Back in April when the District 150 Board of Education decided to discontinue live broadcasts of the board meetings, they presented it as a cost-saving measure. I had this to say:
In other words, this move has little to do with cost savings. It’s simply a further manifestation of the district’s desire to minimize, if not eliminate, public input and public access to the school board meetings.
Last night, board members admitted that was indeed the case. From Peoria Story:
Board members acknowledged that the reason they stopped the broadcasts was not, as was initially reported, to save money, but because they objected to negative comments from the public during the public comment portion of the meeting. “It (the money) was never my reason,” Jim Stowell said. “Nor mine,” board president Debbie Wolfmeyer said.
And the Journal Star adds these quotes:
“. . . The board has tried, but I think the board has the responsibility to try to shape the message they want to convey to the public. . . . I’ve heard the same four people at 70 percent of those meetings. . . . and I doubt that very few of them, if any, have any children in the district.” . . .
“I was in favor of taking the broadcast off until we could do something about how to answer people or how to tell our own story – we don’t answer people or questions or rebut anything, so all the public really hear is what other people are saying,” board member Martha Ross said, wanting to revisit the idea because community members have asked her to do so. “It’s their only connection to what’s going on at the school district.”
I would submit that these board members don’t quite understand the concept of petitioning the government for redress of grievances. They think they should get to take our money and feed us back a message they “shape” and “want to convey to the public.” All dissenting opinions should be censored or effectively hidden from the public.
Decision to close Irving before the board realized they didn’t have any place to put the students–therefore, having to change their minds.
Rearranging incompetent administrators thereby keeping them on the gushing red ink payroll.
Timeout–I guess that no supporters of 150 decisions do much blogging??? I wonder if any of the items listed so far would be considered as good decisions by the public. Also, please remember that the controversy resulting in Wacky Wednesday (instead of 45 minutes loss every day) marked the birth of the District Watch group. Also, prior to that time two years ago all the speakers (the four, at least)that Jim singled out (except for Sammy) didn’t even attend board meetings. For sure, Terry had given up all things District 150, Karen and I had never attended board meetings. I still haven’t figured out who Jim’s #4 speaker is.
Quite a list! Jim- and to think you are concerned about the constant critics hurting the image of the district. Looks like you don’t need any help in that area. All of the situations listed above happened on your watch didn’t they? To quote the authors of the PJS article “Ultimately, democracy is messy in the best of circumstances. If you have no patience for that you shouldn’t run for office”. Something for you to think about!
How about the iPod give away until she was caught?
Hey those were to test the network. haha
Hiring an incompentent director of special education. One who had fits of rage, crying and pulling her hair out, Mary O’Brian is her name.
The more recent one: The BOE was going to shut down Adult Ed because they somehow had received incorrect information as to how much District 150 pays and how much the state pays. I believe that Jehan Gordon stepped into provide correct information (could be wrong about her role). Now that the BOE has found out that 150 pays relatively little, they probably will fund Adult Ed. At the last meeting, Dr. Lathan said it will be taken care of, but there are some problems that have to be worked out (I think that may be about Hedy’s classes at Taft and Harrison that were approved by Durflinger and cancelled by Lathan). Again, this speaks to my biggest fear about the district right now–there is no one on Wisconsin Avenue (including the comptroller) that has any extensive knowledge of 150 history. project.
How many THOUSANDS of dollars did the district spend for the owner of this business: http://www.skillsprout.com/skillsprout_about who is also an employee of Dist. 150, on travel so she could attend trainings? The trainings she went to helped her in building her business! There is a lot more funny things about this situation. Like another associate being allowed to work from home. Hmmmm, lots of Webinars headed up by a speech pathologist that was able to work from home. Very interesting. WAKE UP DISTRICT 150 BOARD!
No, not all of those on your “list” issues happened on my watch, and most I didn’t support. Call me and let’s discuss. Hopefully you at least feel better about yourself. This exercise of yours (nice to see you climb aboard the bash wagon, too – Sharon) helps how? I suppose readers think I should grant you public airtime to recite this live on camera. I disagree. You can come and address the board and I will listen, but I fail to see the benefit in broadcasting rants such as yours. I like the idea of dialog and I like what Emerge suggests. Hopefully speakers can informally adopt them going forward and we can restore it live. I’ve stated my reasoning and I stand by them, but would reconsider if civility and constructive comments are the order of the day. I find humor in Sharon suggesting we should have “plants” show up for feel good messages. Imagine if we did that without saying and the “watchers” found out. Praise all around, I’m sure. We have a completely new leadership team beginning to work. That is who I will support and for whom I take responsibility over setting accountable goals and higher expectations.
