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.
Dennis in Peoria–the after the meeting comments have been tried in 150. The time at the beginning of the meeting was for agenda items. The time at the end was for anything issue. Changing the one comment time to the end would not be a good idea because I believe that the public should have the right to speak before a vote–and not to let it to the discretion of the board as to when the item is appropriate. Also, I believe there are some Illinoi rules about public comment opportunities to speak that apply to school boards but not to city councils–I could be wrong but…
I feel for the board members after reading through over what, 150 comments. Funny how I have never seen anyone here get off their ass and run for a board spot. These people aren’t paid, they just care about the schools and yet almost everyone of you see a black helicopter parked out back. This has to be the toughest job in Peoria with all the armchair quarterbacks here on the blogs. The schools are in session on school days, the kids are fed, so what we have a group that calls Wednesday Wacky? I call some of these watch groups wacky so what? Really, you couldn’t please some people here if you hung them with a new rope. Bitch bitch and bitch. Yes District 150 uses taxpayer money, yes it is a public school. Yes the District is land locked and because of some of the great civic leaders down on Fulton Street and their TIFs, the District is cash strapped. This District does get the job done despite the demographic it has to work with, despite the only parent involvement most of the time is a group who picks apart every single decision the Board makes. My kids got a great education from this District and went on to college and are successful as are a lot of other students. The District provides safe new buses, trying to modernize it’s buildings which most aren’t even air conditioned and some still heated by coal. Christ, you all here even argue about a new school then argue where it should be then argue about how the Board didn’t call your ass up and ask you where. That is part of why we elect a Board, to make those decisions. Parents have been disagreeing with the School Board since Thomas Jefferson was President and that’s fine but this constant bashing of Board members is unbelievable. If I was on the Board, and read the crap on these blogs, I’d tell ya not to bother to call me. It’s easy to be a know it all from behind a keyboard with a Google search. Sharon, I am surprised by you most of all. I wonder how many kids slept through your class and still passed? Hurts doesn’t it? When the next elections come about, I expect to see some of you signing up for these seats and running. No one bothered to run against Ross. Nobody at the District is secretly getting rich or breaking laws to gain some momentary prize. This is a PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT suffering the same problems many districts across the country are suffering through. I don’t expect people to throw money at the schools. I do expect people of the community to come together and come up with viable ideas on how to improve the District instead of tearing down the last hope of opportunity this town has. Ah hell, it’s easier to pick apart every aspect of everything this District does or doesn’t do. This subject has been rehashed over and over here and on other blogs. I for one, will not be a part of the tearing down of a part of our community and I am sure in 100 years, no one will be around to wonder what the problems everyone here bitches about was about. In other words, there is too much hate here to get anything done.
P.S> I could care less if the meetings aren’t on TV or not. They were never on TV until cable access anyway. I also could care about public comments. One can still do it but some that do are vindictive and one rambles without any thought what so ever.
I loved that cereal when I was a kid.
Emtronics, District 150 successes are all do to its teachers–and I have never once put them down. They are the ones who have to make everything work. Yes, there are bad teachers; yes, some kids probably slept through my classes and some of them probably passed–some kids learn in their sleep. 🙂 I went for 25 years without ever complaining or joining the teachers’ union–I believe I even criticized teachers who complained. Then things started to go down hill. Maybe it was my perception, but I don’t think so. However, one thing is for sure. None of my complaints are personal gripes about any unfair treatment that I received, etc. I managed to finish my career still loving what I did and loving the students I was teaching. My students and their parents treated me very well–still do. Admittedly, toward the end, some behaviors worsened considerably and the administration’s response encouraged more of the same.
Sharon Crews said: Emtronics, District 150 successes are all do {sic} to its teachers
I think to not give credit to anybody other than teachers is selfish and just plain wrong.
150 Observor–sorry, there are administrators, etc., to whom I should give credit. Yes, it is wrong not to do so. I should have phrased it to state that those who should get the credit are those who come into direct contact with students each day. Some administrators certainly do that. Others rarely come out of their offices. Emtronics, please explain why you would criticize District 150 complainers when you devote your blog to doing much the same–just not so much about District 150. 🙂 I fault board members for one major shortcoming. They write policies about discipline, attendance, etc., but seldom investigate to find out if their policies are being followed. Emtronics and or 150 Observor, of the list of complaints posted on this site, which of those decisions did you regard as good for the district and its students? and why?
Yes, 150 observor–I should be more careful–that would be due, not do.
Sharon Crews wrote: Yes, 150 observor {sic} –I should be more careful–that would be due, not do.
Thanks for your clarification. I do disagree that you can paint every single administrator that doesn’t have contact with students with the same broad brush. I think such generalizations about any group of people are dangerous.
