Not only a new year...it's a new decade! Let's make it a grEAt one!
100 comments:
anonymous1
said...
As we have a new decade among us the District is now moving into a new direction in education, teaching Spanish and English to all students. EA D131 will now offer Dual Language beginning in the Fall to all incoming Kindergarten students. According to Dr. Norrell, there will be no opt out. If parents disagree with the way the district will provide a public education then most likely this is NOT the district for those families. Generations have been here for many year. I do not think that is a great way to treat our community. As a parent, I believe I should have a saying on whether my child learns another language or not. Whether it's free or if I have to go somewhere private.
I'm not a fan of not being able to opt out of a program. Requiring all students to participate is not "offering" anything; it's forcing.
That being said, however, the Dual Language program has been offered (as an option) in Oswego grade schools for several years and it is EXCELLENT. There's currently a waiting list for some classrooms, as parents have seen their kids' grades and test scores improve by learning a second language. If I were a parent of a kindergartner I would definitely want to give it a try!
Dual language will definitely be a great asset to most students and my children. I mean what parent wouldn't want their child to learn a new language? I am happy the District is going with this idea. I also don't agree that all parents want their child in a program like this based on some conversation I've had with other parents.
What a bunch of lousy, socialist, pieces of garbage that would force another language on AMERICAN BOYS & GIRLS. This country, OUR COUNTRY, has a culture and heritage all its own. That culture and heritage is based on freedom, morals, and is 100% founded in the English language. These people are destroying this country. TIME FOR SCHOOL BOARD TO ACT NOW!!
The duel program has a opt out for parents who do not want their children in the program. It also has children receiving instruction from two teachers one who is proficient in Spanish and the other in English. This is a 50/50 model. Reyes Childress had many children mixed in sheltered classes receiving poor instruction. Many teachers have known for years this was not working. We also had many teacher from Spain that have not been proficient in English. Students in Bilingual classes had very little instruction in primary years learning English.
Norrell has gained knowledge visiting our classrooms and I would encourage the board members to support her. Many of the changes are positive and she continues to engage the community. Please come to a town hall meeting and be your own judge instead of listening to naysayers who are sprea ding false rumor.
Any person/student not proficient enough to learn in English needs to go to a special school (not taxpayer funded) until you learn English well enough to be put in an American school. When you come to another country, it is YOUR job to learn and adapt to their culture. It is not the job of that nation to cater to you. It is rude, presumptous, and arrogant to expect a country to do that. Go to Asian nations, or European nations and see what they tell you when you want them to cater tou YOU, and teach you in English instead of French or Chinese. See how that goes. Not one of OUR tax dollars should go towards educating students in ANY language but English. And in 131, these lousy "teachers" in the "bi-lingual" department are just teaching kids in spanish, period. The only ones that teach it correctly are the few that are not spanish speakers. That would save this district MILLIONS, AND save this country BILLIONS!
Correct, a misplaced vowel was used. That, however, is all you got. Because the rest of statement is 100% factual. And if its not, as a great man named Steven Crowder says, "prove me wrong". You democrats and socialists are all talk until it comes down to speaking in a factual based debate. You cannot win that discussion, nor defend your ideas, because they have no FACTUAL merit. They are all narrow-minded, singularly focused, bad ideas, that are only self-opinion based. They can't hold water, period.
Since you talk about Europe, they are known for they multi linguistic culture. Some countries are even socialist. So if your education was so great, you would at least know how to spell 2nd grade words.
“Seperate Schools”, your comment shows your Eurocentric bias and/or racism. Specifically: you refer to the English language four times, each time using a capital E. You also mention French and Chinese, also capitalizing these languages. But you do NOT use a capital S when you refer to the Spanish language, TWICE (unlikely to be an honest oversight when it happens multiple times). This is disrespectful and shows your true colors😐
There are ZERO countries in Europe, Asia, etc where they will take monies from their citizens (taxes), and have a public school that caters to teaching their students in another language. Those schools are all PRIVATE. As it should be here, there, and anywhere. My tax dollars are to teach kids in English, the way its been done since our great nation was formed. If you want to OFFER a period or 2 of foreign language, of course that is GREAT!! However, to go your whole school day, to a public high school in Illinois, USA... and to not have to learn, speak, or read 1 word in English is a disgrace, and a slap in the face to OUR CULTURE, and our citizens.
There is not an official language in this great country; to assume everyone should follow your lead is selfish, racist and makes you sound xenophobic. Also, speaking from knowledge, no student at the high school goes the entire day without hearing a word in English. Get real.
It happens EVERY day, so you don't have "knowledge". There are kids that don't even speak English that go there, so this is VERY true, and sad. This country was founded on the English language and a christian value system. If that's not something you want to accept, hit the bricks, socialist. And good luck getting bernie in, i definitely know who this is. And there is a saying, "if your students know your political beliefs, you are not doing your job as an educater". Can you say that?
Drinking with the Principal? It appears that the issues at Waldo continue. The new principal Mr.Rios took some of his staff out to celebrate his birthday, this last weekend which included a lot of alcohol. How does a leader of a school lead properly when he is encouraging drinking with the teachers and PPAs? My son is at this school and it is becoming clearer to me why there are so many issues happening. An incompetent principal!
Rios is well liked by Norrell and Campbell he will be allowed to do what he wants because he says yes ma'am and is a boot licker. The Principal at Krug was not a boot licker and as soon as they could run him out they did. Who replaces someone in the middle of the school year?
You are clueless. English isn’t the official language of our country and there is no establishment of religion. Keep having Trump brainwash your uneducated, toothless Klan.
I went to a EA junior high last week to pick up my kid and I hear a group of maybe 6 kids shouting kill Donald Trump over and over. All that was done was teachers telling the students to not yell. Why did you not address the bad language? Shouts about killing someone if you like them or not should not be made at school. Kids are hearing this at home and are not spoken to about language at school. What a bad example and reflection this puts on our schools when other community members are present. I don’t wanna hear arguments about Trump-this is about poor language and violent talk. And I’m 4th gen Mexican American so I don’t wanna to hear that I hate Latinos
Again, my statement was that THIS COUNTRY was founded on a set of values derived from a Christian moral ground, and it was founded in the English language. That is true. And you commie socialists go straight to insulting OUR president. Why?? I've said nothing about him. Im a Libertarian. I wish Rand Paul was our president. You are such a hypocrite. You people are so angry, sexist, and racist against anyone who doesn't share your beliefs (that have been tried, AND FAIL MISERABLY, time after time. People that cant do, teach. So there you are. If society broke down tomorrow, what skill do you have?? You better find one quick if tou ever get your way politically. But don't worry, the educated masses will bail you out by keeping socialism out.
You are very correct. The kids today are brainwashed... and its mostly caused by uninformed, ghetto parents that believe everything they are fed by the liberal media. The kids have no respect. God help us. Just pray the great states of union where people dont vote for communists save us
When do you think we will find out about next Friday’s SIP day? Imagine if we told our supervisor we didn’t know what we were doing in class next week?!? So disappointed in our leadership.
Yep, this is crazy that we still don’t have any info (principals included!). Probably more data analysis of all of the tests we administer in place of actual instruction.
Just got the email. What a waste of a day. No wonder they waited to break the crappy news to us on a Friday night. There’s not much worse than what they have scheduled for us.
This country was also founded with slavery, and with women not being able to vote, and probably other crap that is outdated and dumb now.
If you want to go back, we were a part of England, do you want a monarchy? And if you go back farther the Native Americans founded their own way if living that was destroyed by "us" and some of those great founding fathers.
Things change. It doesn't matter how something was "founded" except to people who are afraid of change, or racist, or sexist, or dumb.
I am calling for the immediate resignation Mestek, Gentile, Holt, Mlesko, and Durham. They are bigoted racists and Judy Durham is a poor excuse for for her race. Our union dues are the highest in the area and we should be outraged that Local 604 gave $10,000 dollars of our hard earned dollars to Barbara Hernadez who is mailing racist literature against Juan Thomas a Afro American male running for the 83rd district. The literature contained a stick figure of a black male ridiculing his race with several racist slurs. Members of Local 604 who live in the 83rd District please review the materials and show them to other members who do not live in the 83rd. They need to understand what $10,000 of our hard earned labor is buying.
News flash; not all residents of the ghetto are liberal and many conservatives live n trailer parks and smoke meth. Parents always have and will continue to create environments where the children are reflective of them; you included. Your parent or parents we’re probably ignorant, prejudice and used pejoratives to describe people they think less of. The apple doesn’t fall far.
Durham why are you not outraged or do you use your position with 604 to promote your family?. I have heard that and now I believe it. At the very least 604 needs to donate $10,000 to Thomas. The local is listening to Adam Harding on Hernandez. Harding uses his position to promote his wife who comes to our classrooms and spys for Admin. She recently observed a teacher in our building and some of her language was used in a non renewal.
We will have elections soon let's vote for anyone who has new our leadership is corupt.
I have researched Hernandez what has she done for EAST? Under the capital funds bill she gave IMSA 21 million. West received $718,000 and EAST $408,000. Our building date back to the turn of century. IMSA services the entire State and has a building built in the 1977.
