a tentative agreement and then potentially "reneging " on bringing it to the membership to vote. Again, your argument that Sara doesn't represent the wishes of the majority is false as the majority spoke with the NO vote and the team went back to the bargaining table.
Lets examine your false claims on TRS shall we....you claim that TRS is crying broke of over the tune of 100 billion, yet they show reserves of 45 billion on their website. You are correct that they have 45 billion in reserves as TRS has been an amazing steward of teachers retirement contributions (so much so that Rauner made millions off our investments). The 100 billion number we hear about in the public is the unfunded liability- i.e. the amount that TRS will owe in benefits to future retirees and the estimated amount that the system will be short. You continue to babble on (again out of context) that the politicians "stole" this money from us. That is only a half-truth, I would advise you to research a bit further on the "pension holidays" that the General Assembly approved to short-change the system. When you do you may be surprised to find out that your own union (IFT) and the other "better" union (blog endorsed) IEA BOTH signed off on the pension holidays through committee hearings. Check your facts- since you and other union members elected the officials responsible for this (both at the state level and your union) then you are as much at fault.
I will agree with you on your corporate greed rant as I agree the state and the country have given too many kick backs to the corporations. You are correct in the 40 year window as this aligns with Reagan and the elimination of tariffs and trickle down Reaganomics. However, teachers have to be more involved like everyone else when it comes to these decisions being made. In the last election here in Illinois over 1/3 of union households voted for Rauner?! The change for this needs to happen, but it aint gonna happen at the bargaining table in East Aurora?
Again, grow a pair get more active within the framework of your union, be the change and use your power collectively. However, I fear people such as yourself (and the 5 other Sara "haters") will continue to blame her, the AFT, corporations, politicians, etc. rather than look at yourself in the mirror. If you don't get organized as a group the Board will have their way as you wont have the votes for any true job action (i.e. work stoppage or strike).
The article by the teacher sitting in the hallway shows the teachers are trying to shake administration down by showing how bad it is. Does anybody believe that she could not find a quite hallway. Ms Cook along with Popp and whomever the principal is should get fired by the board. It looks like they are trying to prove a point by putting kids education at risk.
EA needs a good charter school to come in
To Fire them all,
I am a member of the Dieterich neighborhood. I have volunteered listening to children read in the school. I have no reason to "shake"'anyone down. The school is crowded. 30 students in some classrooms, and no place to add additional class space. Bad planning by previous Boards and admin. This school had an addition put on and they have outgrown that addition already. There is plenty of land to expand, but in the long drawn out process of getting this done, many students and teachers are suffering the consequences of poor planning and a slow fix. They need to rent a number of additional portable classrooms and fix these problems in ALL EA schools. Something....anything, and soon! Students achievement are not going to improvement with these types of learning atmospheres. Why not blame the teachers for not creating additional classroom space, when they are not creating their own curriculum.
This is not a shake down. I am calling out the admin and BOE. Give the teachers a contract, not just a fair contract but a contract with a bonus for those who have been teaching for years in these 131 schools, inspite of the crowded classrooms, lack of space and lack of support from those who were elected and hired to run the district. Without our teachers extra efforts, our district report card would be much worse.
Dr. Popp has been here over a year now. We do not need to see another strategic plan. What we need is an immediate implementation of action, starting yesterday!
The article shows the kids will get used any cost. Everyone could see Popp just wanted all new buildings that the community can not pay for. In Indian Prairie the tax payers and contractors pay taxes and impact fees. In East Aurora we allowed Biglow to pay nothing. The real board from hell has the serial bully days of Radoavich.
Popp will never understand the EA community.
Dr Popp was been here 18 months and his first order of business was to build a administration center fo himself. He then proceeded to slap teachers in the face with a .8 % raise while giving Hanley a $40,000 increase. The board needs to fire Popp, Hanley and Gloztbach. Glotzbach has made statements about teachers that you can only be a teacher , or a good mom , not both. It is this attitude that will lead to a strike. Glotzbach made a decision not to have children and she thinks if we do we are bad employees. The board needs to take swift action NOW.
Teachers have no materials just a curriculum that is copied. The copies are poor quality. We in elementary don't even have text books since Popp took over. What are they doing.
Sorry for the typos, reading the blog on lunch hour and had to get my two cents worth off my phone.
Date: October 9, 2015
To: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131
Subject: Overpayment Scott Osmond
Board of Ed:
Recent FOIA response uncovers the following: (See attached)
Scott Osmond (B & G) hourly overpayment for years
Hourly pay history Fiscal Years
2016 $ 23.37
2015 27.15
2014 26.75
2013 26.36
2012 + I don’t have records for that yet
Questions:
Why was a serious error made in his job classification all these years
Was Human Resources Asst Supt Joan Glotzbach responsible for assuring correct Classification
Why the reduction suddenly for FY 2016
What is the total overpayment amount after adjusting
Hourly rate (Regular & Overtime)
Social Security Contribution by EA 131
IMRF Contribution by EA 131
Are benefits paid by EA correct for all areas
Are there other employees misclassified
What is the answer for the Double Time Rate being paid
Can the regular & overtime hours be confirmed they are actually worked at B & G
What is the timetable to recover these wasted Taxpayer Dollars
Was it the responsibility of the employee to inform HR he was overpaid
I am requesting an audit/investigation be done which again exposes the shameful activity and wastefulness of Taxpayer Dollars.
When will the Board of Ed take disciplinary action to those responsible or do we continue to get excuses and pointing figures as is the response
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
The district and boe was looking for new administration offices under Dr Roberts. It was going to be at the old Waubonsee building but the deal fell through . The service center was going to house some alternative programs. This place has the ceiling falling in, leaky pipes and the majority of administration is in other buildings. Out of site out of mind; whose day to watch?the taxpayers have said "no new buildings" how will overcrowding ever be addressed blog administrator? The buildings are not collapsing as stated. They are certainly old and challenging but what do you expect they are 80-100 yrs old.. The teachers don't care how the bill is paid or what the districts ability to sustain is because they live in the other districts they Continue to mention.
Dear Mr. Pardon,
You are absolutely my HERO!!!!! I for one am thoroughly impressed with your most recent uncovering of another EA corruption...this is yet again another example of how irresponsible the District of EA is!!!! These funds could go toward educational use for the children of EA and to well deserving teachers of EA. I am a tax payer of EA and I am 100% in support of the teachers in their well deserved raise. It is truly upsetting to see all of the EA funds go toward wasteful spending and stealing. It's disgraceful!!!!! EA pay our teachers what they deserve and give them the needed supplies to do their job. And PLEASE stop STEALING, this is SICKENING!!!!
I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EXHAUSTED IN MY WHOLE LIFE!!I work 7-5, go home gulp down dinner and work till 11- and pass out at the computer. Get up and do it again- weekends are not weekends they are an occasion to grade and do lesson plans-- then Monday comes and start again- you say well you have a three day weekend- yahoo now I can get that third uBd or PLC project done I really didn't have time for- THERE IS NO TIME FOR THE ART OF TEACHING WITH EACH NEW INIATIVE THEY THROW AT US -Summers are no longer summers but an occasion to browbeat teachers to come in for all sorts of training and curriculum writing. The month of August is totally chewed up by workshops. Sorry Sarah- you are useless to us and firmly in the pocket of admin- not to say I blame you but then don't take the job Sarah if you can't do it!! You are right-- there is money for $40,000 raises and all sorts of perks except to pay the people who are directly and intimately tied to the success of the East High students- their teachers. These students will not remember Popp, or any admin but they will remember a teacher that helped and cared about them, and spent half of their paltry paycheck on them!
Welcome to the real world where you have to work. Sounds like you need a boyfriend. Step up and take a Union position if you think it's that easy. If not quit complaining. If you think being in the union is so easy then do it. Truth is, it sounds like you can't even handle teaching so you better not take on anything else.
Sounds like Carla Hettinger is fighting back by call us babies. Carla takes at least four big vacations each year and talks about her vacations at union meetings like we are suppose to care. Carla has done this off the backs of union members who pay big dues. We have no input on her job or her sell out side kick Adam Harding who sold out to administration when he became one of them only jump ship for money with the union leadership. Why are Adam Hardings and Carla Hettingers not elected? Maybe we need to pay some of our dues to Ralph Padron to investigate the unions books.
Our union uses the district attorney's because they do not want to pay. In a statement written by district they stated they had 57 issues and 57 issues have been settled. Does that not show us the union leadership is in bed with administration.
I am one of the lucky ones. I teach here because I feel I make a difference every day with students that do not have the resources at home to supplement their educations. I also fall into a salary lane that is not under paid. I do want to get treated fairly and that is not happening. Our union is not defending our working conditions and many of us do vote no because of that.
Sara has failed us in every way and needs to resign. Carla and Adam are just plain corrupt and self serving. We no longer trust our union leadership.
To clarify
The administration would have been housed at the Waubonsee along with about five hundred students who would have given career training. Nursing programs from Rush Copley and computer programs from major corporations like Microsoft, Cisco and SAP would have been taught. Students could have had a career ready certificate and it would have helped alleviate the overcrowding at EAHS but the City and Waubonsee Community College did not support learning and EA suffered. Today the taxpayers support a vacant Waubonsee building.
Maybe Ralph should check into the cost of supporting a vacant building.
Dr Popp has failed this district with his 204 attitude. Teachers know what he says behind our backs. Let's see if his girlfriend could last one day or even himself. Dr Popp has leaks all over his administrative staff and we have heard he has stated we lack the creativity to do our own lesson plans. He is not a Superintendent in fact he qualifies for the Director he was in 204. If the community would see what he considers a unit they would be outraged. Of course our community does not care. My colleagues and myself included are lucky if we ever meet 60% of the students parents. Perhaps we should bring the units to the BOE and seniors that complain about their taxes. Perhaps then we would have outrage. I ask has the BOE ever seen a unit? I know Strand has but says nothing. A unit is made up of poor quality copies from the repo department. Then they tell us find your own resources but then we have a copy limit in our building. The repo department is weeks behind. Duh, Dr Popp it is because we have no resources.
