Just a "heads up" and FYI

I am considering handing the blog over to another person.
I have not been able to be a part of discussion or post as
I had hoped when I initiated this chat forum.
If unable to complete the transfer I will be suspending the chat,
temporarily, within the next week.

What the heck is going on?

Is there no more converstaion about education or about the woes and benefits of being an EA resident/ student?

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

2011

May 2011 bring a happier new year to all!

'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.

Wishing all of you an enjoyable, love filled Christmas!

Sincerely,
Rayanne

Are we getting what we are paying for?

While researching I found a Teacher & Administrator Salary Database. Of the top 200 salaries for 2009 in IL listed was District 131 superintendent Jerome Roberts.

The 100 highest-paid school administrators in Illinois in 2006 had salaries ranging from $205,590 to $380,227. Seventeen made more than a quarter million dollars. One of those individuals was none other than Michael Radakovich.
While employed by 131 School Board he was one of 17 superintendents in the Quarter Million dollar Club for 2006

What should determine a superintendents salary?
Should it be linked to teachers salary increase? District improvement? Achievement?

An update of salaries and break down of D131 administrative salaries can be viewed at: http://d131.org/Employment/Admin%20List%20for%20Posting%202009-2010.pdf

More info may be found at:
http://www.illinoisloop.org/salary.html
http://www.familytaxpayers.org/salary.php

For the stars hiding in the shadows

It has been requested of the district, at least a few times, to acknowledge those unsung heroes & those shining stars who hide in the shadow of others. There are many who want to place blame why we don't recognize all these folks. Instead, lets try to shout out praise to those students excelling even when no one is looking, those teachers/ staff who go above and beyond without incentive from pay or recognition from their superiors. Let's start early by giving thanks to those, you know, deserving of a story in the paper or a community award or honored as best example of all around great student.

What was that old song they used to sing? "If they don’t ask, we won’t tell?"

The previous 131 School Board president was the scapegoat for many controversial discussions. She dared to question- why?

Nearly all new faces are on the 131 School Board since the Bigelow & Indian Trail discussions. It seems it is back to business as usual. The few small steps forward for transparency have gone to the wayside.

I recall the Magnet Academy parents packing the Board room when there was a possibility of their children being denied that ”special place” for learning. I wonder if those parents will attend the Board meeting on Monday to offer the district their monetary contributions should there be a rent increase on the space that houses the Magnet Academy?

According to Dan Barriero, the city has asked the district to respond to the rent increase by Oct 1st, prior to the Board meeting on Oct. 4th. Should this 131 decision have warranted a vote by the School Board in open session?

The Board president was quoted in the news. She thinks a dollar a year rent would be fine. I am sure she does, as she has stated on several occasions her contacts with the Mayor left her confident there would be no additional costs to the district for this school. Seems like that song has been sung before. Arguments in favor of opening the Academy included the fact "no additional costs to the district for this school."
The new face at the gavel has reverted to singing the songs of yesteryear.