Deciding how best to spend our district's money is very challenging. Do we raise teachers' salaries, reduce benefits, lower class sizes? Should taxes be increased? Ideally our School Board will make choices in students' best interests. NOW is the time to let our administration know our opinions and priorities!
241 comments:
1 – 200 of 241 Newer› Newest»You mention meeting in the middle but the problem is that we are nowhere near the middle with teacher salaries. The middle is where every other district around us have found a fair and competitive wage to be. The fact that we are paid up to $36,000 less than the West Side shows just how far away from the middle that we truly are. The problem is that the school board is stacked with Stonegate members who don't give a damn about the education of the districts children. They only give a damn about their own tax dollars. This has been clearly stated by Stonegate residents in one board meeting after another.
The board/central office administration is a big part of the problem but equally responsible has been one corrupt union president after another. They have all been on the take. I believe their deals have been clearly explained on the blog here. We need to beware as we pick the next president as well. It has already been pretty clear who the district wants. His name is Phil Torres. He has come to teachers and repeatedly stated that we should NOT ask for more money and that the money offered by the district is fair. He has attacked the teachers who are standing up for a fair contract and called us "nothing but a bunch of rabble rousers". He has been spending lots of time with Annette Johnson and Annette has been making public statements that Phil is her next Adam Harding. She is doing everything she can to make sure he is the next president. It's pretty clear which side Phil is on. Don't be fooled. Choose wisely.
I spoke at the
Feb 1 2016 Board of Ed Meeting
Regarding Veterans Event total cost of $ 35,000.00
Sept 7 email - Dir Secondary Programs Mark Truckenbrod informs Rudy Keller & East High Principal Anthony Crespo reads
“ Let's continue our conversation on cost and keeping the board abreast of our efforts and budget ” (Budget is listed)
Questions
Mark Truckenbrod: Why did the BOARD never receive this information for their approval ?
Anthony Crespo: Why was Title Money utilized to pay several individuals?
(Both Truckenbrod & Crespo were heavily involved with the event yet both approved numerous blatant violations and wasteful spending !)
Don’t you think this money could have been spent for ACTUAL educational needs.
To: Superintendent Mike Popp
Regarding “FIX THE FORMULA”
1 Many very good Administrators Nancy Braddish, Tom Flanigan, Spencer Byrd, Rehman Ali, were released and replaced. Your controversial reorganizations has caused an uproar within the District especially your Public Relations Employee Matt Hanley and his large salary increase
2 The High School is in total turmoil & demoralized under Principal Anthony Crespo
3 I brought Serious Wasteful Purchasing Violations to your attention yet you chose to ignore the evidence and answering my numerous inquiries
4 There is a serious Discipline problem within the Schools
5 And there is an atmosphere of retaliation & intimidation by
Joan Glotzbach, Mark Truckenbrod & Anthony Crespo
6 Still an unapproved Teacher Contract & for the 1st time a Teacher Strike is a distinct possibility
Mike: WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU CAN “FIX THE FORMULA”
when the District you oversee has spiraled in a downward direction since you took over
Your track record speaks for itself
Crespo stop writing about Fil Torres and trying to make him Adam Harding. In fact Hardings wife is working with Crespo to document teachers. Crespo is trying to make teachers mistrust Fil and others who are attempting to get us better wages. This is a Crespo move to make us hate Fil. I know him well and he has always told us to not settle for less. We in the PE department know Fil is fighting for us.
Feb 3 email sent to Kirsten Strand Hi Kirsten
Just want to follow up on this email which I sent 9 days ago. As you know I have researched with evidence the countless violations at EA yet have never received a response from yourself.
The most current issue is a very serious
and intentional violation by Mark Truckenbrod and Anthony Crespo regarding those numerous and costly violations
I can't understand why you have blinders on with the issues I have exposed the past 2 years and don't pursue disciplinary action
Question I always wanted to ask you was this
Why did you vote yes to Matt Hanley's promotion & raise.
You knew about the teacher contract being unsettled and also the new Board was being seated that evening.
I am requesting a response or at least the courtesy of directing me to someone I can get a response from
Am requesting to meet with yourself and another Board Member to present additional info related to this.
Look forward hearing from you
Ralph
Feb 5 email sent to Ken Darby re: conversation at Bd Mtg
Hi Ken
Here is a summary statement of all
1 Many individuals contacted me to FOIA and research your girlfriend Diane Thomas employment status change and your son's hiring at EA
2 Big Question was "Were these actions done because you were now a Board of Ed Member"
3 I followed up with the FOIA and those within my network and gave them the following conclusion
EVERYTHING WAS IN ORDER AND NO VIOLATIONS WERE NOTED
Ethically I ask was it prudent to have your son apply at EA? I can assure you to this day that is an issue.
With this statement I have fulfilled my promise to you that I would make a statement to the Board about this matter.
I am requesting you return that courtesy and follow up on the numerous reports I have sent to the Board and hold those resposible
for numerous violations & cover up regarding the Veteran's Event Scandal.
Mark Truckenbrod, Anthony Crespo, Joan Glotzbach have never been held accountable for their actions and the demise of the District.
My network has asked that I pass the following message to yourself and the Board
1 When will Mike Popp be officially fired
2 Will this Board ever take action and fire Joan Glotzbach, Mark Truckenbrod, Anthony Crespo, Matt Hanley & others?
In conclusion I appreciate you expressing your thoughts on those 2 FOIA"s to me and again I apologize if you are offended by my research.
I am requesting that you and others on the Board get serious on cleaning up 131 with Personnel Changes.
The "teacher network" has expressed the climate of EA can only be changed if those individuals are removed.
Don't let Mike Popp distort the facts and continue to abuse his authority.
Respectfully
Ralph
If Crespo wanted to destroy Fil, that's all he would have to do is give him a couple of bad evaluations. I doubt that it was Crespo on here bashing a teacher.
As for Fil, he has been on the EA Rank and File page saying exactly what "Where is the Middle" stated. He publicly stated that East Aurora was not 204 and comparing us to them was unrealistic. He then stated that we should instead compare ourselves to West Aurora. He didn't realize that they pay better than 204. He further stated that we can not expect to correct years of bad contracts in one contract. Another way of stating that we should not ask for a fair salary.
Apparently Fil says whatever is convenient depending on the situation. It's no wonder Annette wants him as the next Adam Harding.
West Aurora pays better than 204 because of TRS. Fil is correct. D204 does not pay TRS.
The one to watch is Gentile she is friends with Johnson.
Ralph finally exposed...
Well. well. Ralph has to admit that he has been barking up the wrong tree on everything. He and his little Hitler youth gang are being exposed as the culprits of all the hate mongering that goes on at district 131. It is not the administration or the superintendent that are causing the damage it is Ralph and his brown shirts. Just seems that anyone who wants to reform the public school system runs into the wall of ignorance that we see at 131. So we must form 2 groups. first one is TURDS (Taxpayers Uncovering Ralph's Demented Surrogates) and FARTS (Freedom Against Ralph's Teacher Schmucks) This should be a good start!
Ralph's jackboots are the ones that must leave the district in order to go forward. There is so much to change in the public education system that EA 131 might as well be the restart of that movement. The crybullies must be taught that they cannot intimidate fellow teachers and supervisors.
Maybe now, little by little Ralph's toadies will be exposed and their actions will be documented.
Did ANYONE check Crespo's background??
Crespo is going around taking photos of people on their breaks with his phone. Yep, comes around 2 or three times until he gets his "shot".
The first time you made a LEWD comment about a student (a female student being "well stacked")you should have been gone! One can only imagine what is on your phone and computer!
And then this easily found by Googling "Anthony Crespo" having to do with the same!!
From the Forest Review paper...
"The other time, the girls were having practice and [Athletic Director] Anthony Crespo was the only one supervising them. Just him, a male, no adult females. And he had his camera phone out. There were young ladies practicing in just sports bras. When some of us called him on that, he said, 'Well, there are cameras everywhere in the school.' That's not good enough. If you're going to discipline teachers for misbehaving, then he needs to be disciplined, too"
Maybe Fil and Jennifer speak to Johnson because they are trying to help teachers get better wages or talk about concerns. I have also talked with Johnson and other board members, does that make me a sell out? I have shared concerns of curriculum and discipline and the board was happy to hear my concerns. Johnson and Hatchett are the most engaged and said they would bring up my concerns.The teachers had a chance to review curriculum as a entire group before the will purchase anything. That is a first!. We can not always trust current administration is giving them the entire story. We must educate if we want change.
As for Padron he needs to go away. His constant FOIA requests justify having a community relations person. I think the board should do away with the position. I also think Padrons favor of the month board member attacks have grown old.
West Aurora 129 and Indian Prairie 204 are both very competitive with employment packages. If you add salaries, longevity bonuses, insurance and TRS, you will find total packages that are very close despite being structured differently. If this were a horse race West and Indian Prairie would be in a tight race for the win while East Aurora is barely out of the gate. Anybody with a business background knows that your company is only as good as the people that you hire. They also know that you can't expect the best employees if you are paying significantly less than your competition.
Why does this not matter to our school board? The only reason possible is that they don't give a damn about being competitive. They don't care about the education of the children of District 131. I'll let you decide why that may be.
Ralph wasn't "exposed" he admitted when he was in error. On this one occasion.
That is more than I have ever seen anyone do at central office or on the current school board.
To this community member, that gives him more credibility when he admits a mistake. ( singular)
Other groups this district must deal with- CRAP (Community Relations Acting Piously) and PABLUM (Popp And Board Leveraging Unwarranted Malice)
I see nothing wrong with Ralph questioning those things about Darby's girlfriend and his son's hiring for the summer I believe. That is questionable when things like this happen like someone's employment status in D131. Was she up for a promotion before this? This falls under the Ethic Laws which I believe D131 doesn't give classes on this and doesn't follow the law if they do.
How can you get in touch with Ralph?
The school district is not Indian Prairie or West Aurora. Dr Popp is correct fix the formula and we will have the additional 5 plus million to pay teachers. They are assured of collecting property taxes we are not assured of the state paying us. The teachers will bankrupt this district and if they want the wages of West Aurora or Indian Prairie why did not apply there. Oh could it be that nobody would hire them.
Crespo has been taking pictures of hard working maintenance employees at on their breaks. He comes back six times a day to catch us. He has also been in the girls locker room documenting so he claims claims candy wrappers on the floor. Is that what he is really doing.
Our union is worthless Jessie Medina is to busy campaigning for Bernie Sanders. Last week Jessie went to Iowa and the district looked the other way. We need to ask Medina to step down. Bernie Sanders will not defend us when Crespo's camera comes looking. The board needs to investagate why he is in the girls locker room and why he was let go at Proviso.
To: Get real
You need to get real. The district is receiving $17.5 million dollars more now than they did last year (total this year over $202 million) and they still don't want to give the teachers a penny more. It doesn't matter how much the state gives us, as long as the Stonegate crowd controls the school board, this district is screwed
As for not hiring us teachers in other districts, again you need to get real. Teachers are leaving by the hundreds every year to better paying jobs in other districts. We have excellent teachers in District 131, unfortunately we don't keep them long enough to see many of them reach their potential. We train them for other districts.
To get really
The state only gave 131 the following and additional 5 million in fix the formula money the additional money came from all day kinder which the district pays teachers for. in increased teachers and support staff. The current teachers contract offer is well over 11 million. Better take your money and run before the state claims they can't afford to pay.
Are you trying to scare everyone with your Nazi references? At least Ralph was man enough to admit he was wrong and present his findings. I have more respect for him. His actions are more than what the district has done. Do you think anyone will apologize for the nepotism and jacked up salary bonuses at central office?
Or it could be that people work in EA because that's where all the job openings are after teachers who experience EA realize they could work for better salary in a nearby district that shows them more respect and has easier populations to work with.
It looks like we are on our way to $50 million dollars in interest free bonds.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-west-aurora-interest-free-bonds-st-0209-20160208-story.html
Ralph you do not have the credentials to decide who is qualified to run EA. You say that removing certain administrators is needed in order for change to come; well let's check the record and see if the facts support your premise.