Ea teacher is correct that is why we do not retain teachers and with Dr Popp it will only become more demeaning in 131
BOE come and see our working conditions and then you will see Dr Popp needs to get terminated along with his 204 friends.
Listen Baby I've been working since I've been 16- THERE'S YOUR REAL WORLD and I'm not scared to work -Oh and I like your sexist comment I need a boyfriend- since I'm a straight man, that wouldn't work for me but maybe you would like that!! Do you put in 12-14 hours ? I am saying I want to put that time into TEACHING not b.s. paperwork!! I don't think being in the union is easy so I don't do it-but if I was you better believe that I would give it my all and be an expert on contractual and Union issues!!!!
Sounds like EA teacher is spot on and it's MR./ MRS. Baby, AKA "baby" also anonymous who can't handle the truth. It also sounds like "baby" is one of a select group in our district that is being grossly over compensated for their position or perhaps soon will be even though it is claimed that EA is a poor district. Here is a fun fact for you. Since you so elequently (lol) stated, "welcome to the real world where you have to work" this is referred to in the "real world as overtime" where this is compensated. Another fun fact, in the real world when one does not perform their duties/ responsibilities the individual is not requested to step down they are "fired." Here is one more fun fact, I am NOT an educator... I am a tax payer of EA!!!!! Teachers of EA hang in there. I know many in this community that are now just becoming more and more aware of the gross injustices in EA that both you and the children of EA have had to endure over and over again. We expect more for our tax dollar
What are the qualifications of the few district teachers that are writing curriculum.? The qualifications are you must have your lips attached to Joan's butt. The real teachers who had the qualifications quit the committees because they advocated for us. Thankyou to the teachers at Gates that showed up to give the board a real idea of what we put up with. Many of us are afraid to go to the curriculum committee because Glotzbach will get even. The teachers from Gates are friends with Johnson so they are protected. In fact one of the teachers is related to Arroyo. They speak for us! Thank you ladies and gentleman.
The baby reference is Hanley. He is the personnel press secretary for Popp. He is the only central office employee not required to attend after school events or events in the evening. His secretary who is fluent in Spanish is taken away from badly needed services for the district and actually does all the FOIA work except when Padron Foias Popps emails. Then Matt takes over. We at the service center can't stand him. He walks up quietly and listens in on conversations and quickly reports to Popp. Thruckenbrod, Glotzbach, Hanley are all insiders. They joke about the teachers and have forced Sara I into tears. They think we are losers because we are not from Naperville or Wheaton.
Padron please post the email Hanley wrote about Popp we all need a good laugh.
Spelling correction
the employee whom was overpaid should read
Scott Randall Osman
BTW HIS pay summary for 2015 school year was
Gross wages $ 62,778.21
EA Contributed 30,058.58
Total Package $92,836.79
More forthcoming
Teachers in our district are mistreated we spend 12 to 14 hours per day working on endless projects from principals and central office admin that does not have a clue. We deal with children with social emotional issues with little support. The majority of us study to become bilingual to deal with parents. We pay from classroom supplies and resources that the district should provide. I am still paying student loans and to make more money I am paying from additional education. Now this $90,000 a year and I bet he knew he was overpaid. How could the business office no know. The business office is rude and heaven help us if we call and ask about unpaid stipends.
Maybe I should work for B&G. I'd be making more there than I do with my Masters degree and 12 yrs experience.
What new in central office is that Matt Hanley is spending time running a external program to keep Mike Popps name low on the Google list. Recently Hanley is was given another laptop which appears to not be linked to the district server. The board may want to ask for a report on all computers issued to central office staff. Matt is Mikes personnel watch dog and is wasting district time fixing Popps imagine.
Yahweh wondered what funds have been withheld. How about stipends for the activities and athletics that began at year's start? Perhaps the summer camps that finished long ago? There are some examples for you so you don't have to wonder any longer.
Be sure to mention names in full when posting, so that Google searches get the correct person. Such as Matthew Hanley and Michael Popp. We do not want comments crediting or blaming the wrong person and searches not showing complete and accurate information.
Michael Popp and Matthew Hanley have intimidated the entire central office staff and our vote reflected such in the union contract. Moral has never been so low. Yes it is true Hanley walks up quietly behind us and attempts to find out if we are on the blog. Everyone is afraid to speak. Popp never says hello in fact he avoids eye contact and thinks he is to good for EA. Does he think we are that stupid we use our phones or computers from home. Glotzbach still runs HR and Thruckenbrod is running the schools. Thruckenbrods name is the enforcer and he has made it very clear he will only will stay as long as Popp does.
Intherm will not respond to union members and name a negotiating team. If you attempted to fight for teachers rights and object to administrations demands at the last meeting she would not allow us to be on the team. We know Sarah has been promised a job by administration. Sarah is a fool; administration can't make any promises unless the BOE approves it.
Please come to the meeting and shout her down. She needs to resign!
Oct 13 2015
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Dear Mr. Hanley
Re: FOIA Request for Documents for all
“Paid Speakers” for the East Aurora High School from Sept 1 2015 – Oct 12 2015
To include all “Motivational Speakers”
Please provide
1 Invoices
2 Contractual agreement or Purchase Order
3 Specific dates, event & purpose
4 Method of Payment & copy of payment
Reference: Veterans Day Event at EAHS
Please provide all
1 Purchase Orders
2 Invoices
3 Competitive Quotes
4 Paid Speakers & non District 131 employees being paid
5 Event Agenda
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
STOP the INSANITY!!!! Today at school we received an e-mail requesting that we the teachers, send two students at the start of our 4th period class to Ms. Gibson, our assistant principal so she could explain to these students how they can assist during their lunch period with soliciting socks!!!!!! Why is explaining how to sell socks more important than our instructional time in the classroom? Furthermore, I believe the price of these socks is $15.00. I'm confused, we are a low income school, where all of the children are on free breakfast and lunch. If the children can afford to pay the cost of the socks, why are we providing free meals?
A final thought.... On Wednesdays and Fridays a teacher's class time is now interrupted during period two to distribute a morning snack to the kids. Again, I am confused.... Didn't the children receive breakfast at 7:30 am? I simply do NOT understand why the instructional time is interrupted with ridiculous nonsense.
http://openline.blogspot.com/2012/09/wheres-money-east-aurora-school.html
Ms Gibson has a background of exploiting the poor. Gibson and her mother Avis Miller mother run a questionable non for profit that is supported by the EA School district. Her sister Jackie Durham is a mole in the union meetings. Please remember when other teachers did not keep up their reading endorsements they were forced to leave by Glotzback. Avis Miller was transferred to Brady Elementary were she is unable to communicate with students and parents assigned to her. End of story Dr Popp will look the other way for his friends and does not care about instructional time or sound education.
Why does our BOE not adopt a neopotism policy?
TBT- that is still funny! Sad part is, after all these years there is still a problem with accountability in 131. So maybe we should look and see who are the common players that were here when Jay was here and are still here, in admin and on the Board? Jay has been long gone and there are still expenses being created that should not be. Who is creating these bills and how many people are allowing them to continuously be approved for payment?
All kids should eat every 2-2 1/2 hours. Brain science tells us this! Let them get a snack....it may be the only good nutrition they get. Food is not nonsense to many of your kids
Date: October 16, 2015
To: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131
Subject: Hiring of Interim Athletic Directors
Board of Ed
Recent FOIA response states the following (See attached)
2 Interim Athletic Directors Rudy Keller & Michael Rogowski filling in for Dennis Renner whom is on medical leave
$ 39.67 per hour each or $ 79.34 combined
Time period from August 20 2015 – Oct 31 2015
Time sheets (AD’s) to keep track of and submitted to Nestor Garcia
Job Description is for
Asst Principal for Athletics & Bldg Operations
Athletic & Student Activites Director
Comments/Questions:
I requested (via FOIA) application/resumes. No documents available
Mr Keller & Mr Rogowski are retired staff members from Dist 204 Indian Prairie
Mark Truckenbrod oversees East High & Michael Popp both came from Dist 204.
Did Truckenbrod or Popp contact them for this position
Why does it take 2 individuals to replace Mr Renner
East High has several experienced competent individuals with whom could have easily filled this position.
Compensation is equivalent to
$ 3,173.60 Weekly
$ 165,027.20 Annually
Previously former AD Nate Parry was on medical leave and no interims were hired however the EAH staff filled in and did a commendable job.
Per Job Description (s), are all functions being performed & who is supervising
Last but not least:
Has Jessica Brummel been targeted for harassment due to her refusal to sign time sheets which could not be verified for hours worked?
The answer is yes and this Board of Ed needs to hold Truckenbrod and his accomplices accountable for this intimidation.
Enough is enough :
DO YOUR JOB BOARD OF ED & TAKE ACTION
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
Actually Parry WAS the interim AD and Glotzbach only paid him minimally. She didn't want to give him any compensation for all the responsibility that job has.
Currently, there is no communication and nobody knows who is doing what at the HS. A lot of activities do not have a supervisor present and coaches are expected to coach and supervise. But that's what it was like with Renner healthy so not much has changed with that.
We need to come prepared Tuesday and let Sara know she does not represent us. She needs to step done. We need to tell everyone who will listen we are striking against our union. Hettinger is more concerned about her vacation account and Sara is more concerned about the job she has planned after she is no longer union president. Our union is stopping our rights just look at her team
Judy Durham, long time district mole and a good friend of Matt Hanley. Recently Hanley gave an award to her aunt for distinguished alumni. The district looked the other way when not firing Avis Miller for not keeping up on certifications. Her sister was promoted unfairly at Simmons and is a member of administration.
Steve Huffman long time mole of administration at Bardwell. We told teachers at his building the contract is very fair. The teachers at Bardwell may not experience the discrimination and unfair treatment because of Dr Garza however they should read the contract. Dr Garza may not be the principal forever. Steve is a liar.
Filberto Torres a big Mark Thruckenbrod and Cresbo fan. What does a PE teacher at EA understand about teaching without a curriculum.