Judy Durham please address your stance on the political advertising. Hernandez now claims she had nothing to do with it. Yet 604 paid for racist mailers for Mike Madigan. Gerry claims to be a minister, Holt a political activist. Do you have any values 604 leadership? Let's remember this elections coming out.
Also heard Mlesco is backing major changes at the HS to keep his non teaching job with large stipends.
BS Lies from Annette Johnson. IMSA money was allocated way before Hernandez became a Rep. and IMSA falls under the University system of Illinois, not primary nor secondary education. Juan Thomas is a lazy good for nothing, his wife works 2 jobs to support his unemployed ass. Hey Annette, focus on finance and not firing employees who disagree with you, you tenure will be short, and Norrell's contract will be ended soon after.
BS from Lorrie Holt the hater of mankind who spends 604 money to support Barbara Hernandez's far left agenda. LORRIE supports sped kids she teachers getting aborted at birth. We are running candidates to see an end to the current 604 leadership that has helped themselves to stipends and patronage positions with Norrell. Insiders at Fifth still tell us Gerry and crew spends the day yakking it up with Norrell.
As I reflect on the turn of events in our district I encourage teachers to send emails or letters to the BOE.
The person in your post is Denise Crosbys daughter and yes it is true she does not teach nor does she have any real purpose. Her mother has been given stories only to spin them in Norrell's favor. We can only draw the conclusion that we need to stop contacting her because we will become targets.
This year alone many teachers have been bullied by Norrell with social media posts or emails monitored by Campbell. Freedom of speech does not exist at EA which is ionic because that is the very core of what her mother is suppose to defend. Simpson blames the BOE but we all know he is afraid of Norrell and was told not to use her name.
Recently a class project was canceled because the teachers involved do not support Norrell's failed reading program. There are many other programs the district is not seeing positive results from but dare you question and your job is targeted. A thirty year employee in Norrell's office had her retirement party cancelled with the reason given we can not have parties at the district. This employee had questioned Norrell's decisions and word got back to Norrell. Clarification is that only food and cake would be served.
It is sad we pay dues with little to no support from our leadership. Mestek has made it clear that he never wants to teach again. Mlesko and Durham also roam the halls with not a true purpose. The assumption drawn is that Norrell is fully aware and a deal has been cut.
Norrell is about image and will do anything to protect her social media footprint. Many changes are in the wind and in the weeks ahead we need to be aware. It is time to reach out to BOE members who will be voting on our colleagues careers. After careful study Sifuentes, Subert, Arroyo, Barreiro and Johnson are the best choices. If anything they will see the other side.
A reign of terror with fear from the bottom to top is spreading in EA faster than the Coronavirus and our stories need to be shared. It is regrettable that we can rely the union.
The stories reflect only two examples just this week.
Another central office position posted to the tune of 135,000? Is this to do Campbell’s duties since she clearly has not been? This is laughable. We can’t even keep building admin or get good building admin but we keep hiring more central office people and most of them have never been building principals. Great more people to micromanage the buildings who meanwhile have no idea what the day to day is actually like. We need more teachers to reduce class sizes, not more central admin. If you want to hire more admin, hire more building admin like deans at the middle schools. The dean at Waldo works harder than both APs combined but watch who gets cut and who stays. . Norrell forced Rios to step up and now they will most likely cut him and the dean even though they are the only two who work. The middle schools are chaos since the kids know they can’t be suspended because all that matters is attendance. Only the high school gets to send people to extension while ms staff have to put up with getting injured trying to control fights. They don’t do their work since they know they can fail and go to summer school for less than a month and pass. Where are the cabinet members who said they would support us? Nowhere....their words mean nothing.
Congrats to the Tomcats!! They should be at home, because the BEST gym in the state has always had a sectional. But because lazy folks didn't fix a bleacher issue, that has been known about for YEARS, EAST DOESN'T GET TO BE AT HOME. And 2 Aurora teams travel to Lockport to play. Another awesome move NOT made by the AD over there. How long are they going to let this get run into the ground. No passion, no pride... not a Tomcat!
All true, kids know they can do whatever they want at the HS too. It's little Chicago, and it's too bad. It would be so easy to fix, but the district admin would rather lower the bar and let the numbers shine instead of providing more deans and let the MS and HS do what needs to be done.
Congratulations to whoever is still on the Board of a Directors and admin that fired Jefferies! It only took Robinson a few years to do what Jefferies could never accomplish. BOO to the old timers that Jefferies sucked in to defend him. Way to go mighty mighty Tomcats.
Please do what is right for your district. Let this time of REAL emergency bring us back stronger and care for each other, not carry out vendettas. Let's come back with positivity, clean out the little bit of trash, focus on RAISING THE BEHAVIOR LEVEL of students, making them good people, accountable citizens. Stop worrying about data, test scores, and all this nonsense that hasn't mattered for hundreds of years while this nation became great. JUST WORRY ABOUT OUR DISTRICT BEING AN EXAMPLE OF POSITIVE BEHAVIOR, STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE, NOT OPINIONS. Few will fail, but most will succeed. And that's life. We need to set the bar back high. These students will reach it, and for that, the world will be a better place. God Bless
Looking for dirt, opinions, thoughts on Benjamin Hettel. He currently works for the Troy30-c district in the Plainfield/Shorewood area. He is the director of Facilities and Operations, formerly known as Buildings and Grounds. For some reason the administration changed the title of the department when he was hired. He has been here for almost a year. I've heard him reffered to as "the nazi of the B&G department" and "Hettel the hitler". Would love any responses on this. Thanks
Ben Hettel was a good guy. He definently had his work cut out for him working under Alberto Tijerina who didn't know what he was doing. He did try to hold people accountable and some didn't like that. He definently worked a lot of hours, I know that.
I worked in the business department and I worked with Hettel on many occasions. He was very professional and a hard worker. He was fortunate to get out of EA and so was I. EA is a miserable place. And I won't name names but the walls at EA talk so I will tell you that the people who called him those names are miserable people. And since since you're trying to dig up dirt in him I'd venture to guess that you're a miserable union member who doesn't do their job either. Just my 2 cents.
Hettel the Hitler sounds about right and the business office person defending him was rude and let go also. I suggest you contact Ralph Padron he had the dirt on Hettle and Tijerina. He would help you like he help us when we had tips on shady administration ralphpadron@hotmail.com
Two things for sure was a boiler at Bardwell and a parking lot at EAHS that he and Tijerina were advised not to do by architects hired by 131. They went ahead and the drive had to get torn out for safety. The boiler never worked and to date is at the school as a boat anchor. I know the new superintendent cleaned house got rid of all of them.
Sorry "Real story" but there are so many things wrong with what you said there. I'm not sure who you think I am but myself, Hettel, and Alberto all left EA on our own will and went on to better jobs. Second, the parking lot happened before Hettel even worked at EA and third, the boiler was replaced and was a recommendation of the union maintenance mechanic. I think his name was Tim or Tom. I remember him saying that he told Alberto that it needed to be replaced since he started. The architects screwed up that project and that's why it sits as it is. Get the real facts Real Story.
Sorry folks the former Tomcat is not a Tomcat. Real story is correct the parking lot was a Alberto and Ben screw up. The boiler was more of the same. There was also a fire at East and documents that prove Hettel did not get a alarm serviced. We all know many have resigned to avoid being terminated. Everyone knows Norrell made everyone reapply for their jobs. If you did not get a job you were asked to resign or get terminated. Vargas beat Hettel and Alberto out. Megaizzini was transfered so Norrell could bring in her own HR person.
Hettel was let go in Ottawa from where he lived and East as well Sounds like he is abusing hard working folks again and stirring up trouble with the union like at East.
As an interested community member maybe someone can explain the packet pick up situation to me. The website states that all Elementary packets for new work will be sent to parents via infinite campus. Why, then are the employees and families being put in the middle of this dangerous situation where there could be human interaction with packets also being made available at the schools. This is ludicrous. This is supposed to be the most dangerous two weeks according to the CDC and once again another debacle. Get your stuff together 131!!!
If you don't like it take a sick day or vacation day. We are blessed to be paid. We have had many weeks off with little responsibilities. Most of the community EA serves is sitting at home without any means of support. The community is forced to goto low paying jobs everyday or collect unemployment. Many have no money coming in.
My understanding is this is a order from the governor. What about all of our families without internet who can download?
That is actually proper protocol for all surrounding districts. Speaking of which, it’s so sad to see how poor our district has been with communicating with staff and students. So many unanswered questions that other districts have figured out weeks ago. Students haven’t been told what is required, how attendance will be taken, what’s going on with future events etc,...and when teachers are asked they just have to do what they think is best. Kudos to the teaching staff for showing more leadership skills and decisiveness than our administration. What are they waiting for? Norrell and Annette, please show some leadership. You two are as worthless and unmotivated to make a decision as our POTUS.
Concerned said instead of spending your time on the blog you should have volunteered for a committee. The reality is concerned is now part of a small minority that still continues to live in the world of EA haters. These Trumpers now only a few spew praise for themselves while nuking EA in their spare time. Everything Norrell does is a problem so they say. WHY? because she will challenge us to think different. She has been a leader like no other EA has had in the last half century.