Here are changes over the last 7+ years.
Roberts, Gonzalez, Adams, Muhammad , Harding, Augustine , Clark, Diane, Conrad , Byrd , warren, lattz, rossiter, Aird, Brown, Raymond.... Every position in central ad min has changed except Glotzbach plus the HS and B&G , Board, Superintedent and Sped and nothing worth noting has has changed. So based on the facts and your lack of expertise the solution is let's do it again . Wow folks listening to you is like hummmm Trump. Let's build s wall
Pee Wee I'll tell you what has not changed.. the intimidation and dumping on teachers so that the morale is at its lowest point ever. Why is this a concern? Brow-beaten teachers make poor teachers for their students. You can hardly be an energetic effectual, creative teacher while administering the 5 essentials test, SRI test PLC meetings, create curriculum in a few weeks time, UBD templates with no instruction. SIT TEAM, the list goes on and on. When we bust our ass and create wonderful curriculum who wil take credit? Sara Waddell. All of this extra stuff is an admin trying to justify their position. They give us the directives; we do the work. Lash, Lash, keep going, next week is your informal. You are only proficient. Well how otherwise? My best friend is not observing me, I do not have a division chair with a heart, ( as some have the luxury at the high school) and I have no time to put together a decent set of lessons for you to observe. Your formal rolls around, well you didn't ask enough higher order questions, or the students were not totally engaged, or what ever buzzwords they have been trained by Glotzbach to ding us with. The lovely life of a teacher.
Kenneth Darby is in the paper today introducing LLC the Cell tower company. Does Kenneth know this company and is it possible he is financially gaining from this. Kenneth recently elected already got his son a job and helped his girlfriend get a better job is the district. Ralph should check on this. Why the cozy relationship Kenneth and why are you exposing students to the danger of cell towers.
The majority of the board members are in it for themselves. Darby and Strand have family members working in the district and claim they are for teachers but they have sold out to administration for personal perks
Leonard up until last year had Feltes in a management position that he was unqualified for. They need 50 million just to fix Feltes mistakes. The rest are worthless.
Cards stack agsinst us: I forgot to add the turnover of teachers each year for a multitude of reasons . If you're being honest most leave on their own but some should be removed for lack of performance but they stick around because your CBA protects them . Either way all the turnover in teachers and admin is not productive for the students
To PeeWee
You are incorrect. The CBA doesn't protect any teacher. The problem is that the administration doesn't remove the teachers that are underperforming in their classrooms, they simply go after teachers that they don't like. This is almost always the teachers who call the administration on questionable and illegal activities. If a teacher (and they are usually our best and brightest) dare to call an administrator on their activities, the administration retaliates. Joan Glotzbach is the most vindictive of them all. She has no ethics and there are dozens of examples of her stabbing people in the back, both teachers and administrators.
There are many examples. Unfortunately most of the examples deal with Special Education students who are not receiving the services required by the law. There are also many examples of students who are dealing with bullying. There have been lawsuits and Federal Mandates because of this. I'm sure many people have seen the newspaper articles on these cases. What you don't see is the retaliation that the teacher receives after the spotlight is shined elsewhere.
Pee Wee
I must admit I have not seen the "horrible" teachers you speak of -I see teachers in parking lots by 6:30, out by 5:00 tutoring, doing their all. It is this bullshit perception of us as welchers, fostered by the admins so that they can manipulate us any which way. If anything the most dedicated group of teachers in the whole Fox Valley area is District 131 teachers working with the toughest to reach kids, for far less than any of our counterparts, and being beaten down and insulted every day we come to work. And I'm not being a crybully Hanley, I'm just stating the status quo.
I have had children in the district for over 20 years. In all of those years, I would maybe rate 1 teacher as not being very good. Yet I do realize sometimes the way a teacher teachers will work for most students but not all.
I have felt, as a parent reaching out, I have been disregarded or pacified by admin and the Board when trying to bring other issues to their attention.
I hi I we were blessed with the teachers my children have had at EA. I have sympathy for the way they have been treated and continue to be harassed. I see how they are disregarded and pacified, just as I have been when trying to relate to admin and the Board.
I wish them all the best. I appreciate they have not wavered in their dedication to our students, even in light of the struggles with getting a contract.
Sent: Friday, February 12, 2016 11:29 AM
HI again Kirsten
On Jan 25th & Feb 6 I have sent you emails requesting a response to many an issue. As you know have uncovered many serious violations this past 2 yrs yet many staff members were guilty of allowing these to continue. Examples
1 The saga of the Veterans Event which Rudy Keller was allowed to do whatever he pleased at the taxpayers expense.
Again I bring up the participation, approval of Mark Truckenbrod, Anthony Crespo, Mike Popp, & Christi Tylers office not stopping the violations.
2 The Matt Hanley situation which you approved
3 Title Money spent on speakers Anthony Crespo approved.
Was it a coincidence that the 5K speaker was from New Jersey as is Crespo
4 The Teachers who spoke at multiple Board Meetings complaining about the hostile environment existing with the Admin Office
5 RETAILIATION & INTIMIDATION from Mark Truckenbrod, Anthony Crespo & Joan Glotzbach
IT IS ALIVE AND THRIVING UNDER MIKE POPP
The list is endless yet I expected some type of response from you concerning the above.
This would have been the proper thing to do evidently I was wrong
You as a Board Member have the reputation of defending those in Mike Popp's circle to thrive and continue to abuse their authority.
Again I request a meeting with you and another Board member with other individuals to discuss and explain those concerns and violations which you have ignored.
Reference: Board of Education Exhibit Section 2:80E
Board Member Code of Conduct As a member of my local Board of Education, I will do my utmost to represent the public
9. I will respectfully listen to those who communicate with the Board, seeking to understand their views, while recognizing my responsibility to represent the interests of the entire community.
My network of Teachers, Staff & Community members fear retailation from those in authority at EA.
Please lets address this and again I ask you specifically
"Why do you allow this behaviour to continue and not hold those administrators accountable."
The MESSENGER IS NOT THE ISSUE HERE
IT HAS BEEN THE MESSAGES I HAVE PRESENTED IS THE ISSUE
Ralph
Ralph has a good point said...
Ralph embarrasses himself by communicating his hatred from a point of ignorance. He is a person who deserves attention because he stands for ignorance, libel and racism. He makes good points when you look through that lense. He is a poster child for the word pathetic.
We've got to get rid of Annette. Holy cow. She is crazy. Fil Torres, her lap dog, is so in love with her psychotic manipulation, he actually thinks he is someone important. I'm here to say that fil, you need to go back to CPS. we don't need your bs here. We are classy. Just because you were fired from your job doesn't mean we are naive enough to think you can make it better here. Go back. And everyone else... Remember what Anette did the last time with her puppet Roberts? At least Popp doesn't put up with her Bs. Vote her out. Let be here for the kids. Her manipulation behind the scenes has caused below average teachers like Torres to think that we are with them. I'm a good teacher(I believe) and I'm embarrassed that someone like Torres is representing me. What does he do? Watch kids in the weight room? Really? Annette, you are not a good board member. I don't think you represent our interests. Our kids deserve better than you. Please re sign. Thank you.
Teachers expect these kinds of posts from outgoing administration. I have been working with Fil on issues regarding bullying and intimidation. Fil is doing what Sara Intherm would not protecting our rights. Look what is happening with great teachers who have spoke up at board meetings.
I have also heard we did not get many rights or pay equity until Johnson and Hachett joined the negotiations. Many of us have talked with other board members and they have expressed the same concerns Ms Johnson has. Ms Johnson was a good board member she did not slap teachers in the face by voting high salaries for administration like Ms Strand who has lied to us repeatedly. Ms Johnson lead the charge to build schools not administrative centers like Ms Strand and her short tenure in a leadership role the lead to the two years of hell.
I think we need to stick together and tell the board members what is really happening in out schools void of Ms Strand they deserve the truth.
Annette, oh yeah you are our hero . You voted against Hanley raise. BTW hero why don't we have a contract? Is that evil strand lady holding up the raise. Wait you only need a majority to pass a measure. Is that evil Popp and his hit man Mark holding up the agreement ? Wait they can't vote.
Not True about Ralph! Ralph is a patriot and a purveyor of the truth. As such, tax payers, teachers and community members should be thankful for him. He's a threat to the corruption and cronyism of many on this BOE who voted large ridiculous raises to their friends and tacky 35K flags! Shame on you for voting for this. Incidentally, Ms. Johnson your efforts at doing the proper thing are applauded. The community are all aware that you did not vote for this terrible waste of money. Thank you Annette!
Here's a link to 19 pages of recent articles about our district:
https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=38278517
There will be a discussion/defense of Matt Hanley's Community Relations Director position salary at Tuesday's Board meeting:
https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=38277821
Ralph and his Brownshirts......
Ralph and his jackboot followers or as Ralph says his "network" are not afraid of retaliation but they are afraid of being found out for the perpetrators of the illicit acts they are saying others have done. His jackboots are responsible for the lack of cooperation in securing lesson plans. His "network" has sabotaged the efforts to get these finalized. His "network' has had a hand in ensuring procedures are not followed for purchasing and then pointing the finger at others. Yes, Ralph the truth seekers are finally wise to your dirty, corrupt, scandalous violations. The farthest thing on the minds of people in your "network" are the students. Your network just wants money and does not have the best interest of the kids in mind. Your "network' just wants to coast. Your pointing fingers at others finally has brought the attention to where is should have been all along. - On your "network" for the scandalous acts they have been performing. Your "network" just keeps acting like real jerks around other teachers and intimidating them. They threaten the staff and anyone else who does not agree with their plans to screw anyone who wants to get the district back on track. Your "network" despises anyone who wants to improve the district.
Ralph, why is it that you have not interviewed the retired teachers to find out how long they knew they were underpaying their health insurance premiums?? That is another scandal caused by your "network".
Ralph, why don't you start going to Naperville and Dupage County meetings and start asking why "your" backyard is always way under their quotas for low income housing. Start demanding that your city of Naperville and county of Dupage actually start doing their fair share, so maybe it is not district 131 who has all the low income people congregated in one place.
Start doing some real work like that rather than having your "network" threaten people and cause damage.
Someone has a real ......problem with Ralph Padron. Take a chill pill. If there is no validity in his accusations, what's the problem. Having to answer too many FOIAs? That is called job security. N the Know has stated what many wonder, if Annette wanted something done and Strand was the ONE causing the hold up, where were other members and how did they vote. It takes a majority. Johnson nor Strand can make something happen without a majority vote.
Why has our community relations overpaid Mr Hanley not made comments as to who really damaged the tennis courts. Hanley and Muhammed another waste of hard earned teachers dollars lead everyone to believe it was EA students or EA gangs in the newspaper. The fact is it was not gang graffiti but West Aurora students proclaiming themselves as best. It was also Weet Aurora students using foul language against EA students. It was now reported the tennis courts can not be used by the community unless someone with a key unlocks them.
Why our overpaid community relations person allowing the newspaper he worked for to dump on EA . I hope it is true that the board is firing him.
https://word.office.live.com/wv/WordView.aspx?FBsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fattachments%2Ffile_preview.php%3Fid%3D558864484270301%26time%3D1455415333%26metadata&access_token=526425429%3AAVKX27HfocyB0Oiui4Dt0mrH8ZXkp-0KyG-31_-wNqm9EQ&title=final+offer+2015-2017+for+CBA.docx
George Washington and Tom Brady are Patriots. Ralph is a fly that merely gets swatted at. No one pays attention to him. Let us know when Ralph makes progress and not just accusations.
Someone needs to get in touch with Crespo's wife about his pictures that he takes of cheerleaders. Maybe officer Devo needs to look into his phone.
I'm voting NO!!!!! With the insurance increases that Annette crammed down our throats, people are either breaking even or losing money. They are also trying to sneak in a clause that takes away the TRS Early Retirement Option. It not even legal. Stipends are cut, subbing is frozen. They added a day without paying us for it. They have found more ways to screw us.