Jennifer Gentile and Debbie Weber powerless they keep saying Sara is the problem but will not speak against her in public. They have attended every meeting that kisses butt with administration. Debbie is allowed to leave the building at Waldo and many times will not come back for hours. Anyone else would get fired.
Adam Melchi, Irma Gibbs and Alba Hernandez what do they know about teaching?
By this group we are screwed. We need to strike and strike now.
The Ad's are fishing buddies of Popp and Thruckenbrod. They recently went to Canada with Popp. They are worthless why is Jennifer Brummell not in charge?
Why was Melinda Thomas not asked to join the negotiating team? She spoke up for teachers rights something that Sara should be doing. Sara did not even attend the meeting and never speaks for us. She needs a vote of no confidence and needs to resign. Come to the meeting prepared Tuesday to ask questions and become very verbal if she does not step down.
I find it interesting that Michael Popp and Mark Truckenbrod can hand out what amounts to $200,000 to retired cronies from district 204, plus give Matthew Hanley a $40,000 raise, but teachers get screwed, having to write their own curriculum, and work 12-14 hour days just to finalize ridiculous paperwork that has nothing to do with teaching. Must be nice to be able to dip your fingers in that pot at the Service Center!
And Jessica Brummel is a person of extreme integrity. I have known her many years, and worked with her. Of course they would target her, she is a competent employee who doesn't bend rules to pad the 204 payroll!!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/opinion/ct-abn-crosby-school-respect-st-1019-20151019-column.html
I was at the 5th grade soccer tournament today and have taught and coached in the district for a long time. With the amount of bad publicity our district receives, you would think a guy like Matt Hanley would want to be there taking pictures and helping to promote the great events that take place in our district. There are hundreds of kids from all the elementary schools participating in the tournament and they have a blast! You would think that if you were being paid 120K you would want to be visible and justify your job. In fact I dont think he even sent out one of his useless emails to promote the tournament. Clayton Muhammed used to attend all the sports tournaments and take pictures and it was great to see him showing support.
Why not Melinda Thomas as our rep. I have worked at EA in the Math Department for many years and do not know Torres. How long has he been a Rep and why did Sarah pick him. There is no confidence in the union or its leadership. We should also get an accounting of the money. Why is it we do not have our own lawyer?
A letter was put out with mistakes and threats recently about strikes and mediation. Does our union have a lawyer that reads what they put out. How many times has our union represented a district on strike. These questions should get answered. We need to ask questions.
Hanley is a joke and is allowed to do nothing. He is never seen and his raise was more than a starting teacher makes in one year. I attended a recent meeting and he was standing in the back with Thruckenbrod and they could not acknowledge staff. In fact they think they are better than us. Then administration wants to know why the contract has not passed. I read the article in the newspaper and of course Hanleys former employer played it down .
A letter was put out with mistakes and threats recently about strikes and mediation. Does our union have a lawyer that reads what they put out. How many times has our union represented a district on strike. These questions should get answered. We need to ask questions. Can you post this letter. I would like to read it. I agree with all that you have stated. You are correct we have no confidence in our union leadershi
Here's a link to 15 pages of recent articles about our district:
https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=37741574
WTH Ms Gibson exploits the poor. " Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.
What's questionable about The non profit? Go to GuideStar.com and look up It. While you're looking look at Aurora East Education Foundation and question why they lost their non profit status.
Oct 16 2015
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Dear Mr. Hanley
Re: FOIA Request for Documents for following companies
Colonial Flag Foundation
A Flag Stars & Stripes Corp
R & M Specialties
Please provide
Purchase Orders
Invoices
Packing Lists to include deliver date
Competitive Quotes
Email correspondence
1. From Staff member Requesting these Items
2. Purpose of items to be utilized
3. Order Placement to Vendor from EA staff member
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
Our East Aurora Marching Tomcats competed in their first-ever marching competition, at the Sandwich Music Fest last weekend:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_RPj9r-67M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQveXdFi7gE
They received a trophy for 3rd place in their division.
Pretty sure there were only three bands in their division, so it's really a participation award.
Good experience for the kids, though.
C'mon, "EA Pride", you don't need to rain on the parade.
I am unable to attend the union meeting tonight. If someone could please post some of the comments and concerns made tonight at the meeting, that would be spectacular.
Who's raining on anybodys parade? Just stating the facts, instead of blowing up a trophy into some huge accomplishment.
It WAS a good experience for our kids, though!
I do remember the East high marching band winning a trophy for best in parade in the 1990s. I think it was Batavia's loyalty day parade, or it could have been Aurora University homecoming. So the current East high marching band can claim to have participated in their first ever FIELD competition, but not their first-ever competitive marching event.
I do agree with the others that it was a good experience for our kids.
The union meeting was a joke. Sara and some of the negotiating team are trying to put up every block they can to the members standing up for themselves. They are being caught in one lie after another after another.
Previously, they tried to claim that other districts were not covering insurance at the same rate that 131 was. It was proved a lie. Other districts are within one percent of what District 131 is.
They claimed that salaries at certain parts of the pay scale are comparable to other districts. They are not! Even if the base pay for first year teachers may be close, when you factor in TRS contributions, even first year teachers are amny thousands behind neighboring districts. When compared to to other urban districts in Illinois, we are even further behind.
Sara and one of the high school reps claimed that 75% of the entire membership must vote YES to strike. That was also shown to be a union leadership lie. A simple majority of those who cast votes is all that is required. The only districts that must obtain the 75% threshold are those in cities with over a 500,000 population. The law, pushed by Rahm Emmanuel, was intended to screw over the teachers of Chicago.
The leadership also claimed that the district could decide to cut off insurance the first day if we chose to strike. Again another lie. Federal Cobra Law requires that an employer give employees at least a thirty day notice before discontinuing insurance. That is why we double pay the first months insurance when we are hired.
Further Sara is claiming that she can not disclose what the union demands are before the negotiations begin. Again another lie. It turns out that Sara had not even looked at the demands that the teachers sent in to her. She will be going into the negotiations on Friday completely unprepared. Or completely prepared (from the district standpoint) considering that the union has never negotiated for us. They simply take whatever offer the board and administration give them and present it to the membership.
When are the union members going to wake up? Sara is in bed with Joan and Annette (just as every previous union leader has been). They have promised to take care of her if she takes care of them. The last thing Sara wants is to go back into the classroom. She can't even get out of her chair. How could she possibly chase after a room full of students?
It was clear at last nights Union meeting that Sara doesn't have a clue. She claims that she is not allowed to share with the union members what demands are being made on our behalf but that is a lie. At the last open meeting at the high school she assured the membership that not only would we be able to see the our unions list of demands but that we would be able to approve them by vote before new negotiations began.
I don't think that she even looked at the lists of demands before last nights meeting. Sara step down.
Annette is doing exactly what she said she would, she's f*<€!ng us with insurance. Look at the employee cost increase and the look at the total premium increase. HMO. Total premium went up less than $11 yet the employee is paying $104 a month more. They just took away any raise they were going to give you and used it to cut the districts portion of insurance. Look at the PPO cost increase. They just jacked up the employee cost 73% when the premium only went up 7%. It's interesting that they did not release these numbers before last nights open Union meeting. The last chance to speak up before mediation begins.
Glad that you pointed out the changes in costs. I reported the new insurance costs to my wife, and that only supported the reason on why I am working a part time job on nights/weekends/holidays on top of my full time certified position at EA. Ridiculous!
Why is Annette increasing the insurance. Sara Intherm, Deb Weber, Jennifer Genile and Jesse Medina all agreed to it. They have been chosen by us to represent us on the insurance committee? We have to stop blaming everyone and blaming ourselves for who we elected. Sara lied last night when she stated we could not strike without 75% of the membership. They also misrepresented the information on COBRA.
Sara was questioned about why we do not have our own lawyer and what experience her team has. She stated we have Hettinger. Hetttinger is not a lawyer and they have been giving misinformation out. The strike rules, number of days to make up if there is a strike and cobra are just a few examples. Ourselves to blame is correct we now have them making choices for us.
The problem is our union not anyone else.
When was Sarah voted in? I'm not sure that a majority of the voting members are still at EA given the number of staff members who leave each year. ;P
I attended my first meeting in over 10 years working at the district. I left feeling sad that is has come to this. Sara Intherm is so confusing the staff mistrusts her. She tells us the wrong information and is always not prepared. She is the problem but nobody will ask her to step down. They just complain. I am not a building rep but they need to step up and represent us.
I know it is not possible to ask for $15,000 raises or TRS plus a raise. Like busing we lost the battle 20 years ago. Poor administration, heavy low income growing year after year and no new sources of revenue have put 131 in a point of no return. I also understand relying on the State for revenue makes it difficult.
We need to ask for fair treatment and the board needs to ask Hanley to give back his $40,000 raise. Step two phase in TRS at 2% over 4 years. Insurance across the nation has gone up lets call it fair.
My plea to Sara please resign if a strike vote is taken it will destroy any hopes of a positive work place. The students deserve better.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-football-stadium-st-1021-20151021-story.html
We have your number Judy Durham you are a spy for administration. Sara you are to lazy teach please resign. Hettinger go take another trip.
Saw Annette Johnson, Reyes Childress and Jennifer Gentile at 2 Brothers tonight. Go figure. They are screwing us on insurance.
Not surprise- remember Jennifer Gentile was a cronie of Glotzbach, with her administration gig in HR. She also got a back room deal for herself when she left central office...and that's who is representing us?!
You are out of your mind!!! 15,000 dollars is very doable! Your lowball accounting is stupid!!!!! Pay EA teachers a fair wage and stop making stupid remarks about how poor we are as a district. The facts are administration is among the highest paid in the county. Pay us 15,000 and our TRS and stop making excuses as to why we can't be paid...... Interesting how EA economics has never stood in the way of administration pay... So just shut up and stop talking like a victim that is willing to accept whatever is given to you. Stand up and be counted as a professional and demand more!!!!!!
Must be two Annette Johnson's she was at Turners Club all night watching the Cubs with her some friends. Ms Childress has young child she watches at night and Jennifer does not live in Aurora. More lies.