Here are facts about communication. Several committees have formed and teachers along with all other support departments have been asked to join. Building reps and 604 governing bodies have joined conferance calls with Norrell to receive vital information. Concerned could have joined a committee. We have been writing guidance documents to support remote learning at all levels. Norrell is seeking input along the way. However she must rely on updates from ISBE. ISBE has written a document the committees received although it had little substantive information to deal with populations that d131 serves. PD will be offered to teachers on best practices from our guidance documents. Elementary students will receive Ipads with Apps that support learning without the use of Internet. WE ARE PART OF THE PROCESS unlike the past and that shows communication.
Concerned get over the hate Annette Johnson. She has provided EA with a stable financial reserve while bring pay up to standards. Unlike surrounding districts that are facing shortfalls we will get paid for the foreseeable long term. In other districts plans are developing to a scale back wages and take unpaid time off. The EA staff should thank her for providing our homes with no financial worries.
Reflect as you sit home and open your eyes. EA is very different than in than in the past. We should all thank our leaders for providing very comprehensive plans and financial well being for 131. Give up the hate this Easter and Passover weekend.
I agree with a lot of what you are saying. However, I have a question. How could we volunteer to be on a committee when it seems everyone was handpicked by either administration or the union? I did not receive any emails or other communications requesting volunteers and I would have gladly been on a committee. Many of my colleagues have asked how to get on a committee and were told people were picked by the union or upper admin. The problem with that is there is not representation from every job. This has been a concern in the past with the union but Gerry does not seem to have any respect for certain job roles so it continues. Certain people volunteer and are told, oh we have enough people. We are grateful for the work that is being done, we just wish we had better ways to communicate with our students as our neighboring districts do. I 100% agree with you about Annette regarding finances for employees. In my experience, she is very responsive to staff concerns. I am not sold on the cabinet however. Several of them are all talk and no action. No practical experience running or being in actual schools like ours for any length of time will do that though. If you look at the building admin on these committees, it is very interesting as well. Some of the admin who are "favored" are on several committees while others volunteered and were told they were not needed. So, thank you to Annette and the rest of the board and to those committee members who are working toward solving these issues in such a challenging time.
I did volunteer only to not get picked. As stated below she hand picks whom she wants. I just wish our leadership would get on board. Every district surrounding us has had plans in place for weeks while we haven’t heard squat from these "committees” that are doing God knows what. By the time we do it will be 5-6 weeks since we’ve been in this no-school order. She should get off her butt and not watch Tiger King all day.
Our district just now is figuring on using a credit recovery program to do remote learning at the high school . We’ve been quarantined for over a month and the surrounding schools have had wonderful plans in place the entire time yet we fumbled a half assed plan. We don’t even have a calendar for next year even though, yet again, other schools have had them in place for months. How far behind is our district falling with all these over priced, self bragging, blowhard administration from the top down?
Most of the blame for committee assignments rests at the doorstep of our 604 leadership. They have the power to pick committee members not administration. That said, it gets back to the parents of 131. It is my understanding a great deal of time was wasted on internet. On the flip side Edgeunity has been around the HS for many years and we are now just getting trained. Many teachers have commented this is a powerful tool. So the question begs what have the DCs and HS administration been DOING?
Norrell is a micromanaging the entire process and our 604 leadership allows her to run the union as well. We can not allow Mlesko to take over after Mestak retires this year. He has made back room deals with Norrell. There is no way he was qualified to be a instructional coach. He used that position to roam around the building all day drinking coffee. Let's not forget the positions handed out never had a interview process. That was a direct violation of our bargaining agreement.
It is sad staff will not run because they know it is impossible to get elected. We will continue to have more of the same and qualified staff will never have their ideas heard.
First of all, Mlesko does not even drink coffee. I work with Mlesko and know that he is not a pushover. He does fight for the teachers and staff. While he did work with Norrell on negotiations, he has always been focused staff rights per our contract and is not afraid to stand up to her.
Mlescko is a bully. He was appointed not interviewed for the Instructional coach position. A violation of the bargaining agreement because he does not want to teach. He has been a teacher for about 5 years maybe less. When confronted by the teachers he told them to he was recruited for the position. It is a joke because if a interview process was followed he qould hve not been able to compete against teachers who devoted 15 and 20 years to our students. He is a racist who has made inflammatory remarks about students.
The union needs Gentile to step up when Mestak retires or to protest our vote and write in that we will with hold dues. The backroom deals like our field reps wife working for 604 or union officials getting promotions for from 131 needs to stop.
As a 604 member that has seen Mlesko represent our union, I am truly amazed and grateful for this dedication to our members. Mlesko has successfully written and defended multiple grievances on behalf of our union. Just for honesty, you talk about instructional coaches not being interviewed. Do you realize that Mlesko was pressuring the district about interviews? This pressure brought the statement "everyone that applied got picked". Once that was found to be untrue, he questioned again and then the district said the instructional coaches are an assignment, not a position.
I have to say Mlesko has been a breath of fresh air into our union that has been a catalyst in moving us out of our dysfunctional past and a more functional present. Finally, as I personally have been able to see and listen to him in monthly union meetings he follows through on his projects. He strives for the best interest of all members. He listens, communicates, and encourages all members to share their ideas. I would welcome him to be running for president.
What grievances has he filed the HS is not aware? Simpson has kept a lid on EAHS so the dysfunctional past that Jeff is taking credit really is Simpson not Jeff. It shows Jeff to be the narcissistic person he is.
Instructional coaches is another joke. If Jeff claims to have looked into it why did he apply? Why did he take the job from applicant's that had 15 plus years of teaching experience. We will be glad that Jeff and his self serving past will be gone. Glad to see John Young a person of integrity at step up and replace Mlescko.
LETS see how long Jeff remains a instructional coach when he can't go and have all day lunches with Norrell.
As a community member and employee of the district, I am saddened and disappointed to know that some teachers are clueless about culture. An email was shared by an Allen teacher wishing everyone a happy Cinco de Mayo. The picture of cartoon characters are culturally insensitive at best and the South Park character who is dancing is described as a racist foul mouth character on the show. How does this represent Cinco de Mayo and the values of our community? If a teacher is this clueless then how does that person connect with children? I love the direction and vision of our superintendent and I hope she will not tolerate this type of behavior from teachers.
I am also a community member and employee, and I am of Mexican descent. It's funny to me how North Americans (and I say North Americans because technically Mexicans are Americans in the sense that we are part of the "Americas") make a big deal about Cinco de Mayo. In Mexico, May 5th is a very minor patriotic holiday, probably comparable to Flag Day in the United States. We do NOT celebrate it with parades, parties, or special food and drinks. It is the anniversary of the victory over the French army in Puebla City, and except for the state of Puebla (which does have a parade and celebration every year on May 5), it's mostly ignored by the majority of Mexicans.
Mexicans (and Mexican-Americans) do have a major patriotic holiday: Mexican Independence Day, on September 16th. This is similar to the Fourth of July in the United States as a national holiday celebrated throughout the country.
Those of us with Mexican heritage shake our heads and laugh at our clueless neighbors who distort our "Cinco de Mayo" with their celebrations. We know better...
We have yet to hear a small briefing regarding the B&G employee that just recently tested positive. Not exactly correct what the procedure would/should be but has anyone been notified that has worked at Hill Avenue in the past week?!
I am getting tired of Dr. Norrell and her cabinet. How many times does it has to change. Does she know what she is doing? I guess if you don't like to follow your own ideas, this is the district for you. It's her WAY or the HIGHWAY! Board members...are you asking questions? You do know she works for you, right?. Annette, where is that tough Board President. You are acting like her BFF.
I work at Brady and I can tell everyone Norrell talked with building leadership and others in our building about the Principal position. She was leaning towards someone else and after much input took our choice. We are happy that we finally have a Superintendent that communicates. If you look at the cabinet Dr Glenda is one of ours and Norrell is hiring from within. This is another positive sign in that we will not change direction. My feeling has always been the hiring practices of 131 have been flawed. We have a history of hiring from the outside and they bring their ideas that do not work with our population for the simple fact of making a name for themselves.
I have always heard Johnson calls the shots and now we are complaining she is not. Hopefully she continues in her finance lane and lets Norrell lead our educational system. It seems to be working. My complements to the board and Johnson for all the resources our district has given the students.
We have had a similar experience at Gates Elementary. Mr Martinez is one of our own and glad to see he is returning. The other positions all look like employees that have worked with the district and I concur it is nice to see promotions from within. The administration and the board is operating better than the past disfunction. I will also thank them for all they do other districts are not filling positions our district is still moving forward with resources for students and job posts for the upcoming school year
If you are an American (US citizen), you are American, period. If you want to celebrate other country's "4th of July" or any other NATIONAL holiday of another NATION. Take yourself to that nation if you love it so much.
Unlike many other countries, there are no “national holidays” in the United States because Congress only has constitutional authority to create holidays for federal institutions.
Did you by chance mean FEDERAL holidays, "Go celebrate somewhere else"??
Mlesko purchased the platform eballot.com and rigged the election for himself. Another conflict of interest for Jeff just like the Instructional Coach position. Maybe now He can hang with Norrell and become Asst. Sup of do nothing. After all he will fit right in at the SSC.
They say get involved when Young and Ruiz ran for offices they end up being removed, No explanation given. Durham who filled late was then helped by a write in push.
Many of us will not pay dues next year. Why should we!
