D150 public comments on the web for all to hear

The Peoria School District 150 Board of Education decided last month to discontinue live broadcasts of the school board meetings on public access cable television starting in May. Instead, they are going to show the meeting a week delayed, and they’re going to excise the public comment portion of the meeting — that is, they are going to censor part of the official meeting because they don’t want the public to see it.

However, since the school board meetings are open meetings, recordings can be made by any member of the public. Former Journal Star employee Elaine Hopkins made an audio recording of the public comments and posted it on her blog, Peoria Story. Kudos to her for keeping the public informed while the school board tries to keep the public in the dark. There are still a few kinks to work out; for instance, she’s uploaded the file in WAV format, which is uncompressed and makes for a hefty download. Once she learns to compress it into a reasonably-sized mp3 file, we’ll really be in business.

It’s funny. These comments used to be available only to those who watched the meeting live on Comcast Cable in Peoria. Now they’re available on demand to anyone in the world who wants to hear them. The school board’s attempt to suppress the broadcast of these comments has resulted in even wider distribution! I love irony.

231 thoughts on “D150 public comments on the web for all to hear”

  1. District Watcher I’m not sure a video tape of something like that would warrant a dismissal UNLESS the the person was..shall we say…..WHHHH ITE.

    They lined up that order of candidates in anticipation of a future lawsuit over this hiring. On the surface it looks quite diverse but the end result has already been decided.

    I’ll bet Benassi & Benassi grow tired of taking so much money out the the District’s hands for all of the foolish decisions that they make. Ooops it’s the children and tax payers that are being robbed by District 150’s foolish actions….not the fools that make the decisions.

  2. District Watcher and Lynn, you both must know that I have no objections to calling attention to District 150’s failings–and haven’t been too complimentary that I can remember. At this moment, I have no proof that Dr. Lathan is discriminating black on white, etc. I think we can attack many problems without making them racial issues–that is certainly the last resort for me. Competence and incompetence come in all colors and we can deal with incompetence without ever discussing the race of the person. Exactly how many people has Lathan hired thus far? Also, I think District Watch and other individuals have done plenty to call attention to problems in the district. I am not at all willing to say that we have not had an impact. This is the first time I have heard about complaints about Scales–including all the years I taught at Manual–or he just wasn’t high on our list of complaints. Certainly, I knew that security guards weren’t always where they should be when they were needed–but I, also, know that most of them were very helpful to us–and became very much like colleagues to us. I must be out of the loop–what fans of Lathan’s have confirmed that black on white discrimination is OK? The truth is that so much stuff went on under the radar before blogs and before FOIAs (and before there we so many black people in leadership roles)–we are now in a new era. Even the McArdle-Davis situation would not have gathered so much public interest (and thus pressure on 150 and the press) if it had not been for the blogs. We were on that story from the get-go. Certainly, the I-74 case and complaints about the principal would not have been so public if it weren’t for blogs (remember someone on the blog did report the situation a week before the PJS printed anything). Then there is the Ricketts case. We aren’t helpless, especially those of us who aren’t teachers (and vulnerable) do need to speak out. Nobody is giving Lathan a pass–but I do want to make up my mind based on her performance–and so far the security decision is the only decision she has made–and I haven’t even heard the announcement of her choice yet.

  3. Well, here is one of my complaints about tomorrow night’s agenda. Summer school will be offered only to Title I students at Manual, Peoria High, and Woodruff. That is discriminatory–but not racially as there are most likely some black students at Richwoods who need to make up classes, but they don’t go to a Title I school. I am assuming that summer school will be offered to only those students who qualify for free lunch. Of course, I will mention that tomorrow night. Also, I suggest that the rest of you with complaints about the security chief go to the board meeting tomorrow night and air your complaints–getting things out in the open from the podium is effective.

  4. Sharon I stand corrected on the Black on white discrimination comments. Something I read but then was retracted through an apology.

  5. Sharon we shall see who will replace Scales and I am pretty sure it is going to be just as exactly who I think it is going to be.

    Most of District 150’s security officers are great people but some of them (and that is Ron’s certain group) don’t need to be anywhere close to kids or adults too for that matter.