An administrator once gave me their definition of diplomacy. They said diplomacy is having somebody walk out of my office and say "Wow, what a great deal, I wonder why my A$$ hurts". This contract fits the bill perfectly. Some things look good on the surface but if you consider all the facts, you realize just how terrible it is.
Who do you believe damaged the Tennis Court and if you have proof have you gone to the police?
Ralph is doing what the taxpayers of this district should be doing and questioning how their money is spent. The money spent for the flags is outrageous. Districts that have more money than us would never spend that much. With overcrowded schools and schools in need of repair this was a misuse of money. Even now that we got the no interest loans the district needs to be watched how they spend it. I bet they try to get a new administration building built. Even when the DOE came in they said the spending of the money was not wise but since no one used it for personal use nothing could be done. Ralph should start looking into if some have used money for their personal use. How is Ralph network threatening teachers and if they are you can go to the police and make a complaint.
How many times is the BOE going to allow Glotzbach and Tyler to make mistakes that cost us.
Glotzbach and Tyler knew the insurance was going to take a big jump this year and did nothing.! I attended with all present including Popp and the teachers union did nothing. Our SEIU begged to get more information. None received
Question our we going to allow the district to take advantage of us or stick together. Our contract has not been negotiated because the district keeps putting it off. One rumor is they are waiting for quotes to outsource us. SEIU needs to be more aggressive and just not sit back like with insurance.
Haha, nice example of diplomacy!
You're right. They've re-wrapped up a steaming turd in new paper and expect us to fall for it. The percentage increase sure seems nice when you hear it, but when you do the math with 9.4% going to the pension and the ridiculous rise in costs of insurance and co pays, many people are still losing money or breaking even (myself included). The board says they can't pay more. That is bullsh!t and they all know it. And they say they will form committees to try and decrease insurance costs. Really? We're supposed to take your crooked word on that? I'm sure your Blue Cross executive who sits on the school board won't allow that to happen. I sure hope the school contract/union committees get the word out that the district can do better, and they're just slipping more and more crap into the contract, hoping that we won't catch it (since we must be uneducated imbeciles?). Yes, I know we can't fix everything in one contract, but barely any progress has been made with the latest offer. Don't grow tired and give up Union members-this contract offer is not fair to all and the poor language definitely leaves a lot open to interpretation by administrators.
So I see the district has tried once again to email important matters at an odd time. You email the latest contract offer on a Saturday morning?! Are you trying to make it so that staff cannot discuss their concerns face to face and hope that it is forgotten about after a long weekend? It's as if the board and admin are purposefully trying not to grow any trust with their employees. No wonder morale is in the crapper.
Re "brownshirts" Wow...Hanley is really losing it...and quit with the Nazi references -the only brownshirt/brownnose is you!
To Unity
It appears that you are shocked at health insurance premium increases. You must not have been paying attention to any news outlet?? It has been all over the news for the last year and a half that there are insane increases all over the counry because of Obamacare. Do you not pay attention to the world in which you live?? Absolutely amazing that you can be shocked. This is old news for the rest of the workforce...If you tend to your job like you pay attention to "the world" no wonder you are going to be replaced by outsourcing.
Glotzbach brags about her $5,000 dog. Really?
Waddle brags about her nanny. Really?
Popp has a wedding at the Baker Hotel the hotel of millionaires. Really?
Hanley gets a $40,000 raise. Really?
Tyler never wears the same unprofessional clothes twice and runs everyone over at 4:30 with her BMW leaving the SSC. Really?
Let's not even start on the camera inappropriate Crespo. His wife should check out his phone.
Teachers are paid NOTHING and lose when you calculate insurance increases.
See you on the strike lines the week of PAARC testing.
To chow says: yes, we are all in!
This entire year has seen the lowest morale of any year I've seen in District 131. It's to the point where groups of teachers are updating their resume's together. I saw a group of a dozen teachers looking up job openings last week. Daily discussions include "did you see the new job opening at X district"? This latest contract offer is not going to change any of it. Unless the board opens up the check book, we are going to see the largest mass exodus this district has seen in decades. I wish I could believe that the board would give a damn. I'm sure they are looking forward to having an all first year teaching force. This District is going down the tubes.
Many workplaces are increasing insurance premiums across the country and just like teachers are paying higher for the coverage so don't feel teachers are the only ones feeling that.
I believe teachers in this district deserve a good raise but they only have so much to give. Yes, this district has misused money and since taxpayers don't care and think Annette Johnson is the person that can take care of all the problems they have.
If teachers believe they can get a better paying job with better working conditions go for it that is what most workers do when they are not happy where they work.
Unity!
Don't get stuck on stupid says:
Hello Matt! At it again the teacher bashing? You and your boss Popp are delusional if you feel that outsourcing has a snowball's chance in hell in working. We can't even get any subs!! Where are you outsourcing these teachers from? Everyone knows we pay nothing!! The teachers you have are leaving in droves because you guys forced them out with your demoralizing bullshit. Oh yes maybe you could go down to Spain, where some young new teachers have not heard of East Aurora and recruit there.. Oh wait , most of those hires went back home too....Good luck genius!!!
Followup on the tennis court damage
Get a copy of the pictures the spray paint was the West Aurora W along with other comments against EA. Matt who is charged with community relations for EA allowed the newspaper and others to believe it was EA students. Some PR person.
If you think there will be a mass exodus of teachers wait for the administration. At EAHS alone 12 of 16 administrators are looking for jobs. The same is true of many AP positions and our Curiculum department. Popp brought in cronies from 204 with zero experience and disrupted every department. Then he pays Hanley and teachers erupt. The administration that does not work in the SSC or ASC are not overpaid with the expection of Crespo who BTW does not hold a teaching certificate. Then there are the SSC and ASC staff who have to deal with Sara Waddell and her middle school voice. Thruckenbrod the bully with only a music certification who was paid more than Dr Carla. The list goes on .
Then there is Glotzbach who instructed principals to write up teachers and intimidate staff. Hopefully this year Glotzbach will pay the price and get sent back to the hole she came from. Those who remember how she set up Dr Aird and many others. The Popp era can not end fast enough.
Dr Popp please do not apply to be another superintendent and destroy another school district. We will be left picking up the pieces for years to come.
To Mass exodus for all
yes, please leave along with Raplh's brownshirts and all the other crybullies who will not allow District 131 to get into the 21st century. This is a different era than the old, as one actually has to have a brain AND utilize it now. Before, one could just do nothing and get paid and no one said anything. Now, that bad old word "results" is being tossed in and for some that is a word that was never comprehended. We will honk at you on the picket lines and good luck in your new jobs in some other unfortunate district.
A narcissist sees themselves as superior to everyone else; the shoe certainly fits a number of you whiners on this blog. Everything is someone's else fault I.e dr Roberts , radakovich, Popp , board from hell, feltes, Ralph, Johnson etc...insurance rates have been soaring for years but now is obamacare. They are not the problem , they are / were symptoms of the real problem. The size of the raise or rates is not really the heart of it either. Once someone gets to the the root maybe something productive can be reached; NOT. Stop with the equality references. Equality was for civil rights and that's where it ends. All teachers , administrators , support staff , parents nor students are equal to each other. No one is all good or bad . Merit is more fitting for education. What have you earned because as a taxpayer I don't owe you anything. Equal for all says that a 2 year teacher is entitled to the same as a 10 or 25 years teacher. If that's what you believe please find another job.
To Mass Exodus? Are you on crack? Do you know what goes in in d131 schools? Every year there are multitudinous changes in technology which we must master to even get our grades and attendance registered. In addition to this each year some administrator introduces their "baby." Ubd, PLC's, SIT team, RTI, etc. all of this in addition to doing the very real work of a teacher creating lesson plans, differentiating and/or supplementing these lesson plans for our lower/higher learners, working after school with kids who need extra help or were absent for a month and need missing work, etc. etc. Matt, you are delusional and have no connection to what actually goes on in our classrooms. Get on that log Matt and lets ride you out with a host of your pals who TRULY do Nothing all day!!!
Please come to one of the EA middle schools, sit in a Language Arts class, and learn about grammar and punctuation.
Mass exodus and mass termination. Can we get a date as to when Popp will be gone? How about Trukenbrod, Glotzbach, Hanley, Crespo and Alex Dimare? All these people can see the writing wall and know they are going to be gone and soon. Get them outta here asap before they cause more damage to the district than what they already have! Anybody Popp hired is only there because they are a 204 reject or personal friend. They are there to do one thing- CAUSE CHAOS. Hang tight so you will be able to wave goodbye to them on their last day! Then we can proceed to pick up the pieces!
Hanley is a joke he is advertising the discipline meeting as "free". Does he think parents will pay to go to hear a handbook presentation. The guy can't even write and good teachers are being railroaded out of their jobs by Crespo, Thruckenbrod and Glotzbach. This board is a joke the promised change and nothing has happened. Teachers find the free comment to be a big joke.
Let's talk about intimidation, the board is allowing a great teacher at Cowherd to get terminated. Ms Darce has helped students in many different subjects for twenty years and now Glotzbach who never liked her when she was principal is targeting her. Ou NO sympathies for being underpaid and devoting your life to 131. When will the Glotzbach/ music man career of Thruckenbrod end. Thruckenbrod is not a teacher nor is Glotzbach they both have music degrees. They have no clue about common core. Glotzbach, Hanley and Thruckenbrod along with the superintendent from he** appear to still be standing sources say. Another election coming and we will not forget and BTW Laesch and Arroyo your political careers in Aurora are over.
Get out while the getting good and never devote your career to 131.
Feb 16 Board Meeting Info
Just heard the following was approved concerning Matt Hanley
Effective July 1 this position’s salary will be reduced from $120,000.00 to $ 87,000.00
TRS 9.4% X 87k = $8,178.00
Total with TRS $ 95,178.00
His current contract of $ 120 K is through June 30 2016.
Vote was approved by Board of Ed for this change
Don’t expect an official announcement until AFTER the Teacher Contract is voted on next week
More interesting info to follow on other subjects
Where the heck are the January 4th School Board minutes??
That meeting was more than six weeks ago. The minutes should have been approved at the following School Board meeting on January 18th, and published online within two weeks' time.
Of course, our district COULD join the 21st century like our neighboring districts and broadcast meetings online...but that would require a certain amount of consideration and respect for the public.
Just one more example of administration making choices for arrogance :(
Just another example of teachers getting pushed around is our fellow staff member from Cowherd getting written up after many years of great reviews. She should contact Bob Green and bring more legal action on the board. Glotzbach is doing this to other teachers since she became the defacto superintendent. Does Glotzbach not realize the teachers are standing up in revolting. Does the board not realize the teachers are revolting.
When will the board take action on Glotzbach? Glotzbach and her incompetence has cost the district millions. Bob Green alone has cost the district at least a million. Who reviews Glotzbach, "oh" that's right the incompetandent Dr Popp. Question for the board- Did Glotzbach not give her tenure when she was principal?
I will vote NO until changes will be made!
Feb 16 Board Meeting Info Pt 2
Concerning Superintendent Mike Popp’s departure
On Dec 21 2015 since Popp was VOTED TO BE FIRED yet he just keeps “PLAYING” the Board, District, and Community to his advantage.
Kirsten Strand was the only Bd Member voting to retain Popp. She continues to lobby for his employment and what a Great Superintendent he is. Evidently the definition of Great has been compromised.
Deal is supposedly finalized yet an announcement by Popp will not be made until AFTER the Teacher Contract Vote.
The Board is now being held hostage by Popp and his gang. (Truckenbrod, Glotzbach, Crespo, Hanley)
2 Months ago he was FIRED yet he dictates his departure terms.
If Mike Popp was truly concerned about the welfare of the students and community he would have done the honorable thing and make a “Minimal Announcement” which then allows the Board to begin a search for his replacement. Mike’s viewpoint “It is all about Mike Popp” and his image.