The union is a joke. They are self serving. Mlescko is not ethical and should have turned the voting over to some else. He should have never had his hands in the platform purchase. The Instructional Coach position for a five year teacher when I know others that applied at the HS with more experience is also troubling. Then they manipulated the VP support staff and Treasurer position by deleting applicants. This is also unethical.
That said I voted for Jeff because we need a unethical prick. Next year I will withhold dues. Mestak has to honest to deal with Norrell. Remember 604 members we get the same benefits if we are members or not
Jeff, talked about being transparent with the Union. What a joke! He is going to do whatever Norrell tells him. Starting with who to appoint to be Treasurer!
Yes, extending the superintendent's contract again is very foolish on the board's part. I don't know why the board would agree to such a thing. None of the department related staff received their raises this year yet, as they were told that they need to see how the budget looks. Really?? Also, they're thinking of asking the custodial/maintenance personnel to hold off on settling their contract due to money concerns. If the board is so concerned about the money, then why did all of the administrators receive theirs? Oh, because it would hurt their moral, and they might look elsewhere for a job? Guess what, so will these people. Why did they purchase the old Copley? Because this Supt. is bound and determined to get all of her administrators under one roof. Not all 217 of them, but all of her top people. Per the Beacon, some of the financing is under question, and the agenda for the July 7th board meeting says something about prepaying rent? The whole project sounds like it's being done on a wing and a prayer. The district could have bought it several years ago for $1. They did a study and determined that it would cost too much to bring it up to code. Now, several years later, it's going to cost $10 million, and it still looks like a blighted property to me.
Be careful, be very careful. This supt. is only out to do one thing...make a lot of money off the district, and enhance her resume for the next unsuspecting employer.
It is my understanding after calling one of the BOE members is that she has a rolling contract that is approved every year based on a positive review by the majority of the members. This is very common in many districts. She also took a salary freeze.
Why are the meetings of people who are the ones deciding on the plans for reopening schools being held virtually? If fully or partially reopening schools is safe, why are the board meetings of no more than 10 people not being held face to face? Why are teachers and staff who will be with 10 or 20 or 30 kids in a poor ventilated classroom everyday with way more than 50 people in any building at any time haven’t been surveyed for reopening plans? Call me crazy, but it sounds like the plans are already written and as always, nobody cares about the only people that are in front of kids every day.
The district leadership is late getting the information out because Norrell was waiting on Mlesko to return from vacation. King Jeff and his side kick Jennifer Gentile are busy having vacations while we all wait. Jeff has told 604 leadership this is a stepping stone for him. We are all to blame for not asking more questions and allowing a few of his minions to decide our futures. Jeff attempted to get the Treasurer job at local 604 before running for the union president.
Norrell you have over 14,000 students and families waiting along with staff. this is disrespectful. The BOE needs to demand these plans enough is enough. Johnson needs to stop being Norrell's lackey. Norrell is late and it is not EA OK to wait for Jeff. That should have never been allowed.
I heard yesterday from a source at the SSC they are finally back eating and laughing it up. So maybe now we will hear.
My advice....relax and try to enjoy what is left of summer. Your input does not matter to Norrell, Campbell, the Board, or the union. In our case simpson doesn’t care either- just ask the counselors or any teacher who legit gave an incomplete. He does whatever they tell him and just wants to keep his job. Yes, we are all anxious but they will play their little power games so let them. Even if we get a survey, it won’t matter. They’ll use it to see who doesn’t agree with their plan. I am not trying to downplay everyone’s concerns... just keeping it real. Why did we learn about the west side collaboration from the Beacon? Shouldn’t that have been in one of her “informational “ emails? There is no transparency with this board or admin. Look how long it takes minutes to get posted repeatedly. Face facts- we work for people who are not concerned about others. We are pawns in a game. Enjoy your month.
Since minutes were brought up. What are they hiding in the June 1st minutes that haven’t been posted? Does the board, especially the Tomcat alum, realize how poorly they treated sandy Diaz, a long time valued employee and alum of Simmons and East? Maybe that’s why the survey results for parents were so poor. You got rid of the person who actually was connected to the parents. Why was she not given the opportunity to move into another position like George was handed a counselor job. Good thing he wisely decided to retire.
Sadly most of what the High School staff says is true. Mlesko wants to be something else. He told Local 604 in a interview that his job at EAHS is a stepping stone. Norrell gave him the instructional coach job that we all know he did not qualify for. Jeff fooled Mestak into running the election on a program he purchased. Does anyone believe the results? Mlesko then picked his own Treasurer after another teachers had the votes. How could that happen? It is true he was on vacation that has been verified.
Norrell does what she wants that is true but in the past we could take our concerns to the BOE and for the most part they would listen. We burned that bridge and now we have ourselves to blame. In the rigged election only 30% voted.
Norrell recently put in writing to teachers that dare to ask questions she will only communicate with the union. That may sound like a reasonable answer but we need to remind her she is the Sup that told us she has a open door. Mlesko after naming his lackey Treasurer went on vacation and Norrell sat on information that is important to our lives and the lives of families that attend EA.
She took up better than two hours dicating her responses in a open call with building reps. It was clear the dialog would be one sided with Mlesko yielding the call to her. Why is our plan so late? All other districts have allowed families the time to plan. Districts have announced plans weeks ago. That gives families and staff time to plan. It is time the 1500 plus union members speak up and remove Gentile and Mlesko. Going on vacation is not a good excuse. It speaks to job abandonment.
We should withhold dues for one month that will force 604 to address the lack of leadership we are paying dues for. If 604 does not answer then we should go to the next step. Mercer's wife is secretary for 604 and in 131 Hardings wife is facilitator. Facilitators should be eliminated since they are highly paid patronage jobs and forced to teach. Harding will not be exposed this fall like rank and file nor will the other facilitator Pena who helped throw the election to Mlesko.
Corruption at the top needs to stop and I ask that rank and file speak up Monday to the BOE and ask the hard hitting questions our leadership will not. This is public safety not a personal agenda. Please fill out the non union survey.
The issue is everyone who speaks to the board gets a call from Norrell or into HR. Just ask the teacher who spoke last week or the counselor who spoke. People don’t get answers from the SSC or from building admin at least at the high school. Simpson and Reyes won’t answer emails or calls. Can you imagine if we did that? Anyone who even asks a question to a cabinet member gets told they didn’t go through the chain of command and their principal gets reprimanded. This is true even if it is not a building level issue. They simply do not wish to hear from us. They have created a culture of fear. There is no open door policy unless you are fortunate enough to have a building principal who has not sold themselves out yet..... So while many agree the corruption from the top needs to stop many won’t speak out for fear of being targeted next. Both survey results need to be sent to us. I’m sure they won’t. Even if they do, I would trust nothing that comes from a single admin or the union. One team, one plan does not mean all of us.
Norrell is control freak and does not allow anyone to speak that makes her look bad. Teachers need to talk directly to the board if they feel they need them to know. I would avoid Hachett, Barrirro and Avis Miller her daughters have gained from her relationship on the Board. Judy Durham is part of the corrupt union. Jeff fixed the election for her. Jackie Gibson was given the Cowherd job without and interview.
Has the board really considered the financial gamble the district is taking in opening too soon? We are self insured. The medical bills of the faculty and staff are paid by the district. There are individuals hospitalized for months with COVID-19. They are racking up millions of dollars in medical bills. What happens when there is an outbreak in D131? How is the district going to handle the financial disaster if 50 or 100 staff end up hospitalized? Teachers should consider the skyrocketing premiums that will follow shortly thereafter. This will also affect educational programs perhaps for decades. I’m sure the tax payers will not appreciate tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars in extra costs. Of course, this is just the short term. Many people with COVID-19 end up with organ damage. Each new organ can cost half a million dollars or more. And let’s not forget about the lawsuits. They are sure to come. This could be the financial ruin for District 131.
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As we have a new decade among us the District is now moving into a new direction in education, teaching Spanish and English to all students. EA D131 will now offer Dual Language beginning in the Fall to all incoming Kindergarten students. According to Dr. Norrell, there will be no opt out. If parents disagree with the way the district will provide a public education then most likely this is NOT the district for those families. Generations have been here for many year. I do not think that is a great way to treat our community. As a parent, I believe I should have a saying on whether my child learns another language or not. Whether it's free or if I have to go somewhere private.
I'm not a fan of not being able to opt out of a program. Requiring all students to participate is not "offering" anything; it's forcing.
That being said, however, the Dual Language program has been offered (as an option) in Oswego grade schools for several years and it is EXCELLENT. There's currently a waiting list for some classrooms, as parents have seen their kids' grades and test scores improve by learning a second language. If I were a parent of a kindergartner I would definitely want to give it a try!
Dual language will definitely be a great asset to most students and my children. I mean what parent wouldn't want their child to learn a new language? I am happy the District is going with this idea. I also don't agree that all parents want their child in a program like this based on some conversation I've had with other parents.
What a bunch of lousy, socialist, pieces of garbage that would force another language on AMERICAN BOYS & GIRLS. This country, OUR COUNTRY, has a culture and heritage all its own. That culture and heritage is based on freedom, morals, and is 100% founded in the English language. These people are destroying this country. TIME FOR SCHOOL BOARD TO ACT NOW!!