Jim, You must have taken a diatribe class from Hinton. Talk, talk, talk, but say NOTHING comprehensible. I know it makes you feel better to “belittle” others, that is a trait of people with low self-esteem, but really, you are an elected official and quite frankly,if you can’t take the heat……you know the rest.
“We have a completely new leadership team beginning to work. That is who I will support and for whom I take responsibility over setting accountable goals and higher expectations.”
Read this over and over until it makes sense or you get bored. The first part is clear but the final clause is pure gibberish… right? Raahhhrreebeettt!
YOU hired them. Your job is not to support them. Your job is to ride them like a wild pony until they are broken and do what YOUR bosses (the taxpayers) want them to do. WORKFORCE EDUCATION is not what the people want or need.
“Cut it out or I will hold my breath until I die.”
Did anyone else notice the preponderance of “I’s” and “we’s” in Jim’s post above? Therein lies the problem.
Thanks Jim.
Jim, I don’t feel particularly good about not coming to your defense on a few of these issues. I was going to do so, but my memory wasn’t working too well as to which issues you might have voted against, etc. Also, all of these issues became issues (except the Glen Oak properties) while I have been coming to board meetings, so I am trying to figure which ones you think occurred before your tenure. Maybe you weren’t there for Hinton’s hiring, right? On the other side of that coin, I don’t recall your srongly opposing too many of his proposals. You do need to defend yourself. I will defend you when you are wrongly accused. Frankly, I didn’t consider this list to be directed at you–that’s not the bandwagon I was on. However, you are the one who said that we speakers were shaping 150’s reputation. We were just pointing to the things that the district (maybe not always with your consent) has done to create its own bad reputation. I am sorry, but Monday night just wasn’t one of those times that I felt like defending you. I truly believe that the sentiments you expressed were very unfortunate to say the least. I would love it if you could learn to be a bit more gracious–for your own sake, not for mine. Please indicate which of my comments above could be considered a “rant”?
Sharon – you need not point them out for my benefit, or most members of the board probably. We are well aware of these issues and many more. That is why we chose to get involved and serve. Most forget that the Board only votes on what admin brings forward. Many of the things on the lists were past admin decisions that didn’t even come to the board for a vote. Most all of that “leadership” is gone. You want to label my tenure, label it with that. We employ one person directly. Since “we” hired her, I hope “we” will support her. I have yet to have a discusion with anyone who hasn’t been very favorably impressed with the cultural transformation that is taking place. Greater expectations, greater accountability. The “rant” is much of this thread from the anonymous self-rightious and others. The heat doesn’t bother me, it’s just a few bad apples spoiling it for the entire orchard. You have at least been kind enough to say you will give Dr. Lathan a chance. Some on here are bitter idiots casting stones. If they don’t like my tone or responses, tough. I was elected and I’m staying. By the way – not one phone call.
“The heat doesn’t bother me, it’s just a few bad apples spoiling it for the entire orchard. You have at least been kind enough to say you will give Dr. Lathan a chance. Some on here are bitter idiots casting stones. If they don’t like my tone or responses, tough. I was elected and I’m staying. By the way – not one phone call.”
With your type of rhetoric, I can’t imagine why NO ONE has called you. You need to get off your EGO trip my man.
Jim:
Please know that many appreciate your service and look forward to the new administration. Most who do simply choose not to engage with the magpies here in the Teacher’s Lounge.
“the Board only votes on what admin brings forward.”
Another problem with the system… it is your job to supervise them, not do their bidding… I can remember one board member’s statement that she didn’t know anything about education, she deferred to the experts on Wisconsin Ave.
“Please know that many appreciate your service and look forward to the new administration. Most who do simply choose not to engage with the magpies here in the Teacher’s Lounge.”
Hear, hear. Let’s be positive about the new administration. Bitching and moaning isn’t going to get things done.
I agree with 150 observer. I hear great things about the “culture” changing for the good. I understand hard feelings about the past, many “good” people got burnt and no one would help them,not even the board. I hope the board has learned some lessons about all of that and will not repeat the same mistakes and maybe even will make some amends. Jim at least communicates with people and seeks to understand.
I for one, want people to know the truth about what all went on under Hinton’s leadership and under the leaders he brought in. I do not want the board to ever allow such unethical behavior AGAIN.