All I am saying is that there is an awful lot of district bashing going on. I’m not saying for a minute this district is full of saints, it’s not. Yes, like any district anywhere, we have excellent teachers and lo and behold even some top administrators. It is obvious that some decisions made by this district have chapped some asses. That happens in every district. I don’t hear anywhere about the problems in Dunlap, or Pekin High (District) or Washington like I do Peoria’s. To me, it seems that tearing down district 150 has become a sport on some blogs. I respect the rights of any commenter to make an opinion, using a fake screen name sometimes cheapens that opinion but none the less OK. Everyone posting seems to have no problem pointing out what the Board or the Administration did wrong last week. It seems no one can point out what they have done right. You can’t tell me there isn’t something being done right.
Yes I blog on my site about what I conceive the idiots in our local government are doing and not doing but if you read my site, I tend to stick up for District 150 more than anything and I have taken heat for it. I can see nothing good coming out of the 24/7 bashing of this district and if you tell people something over and over they believe it whether true or not. (Witness Obama’s birth certificate)
I only posted here because I am amazed at the over 150 comments mostly slamming this district. I profess to say I don’t have answers to our schools problems or where the magic button is to push but I haven’t seen any problem solvers here either. It’s fire them, hang them, kick them out, or charge them (with a crime).
Sharon you know as well as I do, good news isn’t news and this district does get the job it is designed to do done. Maybe not to everyone’s liking but there are many successes, where young people do get a qaulity education at Manual, at Central or wherever. Ah hell, no one wants to hear about that, right?
Now people are up in arms over a cable access TV broadcast. Never had it until the late 70s and even then wasn’t until the late 80s before it became regular and people having to fill out a card to speak to the Board. Yes some egos on the Board don’t want to hear us average citizens have our say. Tough! We still have our say, I’d just wish if you speak, write out an outline of your thoughts and get your point across in the 5 minutes. That ine guy who thinks he must speak at every single meeting is a nice and caring guy I’m sure but his rambling speaking would drive Gandhi nuts.
are yummy too. Sometimes its hard to decide.
Emtronics – well said.
It’s kind of funny how Emtronics complains about Sammys endless rambling. It takes one to know one. 🙂
Unfortunately, the massive amount of griping, moaning, complaining, etc doesn’t make things better, just encourages a never-ending negative attitude. Shame.
is what 150 observer and Emtronics is really trying to say. Please refer back to “list”. So long as the Disrict 150 Board makes horrendous decisions that affect the wellbeing of our kids, we’ll continue to moan and complain. Deal with it.
EXACTLY!
EmergePeoria
“we’ll continue to moan and complain. ”
I expected no less from you. Or I guess I should say I expected no more from you.
While we may well be complaining to deaf ears, we will continue because people’s lives, reputations, income, and careers have been ruined because the BoE does not ever seem to have all the facts when they make decisions. Thus, the never ending list of litigation against D150 BoE. Shame on THEM.
Those who support District 150 decisions (any of them) have had the perfect chance here to mention specific good things that District 150 has done (as we mentioned the specific opposites). Also, they have had the perfect chance to refute the not-so-good things that the rest of us have mentioned. I hear all of you complaining about our complaints, but you don’t seem to have any positives. You can’t fault us for the criticisms if you cannot refute what we are saying. I don’t believe that even Jim has said anything to refute our complaints. In fact, he seemed to be saying that things weren’t good during the last administration but that this one is going to be better. We all hope it will be better–but promises aren’t the same as actions, so we have to wait to see what changes will be made. As I said earlier, Dr. Lathan has to undo (or somehow address) some of the mistakes of the past before she can move the district forward. On another blog, Frustrated mentioned that parents to whom she speaks are happy with Lindbergh and Richwoods. I responded that (because of the experiences of the students in my life) I am extremely happy with Whittier and Richwoods. At the recent committee of the whole meeting, Dr. Lathan herself had a fairly lengthy list of complaints of her own about District 150. High on her list were the poor curricular offerings.
I’m proud to be one of the chronic “bitchers and complainers”. I like what I have been hearing so far out of the Lathan Camp.
Do right by Julie McArdle. Hire her back and restore her professional reputation within the District that she proudly and dutifully served. Only then will many of the District’s detractors feel they are serious about embarking on a new and purer path.