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/ct-abn-east-aurora-dual-language-st-0110-20170109-story.html
Terrible gets your facts straight
The duel program has a opt out for parents who do not want their children in the program. It also has children receiving instruction from two teachers one who is proficient in Spanish and the other in English. This is a 50/50 model. Reyes Childress had many children mixed in sheltered classes receiving poor instruction. Many teachers have known for years this was not working. We also had many teacher from Spain that have not been proficient in English. Students in Bilingual classes had very little instruction in primary years learning English.
Norrell has gained knowledge visiting our classrooms and I would encourage the board members to support her. Many of the changes are positive and she continues to engage the community. Please come to a town hall meeting and be your own judge instead of listening to naysayers who are sprea ding false rumor.
Any person/student not proficient enough to learn in English needs to go to a special school (not taxpayer funded) until you learn English well enough to be put in an American school. When you come to another country, it is YOUR job to learn and adapt to their culture. It is not the job of that nation to cater to you. It is rude, presumptous, and arrogant to expect a country to do that. Go to Asian nations, or European nations and see what they tell you when you want them to cater tou YOU, and teach you in English instead of French or Chinese. See how that goes. Not one of OUR tax dollars should go towards educating students in ANY language but English. And in 131, these lousy "teachers" in the "bi-lingual" department are just teaching kids in spanish, period. The only ones that teach it correctly are the few that are not spanish speakers. That would save this district MILLIONS, AND save this country BILLIONS!
That is what many of us home owners/voters on the east side agree with & have been saying for years
Double check your spelling in your title. Maybe you should go back to school!
Correct, a misplaced vowel was used. That, however, is all you got. Because the rest of statement is 100% factual. And if its not, as a great man named Steven Crowder says, "prove me wrong". You democrats and socialists are all talk until it comes down to speaking in a factual based debate. You cannot win that discussion, nor defend your ideas, because they have no FACTUAL merit. They are all narrow-minded, singularly focused, bad ideas, that are only self-opinion based. They can't hold water, period.
Actually, there are at least two misspellings in the body of your comment: “presumptous” and “tou”.
Since you talk about Europe, they are known for they multi linguistic culture. Some countries are even socialist. So if your education was so great, you would at least know how to spell 2nd grade words.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/ct-abn-east-aurora-kindergarten-st-0131-20200130-d6yxa7uqnvffja3ab4a2togunu-story.html
“Seperate Schools”, your comment shows your Eurocentric bias and/or racism. Specifically: you refer to the English language four times, each time using a capital E. You also mention French and Chinese, also capitalizing these languages. But you do NOT use a capital S when you refer to the Spanish language, TWICE (unlikely to be an honest oversight when it happens multiple times). This is disrespectful and shows your true colors😐
There are ZERO countries in Europe, Asia, etc where they will take monies from their citizens (taxes), and have a public school that caters to teaching their students in another language. Those schools are all PRIVATE. As it should be here, there, and anywhere. My tax dollars are to teach kids in English, the way its been done since our great nation was formed. If you want to OFFER a period or 2 of foreign language, of course that is GREAT!! However, to go your whole school day, to a public high school in Illinois, USA... and to not have to learn, speak, or read 1 word in English is a disgrace, and a slap in the face to OUR CULTURE, and our citizens.
There is not an official language in this great country; to assume everyone should follow your lead is selfish, racist and makes you sound xenophobic. Also, speaking from knowledge, no student at the high school goes the entire day without hearing a word in English. Get real.
It happens EVERY day, so you don't have "knowledge". There are kids that don't even speak English that go there, so this is VERY true, and sad. This country was founded on the English language and a christian value system. If that's not something you want to accept, hit the bricks, socialist. And good luck getting bernie in, i definitely know who this is. And there is a saying, "if your students know your political beliefs, you are not doing your job as an educater". Can you say that?
Drinking with the Principal? It appears that the issues at Waldo continue. The new principal Mr.Rios took some of his staff out to celebrate his birthday, this last weekend which included a lot of alcohol. How does a leader of a school lead properly when he is encouraging drinking with the teachers and PPAs? My son is at this school and it is becoming clearer to me why there are so many issues happening. An incompetent principal!
Rios is well liked by Norrell and Campbell he will be allowed to do what he wants because he says yes ma'am and is a boot licker. The Principal at Krug was not a boot licker and as soon as they could run him out they did. Who replaces someone in the middle of the school year?
You are clueless. English isn’t the official language of our country and there is no establishment of religion. Keep having Trump brainwash your uneducated, toothless Klan.
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Was Luis Salas of Bldg Grounds snowplowing a civilian driveway in Montgomery 3 weeks ago?
Why has disciplinary action not taken !!!
I went to a EA junior high last week to pick up my kid and I hear a group of maybe 6 kids shouting kill Donald Trump over and over. All that was done was teachers telling the students to not yell. Why did you not address the bad language? Shouts about killing someone if you like them or not should not be made at school. Kids are hearing this at home and are not spoken to about language at school. What a bad example and reflection this puts on our schools when other community members are present. I don’t wanna hear arguments about Trump-this is about poor language and violent talk. And I’m 4th gen Mexican American so I don’t wanna to hear that I hate Latinos
Again, my statement was that THIS COUNTRY was founded on a set of values derived from a Christian moral ground, and it was founded in the English language. That is true. And you commie socialists go straight to insulting OUR president. Why?? I've said nothing about him. Im a Libertarian. I wish Rand Paul was our president. You are such a hypocrite. You people are so angry, sexist, and racist against anyone who doesn't share your beliefs (that have been tried, AND FAIL MISERABLY, time after time. People that cant do, teach. So there you are. If society broke down tomorrow, what skill do you have?? You better find one quick if tou ever get your way politically. But don't worry, the educated masses will bail you out by keeping socialism out.
You are very correct. The kids today are brainwashed... and its mostly caused by uninformed, ghetto parents that believe everything they are fed by the liberal media. The kids have no respect. God help us. Just pray the great states of union where people dont vote for communists save us
When do you think we will find out about next Friday’s SIP day? Imagine if we told our supervisor we didn’t know what we were doing in class next week?!? So disappointed in our leadership.
Yep, this is crazy that we still don’t have any info (principals included!). Probably more data analysis of all of the tests we administer in place of actual instruction.
Just got the email. What a waste of a day. No wonder they waited to break the crappy news to us on a Friday night. There’s not much worse than what they have scheduled for us.
This country was also founded with slavery, and with women not being able to vote, and probably other crap that is outdated and dumb now.
If you want to go back, we were a part of England, do you want a monarchy? And if you go back farther the Native Americans founded their own way if living that was destroyed by "us" and some of those great founding fathers.
Things change. It doesn't matter how something was "founded" except to people who are afraid of change, or racist, or sexist, or dumb.
I am calling for the immediate resignation Mestek, Gentile, Holt, Mlesko, and Durham. They are bigoted racists and Judy Durham is a poor excuse for for her race. Our union dues are the highest in the area and we should be outraged that Local 604 gave $10,000 dollars of our hard earned dollars to Barbara Hernadez who is mailing racist literature against Juan Thomas a Afro American male running for the 83rd district. The literature contained a stick figure of a black male ridiculing his race with several racist slurs. Members of Local 604 who live in the 83rd District please review the materials and show them to other members who do not live in the 83rd. They
need to understand what $10,000 of our hard earned labor is buying.
News flash; not all residents of the ghetto are liberal and many conservatives live n trailer parks and smoke meth. Parents always have and will continue to create environments where the children are reflective of them; you included. Your parent or parents we’re probably ignorant, prejudice and used pejoratives to describe people they think less of. The apple doesn’t fall far.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/2/27/21150930/endorsement-juan-thomas-illinois-house-rep-83rd-district-democratic-primary-election-2020-hernandez
Durham why are you not outraged or do you use your position with 604 to promote your family?. I have heard that and now I believe it. At the very least 604 needs to donate $10,000 to Thomas. The local is listening to Adam Harding on Hernandez. Harding uses his position to promote his wife who comes to our classrooms and spys for Admin. She recently observed a teacher in our building and some of her language was used in a non renewal.
We will have elections soon let's vote for anyone who has new our leadership is corupt.
Juan Thomas is a misogynist and has done nothing to make a better Aurora. At least Hernandez is voting for the better of local 604.
I have researched Hernandez what has she done for EAST? Under the capital funds bill she gave IMSA 21 million. West received $718,000 and EAST $408,000. Our building date back to the turn of century. IMSA services the entire State and has a building built in the 1977.
Judy Durham please address your stance on the political advertising. Hernandez now claims she had nothing to do with it. Yet 604 paid for racist mailers for Mike Madigan. Gerry claims to be a minister, Holt a political activist. Do you have any values 604 leadership? Let's remember this elections coming out.
Also heard Mlesco is backing major changes at the HS to keep his non teaching job with large stipends.
@Please Alan Scott
BS Lies from Annette Johnson. IMSA money was allocated way before Hernandez became a Rep. and IMSA falls under the University system of Illinois, not primary nor secondary education. Juan Thomas is a lazy good for nothing, his wife works 2 jobs to support his unemployed ass. Hey Annette, focus on finance and not firing employees who disagree with you, you tenure will be short, and Norrell's contract will be ended soon after.
