There have been 8 workshops planned for this school year!
Each event will be at a different 131 school, and each will have a different topic.
The first event will be presented by DeNean Adams @ 6:30-7:30 pm
on Sept. 25, 2008 at Johnson Elementary 1934 Liberty Street
The subjects will be Helping your child develop good study habits and to do well in school. Also, learn more about the Illinois Learning Standards.
I hope many parents/guardians and community members take advantage of this time to come out and meet other 131 neighborhood families.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
August 18, 2008
I asked questions and made comments concerning contract negotiations at the open school board meeting on Monday.
In all fairness, I will not attempt to speak for others and what their comments were that evening.
I sent my comments to our secretary but they did not make it into the minutes. You may read a condensed version of them below.
As of July 11, 2008, Illinois' chief executive officer, Gov. Blagojevich will take home $13,118 more, raising his salary to $184,035.
As a Jr. Senator for the state of Illinois-Barack Obama made $158,100 a year salary
As of January 1, 2008, the annual salary of Linda Chapa LaVia and each of 118 State Representative is $169,300.
These people represent and make decisions for 879 public school districts in IL consisting of over 3 million children under the age of 18.
Our school district has over 13,000 students. One superintendent.
Certain members of this board want our approval of a contract that pays our superintendent more than any of those state officials I have mentioned.
Dee & I have expressed concern, disapproval, disappointment and I personally am disgusted with the way this contract has been moved forward without any concern or consideration of input or discussion of ALL board members. Discussion and decisions seemed to have been made through emails and conversations with a few board members and the districts attorney.
The 100 highest-paid school administrators in Illinois in 2006 had salaries ranging from $205 to $380,000. There were 17 who made more than a quarter million dollars for that year: Guess what school district decide to pay their short term superintendent enough to make it # 14 on this list?
YEP! the same district who is cutting our children’s programs and wanting to increase pay and benefits to our present short term supt. How do we justify this, is the question I asked of this board from the podium a few years ago. I ask you again, how do you justify this attempt to approve a contract with all the added cash benefits, w/o having the last contract fulfilled and without significant indicators of marked improvements in our student scores or our budget?
I am opposed to the way this item was slid in on the Personnel report.
We have had no group decisions regarding salary, goal indicators or the changing of the terms of the last contract by implementing a new one-what the hell kind of "team" is this?
An article in the Christian Science Monitor in March of this year states:
An overly politicized school board, critics say, is often the problem where children's educational needs don't appear to be a priority.
The vote was 5-2 in favor of the contract.
In all fairness, I will not attempt to speak for others and what their comments were that evening.
I sent my comments to our secretary but they did not make it into the minutes. You may read a condensed version of them below.
As of July 11, 2008, Illinois' chief executive officer, Gov. Blagojevich will take home $13,118 more, raising his salary to $184,035.
As a Jr. Senator for the state of Illinois-Barack Obama made $158,100 a year salary
As of January 1, 2008, the annual salary of Linda Chapa LaVia and each of 118 State Representative is $169,300.
These people represent and make decisions for 879 public school districts in IL consisting of over 3 million children under the age of 18.
Our school district has over 13,000 students. One superintendent.
Certain members of this board want our approval of a contract that pays our superintendent more than any of those state officials I have mentioned.
Dee & I have expressed concern, disapproval, disappointment and I personally am disgusted with the way this contract has been moved forward without any concern or consideration of input or discussion of ALL board members. Discussion and decisions seemed to have been made through emails and conversations with a few board members and the districts attorney.
The 100 highest-paid school administrators in Illinois in 2006 had salaries ranging from $205 to $380,000. There were 17 who made more than a quarter million dollars for that year: Guess what school district decide to pay their short term superintendent enough to make it # 14 on this list?
YEP! the same district who is cutting our children’s programs and wanting to increase pay and benefits to our present short term supt. How do we justify this, is the question I asked of this board from the podium a few years ago. I ask you again, how do you justify this attempt to approve a contract with all the added cash benefits, w/o having the last contract fulfilled and without significant indicators of marked improvements in our student scores or our budget?
