Here’s a curious press release I received today:
Chamber Supports District 150’s Difficult Decisions
Peoria (January 23, 3009) –District 150 has some difficult decisions ahead due to significant budget deficit predictions. The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce supports the district’s efforts to make those tough changes for the future of our educational system.
Members of the school board and the Chamber board met this morning at the Heartland Partnership office to discuss the status of District 150. Superintendant [sic] Ken Hinton said the district ended the 2007-2008 school year last July with a very small surplus (for the first time in nine years) of $300,000 on a budget of $140+ million.
They approved a balanced budget that same July for the 2008-2009 school year but almost overnight, the economic downturn set in and now there is a projected $9 million budget deficit for the 2010 school year due to a variety of funding changes.
Hinton acknowledges that some very tough choices will have to be made including whether to close or merge schools. While that is not a popular topic among many in the community, Chamber Board Chairperson Deb Ritschel says change is inevitable.
“We must focus on the long term effects this decision will have and the overall big picture.” Ritschel went on to say “Many people are emotional about the thought of closing or merging schools, but we have also [sic] look at the realities and focus on the business perspective of this issue which means dealing with capacity issues and matching revenues and expenses.” The goal, Ritschel noted, is to balance the business side of things while continuing focus on student achievement.
The Chamber Board was asked to help by getting community leaders to be a voice of this effort in hopes of changing the perception of the public schools in Peoria. Ritschel responded saying “The Chamber will support the district as it positions itself to ensure children today and children in the future have a stable school system providing a quality education.”
This raises a number of questions, so I’ll just start rattling them off: Which school board members met with the Chamber of Commerce? Was the Open Meetings Act followed (i.e., was the meeting properly noticed)? Who initiated the meeting, District 150 or the Chamber? Why?
And what is it with the tortured language of this press release? I’m having a hard time figuring out exactly what they’re trying to communicate. Can anyone explain to me what these two statements mean?
- “The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce supports the district’s efforts to make those tough changes for the future of our educational system.” There’s bureaucratic doubletalk if I ever heard it. What they’re literally saying is this: They’re not supporting any specific decisions, but just generally supporting the district’s efforts to make “tough decisions.” Way to go out on a limb. For the record, I support elected bodies’ efforts to make tough decisions, too. In fact, I support everyone’s efforts to make tough decisions. I mean, we all face tough decisions at some point in our lives, and, darn it, I support your efforts to make them.
- “The Chamber Board was asked to help by getting community leaders to be a voice of this effort in hopes of changing the perception of the public schools in Peoria.” What exactly do they want community leaders to do here? Inform the community that District 150 is trying to “balance the business side of things while continuing focus on student achievement”? (I think we sort of expect that out of District 150; I mean, that is their job, is it not?) Or “[support] the district’s efforts to make those tough changes”? (See the previous bullet point.)
More questions: How many of these Chamber Board members have children who are attending District 150 schools? How many of these Chamber Board members currently operate a business that “match[es] revenues and expenses” (i.e., has a balanced budget)? (Hint: we know one who doesn’t.)
Perhaps the biggest question is, shouldn’t the district be more interested in getting the parents’ support than the Chamber’s?
“those tough changes for the future” = close a high school and the Chamber is saying it is backing the District.
“community leaders to be a voice for this effort” = means they are going to ask leaders to speak up about the need to close schools in the hopes that those against the idea will shut up and realize resistance is futile.
Better than a foaming at the mouth parent worried about if her kid is getting into the NBA if he switches high school.
Maybe the Chamber schould go after some the two billion dollars the state has waiting since 2005 to be sent to the schools. The Ill. Education Funding Advisory BD. Will not send it til the Governor assigns two people to the BD.
“The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce supports the district’s efforts to make those tough changes for the future of our educational system.”
CJ: I have a different take. Whatever decisions the district will make are best as they always know best. This groupthink is all part and parcel of Peoria’s echelon of thinkers. This echelon is in charge of most boards and then promotes yet another ‘Bay of Pigs’ development in Peoria.
The echelon never seems to ask the question, “What if we are wrong?” They are always right. Then we look around at Peoria and realize that many things are not right, even drastically wrong. This brazen thinking of acknowledging and vocalizing that Peora is on the wrong path gets one branded as a naysayer against progress. Asking questions is simply not to be allowed.
Frustrated makes an accurate assessment of resistance concept. It does seem that the peasants are getting restless and protesting more regularly.
FYI – echelon: A formation of troops in which each unit is positioned successively to the left or right of the rear unit to form an oblique or steplike line.