BS from Lorrie Holt the hater of mankind who spends 604 money to support Barbara Hernandez's far left agenda. LORRIE supports sped kids she teachers getting aborted at birth. We are running candidates to see an end to the current 604 leadership that has helped themselves to stipends and patronage positions with Norrell. Insiders at Fifth still tell us Gerry and crew spends the day yakking it up with Norrell.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/opinion/ct-abn-crosby-dog-school-st-0313-20200305-t3o6labeyjefdp4tk3fw53tthm-story.html
Good thing she has a source inside the high school who sits at a desk all day with NO CLASSES to teach collecting full pay.
Insider it is time to name sources
As I reflect on the turn of events in our district I encourage teachers to send emails or letters to the BOE.
The person in your post is Denise Crosbys daughter and yes it is true she does not teach nor does she have any real purpose. Her mother has been given stories only to spin them in Norrell's favor. We can only draw the conclusion that we need to stop contacting her because we will become targets.
This year alone many teachers have been bullied by Norrell with social media posts or emails monitored by Campbell. Freedom of speech does not exist at EA which is ionic because that is the very core of what her mother is suppose to defend. Simpson blames the BOE but we all know he is afraid of Norrell and was told not to use her name.
Recently a class project was canceled because the teachers involved do not support Norrell's failed reading program. There are many other programs the district is not seeing positive results from but dare you question and your job is targeted. A thirty year employee in Norrell's office had her retirement party cancelled with the reason given we can not have parties at the district. This employee had questioned Norrell's decisions and word got back to Norrell. Clarification is that only food and cake would be served.
It is sad we pay dues with little to no support from our leadership. Mestek has made it clear that he never wants to teach again. Mlesko and Durham also roam the halls with not a true purpose. The assumption drawn is that Norrell is fully aware and a deal has been cut.
Norrell is about image and will do anything to protect her social media footprint. Many changes are in the wind and in the weeks ahead we need to be aware. It is time to reach out to BOE members who will be voting on our colleagues careers. After careful study Sifuentes, Subert, Arroyo, Barreiro and Johnson are the best choices. If anything they will see the other side.
A reign of terror with fear from the bottom to top is spreading in EA faster than the Coronavirus and our stories need to be shared. It is regrettable that we can rely the union.
The stories reflect only two examples just this week.
Another central office position posted to the tune of 135,000? Is this to do Campbell’s duties since she clearly has not been? This is laughable. We can’t even keep building admin or get good building admin but we keep hiring more central office people and most of them have never been building principals. Great more people to micromanage the buildings who meanwhile have no idea what the day to day is actually like. We need more teachers to reduce class sizes, not more central admin. If you want to hire more admin, hire more building admin like deans at the middle schools. The dean at Waldo works harder than both APs combined but watch who gets cut and who stays. . Norrell forced Rios to step up and now they will most likely cut him and the dean even though they are the only two who work. The middle schools are chaos since the kids know they can’t be suspended because all that matters is attendance. Only the high school gets to send people to extension while ms staff have to put up with getting injured trying to control fights. They don’t do their work since they know they can fail and go to summer school for less than a month and pass. Where are the cabinet members who said they would support us? Nowhere....their words mean nothing.
Congrats to the Tomcats!! They should be at home, because the BEST gym in the state has always had a sectional. But because lazy folks didn't fix a bleacher issue, that has been known about for YEARS, EAST DOESN'T GET TO BE AT HOME. And 2 Aurora teams travel to Lockport to play. Another awesome move NOT made by the AD over there. How long are they going to let this get run into the ground. No passion, no pride... not a Tomcat!
All true, kids know they can do whatever they want at the HS too. It's little Chicago, and it's too bad. It would be so easy to fix, but the district admin would rather lower the bar and let the numbers shine instead of providing more deans and let the MS and HS do what needs to be done.
Thanks for making my point.
He’s so condescending to the coaches and students. He rarely shows up for things too.
Congratulations to whoever is still on the Board of a Directors and admin that fired Jefferies! It only took Robinson a few years to do what Jefferies could never accomplish. BOO to the old timers that Jefferies sucked in to defend him. Way to go mighty mighty Tomcats.
Please do what is right for your district. Let this time of REAL emergency bring us back stronger and care for each other, not carry out vendettas. Let's come back with positivity, clean out the little bit of trash, focus on RAISING THE BEHAVIOR LEVEL of students, making them good people, accountable citizens. Stop worrying about data, test scores, and all this nonsense that hasn't mattered for hundreds of years while this nation became great. JUST WORRY ABOUT OUR DISTRICT BEING AN EXAMPLE OF POSITIVE BEHAVIOR, STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE, NOT OPINIONS. Few will fail, but most will succeed. And that's life. We need to set the bar back high. These students will reach it, and for that, the world will be a better place. God Bless
Looking for dirt, opinions, thoughts on Benjamin Hettel. He currently works for the Troy30-c district in the Plainfield/Shorewood area. He is the director of Facilities and Operations, formerly known as Buildings and Grounds. For some reason the administration changed the title of the department when he was hired. He has been here for almost a year. I've heard him reffered to as "the nazi of the B&G department" and "Hettel the hitler". Would love any responses on this. Thanks
Ben Hettel was a good guy. He definently had his work cut out for him working under Alberto Tijerina who didn't know what he was doing. He did try to hold people accountable and some didn't like that. He definently worked a lot of hours, I know that.
I worked in the business department and I worked with Hettel on many occasions. He was very professional and a hard worker. He was fortunate to get out of EA and so was I. EA is a miserable place. And I won't name names but the walls at EA talk so I will tell you that the people who called him those names are miserable people. And since since you're trying to dig up dirt in him I'd venture to guess that you're a miserable union member who doesn't do their job either. Just my 2 cents.
Hettel the Hitler sounds about right and the business office person defending him was rude and let go also. I suggest you contact Ralph Padron he had the dirt on Hettle and Tijerina. He would help you like he help us when we had tips on shady administration ralphpadron@hotmail.com
Two things for sure was a boiler at Bardwell and a parking lot at EAHS that he and Tijerina were advised not to do by architects hired by 131. They went ahead and the drive had to get torn out for safety. The boiler never worked and to date is at the school as a boat anchor. I know the new superintendent cleaned house got rid of all of them.
Subject: FOIA REQUEST
Date: April 3 2020
Subject: Benjamin Hettel
Timeline: Jan 1 2017 - Apr 3 2020
Please provide the following documents
1 Application
2 Resume
3 Contract
4 Job Description
Ben Hittel's predecessor
1 Application
2 Resume
3 Contract
4 Job Description
Sorry "Real story" but there are so many things wrong with what you said there. I'm not sure who you think I am but myself, Hettel, and Alberto all left EA on our own will and went on to better jobs. Second, the parking lot happened before Hettel even worked at EA and third, the boiler was replaced and was a recommendation of the union maintenance mechanic. I think his name was Tim or Tom. I remember him saying that he told Alberto that it needed to be replaced since he started. The architects screwed up that project and that's why it sits as it is. Get the real facts Real Story.
Sorry folks the former Tomcat is not a Tomcat. Real story is correct the parking lot was a Alberto and Ben screw up. The boiler was more of the same. There was also a fire at East and documents that prove Hettel did not get a alarm serviced. We all know many have resigned to avoid being terminated. Everyone knows Norrell made everyone reapply for their jobs. If you did not get a job you were asked to resign or get terminated. Vargas beat Hettel and Alberto out. Megaizzini was transfered so Norrell could bring in her own HR person.
Hettel was let go in Ottawa from where he lived and East as well Sounds like he is abusing hard working folks again and stirring up trouble with the union like at East.
As an interested community member maybe someone can explain the packet pick up situation to me. The website states that all Elementary packets for new work will be sent to parents via infinite campus. Why, then are the employees and families being put in the middle of this dangerous situation where there could be human interaction with packets also being made available at the schools. This is ludicrous. This is supposed to be the most dangerous two weeks according to the CDC and once again another debacle. Get your stuff together 131!!!
If you don't like it take a sick day or vacation day. We are blessed to be paid. We have had many weeks off with little responsibilities. Most of the community EA serves is sitting at home without any means of support. The community is forced to goto low paying jobs everyday or collect unemployment. Many have no money coming in.
My understanding is this is a order from the governor. What about all of our families without internet who can download?
That is actually proper protocol for all surrounding districts. Speaking of which, it’s so sad to see how poor our district has been with communicating with staff and students. So many unanswered questions that other districts have figured out weeks ago. Students haven’t been told what is required, how attendance will be taken, what’s going on with future events etc,...and when teachers are asked they just have to do what they think is best. Kudos to the teaching staff for showing more leadership skills and decisiveness than our administration. What are they waiting for? Norrell and Annette, please show some leadership. You two are as worthless and unmotivated to make a decision as our POTUS.
Concerned said instead of spending your time on the blog you should have volunteered for a committee. The reality is concerned is now part of a small minority that still continues to live in the world of EA haters. These Trumpers now only a few spew praise for themselves while nuking EA in their spare time. Everything Norrell does is a problem so they say. WHY? because she will challenge us to think different. She has been a leader like no other EA has had in the last half century.
