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.

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.

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.

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?

Let's start fresh

We are coming into the final stretch of the 2007-08 school year. There have been many discussions on the flaws in 131,and chat aboutwhat can or should be done.

A previous mention of the two well respected EA teachers retiring and the list of those planning on retiring, makes me want to hear more of the stories of the triumphs as we look towards planning for the next year.

Dr. Roberts contract is coming up next year, 4 board positions will be on the ballot, not to mention the returning of the referendum question. Many changes could happen and many things will/ should stay the same.

Some things are definitely working in some classrooms for teachers and students.
Some changes have had a very positive affect on our district.
What successes,things that are functioning well do you hope will continue?

One night, 2 opportunities-April 21st

The next Board of Education meeting will be at East High School – room 239 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The reason for the change is the district Grant Writer will be holding a grants showcase at the high school from 4-6pm.

Hopefully, this change will allow for more people to attend who may already be in attendance at the showcase.
Notice has not yet been posted on the District website, but I wanted to give people who may not otherwise attend, an advance notice, so you can take the opportunity to come.

This is a chance to see what grants have been sought and the outcome. Then come to a board meeting and hear how other business is handled in our district.

Both, the showcase & the meeting are April 21st.

Reasons you vote "no", or why you are voting "yes"

The freedom of choice and exercising that right in a voting booth is your ultimate voice.
Dr. Roberts and certain board members have stated a few times at board meetings, what they hear people saying-the reason the community votes "no" is due to not wanting to pay higher taxes.

I feel that may be the case for some, but I feel there are many more personal reasons for the choices the voters have made and it is not all about saving money on property taxes.
I know some of you have addressed this many time before.
Please share sincere opinions and reasons for the vote you may make.
Please respect those comments of your fellow bloggers.

Whether your vote would be yes or no, is there anything that would change your decision?