While I believe McArdle should be vindicated and restored to her position, that situation is probably going to remain in the hands of the court, at this point–and I hope for the best outcome. High on my list of changes to District 150 would be a board who not only makes policy but also diligently sees to it that policies are followed. I want academics standards and behavioral standards returned to the District 150 schools where that has not been the case for quite some time. I am currently looking at the Manual data I have compiled from FOIAS with regard to last year’s graduating class. One-third of these seniors were absent from 20 to 49 full days of school, plus (the same students) missed from 9 to 91 individual 90-minute class periods). Some of these were excused and some unexcused absences. Yet 61% of all the grades of the 106 seniors were A’s and B’s. I want a board and administration that sets forth the pros and cons of every decision (within the hearing of the public) before their vote is taken. (And perhaps takes into account the pros and cons they hear from the public). In other words, I want to know that the decision has been thoroughly thought out. For instance, with regard to the closing of Woodruff, all I ever heard from the board was their one and only reason for closing a high school–cost savings. They gave no indication that the negatives were ever given consideration. Most of us are extremely skeptical about the prospects of any financial savings from this horrendous decision.
Dr. Lathan can only take this district upward. Good lord how could she do any worse than what has already been done?
Sharon, I want to read your long posts but it is tough without paragraph breaks. You switch from subject to subject within one long, run-on paragraph. Just hit the enter key, ship a line and start with a new thought.
Thank you in advance.
Emtronics, you too! 🙂
“I want to read your long posts but it is tough without paragraph breaks.”
Would you like pictures with circles and arrows and short description of each just below?
Maybe instead of observing 150, you should sign up for some adult reading classes.
screw you Charlie. You are a flaming asshole.
150 Observer, Emtronics, et. al.: Did it ever occur to you that those who complain on this blog have already tried doing things your way? That they went through the proper channels, talked to board members and administrators, wrote letters and reports, used their real names, etc.? Perhaps it’s just that those methods didn’t work, and their efforts were met with further injury. Julie McArdle didn’t complain on blogs or hide behind a pseudonym when reporting wrongdoing in the district, and now she’s fired. Perhaps some other teachers would like to see positive change without having to martyr themselves in the process.
The frustration being vented here is often the result of being ignored, marginalized, and sometimes victimized by the school district over a long period of time, and you’re just seeing the cumulative effect. Just trying to provide a different perspective.
Thanks CJ
C. J. you are one of the few that understands why some bloggers have seen what happens to people when D150 knows they are complaining.
Thank you, “They would do better”, because I am one of “those” teachers who went through all the proper channels when there were problems at my school and I have literally been black-listed within D150. Doesn’t matter that I am a very good teacher, if they have it out for you, you’re done. Even though I tried to help my fellow teachers, I paid. I now keep to myself.
Just like ‘Just Bob’ I went though what I thought to be the proper channels when I was employed by 150…I quickly learned that if someone doesn’t like you, you don’t stand a chance. I moved on and have found that not all districts are like 150, but it’s not always greener on the other side of the river either.
This is on the D150 BoE meeting agenda for Monday night. When did they start allowing employees to appeal ANYTHING? Won’t this start a precedence?
3. DECISION IN APPEAL CASE NUMBER 07-15-2010-1
Proposed Action: The Board of Education’s decision in Appeal Case Number 07-15-2010-1
I also went through the proper channels, according to D150 policy, and was shocked to learn via FOIA what was being said about me. The person designated to “resolve” concerns spent more time keeping track of whose turn it was to bring the coffee. I hope current mgmt will have more professional relationships with their employees. D150’s policies are fine. Now if we can just get admn to follow them.
I was bullied by a boss, she lied thru her teeth about me. I went to her boss, HR and Hinton. No one did anything about it. NOTHING. Board members also ignored me. I am glad to hear she was escorted out on her last day.
Appeal Case Number 07-15-2010-1, is this about an employee or is it regarding student discipline?
“The frustration being vented here is often the result of being ignored, marginalized, and sometimes victimized…”
– This is the problem with Peoria ‘politics’ in general. I guess not all of us run in cozy little circles.
There’s no way the D150 board will “do right” by McArdle and reinstate her…that would mean actually admitting they made a mistake, and were either duped into or were complicit with some kind of coverup within the D150 Hinton administration as far as Mary Davis’ activities were concerned. They made their bed the moment they terminated her, and now they are going to have to lie in it.
Instead of doing the right thing when they had the chance, you can bet they will be paying out the nose to McArdle, either through settlement or by judgment, but I can’t see any way this goes to trial, because Benassi will humiliate the district in public for all to see, and there’ll be no way for Mr. Stowell to shape that message in any positive way, I can tell you that.
I’m sure they figured at the time that if everyone learned what a corrupt administration Hinton was running, the press would be pretty bad (there’s that “shaping the message” stuff again), but just imagine what it will be when this whole thing gets settled.
I, for one, am hoping McArdle gets a BOATLOAD of money…she deserves both the cash, and a public pat on the back for her work in exposing a criminal within the D150 administrative ranks.