Here are facts about communication. Several committees have formed and teachers along with all other support departments have been asked to join. Building reps and 604 governing bodies have joined conferance calls with Norrell to receive vital information. Concerned could have joined a committee. We have been writing guidance documents to support remote learning at all levels. Norrell is seeking input along the way. However she must rely on updates from ISBE. ISBE has written a document the committees received although it had little substantive information to deal with populations that d131 serves. PD will be offered to teachers on best practices from our guidance documents. Elementary students will receive Ipads with Apps that support learning without the use of Internet. WE ARE PART OF THE PROCESS unlike the past and that shows communication.
Concerned get over the hate Annette Johnson. She has provided EA with a stable financial reserve while bring pay up to standards. Unlike surrounding districts that are facing shortfalls we will get paid for the foreseeable long term. In other districts plans are developing to a scale back wages and take unpaid time off. The EA staff should thank her for providing our homes with no financial worries.
Reflect as you sit home and open your eyes. EA is very different than in than in the past. We should all thank our leaders for providing very comprehensive plans and financial well being for 131. Give up the hate this Easter and Passover weekend.
Dear Proud,
I agree with a lot of what you are saying. However, I have a question. How could we volunteer to be on a committee when it seems everyone was handpicked by either administration or the union? I did not receive any emails or other communications requesting volunteers and I would have gladly been on a committee. Many of my colleagues have asked how to get on a committee and were told people were picked by the union or upper admin. The problem with that is there is not representation from every job. This has been a concern in the past with the union but Gerry does not seem to have any respect for certain job roles so it continues. Certain people volunteer and are told, oh we have enough people. We are grateful for the work that is being done, we just wish we had better ways to communicate with our students as our neighboring districts do. I 100% agree with you about Annette regarding finances for employees. In my experience, she is very responsive to staff concerns. I am not sold on the cabinet however. Several of them are all talk and no action. No practical experience running or being in actual schools like ours for any length of time will do that though. If you look at the building admin on these committees, it is very interesting as well. Some of the admin who are "favored" are on several committees while others volunteered and were told they were not needed. So, thank you to Annette and the rest of the board and to those committee members who are working toward solving these issues in such a challenging time.
I did volunteer only to not get picked. As stated below she hand picks whom she wants. I just wish our leadership would get on board. Every district surrounding us has had plans in place for weeks while we haven’t heard squat from these "committees” that are doing God knows what. By the time we do it will be 5-6 weeks since we’ve been in this no-school order. She should get off her butt and not watch Tiger King all day.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-coronavirus-illinois-school-shutdown-reaction-20200417-t3hlweamyrfadibv5bnr3sysna-story.html
Here's hoping the creativity of the community can help graduates of all levels of the class of 2020.
My understanding is that Districts 203 and 204 have rescheduled their high schools’ proms and graduations for July.
District 131, how about it??
Our district just now is figuring on using a credit recovery program to do remote learning at the high school . We’ve been quarantined for over a month and the surrounding schools have had wonderful plans in place the entire time yet we fumbled a half assed plan. We don’t even have a calendar for next year even though, yet again, other schools have had them in place for months. How far behind is our district falling with all these over priced, self bragging, blowhard administration from the top down?
Most of the blame for committee assignments rests at the doorstep of our 604 leadership. They have the power to pick committee members not administration. That said, it gets back to the parents of 131. It is my understanding a great deal of time was wasted on internet. On the flip side Edgeunity has been around the HS for many years and we are now just getting trained. Many teachers have commented this is a powerful tool. So the question begs what have the DCs and HS administration been DOING?
Norrell is a micromanaging the entire process and our 604 leadership allows her to run the union as well. We can not allow Mlesko to take over after Mestak retires this year. He has made back room deals with Norrell. There is no way he was qualified to be a instructional coach. He used that position to roam around the building all day drinking coffee. Let's not forget the positions handed out never had a interview process. That was a direct violation of our bargaining agreement.
It is sad staff will not run because they know it is impossible to get elected. We will continue to have more of the same and qualified staff will never have their ideas heard.
First of all, Mlesko does not even drink coffee. I work with Mlesko and know that he is not a pushover. He does fight for the teachers and staff. While he did work with Norrell on negotiations, he has always been focused staff rights per our contract and is not afraid to stand up to her.
Mlescko is a bully. He was appointed not interviewed for the Instructional coach position. A violation of the bargaining agreement because he does not want to teach. He has been a teacher for about 5 years maybe less. When confronted by the teachers he told them to he was recruited for the position. It is a joke because if a interview process was followed he qould hve not been able to compete against teachers who devoted 15 and 20 years to our students. He is a racist who has made inflammatory remarks about students.
The union needs Gentile to step up when Mestak retires or to protest our vote and write in that we will with hold dues. The backroom deals like our field reps wife working for 604 or union officials getting promotions for from 131 needs to stop.
As a 604 member that has seen Mlesko represent our union, I am truly amazed and grateful for this dedication to our members. Mlesko has successfully written and defended multiple grievances on behalf of our union. Just for honesty, you talk about instructional coaches not being interviewed. Do you realize that Mlesko was pressuring the district about interviews? This pressure brought the statement "everyone that applied got picked". Once that was found to be untrue, he questioned again and then the district said the instructional coaches are an assignment, not a position.
I have to say Mlesko has been a breath of fresh air into our union that has been a catalyst in moving us out of our dysfunctional past and a more functional present. Finally, as I personally have been able to see and listen to him in monthly union meetings he follows through on his projects. He strives for the best interest of all members. He listens, communicates, and encourages all members to share their ideas. I would welcome him to be running for president.
https://patch.com/illinois/aurora/coronavirus-east-aurora-buys-6k-ipads-support-remote-learning
604 member is aka Jeff Mlescko
What grievances has he filed the HS is not aware? Simpson has kept a lid on EAHS so the dysfunctional past that Jeff is taking credit really is Simpson not Jeff. It shows Jeff to be the narcissistic person he is.
Instructional coaches is another joke. If Jeff claims to have looked into it why did he apply? Why did he take the job from applicant's that had 15 plus years of teaching experience. We will be glad that Jeff and his self serving past will be gone. Glad to see John Young a person of integrity at step up and replace Mlescko.
LETS see how long Jeff remains a instructional coach when he can't go and have all day lunches with Norrell.
As a community member and employee of the district, I am saddened and disappointed to know that some teachers are clueless about culture. An email was shared by an Allen teacher wishing everyone a happy Cinco de Mayo. The picture of cartoon characters are culturally insensitive at best and the South Park character who is dancing is described as a racist foul mouth character on the show. How does this represent Cinco de Mayo and the values of our community? If a teacher is this clueless then how does that person connect with children? I love the direction and vision of our superintendent and I hope she will not tolerate this type of behavior from teachers.
I am also a community member and employee, and I am of Mexican descent. It's funny to me how North Americans (and I say North Americans because technically Mexicans are Americans in the sense that we are part of the "Americas") make a big deal about Cinco de Mayo. In Mexico, May 5th is a very minor patriotic holiday, probably comparable to Flag Day in the United States. We do NOT celebrate it with parades, parties, or special food and drinks. It is the anniversary of the victory over the French army in Puebla City, and except for the state of Puebla (which does have a parade and celebration every year on May 5), it's mostly ignored by the majority of Mexicans.
Mexicans (and Mexican-Americans) do have a major patriotic holiday: Mexican Independence Day, on September 16th. This is similar to the Fourth of July in the United States as a national holiday celebrated throughout the country.
Those of us with Mexican heritage shake our heads and laugh at our clueless neighbors who distort our "Cinco de Mayo" with their celebrations. We know better...
...And now YOU do, too!
Us Americans love to take other people's holidays and turn them into what we want so we can make money :)
https://www.smartertravel.com/st-patricks-day-ireland-really-like/
We have yet to hear a small briefing regarding the B&G employee that just recently tested positive. Not exactly correct what the procedure would/should be but has anyone been notified that has worked at Hill Avenue in the past week?!
I am getting tired of Dr. Norrell and her cabinet. How many times does it has to change. Does she know what she is doing? I guess if you don't like to follow your own ideas, this is the district for you. It's her WAY or the HIGHWAY! Board members...are you asking questions? You do know she works for you, right?. Annette, where is that tough Board President. You are acting like her BFF.
I work at Brady and I can tell everyone Norrell talked with building leadership and others in our building about the Principal position. She was leaning towards someone else and after much input took our choice. We are happy that we finally have a Superintendent that communicates. If you look at the cabinet Dr Glenda is one of ours and Norrell is hiring from within. This is another positive sign in that we will not change direction. My feeling has always been the hiring practices of 131 have been flawed. We have a history of hiring from the outside and they bring their ideas that do not work with our population for the simple fact of making a name for themselves.
I have always heard Johnson calls the shots and now we are complaining she is not. Hopefully she continues in her finance lane and lets Norrell lead our educational system. It seems to be working. My complements to the board and Johnson for all the resources our district has given the students.
We have had a similar experience at Gates Elementary. Mr Martinez is one of our own and glad to see he is returning. The other positions all look like employees that have worked with the district and I concur it is nice to see promotions from within. The administration and the board is operating better than the past disfunction. I will also thank them for all they do other districts are not filling positions our district is still moving forward with resources for students and job posts for the upcoming school year
A BIG THANKYOU
If you are an American (US citizen), you are American, period. If you want to celebrate other country's "4th of July" or any other NATIONAL holiday of another NATION. Take yourself to that nation if you love it so much.