The Peoria Chamber of Commerce? Who are they? What is it, a respite for the self-important?
Seems like Hinton asked for more ammunition— to back him because he feels “attacked” by the community.
I am so sorry your (Hinton’s) arrogance turns crowds off.
Well, Chamber supports you.
Good job lobbying Hinton.
Ask Mr. Hinton why he does not live in Peoria or district 150. For those who don’t know, he lives in Hollis Township on Tuscarora Road just west of Cameron Lane in the Illini Bluff school district. Isn’t it time for him to go away, hopefully far, far away from Peoria.
CJ, you and I were writing simultaneously I think.
http://pundit.blogpeoria.com/2009/01/23/local-admins-stick-together-grab-a-tissue/
C.J. and Diane, thanks for your thought-provoking words on the subject. The Chamber of Commerce is certainly exhibiting “blind faith” in a plan that is far from clearly stated or fully developed.
The chamber, the people that bring us “it’s better here” slogan.
The Chamber hasn’t done anything yet. Nor has the District yet most are blaming and frothing at the mouth at what might be. Wow, nothing like coming together.
BTW, the Chamber is born from local politicians and businesses that some of you own and or work for or support.
Emtronics, instead of your hateful spewing, could you offer a positive perspective of what you believe needs to be done to turn Dist. 150 schools around so that people stop moving to outlying areas (contrary to your belief, it is not the fault of Realtors)?
You are really, really good at smart a** remarks, now lets see if you are just as good at reasonable commentary with some conviction of sanity without judging other people. Can you even do it? Can you come up with any independent positive ideas as to what will help Peoria and Dist. 150 out of this financial chaos without putting others down?
Frustrated — Yes, one would assume that’s what they meant, and the reason they can’t just come out and say it is because D150 is still trying to uphold the myth that the decision hasn’t been made yet. They don’t have to get “community leaders” to tell me that resistance is futile. When it comes to D150, resistance is always futile. I think they’ve made that perfectly clear all by themselves.
Before I forget this thought–Considerable money is given to District 150 and to its students by the alumni associations of both Woodruff and Peoria High. Why would those generous people want to continue giving to a school whose historical ties will be broken? 150 should definitely try to get these people on board–the district needs them.
“to discuss the status of District 150” for what purpose? The C of C has no authority, no budget, no mandate to do anything about the schools.
“Superintendant [sic] Ken Hinton said the district ended the 2007-2008 school year last July with a very small surplus (for the first time in nine years) of $300,000 on a budget of $140+ million.” Obviously that surplus was based on the same sound economics that the $ 9 million deficit is based on.
“The Chamber Board was asked to help by getting community leaders to be a voice of this effort in hopes of changing the perception of the public schools” Do you mean those billboards aren’t working???
““The Chamber will support the district as it positions itself to ensure children today and children in the future have a stable school system providing a quality education.”” … Let me translate…
“You are on your own… don’t get us tangled up in your mess. When you have fixed everything.. THEN we will support you”
“Ken Hinton said the district ended the 2007-2008 school year last July with a very small surplus (for the first time in nine years) of $300,000 on a budget of $140+ million.”
$140,000,000 !!!
The entire City of Peoria budget for 2008 was $163,005,477.
The total operating budget for the city (including the library) $125,429,567.
OK… what’s wrong here?
kcdad: Exactly. Now, add in the Peoria Park District expenses. Peoria County appears to be slated with a whopper with the museum project as planned —- brace for impact when you get your tax bill in 2010 with possible increases for PBC funding of schools and any GO bond debt for the new hotel in Peoria. I have heard but not yet confirmed that the bond repayment schedule for the PBC funded schools is approximately — $50K for years 1-4, $4M for years 5-8, $5M for years 9-12 and increases from there. So just remember that the tax rate will not go up —- just your taxes. More doublespeak.
If a new sales tax is passed fo the museum —- it just adds to the tax burdern. The usual wants and needs battle in government spending produced by our groupthink leaders.
Karrie – “the tax rate will not go up” – correct – except for the tort levy. You are assuming a rise in EAV – a historical trend that is not as certain.
Jim:
I realize that the tax rate will not go. Even if the tax rate does not go up, one’s EAV stays the same or even decreases, a taxpayer may still pay an increase in taxes in a given area of their taxbill because a new levy is initiated.
Anyone can get a copy of the tax rates and the actual detailed breakouts from Sonnemaker’s office in the Peoria County Courthouse. It is interesting to see the different tax rates and the amount needed each year — fascinating reading anout what we are actually paying.