More to follow tomorrow
Amen Ralph! I hope Popp's intentions-actions-directions to cause as much devastation as he can before his departure follows him forever and he is never again given the chance to do this to another school district! It has affected everyone here. They talk about the gangs on the streets, but never about the administrative gang on the inside of D131. When people hear how much the members of this administrative gang makes, they are floored. When they hear about how much money the admin gang has wasted they are angered. Controlled intimidation for the sake of enjoying power and money. That is what it is all about for them.
Get rid of everyone Popp brought over here as well as the above offenders. They only serve as his henchmen. Walking around like a bunch of wanna-be mafia members! It's a school district for crying out loud!
Popp and his thugs need to go they are targeting every administrator that worked under the Roberts era with the help of Glotzbach. If Crespo is allowed to fire all of the Roberts era admins the board should be recalled by community. The word is out he will be doing this. We can only hope t is not true. We also hear at least 3 principals and serveral assistants will get discharged.
Popp will get another super/asst super gig within a year and EA will be giving him one hell of a cash parting gift. I know that superintendents sign multi-year contracts, but it's ludicrous that many incompetent ones still get nice benefits and severance packages when they are canned.
Popp should not be able to walk away with a nice cash package, if the district lawyer would have wrote a contract giving the board a way out had he not performed up to par.
Date: Feb 19, 2016
To: Kirsten Strand Christi Tyler
CC: Board of Education East Aurora Dist 131
Subject: Joan Glotzbach Pension, Bonus, Stipend, History
Dear Kirsten & Christi
Please review the attached documents as there are many questions concerning:
What is the correct multiplier/formula in arriving to total pension paid for by Dist 131
Please provide documents to support your answer
In 2013 Joan Glotzbach was paid
Salary $ 132,122.00
Pension 32,544.29 ( .24632% of her salary) Isn’t that excessive
Insurance 14,095.60
Stipend 10,546.71
Bonus 7,719.00 (Test Scores Increased)
2013 Total Earnings $ 197,027.60
Yearly Summary:
Salary Pension % (multiplier)
2015 $ 148,625.00 $ 15,486.73 .1042
2014 145,000.00 16,596.62 .11446
2013 132,122.00 32,544.29 .24632
Why the different % in tabulating pension
The 2013 Stipend was for what
Bonus for Test Scores Increase. What did HR do warranting a bonus.
I have attached Yearly Salary Report links from EA website & Bonus approval Documents,
Kirsten: I am requesting you research the above and provide a response.
You still have not responded to several inquiries I have sent.
Those issues have been proven and are in direct violation with State & School Policy
If you have no intention of replying to those requests, please provide a professional courtesy to explain why you won’t respond.
Respectfully
Ralph Padron
Feb 19 2016
Matthew Hanley, FOIA Officer
East Aurora School District 131
417 5th Street
Aurora, IL 60505
Dear Mr. Hanley
Re: FOIA Request for Documents concerning Joan Glotzbach
Ref Stipend 2013 amt $ 10,546.71
Copy Cancelled Check (s)
Authorization Documents
Emails/Documents referring to work performed warranting Stipend
Ref 2013 Bonus $ 7,719.00
Copy Cancelled Check,
Authorization Documents justifying Bonus
Emails referring to work performed warranting Bonus
Copies of W2 for Years 2010 thru 2015
Check Stubs (total recap) for School Year 2010 -2015
Last check stub issued which will summarize total earnings/deductions for School Years
Documents explanation for each years Multiplier justifying pension contribution
(Formula explanation)
I have attached documents/links supporting my request
Am requesting preliminary charges before actual printing of documents
Respectfully,
Ralph Padron
Dear Mrs Johnson,
What are you going to do to fix these problems?
Your teachers are getting paid peanuts.
Insurance is really poor at this district. If obamacare wasnt a law, im sure most would drop their would be coverage the district provides.
Your administrators are going after teachers.
Morale is low district wide.
Despite you filling a swimming pool, their is still overcrowding.
Theres a huge list of problems. Im sure we can go on. So as a taxpayer who sends 2 kids to 131 schools i ask you the following.
How are you going to fix this?
Because not only do we not have another pool to fill but we need to keep teachers that want to be here stay. Pay them!
Final note: As a district that has gambled lots of money on bad hires like popp, feltes, and all the money misuse, i dont think the Slogan "All In" works. The district is a public education institution, not a casino.
Response to How to fix this? said...
Why do you think Ms. Johnson can fix this she is only one person on the board she isn't the only one to fix it although many think so. A board president doesn't have the authority to fix it the whole board does and that is the problem here. I'm no fan of Ms. Johnson but until the tax payers of this district realize it nothing will get fixed until all the board members that sit quietly and let her nothing will change. As far as insurance it is poor in all workers lives why should yours be different we have all had to pay more for insurance you are not the only ones. Until this district follows the law this will happen but the people that makes these laws allow this to go on. Yes, we have overcrowding and with getting the no interest loans it is up to the taxpayers to make sure it is used for the students.
By the way it isn't Mrs. Johnson she isn't married it is Ms.
Wow Joan !!!200,000 grand!!! and an $8,000 stipend for test scores increasing?
Isn't that the result of your underpaid teachers hard work???
And yet you come at us like a venomous snake?
Karma is a bitch, Joan. And whatever you put into the universe comes back 3x stronger. Buckle up!!!
Ms Johnson
I thank you for your service.
I know you may get the most blame most of the time unfairly.
You have stepped up on insurance and filling the pool added a much needed multi purpose room.
We no you did not vote to hire Popp and voted against Hanley.
You seem to be the only one who admits you made a mistake i.e hiring Feltes.
Board members like Strand have gotten unwarranted praise. i.e. Hiring Popp, and the Hanley raise.
You have been the only who saw the bigger picture and attempted to fix our insurance and wages.
You are All in please except our thoughts and prayers in getting the district back on track. Don't back down!
Questions to all board members
Why do you value Matt Hanley but not teachers?
Why are we not paid TRS but Matt Hanley is?
Why are you allowing us to get intiminadated and bullied by Cresbo?
Why are you not standing up for teachers?
Arroyo, Laesch, Darby and Strand why did you meet with us and promise to be our voice?
Hahahahaha! Chuckle chuckle. "A staff member" is no doubt Annette tooting her own horn....very funny Ms. Johnson!
Dear Parent who has commented as How to fix this. The slogan "All in" is perfect. We are ALL IN deep doodoo if the administration and board don't come together and fairly compensate our teachers and put their focus on teaching our students. As others have mentioned, a number of our Board members do not and never have had children in our district.
The choices that have been made, have not been in the best interest of our students nor have good choices been made for our district as a whole. While the admin and board are playing games of "who has the most power of manipulation" we are "all in" an ever rising heap of steaming BS.
Ms. Johnson and board members how do you justify a $8,000 stipend for Joan Glotzbach
for test scores increasing? Also for a district that is low income her salary is really a little much.
i have heard many things about Johnson but she has helped move teachers rights along in negotiations that is undeniable. Please ask the members of the team without her many, many issues would not get solved. I drink the kool-aid that she was a hater but now I am her biggest fan.
Employees aren't complaining that insurance went up a little bit-it increased by leaps and bounds. Which wouldn't be as much of a concern if the employees were offered a decent raise to help cover the costs. The ACA has been in effect for a couple of years now, so don't blame a sudden increase of costs on that. And yes, other corporate entities may be charging the extra $100 for spousal coverage, but we don't hear of other surrounding school districts having such a significant increase, if any, in insurance costs. Could it have anything to do with having a BCBS executive on the school board? Admin on 5th get nice coverage for cheap (including pensions)-why not do that for the rest of the district employees who are actually in the trenches?
John Laesch please resign. You have openly stated that you are missing wages due to having to attend so many meetings. You also have openly admitted that you are in over your head and not running for re-election. You are scared to act and do what is right, choosing to stay the course and try to keep every poor administrator hired because you personally do not know how to hire a principal or superintendent. You are the one behind Matt Hanley being renewed. You have failed. It is time to recall John Laesch and vote for someone who is not afraid to act and do what is right for the district. John, are you not a union member yourself? It is ironic that you are a union member but openly fight against the teachers union. Do us all a favor and resign, or maybe the Carillon group can get you recalled and vote for someone who is not scared.
Ralph - you need to FOIA Officer Devo, the East High resource officer, as he wrote a letter to the board arguing to keep Popp, Truckenbrod and Crespo. Teachers need to stand united against Officer Devo, as he is in politics now and trained and qualified to evaluate administrators. Who knew?
Laesch is too busy feeling the Bern to worry about little old EA. Maintenance workers beware Jessie Medina is also feeling the Bern with John Laesch while pictures are illegally being taken of maintenance workers by Crespo. What has Medina done for you NOTHING ask him to resign before he sells you out at the bargaining table.
As for Officer Devo he needs to investigate Crespo's phone the APD needs to stop playing politics and do their job.
The school resource officer should not be involved in board business. He needs to worry about crime in the school and on the SE side. Every week houses are getting shot up or crimes are being committed. He presence at EA shows he is involved in politics and not making our streets better.
Feb 20 2016
To: Kirsten Strand
From Ralph Padron
Subject: Richard Schroeder
Popp selects Schroeder to participate in Maintenance Contract Negotiations
Schroeder needs credit hours for certification in a higher position (superintendent endorsement?)
What does Richard “bring to the table” to negotiate Maintenance Contract?
Appears Mike Popp is helping him for his future career
Another example that EA 131 is the Training Ground for those inexperienced administrators.
Mike Popp
Sara Waddell
Richard Schroeder
Timeline
Hired Sept 21 2015 Director Assessment & Accountability $ 120 K
Feb 9 2016 Rockford Public Schools announce hiring of Schroeder
May 14 2016 begins 4 year contract @ $ 152 K + 10 k signing bonus
https://www3.rps205.com/News/Pages/RPS-205-Announces-Chief-Academic-Officer.aspx
Between Sept 21 2015 & Feb 9 2016 (official announcement) 4-1/2 months elapsed
Schroeder had to apply, interview, and prepare for this position, how long did this take?
Did he ever plan on staying long term in Popp’s Cabinet
Another important Fact is Ray & Associates whom placed Schroeder is the placement firm that brought in Mike Popp. Is this a Coincidence?
Judge for yourself if Popp is guilty of another scandal at the expense of Taxpayers, Students, Staff and community. Facts speak for themselves !
To: Resign John Laesch (AKA Annettee Johnson)
It's amazing how every time Annette is challenged in a board meeting, she is on here bashing the board member she feels challenged by. Now we are supposed to believe that John Laesch can't do his job at a board meeting because he supports Bernie Sanders? I guess Alex Arroyo can't serve either since he is a Hillary Clinton Delegate. Of course Annette Johnson shouldn't serve because she has a business to run (not to mention spending all her time defending lawsuits for stealing another companies name) and Kirsten Strand should resign because she is involved with the church. Dick is spending all his time using the district provided internet service. The only one who should step down is Kimberly Hatchett as there really is a conflict of interest as she is a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield. It's amazing how all the huge insurance increases began with her tenure on the school board.
The board elects their president for the year in the near future. It sounds as though Annette is trying destroy anybody she feels might challenge her for the president spot. It's amazing what depths she will sink to to retain her perceived power.
This is not Annette, but I will say this, everyone on the school board some how always has a personal agenda that will position themselves to receive some type of benefit. History speaks for itself. Children getting scholarships, secretaries getting large raises, One simply needs to look at the track record of the school board members. Darby getting a job for his son, getting a better position/ pay for his girlfriend, Leonard, getting feltes the maintenance position he was not qualified for, and why should Leonard get free Internet? Kristen strand is one of the biggest hypocrites there is. By the way, why do we allow Kristen to build her church on the back of EA. This is simply unethical behavior. This is how Kristen makes her income. You should be ashamed Kristen. The word for you is sickening, but then again corrupt EA allows it. Why is this permitted? Alex Arroyo, is he trying to build his resume to move up on the political arena? Laesch, do you think you have any chance as mayor of Aurora. Kim Hatchet, does appear to be descent but not sure yet if she was the catalyst behind the insurance increase. What I do know for a fact is that for some reason EA wants to blame Johnson for everything. You should all keep in mind she is one vote. The school board members vote as they like. And this of course means they have voted to support EA administration and in doing so have been able to enjoy perks for themselves, family members and friends. What I do believe must he done is to change this. Policy should be drafted that states any individual that chooses to be on the school board may not serve and receive personal gains as I have mentioned. Perks for themselves, family members and friends. This would be a balance that would make the intentions of the board members honorable. What has happened for years is the same as our union. Personal agendas and back door deals are negotiated for personal gains. Now you can comment that this Annette, that's pretty easy to do, but it will not be correct. You may not like the truth, but Annette really has done more to correct certain inequities for EA staff. The corrupt union does nothing to service us, note does the union committee. They have tried to negotiate for themselves. Now I am not claiming that Annette is any kind of hero, but it is true she wanted to fix the salary schedule for teachers with years of service and advanced degrees because they are the most underpaid. The group was not interested in that and Annette was not interested in giving more money to BA teachers, secretaries and support staff. So this is why we made no progress. Again I am not Annette, nor am I an Annette fan, I'm just a person that knows many facts.