If you missed the Youngblood Brass Band concert last night at EAHS, here's a link to see & hear our kids playing with them:
https://www.facebook.com/patti.weissinger.5/videos/10206888292422715/
http://openline.blogspot.com/2012/03/illinois-high-school-basketball.html
If they spend $40000 on Matt Hanley then they can pay us. The secretaries do the work for Matt Hanley every day at the SSC. We are the ones that pull the FOIA requests not Matt. Today and most every day Matt follows Popp around they left early in the morning and are not coming back all day. Popp has a personal photographer and speech writer. Hanley is never involved with students unless he can take pictures of Popp at an event. When the raise came many of us lost respect for Popp.
Jennifer Gentile was pushed out by Glotzbach, in fact she stated Joan would give her a nervous breakdown if left to work her. Same story on Braddish she was blamed for all of Glotzbachs mistakes. The truth is Sara Intherm and Hettinger are very close to Glotzbach.
Childress is home everyday by 6pm since her husband works 2nd shift so I doubt they are hanging out with Johnson. Johnson has no friends she does has respect of many of us. She also voted against Hanley.
I am not very knowledgable about taxes and such. I pay my fair Ahare, I am sure. I see many folks who live in an area with higher valued homes, complaining about their taxes. I just ran across my tax bill for this year and I see why they are complaining to the school board. My taxes are in a lower valued area of Aurora. Comparing 2013 to 2014 many things remained relatively the same. Most were actually lower this year. City pensions increased over 100% I suppose that is due to many employees reaching the age for retirement. EA D131 went up a little over 10% but D131 pensions went down over 50%.
I guess what I would want to ask, why isn't the school district more transparent with where the money is going? Maybe people would be more understanding of the costs of educating the children in our community if they were to post the check register or all accounting statements in their website. I am often seeing many, very generous donations to D131, so not only are they getting extra government dollars for being high minority/ poor district, they get many gifts. Has anyone gotten an answer? Why are they having problems giving the students and teachers what they need to reach higher success levels?
You can look under the finance section and the bill lists every board meeting. They also attach the accounting statements once per month. I find them very transparent but would question why they are providing so many free meals to administration and teachers. They also look like they are charging plenty to the credit cards. I wonder if they are getting all the receipts.
I do not feel the teachers should be asking for $15,000 in raises that is crazy and insurance goes up every year and we are getting less. but I also think the superintendent should get fired for giving a $40,000 raise. I guess we fired the board that voted yes and the only one left is Strand. I will make sure not to have my family or myself vote for her.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/opinion/ct-abn-crosby-tennis-courts-st-1023-20151023-column.html
Oct 23 2015
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Mr. Matthew Hanley
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
Subject: STIPENDS
SUMMARY SHEET ONLY
NOT INDIVIDAUL
Timeline: May 1 2015 – Oct 24 2015
All Stipends submitted for payment
Date submitted , Amount Due, Recipient, Services Provided
Status of payment (If not paid, provide explanation)
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
Our union is so horrible they will not even tell us in large terms what they will be discussing when they meet with the mediator. On Tuesday we should have been given a list. It is time to step up meet with the union that represents West Aurora and get some advice. The advice will not ever come from Intherm or Carla. We need a new union.
Gentile is a month piece for herself. She ran for the union to get even with Glotzbach. When asked about Intherm she gives you half answers and states what can i do. Sara controls everything. Everyone knows that is not true.
We have two choices) Go talk with another union or wait until May and take over the union. Demand Hettinger not get assigned to EA. The bottom line is we are screwed this year.
I'm beginning to regret voting for some of the board members in the last election and the ones that where there are no better.
Who is looking at the receipts from the credit cards by law they have to be approved before they are paid. You can find that in The Administration Code under The Illinois School Code.
The way the board is handling the union contract is awful. Lying and threatening their health insurance. The three new members said they told Johnson the would elect her President but she couldn't act the way she did before. So you must think by her say she would mess with the teachers insurance is ok and when did the President of the Board have the authority of her one vote to change things. Looks like those three new ones are afraid of her and have no backbone.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-band-competition-st-1026-20151023-story.html
Taxpayer 8
I pay large taxes to d131 and I could not be happier Annette Johnson is back in charge. She did a great job with the insurance and I am sure she continues to monitor the cost.
I do attend meetings and it does not appear the board lies or mistreats the teachers the administration does. The teacher report this meeting after meeting. I also feel the prior board did a disservice to the teachers when they have the PR guy a big raise.
My only worry is Annette will not run again but if she does I will go door to door to make sure she looks out for my taxes.
"The band has grown from about 100 members to slightly less than 250 since Liska came to the district, he said"
Looks like somebody's trying to rewrite history. According to the administration at the time (as reported by the Beacon-News in 2005), there were 120 band members the year before Mr. Liska came to the district (NOT 100). As student enrollment has grown, the percentage of EAHS students in the band has grown at a similar rate.
Mr. Liska has done a good job the past couple of years leading the EAHS band program, with plenty of assistance from grade & middle school directors, several part-time adult assistants, and (as of this school year) an additional full-time director. Recently the band participated in their first-ever field marching competition. This was NOT the EAHS marching band's first competitive event, since a trophy was awarded to the band in the 1990s for first place in a parade (and maybe the band received previous marching awards under Mr. Nelson but that's before my time).
I have had the pleasure of talking with Ms Johnson about a paper I am doing for college. I also work for 131. Talking with her on school finance is interesting and knowledgeable. It is unfortunate the staff does not have the chance to ask her questions one on one. I do see both sides to the story but I can not forgive Dr Popp for being so insensitive to our needs. I also think we need to attend curriculum/board meetings and openly voice our concerns.
We as teachers do need to lobby the State for funding. We also need to stand up for our rights it is the only way we can help scope the changes for students of our district they are getting short changed.
Well 120 the year BEFORE Mr. Liska came is different than Mr. Liska's first year isn't it? Don't you think it's possible some kids dropped out of band because of the situation? And the article did say the word "show" which is different than a parade competition.
And the band program has grown faster than the population of the school, especially in recent years.
Nobody is trying to rewrite history except you.
From the Beacon-News, December 2005:
"District numbers show that there are 119 band students this year, which is just one less than last year"
So there were 120 the year before Mr. Liska came, and 119 for Mr. Liska's first year. Yet he was quoted in today's paper saying there were 100 his first year...hmmm, who's trying to rewrite history??
And maybe LAST year the band program grew faster than the population of the school, but that would only be one year out of ten. Here's a quote from 2014:
"The percentage of EAHS students in the band in 2005 was 4.73 percent (120 out of 2534).
The percentage of EAHS students in the band in 2014 is 4.70 percent (165 out of 3510)"
Again, a shining example of revisionist history where the EAHS band is concerned.
Yup. You are revising history.
When you say several assistants were hired last year to help the band. They were hired halfway through the Marching season.
More quotes:
Caption under the picture of the band in today's article:
"East Aurora's marching and pep band made it to what might be the first competition in its 99-year history"
And from the EAHS band's Facebook page:
"This is the first marching band competition in the history of the East Aurora Band Program."
"The band program began in 1916. As far as I know East has never been to a marching band competition"
"Get ready to become a competitive marching band for the first time in 99 years"
Yes, the ARTICLE did say "show"...but the other coverage of this event just said "competition" or "competitive".
Why not just celebrate a good experience for our kids without making comparisons with the past (or even worse, trying to rewrite history)?
This is 2015. The assistants were hired in 2014.
On what planet is 2014 not "last year"?
Halfway through the season.
I have worked for the district 20 years my base pay is $61,600. Many of my fellow teachers have other jobs to support themselves. I am fortunate my spouse works in another that pays better. The both of us feel I have the job that made us both become teachers. I serve the poor and make life because of education
This year I am bitter, I feel used. I have never spoken with Hanley or seem him at my school but a $40,000 showed us what the board and Dr Popp think of us. I do realize most of the board did not give him the raise but they need to fix it to make the district whole again.
That needs to start by a resignation Ms Strand and Mr Leonard for their public support of Hanley.
I said they were hired last year. That's a true statement. But I could also mention that Mr. Gasso had been working with the percussion section since 2013 or maybe earlier (at least a full year before the other adult assistants were hired).
Date: October 27, 2015
To: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131
Subject: Questionable Expenses & Promotion of Matt Hanley
Board of Ed
Here are some very interesting facts concerning the activity of the Communications Director
1 Re-organization of Administrative Position by Mike Popp resulting in Matt Hanley Promotion and amended contract salary to $120,000.00 + TRS is very suspicious and unethical for the following reasons
The TEACHER CONTRACT WAS AND IS STILL UNRESOLVED !!
Mike Popp urgent rush implementing this contract be passed on May 4 2015 .
4 New Board Members were taking office that same evening yet Popp insured this Promotion be one of the last acts of business by the previous Board.
Current Bd Members Annette Johnson & Richard Leonard voted no Kirsten Strand voted yes
Matt Hanley’s contract was never signed
2 Invoices totaling $ 2,230.00 for 3 Power Point Presentations for Red & Black Day
3 Ghost Writer Dan Campana (former Beacon News Reporter) receiving $ 500.00 for articles written in “The Enlightener”
Questions, Comments
Why is Matt Hanley outsourcing duties his office should be responsible for?
Ghost Writers, Slide Show Presentations totaling $ 2,730.00 +
Again Wasteful Taxpayer Dollars being approved by Mike Popp
Mike Popp’s lack of managerial skills, insensitivity, in offending the heart and soul of East Aurora THE TEACHERS & THEIR STAFF proves the Superintendent is unqualified in leading the District.
This decision alone is one of the major issues in the Superintendent creating an atmosphere of hostility, anger and lack of trust and respect for those Administrators and Board Members who support Popp’s disregard in resolving the current teacher contract.
I certainly hope current negotiations DEMAND REMOVAL of those administrators
(Mark Truckenbod & Joan Glotzbach) who intimidate and disrespect those teachers whom are underpaid and disrespected on a daily basis.