    You are correct in that not being fair about Summer schools this year. What about two schools being used just for ESL kids? That is dare we say segregation….or maybe I just missed some vital info on that one.

    Sharon I am once again going to agree with you that I hope and pray that the new superintendent is going to be a great one. I wish her job coach would tell her who is bad for her take advice from. Oh course her having to have a job coach is a whole other issue too. LOL

  6. Sharon, I applaud your continued defense of Dr. Lathan, as she tries to rightside a ship that has taken on too much water. I appreciate your patience on your overall judgement of her until more decisions are made. I wish more would do the same.

    However, I don’t doubt that when the October report cards come out for the 2009-2010 school year, with little or no improvement in test scores, folks here will be calling for her head, even though she started AFTER the tests were given.

    The ones who will ultimately judge the performance of the new
    security chief will be the parents, the teachers, and the administrators. They are the ones who be affected by security decision and practices of the new chief.

    As far as discrimination and racism, just like when Obama was elected, some folks start blogging on how bad he is as President because he is not white; (Although I believe most of Obama’s criticism is political, not racial)

    From reading posts here, I see the same thing happening to Dr. Lathan. Some people just like to start fires with no lighter or wood.

    I know Kathryn Timmes as well; she had dedicated her life
    to improving education in Dist. 150. She comes from a generation of blacks that were a) forced to use seperate public bathrooms, fountains, restaurants, hotels, etc. b) endured fire hoses, attack dogs, and batons when peacefully protesting or trying to register to vote, which was their U.S. Constitutional right to do so. c) having to attend seperate schools that didn’t have same qualities in education and facilities.

  7. I have no problem that Title I funds are being used for summer school for Title I students only. That seems like an effective use of monies directed to large groups of low income students (i.e. Title I schools) who, rightly or wrongly, typically have a higher percentage of students not meeting academic standards.

  8. “She comes from a generation of blacks that were a) forced to use seperate public bathrooms, fountains, restaurants, hotels, etc. b) endured fire hoses, attack dogs, and batons when peacefully protesting or trying to register to vote, which was their U.S. Constitutional right to do so. c) having to attend seperate schools that didn’t have same qualities in education and facilities.”

    Dennis that is true but revenge is not good either. We fought Germans, Italians and Japanese during World War II but we get along very well with them today. We know what happened pre-1964 so give it rest….Okay?

    I am of Irish decent and I don’t still hate the British and we all know that Irishmen and women were treated much much worse at the hands of the English.

  9. Hey Jon, for the record, it is MONEY, not monies. Monie is a song made popular by Billy Idol in the 80’s.

    And what happened to all you proponents of “choice”. What if a student struggling at Richwoods needs/wants to go to summer school? What are their choices?

  10. Lynn Smith, of course, I agree that revenge is not good for the person seeking revenge–it’s not good for the soul. But I would not be justified in giving a person a reason to want revenge. We may have fought Germans, Italians, and the Japanese but we did not hold them as slaves or withhold the privileges of citizenship from them (they were not foreigners–they were American citizens), so your comparison shows your insensitivity to a shameful period of our history. The least we can do is acknowledge that there was injustice–and maybe even show some comparison for those who still have memories of being treated unfairly over and over. I’m sorry but you don’t seem to have any concept of what happened pre-1964 (not any vicarious feelings that would cause you to understand how others feel). When I deem it necessary to recall, I probably won’t follow your suggestion to give it a rest. By the way, I am not offering any excuses for or condoning reverse discrimination by those who now hold power over other people’s lives (employment, etc.)–but I sure as heck understand the temptation. District 150 has erred in not seeing these problems among employees and resolving the issues before they escalated. Maybe we need to go back to the sensitivity training of the 1960s–there certainly was a need for it then; I just hoped the time had passed, but I was wrong–or maybe now that some of the tables seem reversed, everyone just needs a chance to speak honestly about these sensitive issues. Dennis, I hadn’t planned to defend Dr. Lathan (I was going to wait and see because I have lost much optimism about District 150)–but I didn’t realize that she would be under attack for situations which she didn’t create or the extent to which she would be prejudged based on the color of her skin. Because she is in a position of authority and in a position to make decisions that will affect 150 students for years to come, I will not give her a pass because of the color of her skin–but I will certainly judge each situation and decision on its own merit (and I always hope my judgment is fair). And I have to remind myself that I am not all that important in the scheme of things; just talk too much! Jon, what are you thinking? How would you feel if your son or daughter had been ill for a semester and needed to catch up so as to graduate on time, only to be told that your child couldn’t go to summer school because she/he was at the wrong 150 school or because he/she isn’t eligible for free lunch but could afford to pay for summer school (and was willing to do so)? Frustrated, it’s been a while since you and I were on the same page–that feels good!