Unlike many other countries, there are no “national holidays” in the United States because Congress only has constitutional authority to create holidays for federal institutions.
Did you by chance mean FEDERAL holidays, "Go celebrate somewhere else"??
Go celebrate somewhere else:
What chapter of the KKK do you belong to
Our union is a joke.
Mlesko purchased the platform eballot.com and rigged the election for himself. Another conflict of interest for Jeff just like the Instructional Coach position. Maybe now He can hang with Norrell and become Asst. Sup of do nothing. After all he will fit right in at the SSC.
They say get involved when Young and Ruiz ran for offices they end up being removed, No explanation given. Durham who filled late was then helped by a write in push.
Many of us will not pay dues next year. Why should we!
Are you okay "union is a joke" it sounds like you need a hug!
The union is a joke. They are self serving. Mlescko is not ethical and should have turned the voting over to some else. He should have never had his hands in the platform purchase. The Instructional Coach position for a five year teacher when I know others that applied at the HS with more experience is also troubling. Then they manipulated the VP support staff and Treasurer position by deleting applicants. This is also unethical.
That said I voted for Jeff because we need a unethical prick. Next year I will withhold dues. Mestak has to honest to deal with Norrell. Remember 604 members we get the same benefits if we are members or not
Real talk said...
Are you okay? Do you need a hug too? I got ya! Have a great day...
I would be careful with a hug. The CDC recommends Social Distancing.
Thanks!!! Hope you have a great day
Safety said...
I would be careful with a hug. The CDC recommends Social Distancing.
Jeff, talked about being transparent with the Union. What a joke! He is going to do whatever Norrell tells him. Starting with who to appoint to be Treasurer!
There is an item on the next board meeting agenda to approve the superintendent contract for five more years. That seems excessive.
Yes, extending the superintendent's contract again is very foolish on the board's part. I don't know why the board would agree to such a thing. None of the department related staff received their raises this year yet, as they were told that they need to see how the budget looks. Really?? Also, they're thinking of asking the custodial/maintenance personnel to hold off on settling their contract due to money concerns. If the board is so concerned about the money, then why did all of the administrators receive theirs? Oh, because it would hurt their moral, and they might look elsewhere for a job? Guess what, so will these people.
Why did they purchase the old Copley? Because this Supt. is bound and determined to get all of her administrators under one roof. Not all 217 of them, but all of her top people. Per the Beacon, some of the financing is under question, and the agenda for the July 7th board meeting says something about prepaying rent? The whole project sounds like it's being done on a wing and a prayer. The district could have bought it several years ago for $1. They did a study and determined that it would cost too much to bring it up to code. Now, several years later, it's going to cost $10 million, and it still looks like a blighted property to me.
Be careful, be very careful. This supt. is only out to do one thing...make a lot of money off the district, and enhance her resume for the next unsuspecting employer.
It is my understanding after calling one of the BOE members is that she has a rolling contract that is approved every year based on a positive review by the majority of the members. This is very common in many districts. She also took a salary freeze.
Why are the meetings of people who are the ones deciding on the plans for reopening schools being held virtually?
If fully or partially reopening schools is safe, why are the board meetings of no more than 10 people not being held face to face?
Why are teachers and staff who will be with 10 or 20 or 30 kids in a poor ventilated classroom everyday with way more than 50 people in any building at any time haven’t been surveyed for reopening plans? Call me crazy, but it sounds like the plans are already written and as always, nobody cares about the only people that are in front of kids every day.
Concerned staff member
The district leadership is late getting the information out because Norrell was waiting on Mlesko to return from vacation. King Jeff and his side kick Jennifer Gentile are busy having vacations while we all wait. Jeff has told 604 leadership this is a stepping stone for him. We are all to blame for not asking more questions and allowing a few of his minions to decide our futures. Jeff attempted to get the Treasurer job at local 604 before running for the union president.
Norrell you have over 14,000 students and families waiting along with staff. this is disrespectful. The BOE needs to demand these plans enough is enough. Johnson needs to stop being Norrell's lackey. Norrell is late and it is not EA OK to wait for Jeff. That should have never been allowed.
I heard yesterday from a source at the SSC they are finally back eating and laughing it up. So maybe now we will hear.
My advice....relax and try to enjoy what is left of summer. Your input does not matter to Norrell, Campbell, the Board, or the union. In our case simpson doesn’t care either- just ask the counselors or any teacher who legit gave an incomplete. He does whatever they tell him and just wants to keep his job. Yes, we are all anxious but they will play their little power games so let them. Even if we get a survey, it won’t matter. They’ll use it to see who doesn’t agree with their plan. I am not trying to downplay everyone’s concerns... just keeping it real. Why did we learn about the west side collaboration from the Beacon? Shouldn’t that have been in one of her “informational “ emails? There is no transparency with this board or admin. Look how long it takes minutes to get posted repeatedly. Face facts- we work for people who are not concerned about others. We are pawns in a game. Enjoy your month.
Since minutes were brought up. What are they hiding in the June 1st minutes that haven’t been posted? Does the board, especially the Tomcat alum, realize how poorly they treated sandy Diaz, a long time valued employee and alum of Simmons and East? Maybe that’s why the survey results for parents were so poor. You got rid of the person who actually was connected to the parents. Why was she not given the opportunity to move into another position like George was handed a counselor job. Good thing he wisely decided to retire.
Sadly most of what the High School staff says is true. Mlesko wants to be something else. He told Local 604 in a interview that his job at EAHS is a stepping stone. Norrell gave him the instructional coach job that we all know he did not qualify for. Jeff fooled Mestak into running the election on a program he purchased. Does anyone believe the results? Mlesko then picked his own Treasurer after another teachers had the votes. How could that happen? It is true he was on vacation that has been verified.
Norrell does what she wants that is true but in the past we could take our concerns to the BOE and for the most part they would listen. We burned that bridge and now we have ourselves to blame. In the rigged election only 30% voted.
Norrell recently put in writing to teachers that dare to ask questions she will only communicate with the union. That may sound like a reasonable answer but we need to remind her she is the Sup that told us she has a open door. Mlesko after naming his lackey Treasurer went on vacation and Norrell sat on information that is important to our lives and the lives of families that attend EA.
She took up better than two hours dicating her responses in a open call with building reps. It was clear the dialog would be one sided with Mlesko yielding the call to her. Why is our plan so late? All other districts have allowed families the time to plan. Districts have announced plans weeks ago. That gives families and staff time to plan. It is time the 1500 plus union members speak up and remove Gentile and Mlesko. Going on vacation is not a good excuse. It speaks to job abandonment.
We should withhold dues for one month that will force 604 to address the lack of leadership we are paying dues for. If 604 does not answer then we should go to the next step. Mercer's wife is secretary for 604 and in 131 Hardings wife is facilitator. Facilitators should be eliminated since they are highly paid patronage jobs and forced to teach. Harding will not be exposed this fall like rank and file nor will the other facilitator Pena who helped throw the election to Mlesko.
Corruption at the top needs to stop and I ask that rank and file speak up Monday to the BOE and ask the hard hitting questions our leadership will not. This is public safety not a personal agenda. Please fill out the non union survey.
The issue is everyone who speaks to the board gets a call from Norrell or into HR. Just ask the teacher who spoke last week or the counselor who spoke. People don’t get answers from the SSC or from building admin at least at the high school. Simpson and Reyes won’t answer emails or calls. Can you imagine if we did that? Anyone who even asks a question to a cabinet member gets told they didn’t go through the chain of command and their principal gets reprimanded. This is true even if it is not a building level issue. They simply do not wish to hear from us. They have created a culture of fear. There is no open door policy unless you are fortunate enough to have a building principal who has not sold themselves out yet..... So while many agree the corruption from the top needs to stop many won’t speak out for fear of being targeted next. Both survey results need to be sent to us. I’m sure they won’t. Even if they do, I would trust nothing that comes from a single admin or the union. One team, one plan does not mean all of us.
Too afraid to ask is correct!
Norrell is control freak and does not allow anyone to speak that makes her look bad. Teachers need to talk directly to the board if they feel they need them to know. I would avoid Hachett, Barrirro and Avis Miller her daughters have gained from her relationship on the Board. Judy Durham is part of the corrupt union. Jeff fixed the election for her. Jackie Gibson was given the Cowherd job without and interview.
Has the board really considered the financial gamble the district is taking in opening too soon? We are self insured. The medical bills of the faculty and staff are paid by the district. There are individuals hospitalized for months with COVID-19. They are racking up millions of dollars in medical bills. What happens when there is an outbreak in D131? How is the district going to handle the financial disaster if 50 or 100 staff end up hospitalized? Teachers should consider the skyrocketing premiums that will follow shortly thereafter. This will also affect educational programs perhaps for decades. I’m sure the tax payers will not appreciate tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars in extra costs. Of course, this is just the short term. Many people with COVID-19 end up with organ damage. Each new organ can cost half a million dollars or more. And let’s not forget about the lawsuits. They are sure to come. This could be the financial ruin for District 131.
You must've missed the word "OTHER". If you want to celebrate OTHER nations national holidays, go there.
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