That just may ease tensions and boost morale in a dysfunctional School District
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
Instead of the 20 comments about the band could you please print my comment about the LACK OF a lawyer for the teachers we are using district lawyer!!!!!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-welcome-center-st-1028-20151027-story.html
Please come out and speak up about the lack of respect from administration
Here's a link to 12 pages of recent articles about our district:
https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=37810776
The celebration taking place next week is costing the district big $$$$.
FACT We are not getting paid stipends from last year and our wages are the lowest in the area. Rudy Keller a Popp crony from 204 moved his Veterans event to EA anything to improve Popps image. The district is spending over $10,000 alone on a flag that will get hung for 2 weeks. Staff at ROTC are outraged they are forced to piece together small events and spend money out of their pockets to feed students. We have no classroom supplies. Crespo will not approve purchase orders for building needs but now this.
Board members do you even care that money is wasted and we suffer.
I know everybody is busy. Grading season is upon us but please do not forget to show up at the next Board Meeting! We need more participation from the Elementary segment. Let's not allow our colleagues to fight for us! Remember that we are as strong as our numbers. Be prepared with the list of items that are not working in this district. I am not calling them "concerns", like Imthurn does, a concern is something that may or may not be real. The issues teachers are facing are very real: low salaries, retirement incentives that evaporated, non existent curriculum, Memorandums of Undersatanding that encroached in our prep times, lack of clear info from our building reps. These are very real. Be there on November 2nd!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-kane-kendall-state-report-card-st-1030-20151030-story.html
Oct 30 2015
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Mr. Matthew Hanley
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
Subject: Pay History Report records for
Alfred Morales, Kim Mundt, Veronica Torres Salazar, Mary Pabley, Mary Ann Higgins
Provide final Pay History Report for FY 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
This would include year end totals for Gross Earnings & EA 131 contributions
See attached (page 2) of Scott Osman’s 2015 summary report
Scott Osman's
Gross Salary $ 62,778.21
EA Contribution $ 30,058.58
Total Package $ 92,836.79
Also ref: Alfred Morales
1 Application for all positions applied for at EA , to include original application
2 Current Job Description
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
With only a 6% college ready rate in EA the teachers should be given a salary decrease.
Teachers can't get a competitive wage or raise, but the district can pay who knows what for Jim Cornelison to come sing the Star Spangled Banner? I doubt that EAHS has a lot of hockey fans in the student body.
I bet it is hard to teach in this district with parents that don't care if their child gets an education. Last year my child was at Waldo and in some of her classes only two maybe three turned in homework. Many didn't come to school every day. You have to have families living in the district that want their child to learn. We have quite a few but not enough. It is the administration and Board that let non English speaking students keep learning Spanish instead of English. Even now when the do phone blast they start in Spanish. Is this the United States of America or Mexico.
The administration in EA has lost their vision. It is the 204 way or the highway. Teachers are the most underpaid in the area. We do the job of the parents but this is a poor community. Families work and lack basic literacy. The Popp administration has slapped us in the face with large raises to administration. The Matt Hanley raise was the final straw. All week Popps cronies have planned a celebration of Veterans Day. The flag and its hanging of will cost the district over $10,000. Who knows about the singer and the many class hours wasted when 204 comes to town Monday.
Do the students need a $10,000 flag hanging or books and computers? Why is the union and board not objecting? Please someone help
Adam Harding is a sell out he was in the newspaper standing up for teachers in Yorkville yet we pay big $$$$ union dues to support him and can not issue a word for us.
We do not have a lawyer or representation. Sarah will sit on her hands next to administration and everyone will speak for her Monday evening. Is that fair she is paid to speak for us. We will then get face the wrath of our principal on Tuesday.
It is a insult that a janitor is paid more than us. Why get a degree and go into debt. Work at EA and everyone will get paid retirement except teachers. The teachers are the only ones getting evaluated and we are the lowest paid. I regret investing in this district with my fifteen plus years
Date: October 31, 2015
To: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131
Subject: Interim EHS AD Questionable Payroll, Hours Summary & Nov 2 2015 Veterans Event Expenses
Please review the attached Summary for the 2 Interim EHS Athletic Directors
Rudy Keller $ 6,644.73 Mike Rogowski $ 7,219.54
Did Rudy Keller and Mike Rogowski perform all duties per their Job Descriptions
Were their hours questionable and approved by “Rubber Stamping” if not, why was Jessica Brummel reprimanded for refusing to sign verified hours (Note:14-15 hr days submitted)
The Summary is from Sept 3 – Oct 17 2015 only (Will update with future FOIA)
Regarding the Nov 2 2015 Veterans Day Celebration
How many work hours were dedicated to the upcoming Veterans Day Celebration
Was either Interim AD involved in this event, if so to what was there role
Did the EA purchase $ 6,000.00 + in flags?
Was the cost of mounting the Large Flag at EHS cost $ 4,000.00
Why did EA purchase $ 1,700.00 in coats for staff for this event
Did EA Dist 131 ever host an event like this before
What are the actual costs for this event & why is EA paying for this
Why such an extravagant program for a 1 hour + assembly
Jim Cornelison (Chicago Black Hawks Singer) singing National Anthem
(Is there a fee for his performance)
What are the Employee OT costs for this event
Upon reviewing the hours and pay received by Rudy Keller & Mike Rogowski, I would have hoped that the words “Volunteering, Charity & Giving Back to the Community” be applicable.
Bigger question: Who spearheaded this event and approved these costs
Per my FOIA Request I did not receive the actual “signed time sheets” nor the actual pay stubs.
If the AD’s have been paid, why would the STIPENDS due EA Teachers & staff (which have been finally paid after months of delay’s) not have priority before these payments.
A reminder of the 204 connection, Mike Popp, Mark Truckenbrod, Rudy Keller and Mike Rogowski
Is either Mr Keller of Mr Rogowski a fishing partner of Truckenbrod & Popp
It is no coincidence Truckenbrod & Popp must approve these costs.
The Event will be a success and well it should be. I myself am a Veteran and appreciate very much the recognition and effort to honor those who have served thus I hesitate to comment & question on this event however feel compelled to do so especially when I see Taxpayer Dollars being spent in this manner.
This event is one that should be hosted by Dist 204 NOT EA 131
DOES ANYONE UNDERSTAND THIS IS A POVERTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
THERE IS AN UNRESOLVED TEACHER CONTRACT, MONEY IS NOT AVAILABLE
RETIRED SENIORS PROTEST THEIR TAXES @ BD of ED MEETINGS
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
I read the article today about Dr Popp and I have to question what is he doing. He says the number of students will drop taking the ACT because the district now has to charge for it. He states they are still considering what to do. He never questioned what to do when giving Hanley a raise. He has to problem bring in professional singers and spending $ 10,000 plus hanging a flag for his PR campaign but he has problems paying for a ACT test. The school board and Popp have lost priorities. Shame on y'all.
Why has East Aurora School district paid a penalty of $511,560.10 for giving raises of over 6% to 87 "educators" soon entering retirement? I, too, am interested in a large raise ($40,000 or so.) To whom shall I speak to sign up for said raise? By the way: I am an "excellent" educator, but my documentation will most likely label me as "proficient..." just as Mary Poppins was just a "proficient" nanny. Please also consider EA vomit bags as our thank you gift this year, because I needed one after reading this article:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/watchdog/ct-school-pension-spikes-met-20150522-story.html
We have been patiently waiting for things to improve here, but this crazy train has begun to derail! S.O.S.
Is the district just trying to blow through cash now to make the financial situation seem more dire than it truly is to an arbitrator? First, the thousands of dollars for the ceremony next week, and I see that a glass company was parked at Simmons for 2 days last week replacing windows. Were that many windows broken and neglected that it needed two days work?
Please don't complain about the 6% bump. I am near retirement and make $16,000 less than others who work far less than we do in other districts. I am also working two stipends. The district is complaining this is creating the pension penalty and will get rid of it without no warning in the new contract. We the underpaid teachers are the only ones in the district that do not get our pension paid we work for it. Janitors, secretaries, support staff and worthless administrators are all paid. So they pay a small penalty we are worth it.
Agreed. And based on the Tribune article, it seems these penalties apply to raises that exceed 6%, often given to administrators. In fact, all of the examples in the Tribune article were admin who had received 15 or 20% in the years preceeding retirement. In 131 these penalties are not being paid because of teacher retirement bonuses paid at the legal 6%. It's for $40k raises. Our administration needs to be held accountable for these penalties which are paid with tax payer dollars so that they can pay their buddies. How is the school board allowing raises like this? Meanwhile teachers with a family of 3 qualify for food stamps based on a 131 salary. Leaders, you should be ashamed of yourselves.
To: I just got my 2 figure stipend payment...
Do you really think that the district paid anything extra to teachers? Hint, they didn't. Not one teacher got a larger than 6% bump for retirement.
I'm sure that the penalty was incurred for giving Jerome Roberts all his accumulated sick and personal days a year early and the $87,000 bonus the board gave him as a thank you gift for no apparent reason on his way out. They made sure that the tax payers of Illinois would give Jerome Roberts a sweet retirement down in Florida.
To: Ralph Padron
Illinois is one of the very few states that have both wealthy and poverty striken school districts. Almost every other state in the nation provides the lions share of education funding. That is why we have districts in Illinois spending over $30,000 per students while others are spend about $7,000. The entire system in Illinois is corrupt, especially in education. Maybe you should be FOIAing that?
The board paid Roberts his salary until March the sick days paid him through June when his contract expired. I for one would be happy if he was still here. Everyday was were greeted with a hello and asked about our family by Roberts. Popp walks past us like we are below him. The only ones Popp protects are Glotzbach, Hanley, and Thruck. His pet name not ours although he drives over us like he is one. Tyler is his indentured servent and Reyes Childress is protected by Johnson. Everyone feels the district lost its togetherness since Roberts left. Lisa Morales is afraid to talk and everyone knows she is kept around because she speaks Spanish.
That is why everyone who could vote cast a NO against the contract at the SSC and ASC
http://www.d131.org/newsDetail.asp?id=3588&guid=
Here we go AGAIN with Dick Leonard! PLEASE BOE, see that he has his own personal agenda here that has nothing to do with finance. He has a personal problem with the maintenance department. He is the one that got his friend Marty Feltes the job as B&G director, even going as far as changing the job description to accommodate his crony for not having the proper credentials for the job in the first place.