When will things start to get better? If you will all go to the PJS and read about the ever-increasing cost of remodeling Peoria High:
“A nearly $3.9 million renovation project is under way at Peoria High, and on-schedule, to add classrooms out of existing space and increase security and parking ahead of enrollment that will about double this fall.
But already additional costs are lining up as construction crews run into unforeseen problems. About $20,000 worth of additional costs were approved Thursday, including addressing a covered-over skylight; building around three pipes discovered in a wall being torn out; and placing new doors at the back of the auditorium, also to meet code. And more additional work is on the way – nine cisterns and two old foundations from a house were found during groundwork for a parking lot addition.
With initial cost estimates of the Lincoln addition ranging between $14 million and $17 million, and costs of the initial Phase One of Peoria High work growing, that leaves less for Phase Two at the high school.”
So evidently there won’t be enough money for new bathrooms (the second Phase). All of us (the whiners and complainers) predicted unforeseen expensive problems
in a rennovation project that wasn’t well-thought out from the beginning. As I recall when I first spoke at a board meeting with FOIAd info that gave me an idea how many classrooms would be needed, I was told that there was plenty of room. A few weeks later talk began of eking out 17 new classrooms.
I say fix up PHS (but not extensively as originallly planned) and re-open Woodruff–it isn’t too late.
Jim, a question about one thing that you said–You stated that the board can only vote on what the administration gives them. Can’t the board vote “No” and send the administration back to the drawing board? I truly thought that the board was the “boss,” not vice versa. Ultimately, isn’t it the board that makes the final decisions? Maybe you would be better off (would have been better off) if you had spoken out against Hinton’s decisions. If you disagreed with what he was doing, was there anything stopping you from saying so and letting the public know where you stood? I would love to see you and other board members take strong stands–even disagreeing with each other. Conflict isn’t all bad–it forces people to clarify their stands, etc.
“Bitching and moaning isn’t going to get things done.”
Neither is blindly accepting the highly paid administrations’ promises. How’s that worked out for us so far?
Which items on the list, Jim, did you not participate in?
Charlie, you just made my point. Thanks.
Wow. Does that type of dishonesty ever piss a voter off.
“Charlie, you just made my point. Thanks.”
Ahhh THAT’S the plan! Now I get it. Nothing is supposed to get done. Just waste $11k per student on failed programs and failed teachers and failed curriculum and failed systems while padding your resumes…
NOW I understand the education system.
You guys do not get the school board. They get elected for 6 year terms. Jim was almost certainly a one termer from the start. His daughter will be graduated when his term is up and he is probably not running for reelection and so he does not care what the voters think. He is doing the job the way he sees best. He is doing his best as he sees it. He will listen to you as long as you call him. Laura seems to want to be reelected because her child is still real young. Please fellow citizens, do understand that the board positions are unpaid which is kinda the same as volunteer.
Most likely, Jim would never get re-elected. I adamently disagree that he did the job the best he could. I believe he was not much more than a “puppet” for Hinton, et. al. Case in point:
TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT – Moved by Stowell, seconded by Parker that the Principal’s Employment Contract of xxxxx dated July 1, 2008, be terminated, without cause, pursuant to paragraph number 19 of the Contract, effective June 30, 2009.
PS. It’s a 5 year term for the school board
Based upon how school board members are treated, I question why any of them would want to work more than one term.
150 Observer: I don’t see school board members being “treated badly” in any other districts in the area.In fact, rarely do you see much more than a “blurb” about area school districts in the media. Perhaps it is because of poor decision making by some members that put them in the “spot light”.
The district and board has a lot of problems and it seems like choosing a fight on not broadcasting should not be one of the problems. Certainly the board can be their own worst enemy on this issue.
As far as the speakers go it seems like the speakers that talk every meeting make their voices less effective.
How the District 150 School board members get “treated” pales in comparison to how they treated Julie McArdle. Not that I agree that school Board members are treated badly. They are judged on the decisions they make and the actions they take, or don’t take, and based on the “list”, they are their own worst enemies.
“Which items on the list, Jim, did you not participate in?”
… and I anxiously await a response from Jim to this question.
And don’t forget the lawsuit filed my employees for discrimination….. how’s that one going?
DW – why don’t you call Jim and find out?
One thing missing from this thread is a solution to the broadcasting of the BOE meetings. I understand and respect that allowing an indefinite number of speakers for an indefinite amount of time takes away from “business of the district” so why not limit comments to 2 minutes per speaker and the entire comment section to 30 minutes. This allows folks to comment on their issues without taking the entire evening.