Don't blame Annette Johnson
We have made many attempts to call Laesch and he never returns a call. In fact his mailbox is full. Laesch publically asked that we contact him regarding issues at the HS. He promised many before elected that he would be our voice on the board. He promised Spencer Byrd he would rescind Crespo's contract but he never followed thru. What has he challenged Annette Johnson on we have watched our insurance costs skyrocket. Maybe it is because of his relationship with Hatcher, we believe they ran together.
Annette Johnson does return calls and comes to meetings. We are not happy with the insurance increases but she did tell us the policy needed to get renegotiated last year. We will hold her responsible if she does not make that happen as chair of finance.
Laesch does talk to only teachers that have joined him on the Sanders campaign. That is what he has told them and if he is losing money he needs to resign.
The problem with this district is that people think they should contact board members about problems that is not how it should go. You follow the chain of command and that is how every other districts do it. No one board member can make change that is how the system should work. Johnson has no more control than the other board members they hire a Superintendent to do that work but this district thinks different than others and that is why this district is so dysfunctional. No board member should stand before another thinking they can make a change by themselves. To say that one board member is better than the other is wrong.
Nobody is saying one board member is better than others. What we are saying is when the superintendent is dysfunctional and allows his hit team to go after teachers, maintenace employees and others we need to complain to the board. Who else is suppose to listen. Call Laesch he has no time to answer his phone and everyone can tell he never reads what he is voting on.
Tomcat 8 is right on target. If teachers and parents have problems, they should be taking it thru the rank and file. If it is a parent, they should be going to the teacher, if not resolved then to the school principal and then to the school service center. If all else has failed then the school board. Most people never even know who the school board members are, because they were the guiding force behind all the business that was carried out at the school, not the front line.
When people comment about Ms. Johnson. They reason she is getting blame or credit is because she put herself there when she was trying to take over for Roberts and made our district look like a laughing stock in the media. Before that, you rarely saw school board members mentioned in the paper in Aurora, let alone in Chicago news.
Each board member has one voice and vote. Tomcat 8 is right, that is why this district is so dysfunctional.
Ms Johnson was made the villain by crooked administration. We elect a school board to watch over our dollars. Ms Johnson has done that. In two years the school district has returned to the days of old. A teachers strike would be the first in our community in 168 years. The community has Dr Popp and his crony jobs to thank for that. The school board we voted out of office is responsible for hiring him and slapping the teachers in the face with a $40,000 raise to a unemployed hack of the Beacon News.
I am a proud resident of Ward 1 and will always thank Ms Johnson for her service.
Now you say contact Bob Green. None of you supported him . Cowherd staff have run off more good principals than all the other schools combined. The current principal is merely a figure head and puppet. She allow the staff to do whatever they please
. There was unanimous vote for Popp. Johnson voted for him because he was a finalist with the first guy who could not pass the test.
The distract EA team is well at work attacking the board on the blog so they will fight among each other. Sounds like the board is getting their monies worth out of Hanley. It also sounds like Hanley is out attacking the board to take away from the inept Dr Popp.
Sorry to interrupt the back and forth here-- but I tried to walk down the business hallway at the high school today and was gagging because of the mold. Mold is growing throughout the school-- Where is OSHA? Why has no one called them? talk about ghetto- but let's make sure to spend 40,000 on flags and for raises. Our health is being compromised--All of us are sick all year and our sinuses are horribly affected. CALL AND REPORT THIS TRAVESTY!!!!!!!
Not correct! Annette Johnson "put herself there" as you commented because no one was taking a stand on agenda items that addressed much needed attention. Sorry, this is still not Annette.
Silent Killer:
What did OSHA say when YOU called them to report it?
To Silent Killer,
It is not just the high school. There are many buildings that have serious problems. Go take a look at Allen. The roof is leaking all over. The asbestos tiles are all moldy and falling down everywhere. The whole place is a health hazard. Simmons has many areas that are growing mold and lack proper ventilation. And don't even go to Waldo, that ancient building is a hazard to everyone who enters it.
I don't know how much evidence that people need to see to realize that this district just doesn't give a damn about the students, teachers or staff. It really is criminal.
If the superintendent does not address problems then the board needs to hear the complaints. Popp and friends changed every program and did not have the experience with this student population. The teachers revolved with useless administration they came to the board. The complaints started last year with the old board who did nothing. Today, the complaints doubled, now we come to the new board. At least they seem to try. The teachers had a voice in curriculum selection and we voted 87% of us had a voice. We picked the curriculum that is successful in Oswego and U46. Waddell proclaimed teachers just complain and the board reacts. Who is she to comment last year she was only and A/P in 204 now she is an Asst. Sup. That is the I am better than you attitude of 204.
The comments of Johnson are unwarranted she and her fellow new board members need to continue to listen, learn and take more surveys. Ms Strand has shown her true colors and she is not a friend to teachers.
The board should also check in mold at Krug and it sounds like we need to come and report on unsafe and unsanitary buildings. Let's make sure they do not spend money on a new design at EAHS that looks like a 204 look a like. If Popp had his way and the old board was in charge they would be spending money on a new administrative center let us not forget.
How much longer are Popp's henchmen going to be allowed to work at stressing employees out until they either die of a heart attack or put in the hospital???
Dennis Renner had an attack today and is in the hospital because of the stress brought on by the LIES of ANTHONY CRESPO! Or should I say Crespo trying to get Renner to lie!?
We all remember Marty Feltes pal of Dick Leonard's life and the way he treated Roger Carlson who died of a heart attack! WAKE UP!!!!
People are being made physically ill because of the stress that Popp and friends are intentionally placing on them! NO ONE should have to come to a work environment where they are put under such enormous stress that their lives are endangered!
Remove Crespo immediately and let the Assistant Principal take over! Let the Dept. heads run their departments and get Crespo out of here before he does any more damage. And let's all pray for Mr. Renner.....
What's wrong with your phone. Go online like you are now
To: Still not Annette.....is this what you were referring ..........
https://soundcloud.com/chicagosun-times/annetter-johnson-and-ray-hull
Raymond Hull I cannot believe anyone who would stoop so low as to call someone's deceased parents "losers" could ever be board president. You sound crazy, just like in the videos posted of you on youtube. I can see arguments getting heated, but what you said was the lowest of the low...
It was a "yo momma" kind of discussion. She implied Rays mom did not pay taxes or something of that nature and it was back and forth between he and she. Both their Mommas should be ashamed. Both have been unproductive presidents of the school board seeking popularity points and community recognition. Neither did anything to bring our district to a better level.
Everyone knows Ray Hull started the battle on Johnson's mothers one year anniversary of her death and Johnson responded. We would all defend our mothers. Hull played the race card and years later it is coming up. Popp and Hanley will soon be gone and we will all sit in the popcorn gallery and watch.
Johnson may not know this but Dave Finley had the tape edited so the entire fight was not heard. Its funny because Dave also recorded Hull in another melt down attacking district Architects with racial slurs. We wonder why someone would record this. Ray and Annette both have stepped up and said they are sorry and we need to move on.
A man is fighting for his life today because of the crazy days of the Popp administration.
To Annette taking a stand, and yes, this is still not Annette. Now as far as the link you provided that is ancient history and it still has nothing to do with what I explained. Unfortunately, your poor attempt to derail the facts that I shared with cheap shots like this are just that... So to that end I say, it's kind of babyish/ stupid. Take your pick. Still not annette and not a fan either. Just stating facts I know to be correct.
Let's get back to the facts;
It is March 1st termination notices, Renner is in the hospital because of Crespo and a number of teachers are getting bad reviews or terminated because of Glotzbach. What happened to the teacher at Cowherd, Hermes and EAHS that had their 15 year underpaid careers ruined at east because they spoke up or looked the wrong way at Glotzbach. Glotzbach and henchman Truckenbrod are ruining lives.
I am disappointed Arroyo, Laesch, Darby and forget Strand the number one teacher hater. They continue to tell us in public they support teachers but what are they doing? Mr Darby you claim your mother was a teacher. Question would you allow Glotzbach to treat her that way. Laesch and Arroyo you took big $$$$ from SEIU. Why are you allowing us to be mistreated? Stop promising empty words and do the job you have been elected for.
Feb 23 2016
To: Kirsten Strand
From Ralph Padron
Subject: Questionable Title Money spent by Anthony Crespo
Attached documents received via FOIA
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the purpose of Title 1 funding, “is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high quality education and reach, at minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments."
Please investigate why Title Money was spent for
$ 335.99 Mahogany Conference Table
202.65 Freight
$ 538.64 Total
What does this have to do with a child’s education?
$ 3,649.00 Veterans Event Participants with
(Chicago Blackhawks Singer $ 800.00)
(Allen Lynch $ 2,000.00)
(I exposed this scandal previously in depth)
Cambridge Educational Services
Note freight charges (pg 1) of $844.00 Very Questionable !!!
Again I ask why was this approved by
Anthony Crespo – Principal East High
Mark Truckenbrod
Christi Tyler
Wasteful spending and violation of Federal Monies are being questioned again in East Aurora
Those responsible for protecting Taxpayer Dollars need to be held accountable.
(The current Board of Ed refuses to discipline these administrators )
I do find it interesting that those approving these expenditures were hired under the Mike Popp Era.
Kirsten: Can we count on you to take action in this very critical matter?
Looking forward to your response
Ralph
Cc: FOIA Response summarizing Title expenditures
The staff dos not care about Annette we care about Kristen Strand. She holds her bible up and lies. She has been told repeatly last year that the current administration ( Dr Popp) was not doing a good job addressing concerns. It snowballed this year. The final slap was her concern for paying Matt Hanley and not us. Yes, Kristen hold your bible up we all know who you are. We all remember your lies at all the cheese and wine parties and we sipped your kool-aid but no more.
Board members our the of the boards concern. A lawsuit of harassment and grade violations will be reported to ISBE. Cresbo is attempting to point the finger and lie his way out of it but their is enough on him and his gang to rock the school district. Remember board there are more of us and we will not be silenced.
The more you defend him the more he creates problems because he has NO experience in running a school. Cresbo has NO teaching certification and no clue about school law. Mr Padron the fancy table he misused Title funds on is his.
Cresbo is a liar and we will report the board to ISBE. Excuses, excuses if a teachers did this they would get fired.
What teachers are having their 15 year jobs curtailed by Glotzbach? If you have tenure lawyer up- the union is useless but get yourself a Chicago lawyer with a labor background.
Renner is out of shape. Physical fitness should be mandatory for an AD. Hope he gets better but to blame Crespo is silly at best. No one left sick because of Feltes
Get over it said it all. Why in the hell is anyone talking about Ray Hull. Is he the reason you don't have a contract. We we we voted in anew board. We got what we wanted. We wanted Annette to be president and she is.
In today's news Thruckenbrod verbally attacked a admin at the HS for talking to the board he now has the district in a lawsuit. When will it end. Popp's comment was oh well the district has insurance for that type of thing!
To "Really"
You are on sick individual! Yeah, no one left sick because of Feltes, they DIED because of Feltes. Everyone knows that! He put such enormous pressure on that poor man! Should we all make sure that we remain fit so we can take the intense stress when we come to work and are hammered upon to make sure we don't have a heart attack or have to go to the ER????