Sadly, her story is proof of the old adage, “A good deed never goes unpunished.” And, from what it sounds like, that is the mantra when it comes to D150 administrators dealing with their staff.
I think the fact that the school district doesn’t do what you want may leave some of you paranoid. The fact that a municipality doesn’t take your advice doesn’t mean anything more than that. It doesn’t mean they are wrong, doesn’t mean you are right, doesn’t mean you are being marginalized, doesn’t mean you are being abused and doesn’t mean you are being victimized. It just means they don’t agree with you. That happens all the time in life.
did Julie M have a “no fault” termination clause like others? When did she go to the Board with her allegations? Before or after administration decided to invoke termination without cause
150 Observer — “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
CJ: Yes I reliaze people tried to follow the proper channels but then coming here to complain? Wasn’t it a great group of people including yourself that wanted and got Petelle voted in? She seems to have calm down her rehtoric and sees a little different side of the District. I have contacted her through proper channels on a problem I have with the District and have found the channels to be quit open and accessible. Explain that.
Actually I have no problem with any commenter posting here, was just trying to say negative equals negative and all this bitching from wacky Wednesdays, to whatever can’t be good for the community. Now if I actually read some thoughts here on ways to step up and solve some problems and shed a positive light, then that would be different. But again, I gave my opinion and I was slammed here again. Of course I know people feel wronged. That wasn’t my point.
As for McArdle, if innocent (what was she charged with?) I hate to say because I have gotten a death threat for saying what I thought, again, from one of the great posters here, but maybe, just maybe, the Board or the Administration or both didn’t like the work she did. Their right to end the contract isn’t it? Oh, she ratted out another employee so she was fired. Ok, fine, that’s her story, never heard the other side except for heresey, but I’ll wait for the court to decide. That’s why people sue.
It would be interesting CJ to hear what your positive remedies are for this District, how you would handle the different funding, and what you would do to right the sinking ship everyone seems to think we are on. Don’t ask me, the problem is way to complex for one person but hey, while you are on your throne and I’m in your throne room, I’ll listen.
C. J. Summers
July 24, 2010 at 2:30 pm
150 Observer — “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
You are kidding, right?
no, no he’s not.
Sit back and grab the popcorn. Emtronics and 150 Observer are going to debate our founding fathers…
It would be interesting CJ to hear what your positive remedies are for this District, how you would handle the different funding, and what you would do to right the sinking ship everyone seems to think we are on.
OMG Emtron, have you been in a coma?
Emtronics: I think there have been lots of positive ideas presented here (perhaps not on this particular post/thread). Some that come to mind: get rid of Edison forthwith, return the grade schools to K-8 configuration, provide accelerated tracks for high-performing students in all schools, (re)establish vocational education classes in all high schools (while maintaining college prep classes), strengthen and enforce strict disciplinary standards, provide an alternative school for expelled students, lengthen the school day/year, sell off unused property, make it a policy not to rehire retired teachers/administrators, and abolish teacher tenure (this was controversial!).
One idea I don’t find particularly compelling is, “just let the district keep doing what it’s been doing because they all mean well and we shouldn’t give them such a hard time.” The test scores and financial disposition of the district would indicate that the district’s track record hasn’t been very good. Change is needed.
“Thinking of moving to and buying a home in Peoria? We have the best school district in town! Come, enjoy!”
Emtronics seemed to have gone through the mirror to the other side…
150 Observer — I was just imagining you as a Tory in the late 1770s, telling colonists that the fact that the King doesn’t take their advice doesn’t mean he is wrong and doesn’t mean they are right. It just means he doesn’t agree with them. Happens all the time! Nothing to start a revolution over. Long live the King!
Ha ha. 🙂
Get rid of Edison? A lot of parents like it. Union hates it.
vocational education? Hm, interesting but how to pay for it?
return the grade schools to K-8 configuration. Isn’t that what Glen Oak and Harrison will be?
strengthen and enforce strict disciplinary standards, provide an alternative school for expelled students, They already have this AS for bad kids and according to Ross the standards are too strict now as she votes no against every single expulsion.
lengthen the school day/year. Really, with these hot summers? Most schools aren’t a/c and if you lenghten the day, wonder how many working parents would moan.
sell off unused property, I agree. Anyone want Blaine Sumner or White?
make it a policy not to rehire retired teachers/administrators. All school disricts tap retirees. Just because many hated Hinton.
just let the district keep doing what it’s been doing because they all mean well and we shouldn’t give them such a hard time. Only because you disagree with them. I agree with most of what the district does. Does that make me bad? Am I alone? I doubt it.