Then his friend proceeded to destroy any plans that had been put in place to improve the district as far as buildings and grounds. The kids could have had a proper stadium and track (they cannot even have home games on this one!)instead Feltes blew the budget on things like the giant concrete room in the basement that holds mostly junk and still has tons of space left over(please go view it, it is in the basement of the high school). Dick Leonard also is/was on the B&G committee. So, he looks very bad all around for not have seeing and preventing this.
Leonard is on a non-stop, one-man crusade to prove that he and Marty Feltes were the ones who were in the right here and that the maintenance department does nothing. He is a bully just like Feltes was. We hear he made Alex Dimare get a quote for outsourcing us AGAIN! This is all in an attempt to try and make himself look better to his friends. It is NOT for the betterment of the school system. He is lying and wasting time and money while the rest of us are trying to move on and fix all of the things he and his friend ruined.
Love how Hanley's name has to be at the top with a big box surrounding it on the grant announcement! Yep, it's all about YOU Matt.....
Nov 2 2015
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Mr. Matthew Hanley
Re: FOIA Request for Documents
1 Subject: Maintenance (Bldg & Grounds) Summer Help, Temporary Help
Time Line: FY 2013 – Current 2016
Master List to include Name, Pay Rate, Department etc
ALL Pay stubs for individual last name of “Darby”
Application of individuals last name of “Darby”
Total Number hours of worked, total earnings to date whose last name is “Darby”
2 Subject: Diane Thomas
Previous & Current status to include application
Job Description (include current pay rate)
Pay stubs for FY 2015, 2016
3 Subject: Interim Athletic Directors Rudy Keller & Michael Rogowski
Contract beginning Nov 1 2015
Pay History Report for Oct 2015
Signed Time Sheets & Pay Stubs
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
It sounds like Darby is another Richard Leonard.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-veterans-day-st-1103-20151103-story.html
We should withhold our union dues after tonight Sara Intherm was not at the meeting to speak up for us. Gentile was there but no Sara. Who is representing us. We need to vote her out immediately. Gentile made am lame excuse that she could not speak. They get paid to represent us and we have to stand up for ourselves.
Through the years many students have worked during the summer at the schools that have been teachers, other employees or Board Members children. As long as another student wasn't by passed because his Dad was a board member it is ok. Ralph your grabbing at straws now. Has anything you FOIA been sent to a government agency to see if anything could be done about the misuse of money?
I think people should be more concerned about the money they spent on the Flags for the Veteran Day Ceremony. For a one day use that is a lot of money that could be put to good use somewhere else.
Where was Sara? Once again she was MIA. At the last union meeting Sara stated that she would be speaking at last nights board meeting. She was going to be tough and make the demands for the teachers and staff. Where was Sara? The Service Center was packed with union members but no union president. The board acted completely blindsided by the teachers concerns. Sara needs to go. She is not doing the job that she was elected to do.
Go to this link to see pictures of the Veterans' Assembly at EAHS. I especially appreciated seeing the older veterans honored, and the family members of the soldier killed in action in the Middle East a few years ago (the Torres family).
It was an excellent program and tribute to Aurora's most patriotic citizens. Mr. Hanley did a grEAt job taking pictures and reporting it to the public.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.634452670029990.1073741886.239754232833171&type=3
What are we paying the union nearly a million dollars a year for if we have to completely represent ourselves? Not even our District 131 president and Vice President can speak for us? No one shows up from Local 604 except to scare the membership and put up roadblocks to representing ourselves. No other union in the world works (or doesn't work) this way. It's time to decertify the union.
Darby's son was forced on Building and Grounds. He used his fathers name to get a job. Darby is another Leonard he used his position on the board to benefit himself. He needs to resign.
Sara did your big fat a** get stuck in the chair last night. Please resign you are a front for the administration. What do you get paid for. Hettinger your are a corrupt SO*. We dont even have a lawyer because of your multiple vacations on our dime. You could not even show up to speak. Gentile we do not need your fake smile please resign.
Im so proud of our kids for being part of this event, however it seems like a lot of money was spent to remind the kids what an American Flag looks like.
Honoring our Veterans. - Anyone else think that this is Matt writing this blog post covering the districts butt? They are trying to make it not look like they wasted thousands of dollars just trying to create a photo op for Popp for his next job application. Did 200 flags really show us they care twice as much about the sacrifice of our veterans than if the district bought 100 flags?
The veterans that made it to the event would have been appalled if they knew the district took all that money away from the kids education. Kind words, respect, and appreciation is what all of us vets care about. Not more government waste and seeing an obscene amount of flags.
My social security check has been frozen two years in a row. You have nerve to ask for a raise when you are the lowest school district in the State. I can not believe our board was so wasteful that they offered a 7% raise Are you people all crazy. If you don't like the pay leave.
Is it even possible to withhold our dues?
The letter to union members from Dick Manley was a joke as well. I don't see much support from AFT during this fiasco. Unions like ours would make for a good example on why Rauner thinks we can do away with them. We're throwing our money away at AFT and our reps. Hell, the district has already screwed us in insurance costs. They've already won. No realistic raise will make up for that.
Sara won't step down; she has too much at stake. We're going to have to put up with this crap until we can elect someone else.
EA can expect to have a major staff shortage next year. Seems like many teachers and support staff are looking for new jobs due to lack of respect from the admin and board. And the publicity that the district gets from the contract stalemate sure isn't going to help attract new hires. You think you have trouble filling vacant positions now, EA? Just wait till this Spring! I'm sure they think there are plenty of people lining up to take a teaching job, but that is not the case. We can't even fill daily sub positions! Contract teachers are having to sub during their prep times! They won't put up with that crap for much longer (or the fact that EA has still not provided completed curriculum).
Manley is still over the teachers union? No wonder you aren't getting anywhere. He has been in bed with EA administrators for nearly 10 years. Manley and Roberts. They were old buds. If the guy at the top of your union is
playing for the other team, then it is no wonder you can get nothing from your local reps.
Speaking of a waste of money half the flags are missing or stolen today.
Sara's name along with, Weber, Melacki and Gentiles name was on the insurance presentation. They allowed the district to do what they do best sh** on us. We also understand Sara did not discuss money with the district in mediation. In fact Sara will not share what was discussed. She could have been at the meeting to hear us speak up, a job she should be doing. Who does she report in with maybe Ralph Padron needs to ask. At EAHS she is never here and we know she can barely get to her chairs. Really let's ask what does she really do? She needs to step down.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/opinion/ct-abn-crosby-veterans-assembly-st-1004-20151104-column.html
With all due respect 'Taxpayer1', you clearly don't understand what you're talking about. Even if we are the lowest district in the state, which is irrelevant, teachers should still get a salary that competes with others in the region. To your comment "if you don't like the pay leave", that is exactly what happens. EA is a stepping stone, the average tenure is somewhere around 4-6 years, and that may be a high estimate. How do you expect to keep good teachers with a bad salary? You want to complain about a pay raise, complain about Hanley's 50% bump. The guy makes $120,000 and probably "works" 30 hours a week.
Furthermore, how extremely ignorant of you to put all of the blame on the teachers when student motivation and parental involvement are outrageously low. Students aren't going to learn and retain when they don't do their work. Am I supposed to come to your house and get your child to do the homework since you won't?
Grow up.
It is absolutely amazing reading this blog. I cannot remember when I have read so much dribble in my life. One person gets a raise and he is demonized. An administrator does his job and is labeled a bully. A Union rep whose does not listen to whining is belittled and is said to not be a leader. Look, here's one of the big the problems. It is not that you are underpaid, it is that all the teachers in the other districts are overpaid. Period. Your salaries make no sense when one takes into account that the taxpayers of the district and the state have to take care of you from age 21 until your death. Way too much compensation/support for so little effort over so few years of employment. Retire after 30 years of part time work and get 70% of your pay for life. What kind of Ponzi scheme is that.
At the board meetings you should be screaming about the lack of parental involvement, lack of respect that some students have for themselves and others and screaming about where are all of the new students coming from as there have been no new housing developments in the district in years, etc. Maybe even assist management. It is you that is playing the us versus them game.
Again, when reading this blog, you really get the sense that the teachers and employees are the real issue.
Yup, one guy gets a raise and yet you get a lifetime of freebies and it is still not enough and you don't have the courage to address the real issues.
People are trying real hard to support this district but it is really hard to do so
when the attitudes of the employees/adults are in most cases worse than that of the kids.
6% increased in pay for each of the last 5 years of employment for no other reason that to increase your retirement?? Nuts... I will admit it is better than the previous 20@ per year for the last 5 years that was stopped but the 6% should not be there.
Again you are overpaid not underpaid.
Way past fed up - aka Matt or someone in admin.
Please tell me of any other public servant job where someone gets a 50% pay raise after 1 year. That just screams coverup or fraud. The previous person in the position did a much better job and there is no possible way anyone can show a justification for that raise. That is why there is outrage, a medicore employee with that kind of pay raise is wrong.
The real issue in this district is bad management and leadership. A bunch of old white people making money off the state at the expense of minority children who's education is the real victim.
To: Way Past Fed Up:
You are the one who is spouting dribble. Not only are the teachers of this district way underpaid but teachers overall are underpaid for the degrees and education they bring to their positions. I did a quick search and here is a recent article about what employers are paying for degree positions. Instead of griping at teachers who have no control of the budget, perhaps you should be talking to your state reps who vote to contribute the least amount of money to education of the 50 states. They are the one passing the financial burden down to local taxpayers.
Job search engine Indeed.com took a look at job postings to determine how many organizations that are hiring require an advanced degree, and what the salary differential is for various levels of education.