Crespo is slimy pawn for Popp. Have you rad the article about him taking photos of girls in their sport's bras in at his previous school?? Is that acceptable to you??! That's ILLEGAL! Tell the parents of the students that attend the high school what their principal did! Now he is taking photos of our teachers and staff- wait for a big lawsuit on that one! DOL will hear about it for sure. There is enough evidence and the truth will come out about Crespo soon. Neither he nor any of his sick admin friends covered his tracks this time. I hope Dennis gets and good atty. and sues the hell out of the district! Guess more money will be going out for settlements because of Popp and friends! When will adult bully stop in the district? Answer is it won't until people like Crespo are removed!
My goodness Hanley get the facts before you blather on!
Where is this article about Crespo taking pictures of these girls?
Really ...
Matt to blame Renner's physical problems on him being out of shape is ridiculous. Not everyone is a 98 lb. weakling. Crespo wil be exposed for his reign of terror in the PE department and that he is a perv par excellence.
To: Taxpayer 12
Some articles etc. on Anthony Crespo.
http://thevillagefreepress.org/2014/02/13/a-proviso-east-cheerleading-coachs-dismissal-prompts-outrage-cries-of-unfairness/
http://www.forestparkreview.com/News/Articles/2-13-2014/Beloved-Proviso-East-cheerleading-coach-firing-prompts-outrage,-cries-of-unfairness-/
http://thevillagefreepress.org/2014/02/13/corrections-february-13-2014/
http://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/1022841/proviso-209-administrator-contract-3.pdf
Crespo, Popp, Glotzbach, Thruckenbrod, Waddell, Schroeder, Tyler and Hanley are the all reasons BOARD your contract will not pass.
Our union has failed us and nothing has changed, we not only need to vote NO but we need to stop paying dues. Our union repeatly stated we can not go strike because we are not prepared. What the F have they been doing. They have been meeting for 2 years. Our insurance skyrocketed, we still have NO working conditions and yes we did get more money but we are still not paid the same as in District 129.
What we need is a lawyer and a lawsuit to get our money back from the union. The final straw is that the advisor only had been on the job for two weeks to help us with the strike. What are we paying Hettinger and Harding for? They took vacations and entertained themselves at our backs.
When we do strike our signs need include a strike against our union.
This union has me fed up, but I don't know how we can keep from paying them as the $ is taken straight from our checks. And unfortunately we probably have some agreement with the membership documents we signed. I'll be writing to the leaders of IFT regarding the pathetic effort coming from the Crest Hill offices.
The board needs to understand if it passes today it passes because everyone has waited for their money since July. The new leaders we select will not screw us over for 18 months and let us work without a contract. We will be in your face for mistreatment of staff and bad administration. Get ready it's coming. We will get better insurance, better working conditions and better money. They will hire an independent auditor and we will educate the community of the toxic environment that exists. You will NOT be dealing with Sara Intherm. We have only ourselves to blame for years of bad contracts. Popp and his henchman taught us that!
The community needs to understand working conditions and the fact we are underpaid by $20,000 with zero retirement while the BOE values a hack that takes pictures and sends out press releases daily.
Do you understand the difference between the NEW board and the OLD board and exactly who was on the old and new boards and who voted for Hanley's raise and who didn't?
Let's at least get the facts straight and not lump the old and new BOE members into one group. I don't care who you like or don't like. SOME old board members voted "yes" on Hanley's raise, some voted "no". SOME new board members voted to cut Hanley's raise, some did not. Some of the same members on the new BOE were on the old BOE and some were not. I am sure some value "Popp's pet" while others do not.
Some of the old, some of the new.....too late to hash over the good, the bad, and the ugly decisions.......just tell me.....does Hanley get to keep the money?
Carla Hettinger is the worst and is a total snake. She kept a totally inept special ed teacher on the payroll and protected her because that was her best bud. Anyone else she went after mercilessly. The problem was also East High admins at the time-- they kowtowed to her. I personally have been the recipient of her wrath. Get rid of this one.!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-contract-reject-st-0228-20160226-story.html
East Aurora School District 131
Special
Monday, February 29, 2016 6:00 PM
School Service Center - 417 Fifth Street, Aurora, IL
I. Roll Call
II. Motion to Approve the Following Consent Agenda, as listed:
A. List of Bills
III. Public Comments/Questions
IV. QSCB Construction Presentation - John Cordogan
V. Executive Session for the Purpose of Discussing Negotiations and the Appointment, Employment and Dismissal of a Specific Employee
VI. Action, if any, Resulting from Executive Session
A. Motion to Approve the Severance Agreement Between East Aurora School District 131 and the Superintendent
VII. Adjournment
From the news story it says- Johnson said salary for staff with master's degrees, particularly those that have worked in the district for years, was one of the biggest remaining issues in negotiations, and the district had offered them a raise.
But, she said, union members also likely rejected the contract because of the concerns with the climate and culture in the district.
She said the district's salaries are lower than those in neighboring districts but said the board made progress in its offers for teachers with bachelor's degrees.
"This built up for years," she said. "This built up from years past when the district was broke."
Duh! Ms. Johnson helped create that climate and culture and cried poor when Roberts was Supt. and she was Board President. She is the Trump of District 131. Catering to the whining of wealthier tax payers from Ward One while smiling at our community with her wall building metality.
Just wait. Johnson's not done. the ranting and screaming continues. She blames then gets a spineless & inept board to vote her way. Then the mass exit by good people. She then promotes Childress who does nothing. She directs Childress hire more good people who get blame once again. I voted yes. Want to be a great district again but know that won't happen when you leave Johnson to her currupt ways with the likes of Childress & Torres.
Johnson has done more for this district in her two terms than anyone. It is true our wages have been going up but not enough to catch other districts.
Our union is the blame they should have fought for us but we pay dies and get nothing.
Childress is very helpful and teachers had a voice when she was in charge. I am glad to see a end to the Popp era. Hopefully Glotzbach and Thruckenbrod will follow. Clearly you do not work under the reign of terror at the HS because at least Torres fights for his members. I wish that our building rep would do the same.
Again you don't understand that Johnson is just one person and she shouldn't be talking to employees. As long as this districts is ran this way nothing good will come of it.
Annette Johnson does bully people to get things done. I have to agree the other board members are spineless and won't stand up to her.
Most excellent news. Thank God that the contract was not approved!!!! Now we can honk our horns, take pictures, and extend a heart felt laugh at the crybully teachers when they are on the picket lines. This is the best news for District 131 in years!!!!!!
Tomcat 8
We have addressed issues with Dr Popp he has done NOTHING lies and more lies.
The entire board has been emailed because he does NOTHING.
Tell us who would you speak with?
The board should have made an announcement on Popp before the vote and the contract would have passed.
We have one board member who is causing problems and that is Ms Strand. She twists with teachers say regarding the HS and retaliation happens. Ms Johnson treats us with respect and listens. That has been my interaction with her
I thought the teachers were already on strike. Guess they won't be missed much, as they are not usually at work anyhow.
To: Hmmm.
That comment was pretty dummb.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-superintendent-vote-st-0228-20160227-story.html
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-contract-reject-st-0228-20160226-story.html
Happy days: that is a real losers mentality. Your priority should be how to assist in bringing the two negotiating sides together in order to keep the children in school, which Is a lot safer than the streets. If your mentality is as you have described, you have no business being at the administrative office or anywhere near education. Seriously that is just simply embarrassing on your part, but more importantly it really does speak volumes about your twisted priorities.
It is going to be kind of embarrassing sitting on the picket line After they had a 15% raise in their back pockets. Yeah, it sounds like this Popp guy was pretty terrible for making such a poor offer.
15%??????
Nobody was offered that.
Please get your facts straight.
If you want to be mean, that's your right, but please use facts.
Only people in the masters column received 9% over 2 years. This was meant to be a corrective to create a differential between less educated and more educated teachers. Unfortunately, for many in the BA column, the 5% they were offered, along with the hikes in insurance represented a pay cut. Furthermore, support and office staff, while offered a raise, had their opening rate cut by more than $2 per hour. Those positions are difficult to fill already (remember the help wanted sign outside Waldo last month), and they are vital to the function of our school.
No one got 15%. I'm sure many of those who voted yes are in the MA column or are people who just cannot bear a strike. The district definitely intended to and in many ways succeeded in dividing the membership.
Those who have been in the district for 5+ years will tell you that this has been a long time coming. The board and the administration have created thus climate, and we the staff have allowed it. We have believed them when they've said that they'll fix the issue on the next contract, so we vote yes, and the next contract comes and the fixes do not happen again.
It may be enjoyable to call us names and to say that we are greedy, lazy, and stupid, but we are standing up for what we do. We are the same people, by the way, who stand up for fair wages for other workers. When the government tries to cut your social security and Medicare, we stand up against that, even though most of us will never be able to collect social security. We stand up for our students when they are treated badly or when they have no food, etc. Generally, people who work in schools are people who care. In this case, we have decided to stand up for our own children, too. I'd like to be able to send my kids to college and to be able to pay for their braces. So if that makes me a horrible person, then I guess I'm horrible. Please, while I'm at the picket line, come say it to my face so I know whom to pray for.
Hanley is out posting again. The board gave us our current raise not Popp. Popp offered us .8% less than 1%. We are glad to see he is leaving. Popp assumes we are worth that because we do not work in 204. The lastest offer came from the board not Popp. It was not until we started coming to meeting and complaining that they started listening..
Let's plan a new rally.
I did not realize that there was a school district on the east side of aurora anymore, let alone teachers. I knew my mom graduated from a school on the east side but that was in the early part of the 20th century. I had heard rumors of some kind of institution there, but the stories were that some mentally deficient person named Ralph and his followers, who were called brownshirts, were harassing people, lying about fellow mentors, and generally creating an unsafe environment for any sane person. But it didn't seem to be a school district. The rumors seemed to indicate an asylum of some kind. And the inmates were trying to run it. That is all I know.
Yea, a 15 percent raise when your making .25 cents as a salary with inflated insurance and no TRS compared to other districts making 10.00 dollars an hour with no over inflated insurance and TRS paid, sure does sound embarrassing; Or does it? Nope sure doesn't! Now, POPP wasn't, nor has he been in the equation or negotiating anything, unless you want to speak of bringing 204 buddies into D131 to take advantage and steal from the poor well, then yea let's talk.
To: Picket line
As is frequently the case on this blog, information is very distorted or completely incorrect.
"After they had a 15% raise in their back pockets"
Very few teachers will see anywhere near a 15% pay increase and the increases would be spread over two years. The teachers that would have received the largest pay increases would still be receiving $20,000-$30,000 less than they would in West Aurora or Indian Prairie even with the bump. Many teachers would only see a 3% raise the first year and a 2.5% raise the seconcd year.
This is not the entire truth either. You also need to factor in the enormous insurance increases that Annette Johnson forced through and refused to negotiate. I have seen a 273% increase in insurance premiums and 700% increase in prescription co-pays in just the past 14 months. Just this years premium increases amount to a 20% pay cut to support staff. Also, you need to look at TRS. On the West Side, in addition to their salaries. the district pays the teachers TRS. That is an additional 9.4% that is basically cut from East Aurora teacher salaries. They have frozen subbing pay, no increase for two years. If you coach, you are frozen in a cell, no advancement and the cells payments have been reduced, another pay cut. Some stipends pay has been cut in half with the addition of a new AA classification.
I am sure Annette Johnson is going to be shouting that the teachers are unreasonable because they rejected a 15% salary increase but that is a lie. The only good thing about all this turmoil is that the community is getting more and more active. With board elections about a year away, I am sure that there will be some big changes there. Annette Johnson, Dick Leonard and Kirsten Strand are all up for election. In addition, there are a couple more who may be looking to jump ship. I know that Kimberly Hatchett regrets joining the board. Maybe we will be voting for more than just three.