  11. DW, “monies” is the plural of “money”.

    http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/monies

    And the Billy Idol song you’re probably thinking of is Mony Mony (first performed by Tommy James and the Shondells in 1968)

    Sharon, strange as it might sound, summer school is a privilege, not a right (or requirement). It is not funded, unless the district decides to do something creative like using Title I funds. I’m no expert on Title I, but I’m almost certain the monies are assigned to the school – not directly to all low income students throughout the district. Perhaps your criticism is better directed at how Title I fed money is funded, rather than how it is being used.

    And if my kid needed to catch up to graduate on time, I’m pretty sure he would be able to take applicable classes at ICC. They do a pretty good job there.

  12. I don’t want to jump into this argument but I can clarify..

    Schools are either listed as Non-title (RHS), Targeted (WHS and PHS), or School-Wide (MHS). They are classified according to the school’s low-income percentage. Jon is correct in that the individual schools get the classification, not students.

  13. Jon, I didn’t expect you to cry “Uncle,” but you are so wrong. I agree that summer school is not funded. I am not sure I will concede that it is a privilege. Title I has never, never before been used to fund high school summer school, so I am wondering about why it is suddenly an appropriate way to spend those funds. As I have stated before, before probably 2002 or 2003 all students were charged full tuition ($150 per class the last I remember). But in 2003 students eligible for free lunch paid $30 or less and how others were charged varied. Last year those on free lunch paid $30 and other paid $160. At least, everyone was given a chance to go to summer school. The district lost $60,000+ whereas summer school was once self-funded. This year–if Title I funds are used–the district wouldn’t lose money by offering classes at $160 for those not eligible for free lunch. Are you sure about I.C.C.? Do they offer classes for underclassmen? Even so, I don’t believe that’s a viable choice for many 150 students.

  14. Steve, I did think that the schools, not the students, are designated as Title I. However, the agenda item reads “That the Board of Education approve holding high school Summer School 2010 at Manual High School for high school Title I students from Manual, Peoria and Woodruff High School.” Clearly, that speaks of Title I students, not schools. Therefore am I correct in assuming that not all students at Title I schools will be offered the opportunity to go to summer school? No matter what–I do not believe that a basic service (traditionally offered to all students up until now) should be offered only to Title I students and/or schools.

  15. Sharon I’m not going to get into a big discussion about slavery because we all know that it was wrong. While slavery was evil so was government policy to kill American Indians. I’m not sure if I was in either of those groups which I would pick…slavery or being killed. Oh and Sharon check your history again…we did imprison Japanese citizens.

    It certainly wouldn’t hurt for some people to climb down off of their pity cross and use the wood to build a bridge to..GET OVER IT!!

    This persistent philosophy that we must keep reliving the past and keep repaying and apologizing and repaying and apologizing….over and over and over………………..Is getting quite sickening.

  16. If so, it would appear that more than likely you are not worthy of an interview because of your bad attitude, which considering the way you are going at it here, more than likely proceeds you.

    Your attitudes about race are a clear indicator that you are not qualified to be in any position of authority and could benefit from a high level of sensitivity training before working around diverse populations.

    That is not discrimination. You are not a victim, you are simply undesireable.

  17. Steve, can you please respond to my question regarding what are the options for a student at Richwoods High School if he/she feels they need help over the summer to be prepared for the next grade level?

  18. All this discussion of the qualificatons of candidates for job vacancies within the District is of some concern. First, is there no standardized method for screening applicants for employment? Secondly, it is troubling that either there are many individuals outside the HR dept. that have access to confidential information and/or there are employees within the dept. that have breached their duty.