Here's what the results shows of June 20, 2015:
• Jobs requiring a Bachelor's degree paid an average salary of $65,000
• Jobs requiring a Master's degree paid an average salary of $82,000
• Jobs requiring a PhD paid an average salary is $97,000
In District 131 starting salaries for each of these degrees are:
(Year Year 1 beginning of the schedule)
• Teachers with a Bachelor's degree paid a starting salary of $42,400
• Teachers with a Master's degree paid a starting salary of $46,300
• Teachers with a PHD degree paid a starting salary of $49,879
(Year 14 middle of the schedule)
• Teachers with a Bachelor's degree are paid a average salary of $51,840
• Teachers with a Master's degree are paid a average salary of $59,482
• Teachers with a PHD degree paid a average salary of $62,420
As anybody can see, anyone who claims that teachers are overpaid don’t have the facts to back them up. Perhaps you should quit reading all the propaganda that the Koch Brothers put out and start looking up real facts. People like you are the reason that there is such a financial disparity between the 1% and the vast majority of the country. You should be asking the 1% who have over 90% of the wealth in this country to pay their fair share. Only then will teachers salaries compensate them for the work they do AND your taxes would drop to a reasonable rate.
" an administrator does his job and is labeled a bully "...
I don't see any where on this thread or the previous one where Dr. Popp was called a bully. He's been criticized for various reasons (as have others), but not called the B-word.
If by chance you were referring to 10 years ago, then calling the superintendent a bully was entirely deserved and accurate. That superintendent (Radakovich) was known by many to have been involved in depriving community supported teachers of their jobs in at least two other districts.
Defending "Serial Bully" Radakovich's actions against teachers who dared to stand up for their students and parents best interests is pretty much guaranteed to open a big can of worms. Are you sure you want to go there?
You just named many of the problems with the district that is not within any control of the teachers (no motivation from students, poor attendance, not completing work). How do you suggest fixing that? Will you work with the students at home?
And if you think the teachers work part time ("whah! They only work 10 months!"), well guess what? They're only paid for 10 months of work! Of course, you're probably sitting pretty on your pay, aren't you? Care to explain who you are hired by, your salary, and your benefits?
I agree, Mr. or Ms. "Way past fed up" is Matt or admin. Who else would feel that way. I am happy some one posted the straight facts. Though I will agree that parents need to step up in 131. I volunteer and work in the community and parents can arrive at school an hour early to line up to pick up their children, but are no where to be found when a helping hand is needed for a family event or even to get their children to school on time with their homework done.
Secondly, if a persons not given the proper tools to do their job, they cannot do put out the best possible product. If a mechanic was given a screwdriver and a hammer to fix your car, I am sure a good mechanic would be able to be creative and get the job done. Though it may take longer and the car may have taken a bit more of a beating to get things fixed, it could be done. Same is true for the EA teachers. They are being as creative as possible, putting together curriculum and making do with the supplies, classrooms and books they are given to use, but it requires more time and effort by students and teachers when trying to educate or be educated when you don't have the proper tools to do the job in high quality fashion.
Inside word is that certain board members and administrators were completely pissed off after Monday nights board meeting (and the last NO vote). They are most ticked off at Sara Imthurn and the Union. They want to know why the union has screwed up so badly at keeping the teachers and staff “In-Line”. They want to know why Sara and the Union have not done their jobs and gotten us to vote YES for the crap the district has offered us. None of them has a clue about what is really happening out here.
The real question is WHY would the board and administration have an expectation that the union would keep the teachers “In-Line”? Does the union work for the teachers or does the union represent the district. It would explain why Sara has made the decisions that she has of late. She refuses to tell the teachers what our demands are. We are hearing from negotiating team members that Sara has not brought any financial concerns to the bargaining table. Sara and Local 604 refuse to bring in an attorney to help represent us. Sara and the Union keep trying to use scare tactics to keep us from speaking up or voting in favor of a strike. Sara had no clue what was in the first contract offer, she just assumed that she would tell us to vote YES and the membership would follow. She had no answers to any of the questions that the members had. How could she lead the negotiating team that was supposed to put the contract together and have no clue what was in the contract? Here’s how. The district handed her the contract they unilaterally created and told her to have the members vote yes. The same thing they have done with every contract we’ve gotten in District 131
If the Union is going to take a million dollars a year from us and refuse to provide us any support in return, it is time to get rid of the AFT/IFT.
Yeah let's not open that big can of lies.
How stupid not to hire full time subs as we have always had for the high school. Ever hear of "penny wise and pound foolish"? Keep hiring teachers at a teacher's pay instead of a sub at sub pay==How stupid can these people be? Morale is the lowest this year as I have ever seen it-- and I have been here a while. Let's buy some more $10,000 flags!!!
Speaking of ten years ago and "Serial Bully" Radakovich:
http://openline.blogspot.com/2005/04/east-aurora-students-make-noise-for.html
I have never heard anybody, anywhere, say that teachers are overpaid before reading your completely ignorant comment. Do you realize that most teachers do not work from 7:45 to 3:15? Rhetorical question, of course you do. Most teachers put in 50, 60, 70 hours a week. Most teachers do curriculum work over the summer, paid or unpaid, because they care about their craft. My first year, I got paid $40,400 base and put in approximately 60 hours a week. This equates to approximately $18.70 an hour. Good thing I got that Bachelor's degree. More likely than not, my job is more important than yours.
The parents will not back up the teachers if they go on strike like in other communities. The district will advertise a 7% raise and you can bet $120,000 Matt will use his influence with his old employer the Beacon News to get the word out about us. We already know the board will not come up with any money. We need a new union but the law will force us to have no coverage for one year. Basically we are screwed.
Date: Nov 5, 2015
To: Mr Richard Leonard Board Member East Aurora Dist 131
(Co-Chariman Building & Grounds)
Subject: Revenue Recovery for EA Dist 131
Dear Mr Richard Leonard
Please research and demand monies returned/owed to East Aurora Dist 131resulting in overpayments & vendor charges which should have been disallowed.
• Overpayment of Scott Osman (Bldg Grounds employee) which was brought to the attention of Board of Ed most recently. (see attached)
• Also request a full audit to find others whom have been overpaid, especially the Overtime Rates (out of classification) which were paid Double time NOT Time & half.
• Are there any other employees who were/are being paid above their correct classification rate such as receiving double time NOT time & a half
I have been told “There is nothing that can be done”. Whoever takes position, have them provide documentation to support their response.
• Ref: PCS Industries, Why hasn’t EA demand a credit/refund for the bogus charges of
Training/Freight $ 2,000.00 for the Floor Scrubber Scandal.
Note: PCS Ind was awarded contracts via the recent Janitorial Bid
I would expect it be no problem to credit EA for the $ 2,000.00 erroneous charge
• Ref. Joliet Boiler, my recent audit showed “Cartage” (freight) charges being invoiced. Again this should have been disallowed. (see attached)
Note: Joliet Boiler is a current vendor & a credit is most certainly justified
There are more refunds to be pursued thus
THE AMOUNTS IN QUESTION TOTAL 100K +
I am requesting you personally investigate and oversee these violations.
CORPORATE AMERICA WOULD DEMAND THIS MONEY BE RETURNED
& DISCIPLINE THOSE RESPONSIBLE
Resolution to the above should be expedient thus replenishment of these funds could be directed to the Teachers as a “Gesture of Good Faith” in avoiding a strike
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
Of course you are pulling out the stops admins and union YOU DON'T WANT TO PAY US SO YOU TRY TO SCARE US-- WE ARE NOT BUYING IT CONTINUE TO VOTE NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leonard and padron visited the SSC together yesterday. What will Leonard do next to get attention? We all think there is nothing like an old fool that defines Leonard. Does he believe anyone at the SSC will trust him or respect him. Padron has destroyed many including Leonard's BFF Feltes. Richard you are a joke.
And you are not overpaid Mr. Assistant?
Padron many be behind firing Feltes but Leonard is still up to tricks. We know at the Hill is attempting to over turn the union an outsource us. Leonard is nice to Padron because Padron stopped looking into Feltes. Now Padron has focused on us attacking workers for phone records and pay records. He even attacked the American Flag. Meanwhile to millions wasted by Feltes just go away. Demire has told us he is getting direction from Leonard. Why only Leonard what does the other board think. What do you think Darby now that your son works with us.
It is another example of EA OK.
Dr Roberts was rarely at work at or before 8 and never after dark. He was never in public representing the district. Annette Johnson barged in past Rene like she wasn't there. I remember the APD being called because she was screaming and cursing at Dr Roberts. If nothing else her public antics since Popp arrived have cease. Maybe her year off she saw how profession, reasonable elected official conduct themselves. Lisa was more afraid before Popp arrived because we all know that outside of Joan no one was safe.
Mr Padron, Dick Leonard can't start his computer without help. Asking him to investigate anything will confirm that he does not have a relevant skill set. The election cannot come soon enough. If he is visiting buildings with you shows that he is definitely suffering from dementia . He does not realize how your inquiries cause his friend to lose his job.
Johnson needs to return to her old form and fire the entire Central Office. She needs to start with Hanley first and then go down the Hallway skipping over Megazzini. We all know she will protect are Reyes Childress but technology is a mess and fears her since took it over? She also fired the copy department that knew are district for years and now look. The copy department is running almost a month behind. The district does not need a cheerleader it needs a superintendent who will run the district not Glotzbach. Hanley should attend events and represent the district not Popp. He never leaves his office only to accompany Popp for photo ops.
The board today is a slight improvement over last year but they have done nothing they have promised yet.
First of all Johnson is the Board President but she doesn't have the right by herself to fire anyone. If the Board doesn't have the faith in the new superintendent he needs to be fired and they hire another one. I don't think their are too many waiting in line to be the Superintendent in this district believes that the board should run it. To be honest Johnson needs to go. If she is so good why has all these misuse of money Ralph has brought up she didn't know.
As a taxpayer Johnson has represented me well and I am hoping that she runs again and continues to work on cleaning the district up. I retired many years ago but have many friends who still work at 131. They are frustrated that Hanley can collect a $40,000 raise and do nothing. There are many that would line up and take a $220,000 dollar job don't kid yourself. They need to fire Popp he was demoralized everyone teaching. If Mr Hanley truly cared about EA he should have never allowed himself to be put in the middle of a pr disaster.