Here is my analysis — if incorrect, please correct.
The tax rate is still the same for all these scenarios. Say the MAXIMUM tax rate is 5% although you could pick any rate for this example. In any given year, the taxing body may tax or levy less than the maximum rate allowed.
MAXIMUM tax rate at 5% for:
(a) Old bonds being paid off.
(b) All old bonds paid in full (debt paid off).
(c) New bonds for new projects, eg: public facilities such as jails, schools, et al.
Taxpayer amount on tax bill:
MAXImum tax rate (0.01 – 5%) x taxpayers to pay tax (EAV factor) = amount taxing body requests on an annual basis
(a) Tax rate (0.01 to 5%) x taxpayers (property owners in the case of PBC bonds) = annual bond payment (amount that the taxing body requested in any given year.)
(b) 0.01 to 5% X $0.00 due = $0.00 on tax bill
(c) 0.01 to 5% x taxpayers = annual bond payment for new projects bonded.
So, the MAXIMUM tax rate has not changed for any of the above scenarios — the amount the taxpayer pays is within a range of 0.01-5% to levy (then collect) whatever $ amount is needed to make the annual bond payments.
If all the bonds are paid in full, then the tax rate is still at 0.01 to 5%, except that the taxpayers pay $0.00. Hence, taxpayer’s tax bill decreases for that particular levy because there is no bond payment due.
If this analysis is incorrect, then please set the record straight.
The ones leading change in the district really should read the research on the steps of innovative change. 150 is not following those steps. Could it be because they don’t bring in young innovative consultants? Instead they bring back the retired folks with the same old ideas and ways of doing things.
The district meeting with the Chamber prior to meeting with employees, parents, and the community is just wrong.
Good comment serenity.
Yes, we need NEW ideas and ways of doing things.
If it has been broke for years, quite trying to first of all act like it isn’t broke then try to fix it yourself but not tell anyone about it being broke—->JUST bring in the plumber at the beginning and make everything else shine around it!
Well I am excellent at smarta** remarks and I thank you for that compliment. Yes, I have a simple plan that will work for District 150. Close Woodruff and Peoria High, open Peoria High as a 10 through 12 school and restructure Woodruff as a k through 9 school. Close Kingman too. Save millions because of budget restraints. Yep, pretty much what the school board and administration wants to do. But, some people wouldn’t be happy if you hung them with a new rope.
Plan B: You all donate 1 million dollars to the school board, the ones that do all the dragging of our district through the mud, like you, ImaSwede, (talk about hateful) and problem solved. Talk about attacking posters for their comments. If you don’t like mine then ignore them, most people do, but otherwise you are just as bad as the problem.
Wow, I just happen to think the school board is trying to do the right thing, some people don’t but I don’t call you a smarta** swede, do I? Of course 90% of Peorians don’t even read blogs so opinions on blogs are just that, opinions, not majority reasoning. Just because 8 commenters agree on something, doesn’t mean the whole town does. I’ll bet their are a lot of people that think the distrcit closing a high school is the right thing to do, they just don’t comment on blogs.
I guess it is much better to show Peoria as a whole that we are divided over who should be running the district. Marches, protests in front of TV cameras, screaming at board members during meetings, etc etc. Yep this all helps the problem and you Swede are worried about my comments? If I sunk to your level of hate (and you must hate me) then I would call you an idiot, but I won’t. Have a nice day! 🙂
LMAO! Interesting you think I have been to one board meeting and have protested anything outside of this blog. You are now making things up, Uncle Em! You do not mention getting rid of any administration in your plan, nor do you mention getting rid of any consultants, so am I to gather that you believe they should all stay? Maybe they should add even more upper management to take care of even less students. I have not seen anyone offer up how much the district has spent on consulting fees in the last 5 years. Maybe Mr. Stowell would like to give us that information. Although, I have asked I haven’t seen him post it. Is it a secret? I know he reads the blogs and responds to some, but this question has not been answered.
Do I think Dist. 150 needs to close a school or two? I think they probably do, in fact, I stated that on your blog also. However, it is my understanding this announcement was made without any conversation with either principal, and yet communication is one of the values Dist. 150 touts on their homepage. I find it disrespectful and that can only breed distrust.
The Dist 150 Board and Administration have been arrogant and not respected their own values. If anyone is to blame for the problems of this district it is them, not parents who are fighting for their children’s education.