I am opposed to the way this item was slid in on the Personnel report.
We have had no group decisions regarding salary, goal indicators or the changing of the terms of the last contract by implementing a new one-what the hell kind of "team" is this?
An article in the Christian Science Monitor in March of this year states:
An overly politicized school board, critics say, is often the problem where children's educational needs don't appear to be a priority.
The vote was 5-2 in favor of the contract.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
To each his own
I thought the EA bloggers were on summer break, also.
I was away for 2 days. I return and find discussion has erupted.
In my estimation there has been some very healthy blogging going on. A little religion (if you don’t count the duplicate postings). A little politics, and various points of view. I LOVE IT!
One person and one opinion will not create change. Many people speaking up and out make it clear there is discontent in EA with our school district. Whether we choose to go to meetings, stand and protest, pray, blog , bitch, any or all of the above. Our common ground is our EA community. We all want what is best for our children, our schools and our neighborhoods. Change can and will happen. I assure you there are folks who read this blog that have the authority to help implement change. They may not acknowledge the communities concerns whether we express them at our city meetings, neighbor groups or at the board meetings. That does not mean we should sit down and feel that our opinion is less than valid.
That is why this blog was created to allow you to speak your mind. Tell us your thoughts. To borrow a line from an oldies tune, join the blog and “Express yourself!”
I was away for 2 days. I return and find discussion has erupted.
In my estimation there has been some very healthy blogging going on. A little religion (if you don’t count the duplicate postings). A little politics, and various points of view. I LOVE IT!
One person and one opinion will not create change. Many people speaking up and out make it clear there is discontent in EA with our school district. Whether we choose to go to meetings, stand and protest, pray, blog , bitch, any or all of the above. Our common ground is our EA community. We all want what is best for our children, our schools and our neighborhoods. Change can and will happen. I assure you there are folks who read this blog that have the authority to help implement change. They may not acknowledge the communities concerns whether we express them at our city meetings, neighbor groups or at the board meetings. That does not mean we should sit down and feel that our opinion is less than valid.
That is why this blog was created to allow you to speak your mind. Tell us your thoughts. To borrow a line from an oldies tune, join the blog and “Express yourself!”
Friday, June 27, 2008
Not newsworthy, this time.
It has been pretty quiet here. So I thought this would be a good time to share a bit of good news.
The charges filed by the teachers union president against the district, have been dropped by the union.
If you recall the Beacon reported on February 8, 2008 "Teachers union complains about East board member"
State education officials are reviewing allegations that an East Aurora School Board member encouraged borderline "civil disobedience" at a teachers union meeting.
The charge, filed by the union asked that board member Rayanne Carlson "refrain from ... busting into our meetings, encouraging our members to engage in unlawful activities and suggesting that union members assist (board members) in their personal agendas."
The Education Labor Relations Board will investigate the charge and decide whether to hold a hearing, said general counsel Helen Higgins.
So many have given me much encouragement since the initial report. Those at the meeting and those who know me, knew I had no intentions of malice, as reported.
I am pleased the way this turned out. I wish the teachers stories may have happy endings, also.
I hope the community continues to attempt to stay informed of what happens in 131.
Demand accountability. Support the teachers. Pray for the children.
The charges filed by the teachers union president against the district, have been dropped by the union.
If you recall the Beacon reported on February 8, 2008 "Teachers union complains about East board member"
State education officials are reviewing allegations that an East Aurora School Board member encouraged borderline "civil disobedience" at a teachers union meeting.
The charge, filed by the union asked that board member Rayanne Carlson "refrain from ... busting into our meetings, encouraging our members to engage in unlawful activities and suggesting that union members assist (board members) in their personal agendas."
The Education Labor Relations Board will investigate the charge and decide whether to hold a hearing, said general counsel Helen Higgins.