I have to agree with Taxpayer12. Didn't Johnson brag about all her accounting experience and business knowledge. Seems like someone has slipped quite a bit by her, and continues to do so.
How about the credit card scandal a few years back when The Beacon ran an article about the misuse. There where charges where an Administrator paid her phone bill. Then until today Administrators like to have a lot of working lunches with just themselves. Also Administrators taking family with them on trip and the family member doesn't not pay for themselves. How about Scott Osman who got paid double time before he got time and a half. Where I work if they over pay you then you pay it back.
Ralph has brought out many misuse of funds and our community does nothing. Who ok'd all those flags at the High School that had to cost a lot and it was overkill.
Why is it that our District for the Teacher strike isn't getting any press time like most of the others in the past months have? Yorkville is the newest one getting air time. This Teachers Union President should be doing something to get attention. I don't know if you would have to be a Union President to get in touch with the news. Have any of you teachers thought about this?
We need to replace our union and fast. They will not negotiate until Dec 3rd. By all accounts the district wanted to wait. This means at best a strike vote will not happen until after the beginning of the year. They are hoping we give up. If our union can not force the district to meet what good are they. They all need to step down.
To EA1- how can you say you feel Johnson has represented you well and then turn around and complain about the things that have happened in our district while she was on the Board and was board president!? She can tell you she is in your corner and she is fighting the fight for you in her Ward, but what goes on in the board room behind closed doors is often very different from what you see in public. Ms. Johnson takes much credit for things she has not done and puts blame on others for her own doing. Beware where you lay your alliances.
I think someone mentioned earlier, there are slim chances our local paper is going to write negative things, when one of their old coworkers is the district PR guy. Every once in a while a new reporter comes on and actually reports what happens at Board meetings and in D131. But not for long. Crosby has reported a few things, but it was mostly when Johnson and the mayor, or Johnson and other board members were going at it. The teachers need to make their own news happen, if not thru the Beacon, then see if The Voice will print letters from teacher Union members to the community.
Date: November 8, 2015
To: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131
Subject: Negotiations Nov 6 2015
I must first state it was a pleasant surprise to have a 3rd party contact me with information from someone present at the Friday Negotiations Meeting. Here are the facts & questions arising as a result of the Union, EA Staff, and mediators attending the meeting.
• Next meeting is scheduled for December 3 2015
Where is the SENSE OF URGENCY in resolving this contract
Will this delay breed more anger & frustration with the Teachers & their Staff
• Why did Sara Inthurm Union President NOT comment during the entire time
Does Sara really believe the rank & file have her support
• Why did Superintendent Mike Popp ALSO NOT COMMENT
Deflecting his failure as EA ‘s Leader as controversies & wasteful Tax Dollars continue to surface.
IT IS APPALLING THAT BOTH SARA & MIKE DID NOT PARTICIPATE NOR COMMENT
• Again Matt Hanley’s promotion & performance surfaced as a major issue
Does Mike understand this is a MAJOR MAJOR ISSUE
Why will he NOT address & correct this mistake
This issue has destroyed employee morale which is irreparable
• What did Board President Annette Johnson mean when she stated “Regarding that administrator, it will be dealt with” Is she referring to Matt Hanley & what did she mean by “Dealt with”
• Did the Union present a resolution that will be accepted, rejected or be negotiable
Please comment publicly at the next Board Meeting on the above
Thank you
Ralph
Tomcat8,
That was brought up at the general union meeting in Montgomery. I thought the same thing but the comment about no press was quickly "slapped down". Even coverage of the last board meeting was soft. I felt teacher union members came across strong but this was not conveyed in the beacon news article. Sad.
The Beacon never reported on the last board meeting you can bet Hanley called in a favor. It is news when 20 speakers get up and complain. Yorkville, Indian Prairie and Kaneland have been reported but no Aurora East. This is a Aurora newspaper. It looks like Hanley is controlling his past employer.
Someone needs to call the Chicago Tribune and report the pro district newspaper with ties to Hanley.
We, the union membership need to set a deadline for this board. Either we get a contract by December 1st or we strike. Lets take a lesson from strong unions in the area ie. Lockport. Otherwise we will get strung along till until Jone.
I believe anyone of you can call a news station and they will keep who talked quite. Think about all the other districts that have come forward with their contract problems. If your Union says no press then they are being manipulated by the district. I know it is a scary thing to strike but it is time to stand up for the students and you teachers. Do you not have a strike fund?
Board Members you are a disgrace to the teachers and taxpayers. While I as a taxpayer don't want to see my taxes go up I see what these teachers go through and how you reward administrators for doing nothing. You are making these teachers a scrape goat for you to continue to reward administration for their short comings.
Our union is the problem NOT the board or administration. They agreed with administration to meet on Dec 3rd. They could have said NO and demanded that they keep meeting. Sara and her entire team does speak up, they allow the district attorney to run the negotiations and write the contracts. What are we paying union dues for. They have two attorneys sitting at the meeting, we have none. In fact Sara and her team did not show up to the meeting. If I payed taxes in 131 I would be very happy with the board they have out smarted our highly paid team at every move.
We need to demand a vote now. It is my understanding that by scheduling a vote we would have to wait 15 days and then strike. That is why they waited until the 3rd. If we follow the timeline we would strike during Christmas break.
Talk with your building reps about getting signs. Sara is attempting to scare us and stop us. She was calling teachers on Facebook last night and telling us to stop. Teachers gave her and ear full. It is time for her to resign. Do not listen to rumors Glotzbachs got your names. There is strength in numbers.
Somebody needs to explain why the teams are not meeting until December 3rd. We've already been without a contract for 5 months. Why the delay. What purpose does it serve? If there is no progress being made, Sara should be declaring an impasse and calling for the strike vote. As usual Sara is asleep at the wheel.
Be careful teachers, Ralph Padron took information from us in the maintenance department and gave it to Leonard. Ralph never helped recover the millions Feltes took from the district. The floor scrubbers are broken the pipes and roofs leak and heating units are not working. All this money wasted that could have given us a raise.
Ralph's lastest caper is phones that use to call parts orders in and communicate. Ralph via Leonard turned us in. This is the same way he will turn you in. Bothers and sisters in unity.
Taking away district phones is a big mistake. This is another one of Dick Leonard's attempts at making the maintenance department look bad. How will they be contacted in case of an emergency on the weekends or other times when they need someone for a specific job? How are they supposed to call out for things they need to keep the district running smoothly? Everyone gets fooled by tricky Dick, the question is "Why?" when you have all of the facts you need sitting right in front of you? Now we hear all over-time will be denied?
Dick Leonard tries to vilify the maintenance department in his crusade to save face for himself and Feltes. Anyone can see this! He cares not for this school district only for himself and his neighbor/friend Feltes. Why is he allowed to continually waste the district's time and money?
Here is in black and white- Leonard got Feltes hired even though he did not possess the qualifications listed for the job of Director of Buildings and Grounds. Feltes massively screwed up the B&G department and was fired. Dick not only was/is his friend but sat on the B&G committee. Dick knew what Fletes was doing and did nothing to stop it. Now Dick is trying to make it look like it is the maintenance department's fault that Feltes mismanaged funds and failed so miserably in his position.
As stated above he told another outright lie, that Feltes fixed the tiles and pipes in the locker rooms. Anyone can see they are in horrible shape because they never were touched! He also stated that the maintenance workers were refusing overtime. Huh? Pull the time cards and take a look! Plenty over overtime listed on them!
Please see him for who he really is and ask him to step down from the board of ed.
Ralph leave the district alone. You always claim big news is coming but not one agency took your case. You claimed to investigate Feltes but now you go to lunch with Leonard, Feltes best friend. Why would you allow yourself to keep company with a cheat. You made a big case out of Wilson and nothing happened. It showed the maintenance employees who you are. What have you done but tear innocent people down. Anyone who can look the other way Leonard shows your investigations are a fraud.
While getting ready today to face another day without curriculum and planning time I have a couple of thoughts. The wind that blows outside is only part of the foul air blowing out of Sara Imthurn. Sara while collecting the million plus per year our union takes from us spends time educating herself. She used the excuse she was home taking care of family matters. This story made many us feel sorry for her. It now comes to pass, Joan Glotzbach gave her a pass. While teachers and support staff struggle to keep up daily, Sara sat in a classroom increasing her salary lane. Sara also took classes to write curriculum, in essence getting ready for her new title. The story goes Sara can no longer chase kids around in a classroom. Glotzbach as underhanded as they come makes room fo Sara in administration. Glotzbach helps Sara move to the MS/PH.D. column. Please remember she sits at the right hand of Glotzbach telling everyone how hard Joan worked to screw us in the evaluation model. Please remember it was Sara who signed all of the secret MOUs. Please remember it was Sara who will not take the millions we have paid and hire a attorney.
I would like to thank Mr Padron for his tireless work in researching 131. He has helped many of us see the light and conduct our own research on 131. Remember we teach our students knowledge is power.
Unbelievable, many teachers are so overwhelmed with the new curriculum that we have no opportunity to further our education. We spend countless hours just doin lesson plans or chasing down classrooms materials all of this while Sara betters her education and salary. I am sure a deal was cut by Sara until teachers started questioning it. Sara please please step down. Thanks Ralph for keeping us current with the corruption and cronyism of EA administration
Dear Sara
Please resign, if you had an evaluation process you would be fired or forced resign. The time has come when you have put yourself above us and we no longer feel that you represent our needs. Back room deals with Harding and now yourself have put EA teachers in a horrible position. Strike and we don't get paid for the holidays. We also will suffer frostbite on the pick lines something I am sure Glotzbach Popp and The
board cooked up with you. Don't strike and we are screwed for another two years. That allows the district weed out the trouble makers and hire more first year teachers that are paid less.
Sincerely
The screwed experienced MS level teachers
I am sorry to hear this about Sara, many of have asked her about her plans and she always states she wants to continue as union President and if the rank and file do not reelect her she would love to go back to teaching. This is proof she intended all along to become a district administrator.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-cuba-st-1111-20151111-story.html
Post a Comment