If this school board and administration had acted in a more responsible way the last couple of years, I think I would probably be more inclined to be supportive of this decision. But, what I have seen is a dictatorship, without much thought given to consequences. I have seen decisions made, such as changing of the guard at Manual and taking teachers out of that school that truly had a relationship with many of those students, that have not been nearly as successful as they were touted. You may find that hateful, but I find it simply ignorant on the decision maker’s part. I also do not trust a board that overrides a teacher’s grading decision. I think that hurt the relationship between teachers and the board. Plus, I believe that the chaos of shorter school days did more damage to the district than almost anything else they have done. I still have not seen any evidence that shorter school days is beneficial to anyone, especially children. If what Hinton said was true, that common planning time was key, then schools such as Loucks would have been thriving and they weren’t.
What I am seeing is that the district is in deep trouble and the powers that be are simply closing schools to deal with the problem. They have gotten rid of some excellent teachers and principals already, yet keep useless consultants. Do I believe Hinton keeps these consultants because he doesn’t have a clue what to do with this school district? Yes! When questioned at the last board meeting about consultants by one of the board members, if looks could kill, that board member would be dead. Was I there? No, but I have television, Uncle Em.
Do I hate you? tsk tsk, Em…. I just think you like spewing your hateful comments for shock value. I think you are one of those people who feels better about themselves by trying to make others look bad. You also have no qualms about attacking Diane Vespa nor her profession publicly. You made the disagreements between the two of you personal, and shame on you. Her profession has absolutely nothing to do with her views about Dist 150 and her children’s education, but you can’t stop yourself from making snide remarks. If it weren’t for Diane, I think shorter schools days would be in order. Hinton backed down thanks to Diane’s hard work.
serenity – We have had on-going quarterly meetings with the Chamber for some time.
The question of consultant or contract employees has been asked of admin. Many of these type of people are specifically grant funded. Somone once suggested “when the grant goes away, the people want to stay”.
Exactly what is a “ImaSwede”? I guess you didn’t read what I posted as I never said anything about your attendance anywhere. Maybe you better re-read it again as your comment is out of left field. I’m sure you have a TV and or go to board meetings. Whopdedo! You asked what I thought should be done and I posted what I thought. How hard is that? Apparently you can read minds because from a TV set you can tell when a person “Has looks that kill”.
Exactly what “excellent principle and or teachers” has this District gotten rid of? You say the Board and Administration hasn’t respected their values and have been arrogant? How so? Have you seen or heard Terry Knapp address the board?
It is obvious you don’t like the Board or anything District 150 other than to bitch. OK go for it but if you think 150 did anything because of Vespa, well, then you are delusional. Guess what Swede? 2 things. 1) I am NOT your Uncle and if you feel you must address me by name, then Randy is it. What’s yours? Ima? 2) You don’t know everything either.
Yes the District is in deep trouble but it’s not all their fault. Remember Schock and Royster? The District is in money trouble because of lack of funds, decisions by our city council (read TIFs) of the years, the State of Illinois who has cut budgets, land locked, decreasing property values and declining enrollments. In it’s heyday, this District barely could contain the students in 4 high schools, now what? They can’t hardly fill 3 so we should keep one anyway for memories? It goes deeper and believe it or not, I know more from some inside sources than you may think. Their will be a new plan for the future of high schools coming out in a few eeks, Hinton’s days are numbered, sooner than many think, (So you guys won’t get to burn him in effigy this spring) and a few other noteworthy announcements. Diane had nothing to do with any of them too. Don’t take my word, just watch and see.
As for my comments about hate, they are not for shock value. Who’s shock value would they be for? Dennis? CJ? Vespa? Who? I know your stance on this issue and my stance on this issue is this plain and simple: I am going with the Board and Administration on their decisions. I am not protesting nor will I speak to them against it. They are the school board and the Administration and they (sans the Board) are paid to administer the schools. You don’t have to like my stance, but that is it. I thought I made it clear before even with the “everyone donate a $ million bucks” remark. Geez.
Jim, what does “when the grant goes away, the people want to stay” mean exactly? I still say having these “consultants” is outrageous. The “grant money” could be used in some other way(s). At the last board meeting is was very clear Ken Hinton did not want this matter discussed. Very clear.
The District must be hard up for cash if the best they can do for a spokesman is Randall Emert. Keep talking, Randall. You make the case for the parents look so much better!
CL
If Ken Hinton resigned, he may be able to leave the district with a degree of respectability. I just hope that Cahill is right behind him, if not in front. If some of the scuttlebut that I hear is true, he (Cahill) may want to leave under cover of darkness.