You sorry white privilege low lifes! You should be demanding that your salaries be decreased, not increased. You are working with disadvantaged minorities and should be ashamed that you want to "profit" off of teaching them. You should be checking your privilege and paying more for out of pocket expenses also. Your privilege does not entitle you to make more than the parents of the students that you teach. Shame on your racist attitude.
Who but Hanley or Popp would be so negative about EA schools and have a hard on for Ralph?
You'd think a writer could be more creative when trying to be witty and put down those who are basically his employer.
Popp and Hanley are part of EA and will forever have this blog on their resume. So padding it a little more with BS and rhetoric, is only adding more weight to the chains that are holding you here. Otherwise, as the teachers have been asked....why not leave!
We've got ourselves a comedian here!
Shame Shame
You need to seek medical treatment.
The teachers in this district should get hazard pay for putting up with the Board and Administration. I'm not sure how much they pay for insurance and that is a big sore on all employees now that they have to pay more for insurance but maybe all can come to a middle ground. As a Taxpayer I have looked at salaries of teachers and it does seem lower than other districts in their grades while Administration salaries are more than others that are not low income.
When Anette was in negotiations she fought for us and over ruled Popp on additional evaluations. She did come up with more money and she always stated that the BOARD supported us. I think we can work with the board. Popp valued his friends in 204 and Hanley not teachers. He would go on and on about bad teachers in negotiations. Thruckenbrod and Glotzbach would roll their eyes and poke fun of us. They think they are better than us. I only knew Anette from board meetings but after getting to know her I found her to be pro teacher and always talked about the boards desire to help teachers.
To: Team Member
Don't kid yourself. Popp (Truckenbrod and Glotzbach) did nothing that they weren't ordered to do. They devised the Good Cop, Bad Cop plan ahead of time. Here is some more information for you. The school board approved more money to offer the teachers than Annette revealed at the table. Annette controls it all. Every one of them, including the lawyers, know that if they cross Annette, they will be fired.
Kirsten Strand has now employed her son to save Dr. Popp. He has taken to facebook and twitter to try to brainwash, I mean recruit students to speak up for Dr. Popp. She has stooped so low as to use her own child as a pawn in her game to keep the funds coming to non profit that Dr. Popp so willingly gives her. The golden goose will stop laying golden eggs if Popp is gone and Strand is calling all hands on deck to help save her. Maybe if she was FOR teachers and willing to give her husband a well deserved raise, she wouldn't be so needy and desperate for Popp to stay on. Her son is saying that Crespo will resign if Popp leaves, how does a student know this? I suppose she thinks all is fine because she is telling her son what to do with a bible in her hand to justify her actions.
As for Crespo, I thought he was 'ALL IN.' He cares so much about our students that if Popp is truly gone, he will resign? Does he even care about our students? I didn't know the ALL IN mantra was really ALL IN*.......*as long as Popp is there to defend me for my incompetence and let me ruin the high school on a daily basis. Well maybe he can get a teaching job in another district.....OH WAIT, he's not certified to teach in Illinois.....well maybe he can put that international business degree to good use in the business world because it sure has zero application to education and being a principal.
Last acts of desperation came and continue to come this weekend. Popp, you were already voted out, rumor is 6-1 months ago. Any guesses on who the one no vote was? Strand. The severance vote is just a formality to send you out the door, enjoy putting on your resume "fired from district 131." Best of luck with that! You can add it to fired from principal at Neuqua too, although you were "reassigned" to save face for all involved.
Bring back a Spencer Byrd as superintendent. I have worked in the district for over a decade and that man truly cared about the students. He never had accusations of intimidating staff or harrowing female students either. Students liked him and most teachers thought he was fair and upfront. He was run out unfairly because he wouldn't stand by for the corruptions and bullying from central office. Clean house time.
(Member of the team)you r a fool. If Annette is so in love with the teachers why don't we have a contract. However, I'm not striking . Until someone volunteers to pay my bills.
Shane, shame if you want to see a racist, look in the mirror. BTW what does a 1953 western have to do with this discussion?
Ridiculous if Strand really is getting her kid to try to save Popp by saying Crespo will leave that could be a really counterproductive strategy, given how unpopular Crespo seems to be. "Great. Getting rid of Popp will also get rid of Crespo. Two birds with one stone!"
Only a low life would refer to a school district as an asylum. If you are earning an income from that school district you are really a lost cause.
I am in the masters plus column, the pay increase was still horrible, that is a fact! Working with many years of service, advanced degree's and still grossly underpaid. I voted NO!
Ridiculous, is absolutely correct on all accounts. Why would the bible woman Kristen strand allow and or tolerate her son to make public announcements about what Popp or Crespo will or won't do? How would sonny boy know such details or at least think he knows such details about Popp or Crespo? Kristen, why is sonny boy tweeting Dr. Popp is being forced out? Sonny boy please tweet tweet how you have such details. Sonny boy did Crespo discuss his future employment plans with you? If he did this alone should be grounds for his dismissal. This should also again be made public, so sonny boy please tweet the following: there is such a thing called deprecation of church and state. This is to say, keep religious offiliations, church groups out if public state institutions. Your mother has been allowed to actively recruit from within a state institution, East Aurora Plublic School District 131. Now what is even more of a disgrace is the fact that your own father is an educator and your mother openly stated at her church that the teachers are already well paid. I know this because she said it to the sister of a teacher that now does not attend mommy's church. One last request could you please tweet with facts exactly what Dr. Popp has done to help our District, remember facts, helping your mother build her church diesnit count. Oh one last comment there are many many EA staff that do not have an ounce of respect for your mother as a board member. She is NOT ethical or honorable.
I may not agree with things Ms Strand supports, but her boys are some of the kindest, most respectful, and intelligent people I've ever worked with. Erik is the valedictorian and he has a mind of his own. He has worked with both Popp and Crespo. We say we want community involvement, but then when the community gets involved we silence them.
How dare you speak that way to a child in this district? Regardless of his opinion, I applaud this fine young man for doing something he believes in. You should be ashamed of yourself.
To: Get a life
Nobody was criticizing Strand's boys. They were criticizing Kirsten Strand for using her children to protect the income her church gets using Popp to stay in District 131 schools. She has been on a mission since December when they fired Dr. Popp. This is just her final push before Monday night. She has to be crazy if she thinks that she is going to get the board to switch their vote after they have already announced their decision publicly. She is just making a fool of herself.
Strand is a low life that is using her son now. She has used the teachers and accepted donations from them claiming EA will be a better place. She used everyone to speak up for her including former board members and community members . She was so desparate she had her former lacky campaign manager ( Corey Whiteheads) contact the NAACP to save Popp. Now that's stretching it. Popp hired 40 new administrative positions and only two went to minority's. Really, Dr Popp you are the biggest racist 204 had. When Popp worked at 204 he discriminated against a gay child and was sued. He was demoted after 204 payed and undisclosed settlement.
Why would Crespo tell a student his personnel business. If Eric Strand tweeted that is shows Crespo's lack of experience and he needs to immediately be replaced. How can the board allow Crespo to have such close relationships with students. The board needs to investigate and Ms Strand needs to recuse herself from any investigation of her son's tweets. Crespo should have personnel discussions with students. What else does Crespo discuss? This is very troubling.
I agree about Spencer Byrd. I wish they could bring him back. But would he want to come back, after the way he was treated. He is just one of many good people that are already gone from our district, due to the bad people that have been allowed to manage the district.
My two cents on Mrs. Strand. Her "church" friends have done a lots of things in our community to help families. Not just in the community, but they have done work in our schools, at no charge. Because that is what church communities do. They have volunteered at events and have even done painting inside a school in need.
You are right about our school district discouraging involvement. It depends on who you are and what you want to do, whether you are welcomed. If you are a parent questioning the why your child is not getting extra services our district should be paying for, then you want to start a PTO. Do not look for the welcome mat. As long as you go with the flow, you are welcomed with open arms. Just go with the status quo and you will get Board recognition for volunteer of the year.
To R U kidding. I wish there was a way, only those who actually fully support their union would reap the benefits when an agreement is reached. I know it is a crazy concept and goes against what a "union" is all about. But you always have those who want to reap the benefits but not pay the cost to successfully get those benefits of a better contract. An old union chant is "United we stand, divided we fail." The saying may be old, but the statement is very accurate. The more any organization stands together as one for the betterment and beliefs of that group, the more strength they have.
NO! No one is kidding. A strike is not a joke and is not decided upon lightly. But sometimes there comes a point, you cannot be taken advantage of any longer and you should stand up for yourself and not expect others to do it for you so that you cannot only pay your bills, but have money left over to enjoy life and not live paycheck to paycheck.
To: If not you, then who?
You can easily pay your bills and have a lot left over if you actually live in district 131 where you teach. So, cut the crap and do the math. And as long as you are a teacher you will be sucking off the Illinois government tit for the rest of your life. So, stop the whining. You have it made.
Nobody is debating the church work they are debating Strands motives. She has grown two campus community churches in EA to about 900 families. The families get help from her church then they leave another church only to pay weekly collections to Kristen. It is a paid job for her. I have friends that attend the Yellow Box church and Kristen is paid. Her salary plus insurance and travel are well over $100,000 per year.
The posts are about Kristen's son taking inside information and tweeting and it. Again, that would be fine if his mother was not on the board. Kristen promised to help teachers and last year with Popp was truly in control of the board, so she did have a big voice. What came out of it was a contract with only a .8% raise and the most horrible working conditions in my sixteen years on staff. We felt lied to and mislead about the stories Strand and Montroy told of how life would be under new leadership. SHE WAS IN CONTROL TO HELP US PLEASE REMEMBER. The only person helped was Matt Hanley.
The new leadership fired Byrd who had done great things, not prefect but the school was turning around. Now we have Crespo who is not qualified and took apart every program that was working. It is also unexpectable that Crespo is sharing his personal information with students. It proves our point.
Life in EA is correct Ms Strand RESIGN. You had control of the board last year it was 6 to 1 and You allowed Dr Popp to ruin our district. You used your son and found Matt Hanley more important than teachers. Shame on you and you call ourself a Christian.
If not you then who?
Matt quit teacher bashing.. Talk about sucking off $120,00 to write emails, meet with a couple of students and then have others ghost write your materials and film your crap. We don't suck off Illinois it is vice versa. Suck off our TRS. Suck off our inflated health care. Suck off our union dues for do-nothing union. Then we catch the trs and politicos with the hand in the cookie jar not once but 2 times. The ratio you posit is backwards. You are under the deluded notion that teaching is volunteerism. It is not I assure you. Here's a dollar buy a clue!!And you have to teach twenty some years and get less than half!! You are off your inbred delusional rocker. And don't worry, Matt, Illinois wil figure out a way to steal the rest under dictator Rauner's leadership.
I keep reading about an offer of .8 % and if my understanding is correct the latest is in the range of 12% ; how much is enough. Okay take a piece of hide. Popp , Crespo, Truckenbroad, Hanley and whoever. Start over with new ad min. Please answer the obvious which is how can you have this much turnover in the rank and file and central office over Johnson tenure as president and find stability. To continue to do the same thing expecting a different result is insanity. Now there is going to be interim superintendents which really means that Annette will become the de facto superintendent . It really means there is no clear direction. It means the inmates have officially taken over the asylum .
Well Ms. Strand you did get the circus you hoped and prayed for at the meeting tonight. Mr. Perez, it looks like your secret meetings with Popp and Truckenbrod last week and your super secret meeting this morning with Crespo failed miserably, as you forgot all the talking points they prepped you with. Instead you went on an incoherent rant and resorted to name calling. You lost the crowd, but were successful at bringing the circus to town as Ms. Strand directed her follows to do, along with her son. Hopefully Mr. Perez you get the job you were begging for to act like a clown tonight. If I got this straight, 15 or so people came to support Popp......we have 15,000 students and another 1400 teachers and staff, it looks like the majority has spoken by not showing up in support. People are so ignorant they did not even stay for the final vote. The same people who yelled and screamed at the board, immediately left when the construction presentation began. So much for being here for the students and community.