Also, I do not believe responses should be given during the open comment section of the BOE meeting. I do believe that each commenter asking a question deserves an answer from the administration in a timely manner. I do not see anything wrong with any BOE member asking the appropriate administrator to respond to a commenter via e-mail or phone.
Jim, would you be more willing to broadcast the entire meeting live with these kind of rules in place?
List.solution, Two minutes is no time at all–not time enough to make a valid point. However, if you were thinking that the speakers should just get up to say “We support your decision” or “We don’t support your decision”–which is all that can be done in 2 minutes–then maybe the BOE should set up a phone line where people can cast the “votes” pro and con.
Plus, don’t you have to submit a card with your questions on it now? They get that ahead of time and it has to be approved, does it not? So, then answer the questions! Publicly!
Monical’s at Knoxville and Lake Sunday, July 25 at 6 p.m.–District Watch Meeting–all are invited.
No Sharon, believe it or not 2 minutes is a lot of time to state your position and request the situation be more fully investigated. Start looking at other school districts, some have these types of rules in place. It works! Also, by giving your name, address and phone number a BOE member or administrator can contact the commenter for clarification or further discussion.
I am not arguing with you Sharon, I just would like to see solutions. If my idea doesn’t work, at least they can say we tried and then move on to something else. Ending live coverage because the BOE doesn’t like the way it currently is, is not a solution!
DW – why don’t you call Jim and find out?
Jon – It’s a blog discussion of which he is participating in. Why go off-list? It’s a good bet I’m not the only one interested in his answer. If his past positions are in fact being misrepresented it would be to his advantage to correct the record publicly. No one has it in for Jim. Sometimes I even find him endearing. We simply expect accountability from Board Members for their actions. Is that so wrong?
To List.Solution – When seven citizen elected individuals control a $160 million dollar budget and the educational future of Peoria’s children, five minutes per speaker is not too much to ask for. It’s not like they are deciding where to order pizza and what movie to see.
List.Solution–There is nothing wrong with the current system. Most of the time no more than five or six people speak. The board already eliminated the practice of allowing speakers to speak twice–that’s working out. The only times when the numbers have increased are the times when major votes (like the closing of Woodruff) are on the agenda. No board member would be complaining if all the comments were positive compliments about the great job they are doing. That is the whole problem. Also, Jim does exaggerate the number of negative personal comments–I believe that if would look over the scripts of our speeches, there are very few such comments. Martha has said she is in favor of returning the TV coverage if speakers wouldn’t say negative things about students. If speakers wouldn’t stand up to talk about serious discipline problems (and other problems) in the schools, the board would never take the time to investigate. Board members simply do not go out in search of the negatives. Boards that have continually ignored these problems have created an environment that has caused District 150 to lose more and more students to private schools and to surrounding communities. The board simply does better when they know their are people watching and giving the public the other side on many issues.
DW – you call Jim directly because that is what he asked people to do with questions (or, come to the board meetings and ask him directly) – one doesn’t have to answer every question on a blog to be accountable. You ever wonder why more board members don’t participate in the blogs? Jim participates – and I appreciate that – I take it as a bonus. I respect his request to talk to him directly, and I have exercised that opportunity.
If you really want an answer – call him. If you don’t call him, my guess is you already had your mind made up and/or didn’t care to hear his answer.
It would be a full time job to “correct the record publicly” to respond to every misstatement on a blog.
Jon: it has been my experience that when talking with Jim directly, he gets selective memory when you call him on it publicly. I would rather see his “transparency” right here. If he wants his constituents to talk with him, here is his chance; for all the world to see.
I couldn’t let this error go 🙂 –tried to get into correct it, but the correction system isn’t working for me: The board simply does better when they know THERE are people watching and giving the public the other side on many issues.
I’m all for constructive dialogue. Can you enlighten us as to what ‘past practices’ Dr. Lathan is working on correcting? The only change I’ve noticed is that one school’s website was selectively cleaned up on the same day that Valda was said to have been ‘sent home’ but that could have been a coincidence. Umm, speaking of coincidences, teachers–do you investigate cancelled/postponed interviews?
Perhaps the BOE should follow the City Council’s policy of a public comments.
No public comments take place before discussion of business takes place.
If an important action issue comes up, a council person sometimes requests
the floor to be open for folks to comment in favor or against that issue,
before the vote. Even then, time for the floor to be open is limited.
After all new business is finished, then the public can comment on anything, positive or negative…and I believe the council members do respond to those comments, or refer the person to a department head.
I also know from past history, that if a council meeting is not televised for whatever reason, City Hall gets deluged with calls the next day. So people ARE watching.