So many have given me much encouragement since the initial report. Those at the meeting and those who know me, knew I had no intentions of malice, as reported.
I am pleased the way this turned out. I wish the teachers stories may have happy endings, also.
I hope the community continues to attempt to stay informed of what happens in 131.
Demand accountability. Support the teachers. Pray for the children.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
You have many options at being a part of the solutions
You may now access board members contact information by going to the Board of Education section of the District 131 website. Click on "meet the board." By clicking on each picture you get the personal contact info of each board member.
If you click on the part of the Board of Ed. page that says:
"To Email the Board of Education
Click here", you will get a generic info email address. Which personally, I have never been forwarded nor informed of any email being sent to the board through that address.
The doors are opening folks. The meeting dates and times are posted. You now have access to contact the board members, read the budget, read policies. It is now easier to be an educated community member. Use the info you have at your finger tips and help be a part of the solutions to the many problems and concerns I have heard in the community.
I believe a board member should be a liaison for the community & administration of 131. We need to hear the community voice. Not only when things are wrong, but when advice from the EA members is needed in making plans for our children's education.
If you click on the part of the Board of Ed. page that says:
"To Email the Board of Education
Click here", you will get a generic info email address. Which personally, I have never been forwarded nor informed of any email being sent to the board through that address.
The doors are opening folks. The meeting dates and times are posted. You now have access to contact the board members, read the budget, read policies. It is now easier to be an educated community member. Use the info you have at your finger tips and help be a part of the solutions to the many problems and concerns I have heard in the community.
I believe a board member should be a liaison for the community & administration of 131. We need to hear the community voice. Not only when things are wrong, but when advice from the EA members is needed in making plans for our children's education.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Board policies online!
Great news, you no longer have to go to the school service center or contact your local board member for information.
You may now access the board policies on the 131 website.
http://www.d131.org/
Click Board of Education, on the left of the homepage.
After the Bd. Of Ed. page comes up, click on Board Policies on the right of the page.
Everything you could want-right at your finger tips.
Things are movin' on.
Class of 2008 has received their diplomas.
Another school year will soon be through.
Business in 131 continues through the summer.
A budget will soon be finalized.
Decisions will be made affecting classes 2009 and beyond.
A Board Workshop will be held on June 16, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.
The purpose is to discuss the budget and it will be open to the public.
Go for the workshop and stay for the Board meeting at 7pm.
You may now access the board policies on the 131 website.
http://www.d131.org/
Click Board of Education, on the left of the homepage.
After the Bd. Of Ed. page comes up, click on Board Policies on the right of the page.
Everything you could want-right at your finger tips.
Things are movin' on.
Class of 2008 has received their diplomas.
Another school year will soon be through.
Business in 131 continues through the summer.
A budget will soon be finalized.
Decisions will be made affecting classes 2009 and beyond.
A Board Workshop will be held on June 16, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.
The purpose is to discuss the budget and it will be open to the public.
Go for the workshop and stay for the Board meeting at 7pm.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The good ol’ days….
I recall fearing the wrath of my dad, if I got in trouble at school.
I feared the police catching me outside of school during school hours. I would be considered truant. If I was truant my parents could have to pay a fine, go to jail, or I could be sent to a youth detention center. Though fearful, I was defiant. My acts hurt my parents, my siblings, my grades and my reputation.
I am now the older citizen, the delinquent of yesterdays gone by. I now ask the questions “what’s the matter with kids today?” When did destruction and violence become a part of youthful defiance?
Has the fear factor been turned around? Does our community and schools fear retribution for standing up and adhering to what is right? Do we not enforce the rules for fear of lawsuits of harassment, prejudice or civil rights violations?
Somewhere over the years attitudes have changed and being held accountable is a thing of the past, if you can skew the facts and become the victim, you are off the hook.
Home, school and the law-where does responsibly start and end when it comes to our 131 students?
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