Teachers who spoke out for Popp should become fair share and non union members, as they seem to have alzheimer's to last May when Strand and Popp controlled the board and the teachers were offered .8% while Matt Hanley was offered 50%. Strand controls you, wake up! Strand has done nothing for teachers other than give them lip service and say "thank you teachers" every chance she gets during public comments. Although the Popp gravy train that has supported her non-profit through district funds and stakeholders may finally be coming to an end, maybe now she will need her husband to make more money and the teachers may get the pay they deserve.
Crespo be a man of your word for the first time in your life and follow through on your promise to Ms. Strand's boys that you would resign if Popp was let go. Do everyone a favor and take your international business degree and leave.
Every where Mike Popp looks for a job we will forward the link of the blog to every school board member so everyone will know what kind of a guy he is.
Crespo had Tomas Perez in his office today and Tomas has been promised a PPA job. Tomas is so stupid he does not realize Crespo can't hire him. That would take the approval of the entire board he just insulted. The board needs to beware Crespo has been working with students for weeks and taking them out of class to organize this fiasco. Cresbo also needs his phone looked at he is taking pictures of students and calling them "hey hot stuff" or "you jiggle". His conduct with students is inappropriate and he created tonight's mob scene.
No Strand was no in control to help she has one voice and maybe she did support a bigger raise for the teachers but that is not only left up to her. Do you have proof about how much money she gets? Is there somewhere you can look that up since you seem to know how much she makes. It is a persons choice to go to a church. Many churches go out and try to get members to grow the church.
Since a vote to get rid of the Superintendent is done in closed session how do you know how people voted unless you where there.
I've never been to a board meeting like last nights board meeting. The meeting started and the entire board immediately went into closed session. Lawyers are now looking into whether this was a violation of the open meetings act. They then came out and declared that the deal was done before anyone even had an opportunity to speak. Things got very contentious when the board went into the back and members of the community got into shouting matches with the old white Stonegate crowd. Of course it was the same old argument "We pay more in taxes than you do, so you don't count". Beatriz Reyes Childress got up and declared that they were scaring people and a few minutes later the police arrived.
Later they discussed some of the building projects they are going forward with. They gave the architects the consensus vote to begin. Even though they claim to have no money for staff, they gave the go ahead for nearly $100 million dollars in construction projects.
They went back into closed session and came out and adjourned with no other actions.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-superintendent-severance-st-0301-20160229-story.html
I have been critical of the Board and District but I feel it necessary to be the devils advocate or possibly clarify some simple possible facts.
I do not know what the agenda was for the meeting but if the meeting started early it was possibly for the sole purpose of taking care of the business prior to the regular meeting. That business being about Popp. So if this is the case, there is no violation, they posted the meeting and they did the business as intended.
When people get upset and start showing up at meeting s to express their displeasure or comments and don't understand the process, they need to be quiet until they clarify what is happening before they start crying foul.
We see Matt is up to his old tricks putting out false information again.
It was my understanding in speaking with the school lawyer that he requested a meeting with the board for an update before they voted on the contract. Ms Childress was the only administrator to step up when the crowd became angry. Where was Matt Hanley his job is to provide community relations for both the board and Dr Popp. His job was to stop any negative community action. Matt was to busy angering the crowd.
Yes, they had already come to terms with Dr Popp. This has been going on before Christmas break. Why did the speakers not come then. We will answer the question Dr Popp and Ms Strand wanted to create mob action.
The construction was only approved for 52 million. Check your facts
It is sick how many people's behinds Popp was covering! Now move on an get rid of: Christi Tyler who can't even do her math correctly and was involved in the Feltes' scandal, Joan Glotzbach who screwed up the payroll to the tune of millions and harasses teachers, Anthony Crespo who is unqualified for the job as principal of east high as well as having inappropriate relationships with students and Mark Truckenbrod, verbal assaulter, adult bully and 204 reject. All of them have something to hide, I would suggest stepping down before you are exposed.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-audit-st-0229-20160226-story.html
This is about an audit the district had done and this audit went a little deeper. For those that don't get the Beacon here are some of the highlights. Ralph brought some of these things up.
The audit also questioned more than $9,300 in two different areas of requested reimbursements from the Illinois State Board of Education, some of which was requested twice or did not match expenses. The district tracked expenses manually, instead of using a general ledger, which raised the risk of errors, the audit found.
Of the 12 findings, one was repeated from the previous year – that the process to approve invoices was done informally and inconsistently, which the auditors said could cause the district to pay for goods or services that were not received or were unsatisfactory.
The audit found there was a risk that student activity funds might be misused, and found some cases in which supporting documents, such as receipts, were not kept, an invoice was not properly approved and the district improperly paid sales tax on some transactions.
How is it that a district can keep on doing these things when they are suppose to know about finance procedure before becoming Assistant Superintendent for Finance.
These are just some of the things in the article.
MY QUESTION for all teachers is if MS Stand had the majority vote with her last year and her husband is a teacher WHY DID SHE NOT HELP THE TEACHERS. No Ms Strand helps herself and her non for profit that is not registered with the State. Ms Strand is a dirty birdy.
Prove that her non profit is not registered with the State.
Tired of the distorted facts that are used to discredit and villianianize Annette Johnson unfairly. First, let me state, "this is NOT Annette Johnson". I think it is important that people are made aware of some simple truths. While, the most recent contract was rejected, it is a fact that Annette Johnson attempted to close the gaps regarding salary. However, the negotiating committee that is supposed to represent the whole, was not willing to discuss areas that were clearly underpaid as compared to surrounding districts. This is and remains to be teachers with many years of service and advanced degrees. It is a fact that many teachers who are in this area are as much as 20-30K below the surrounding areas. It is also a fact that teachers with BA degrees are paid comparable to the surrounding districts, but the union member with a BA kept fighting for more as this is currently the lane this person is in. Now support staff was brought to $12.50 for starting pay. This is what support staff in west aurora make. Why is there an argument being made to be paid higher than the surrounding areas? In addition there was 3% raise along with longevity. So why did the support staff committee members keep asking for more? Secretaries also were given a salary that is comparable to the surrounding districts with a raise. Why did the secretary committee members keep asking for more? Do you know that there was NOT one person on the union negotiating committee to even bring up the disparity of teacher salary for teachers with advanced degrees. Those making 20-30k less than the surrounding districts. NOT one committee member advocated for these teachers and this is the one area that is grossly under paid. Why is that? I do not blame the administrative negotiating team for not yielding and giving more money to the already comparably paid employees in the areas that I have described. Now, on to Dr. Popp, if you were part of the fiasco at the board meeting, and hooted and resorted to name calling, then you are no where near part of any solution. If you advocated for Dr. Popp, can anyone provide any clear argument of exactly what he did accomplish for the betterment of EA? I can share what he has accomplished to the detriment of EA. Veteran's day assembly to the cost of 35k, allowing individuals in his circle to come to our school and steal. Interim athletic directors, that did nothing remotely close to the job, but they did work on the veteran's day assbly. Bringing in Mark Truckembrough as his henchmen and allowing him to bully staff. Bringing Sara Wardell, another arrogant 204 staffer who speaks down to people. Promoting Matt Hanley, with a grossly over paid raise. Who we all know writes garbage retorts in this blog. I could go on and on. I simply do not understand why anyone in EA with an ounce of ethics would want to keep this individual. As a leader, a true leader with integrity, why didn't he himself stand up last night and request that the mob action stop on his behalf? No Popp along with the other lie life's sat in their seats and enjoyed the mob action and name calling. A leader would never had allowed this, even if they were being released from a position. Annette Johnson, weather anyone wants to read the truth or not did more for all staff regarding salary increases then anyone. And guess what? I not an Annette fan, I just feel people need to be willing to accept the truth.
Interesting comments from the board members
We give Leonard the honest board member award, you are correct Mr Leonard he was not right for our district.
John Laesch feeling the Bern is not feeling the board please resign
Darby many teachers have talked with you and you have expressed concern and told them you are in favor of firing Popp and Crespo. Some of us even welcomed you into our home and you explained you would advocate for us. So what turned you Ken the sound of your son cashing d131 pay checks. What a sell out
Kristen enough said everyone knows you could have passed the teachers contract last year.
Johnson and Hatchett thanks for hanging tough but please we knew Popp was done May 5 2015
Goto Lisa Magigan website and put in Community 4:12 it is not registered. Someone needs to turn her into the IRS.
She also has a non for profit called Emmual House and it is not registered as well.
To: Contract and the truth
If Annette and the board were interested in correcting the disparities with the surrounding districts, there are two easy ways to do it. 1) adopt the West Aurora salary, TRS and insurance levels here in East Aurora. They wouldn't have to do anything more than make a copy of their schedules and vote YES. or 2) They could simply agree to binding arbitration. This would take a strike off the table and fair and impartial arbitor would make these decisions. The staff would have faith in an arbitors decision. The staff has no faith in this school board, nor should they. Instead, it appears that Annette would rather divide the district and the community. Just look at last night. The community is an emotional mess.
Mark Truckenbrod insulted Kurt Becker last night. He refused to shake his hand and then told him to "Get a life". I guess Mark must know that he's on the chopping block now that Dr. Popp is gone. Emotions were definately running high last night.
This is Trailer park stuff. No one hates Strand more than Johnson. the accusations about her salary, business registration is Annette. Go look) why don't you turn her in Annette. Don't stop this is much better than Jerry Springer. The new captain Bly on the ship of fools
If you are so concerned about Community 4:12 not being registered why don't you turn them in to the IRS.
I'm not a fan of Strand's by any means, but the truth is the truth. From the Illinois Attorney General Charitable Trust Database:
COMMUNITY 4:12
Reg. Number: 01067883
EIN: 363848018
Address: 1635 EMERSON LANE
NAPERVILLE, IL 60540
Again not Anette.
The list of staff is growing and the poster is right Strand had complete control and we have shown her great support. She claimed she would fix the teachers working conditions and wages. I remember it like yesterday. Well guys it is as bad as we have ever seen it. I am glad Dr Popp was terminated he made the mess along with Strand. Strand and her friends also created the mob scenario on Monday and annoucement was made in her church to come to the meeting. Strands son was encouraging students. So who is responsible it sounds like Strand.
Her non for profit does not give out this number donors have asked because the teachers have been stupid enough to listen to her and donate no more.
And away we go!!!!!
I have come to the realization that Ralph's "network of teachers and staff" aka "brownshirts" are mentally and morally deficient. The only reason they are against anything and everything that the administration does is because they do not have the skills necessary to actually teach here or in any other district. Thus the pushback from moving the district forward and actually giving our kids a real education as opposed to the one they receive now which for most is on step above illiteracy. -(keep them down by keeping them uneducated). Thus the coming strike. They know they cannot leave as no one would hire them.
Matt should spend in time looking for a job and writing resumes for Popp and the other Popp brown shirts. They played their last hand. The question who will hire them? Noboby in their right minds.
Maybe you had the spelling wrong.
EMMANUEL HOUSE
Reg. Number: 01069942
EIN: 551791780
Address: 73 SOUTH LASALLE
AURORA, IL 60505
Teachers need to understand we can not make up thirty years of a poor salary schedule. We are to blame for not fighting for our rights. We have to realize the money for that is not possible. I voted yes and do feel it is fair for myself to go on strike. I also agree with the comments that support and office are paid well and should not be a factor.
Both organizations registered recently but do not give out any financial informational. They are not reputable I proves again Kristen Strand is a fraud and used the EA school district to recruit church members and build a charity.
Again I am not Anette just someone who was used.
Spelling Annette's name wrong doesn't fool us into thinking it is not her or one of her pals. Annette is mad because Mrs. Strand came in and got support from the community without lies and manipulation. She continues to get support through and for her charitable work in EA. They wouldn't allow Annette to sell her cookies at the school and so she links her business thru the district website and still is not as successful as Mrs. Strand, so she continues to try to discredit her. Annette has tried to alight herself thru the EA Foundation. She attempts to connect herself thru the athletics. The fact is, she is just not personable, and putting others down, does not build her up.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-east-aurora-interest-free-bonds-st-0303-20160302-story.html
Post a Comment