Let’s keep the conversation civil, everyone. If people see commenters getting personally attacked on this blog because they posit a different opinion, then no one is going to want to comment. Attack the issues as vociferously as you want, but don’t attack the person. I have deleted one comment that crossed that line.
If this policy is unclear, please read the Terms of Use, and if there are any questions/concerns, feel free to write me directly at my e-mail address.
Thanks.
yea, the way these postings are going I don’t even want to comment anymore. You don’t dare voice your opinion.
People are just nasty and show no respect.
I believe they meant that, often times, those who administer or oversee a specific grant want to remain employed after the grant funding stops.
Jim, please know I believe the returning “consultants” are good people, however, the grant money could go to pay for something else, or “new” innovative consultants with some new ideas. The district is know for saying “that’s not how we do things”.
Why is there a job posting for a financial person?
Serenity:
The ones leading change in the district really should read the research on the steps of innovative change.
Steps of innovative change sounds fresh and exciting — a concept we need in Peoria to promote communication and cooperation. Do you have any specific links to sites which would help us all to be understand this concept? Thanks.
Jim:
Jack Fought, who owned the Community Word, wrote more than ten years ago in his publication, “Trust is earned, not given.” The communication problems we face in our community are daunting. Announcing ideas in the press rather than holding forums about what the serious issues are prior to a decision is alarming and antagonistic.
Each decision seems laced with the ‘we know best’ attitude. Citizens look around and can clearly see that there is something drastically wrong with the solutions which have been approved over the years. If the citizens are brought on board and included in the process, there is shared community responsibility when other options are pursued as serenity has suggested above.
It is difficult for citizens to come forth for a variety of reasons — fear of retribution/reprisal, public speaking, being upset and then not being able to speak calmly because these same citizens have been so disrepected by those in charge — that their opinions and input really do not matter. Unfortunately, people who do come forward are labeled doom and gloom, the vocal minority, anti-progresive, or whatever label those in charge what to give a person or group to discourage them from participation in a representative democracy.
Why are those is charge so afraid of …
inclusive public participation?
messy public debate?
communicating accurate and truthful information to citizens not via the press?
any public dissent?
the usually many 800 pound gorilla questions that remain unanswered?
Life is not all rosey and sweet — there is opposition in all things.
Taxpayers are tired of the shopworn attitude that administrators, CEOs, elected officials, bureaucrats have all the answers. Taxpayers are tired of being told ‘we know best’ and just open your wallet for the next tax increase, property or sales tax to come around the corner for the next silver bullet project to save Peoria and the surrounding community.
If you haven’t noticed, people are getting fed up. Because people are not allowed to participate, they are more frequently pursuing other options — moving out of Peoria, enrolling their children in other educational options and so on.
Did my tax rate example make sense to you above?
Jim: You have a tremendous opportunity to be an agent of change for the District by advocating that there is real public inclusion and answering the quesions posed in a respectful manner. Ignoring the gorilla, only makes the gorilla mad and then the gorilla goes and gets other gorillas. Please think about it.
One more thought to add to Karrie’s recent post: Maybe the board members (with or without administrators) have intensive discussions at meetings other than at the regularly scheduled board meetings. However, the public doesn’t get in on those discussions, so the board comes off as a cohesive group that more or less rubber stamps all administrative decisions. The board that preceded this board became very contentious because they were divided about issues concerning Dr. Royster. I think this board has prided themselves on “getting along” and board members are a bit afraid to rock the boat. The document that shows the pros and cons of the present proposal to close a high school must have been produced as a result of a discussion. The public needs to hear those more candid discussions (and I do know that time is a factor). It is at that point that public input should be allowed in that I think that document has omitted many of the disadvantages (and maybe some advantages) of the present plan–and the board needs teacher and public input to help them sort out these major issues. At least, I am finding that at the recent meetings held at Godfather’s very thoughtful teachers, parents, taxpayers, etc., are coming up with some considerations that aren’t on the pro-con document produced by the administration and/or board. The board is, of course, not obligated to consult the public, but I would think that they would prefer to consider all points of view before making decisions that will affect District 150 for a long time to come.
Once again I applaud Jim for participating in these discussions on this site. At least, we get the chance to find out how one board member is thinking. However, I am convinced that many teachers, board members, administrators, and the public read this blog, but do not write. Last night at Godfather’s three teachers came up to tell me that they regularly read our conversations. In fact, C.J. got a good deal of applause when he was introduced as the man behind the Peoria Chronicle–so I think this blog is having an impact.