    I don’t know that the District suffers from race relations problems but rather just poor management/poor communications. Hopefully this will be cured to some degree now that Dr. Lathan is on board.

  19. Lynn, I am curious to know how invested you are in the choice of a security chief. Also, I did mean to mention the imprisonment of the Japanese American citizens–another bad spot in our history. We need to remember our past so that we don’t repeat it and to keep us humble and humane. I have built many bridges–and it wasn’t painful rather it was rewarding. I have a feeling you have not apologized over and over or tried to sympathize with anyone who suffered or remembers the suffering of the past. However, I know when I have hit a brick wall, so I will let you have all the last words that you need.

  20. Frustrated, you raise some interesting questions for which I don’t have any answers about the hiring process in District 150. Are there any controls and/or policies over and above agreements between the union and the administration about hiring practices? I, too, am curious as to how applicants are screened and eliminated (and by whom). Once the applicants are narrowed and a selection is made, of course, the board does have the option of approving or disapproving the appointment–but the “weeding out” process probably needs some oversight. Just my opinion.

  21. To…..Did you apply for the job Lynn Smith?

    To answer your question no I didn’t apply as that is not even in my field of employment. I do however personally know MORE THAN ONE well qualified white applicant that wasn’t even contacted for an interview.

    If you want to believe that it is “bad attitude” rather than pure “racial discrimination” then I certainly won’t be able to change your mind. You appear to of the group…”My mind is made up so don’t confuse me with the facts.”

    One other thing…You’re right I am not one of the victims.

  22. Sharon I refer you to my previous post to..Did you apply for the job Lynn Smith?..in regards to my investment in the security chief job.

    No I haven’t apologized over and over and over because I didn’t invent the slavery business, nor did I trade in slaves, nor did I own any slaves and nor do I believe that it was justified.

    I know that this will come as a shocker to you and several others but to those who know me and have worked with me will tell you that no matter what the color of your skin is I will treat you fairly. I simply wish others to be treated as fair as possible too without regards to their skin color. Let me see who said that….Martin Luther King Jr. if my history is correct. If that man were alive today he would look around to his fellow black men and women and say….No that is not what I meant for you to do. Why did you spit upon what so many of your Civil Rights ancestors worked so hard facing scorn injury and death for you to excel. Sharon, do you think he would be pleased with our public schools??

    Simply because someone points out a situation where it is obvious reverse discrimination doesn’t mean that person has a bad attitude or is insensitive to the past sufferings of others. I doubt that you could find any ethnic group that hasn’t suffered some kind of persecution during the history of our world.

  23. To…..Frustrated

    The only screening process for hiring in District 150 is to pick who you believe will follow your agenda be it a good or bad agenda.

    If you will look at a lot of the job postings on the District 150 website several if not all, of them don’t list any qualifications. They only list job duties.

    Most employers who are actually looking for the best person for the job actually list the desired qualifications and they have a tiered selection process in order to try and find that person.

    Is there anyone here who can honestly say that if the District had purposely excluded black applicants there wouldn’t be news coverage, EEOC complaints and lawsuits? If you answer no to that question then you aren’t living in the real world.

  24. Sharon I guess we’ve about done this topic to death so here a few parting words…….

    By the end of June you will see that what I have told you about the least qualified applicant being named the new security chief will be happen. Although we could hold out hope that it will be the one with sexual harassment & DUI problems…LOL

    If one of those two applicants is hired as the new security chief the new superintendent WILL BE “baptized” with her first lawsuit.

    Sharon if you go back and read my posts, especially my reply to Stowell, you will notice we never got a reply..did we? Not surprising to me…Is it to you???

    Take care and in about a month I’ll be back to ask your opinion on the hiring results…..Okay??

  25. I like Sharon’s reasoning to make judgements one at a time on their own merit. These judgements will be based on the decisions, their impact, and not by the person.

    I also have to wonder if Dr. Lathan was a non-minority, some of these same comments would have been made.

  26. Dennis in Peoria, you are right. The “good-old-boy (white)” network has always been alive and well in District 150, so this will not be the first time someone’s favorite, unqualified applicant received a job someone else deserved. Everything is confusing now that there might, also, be a competing “good-old-girl” and even a “black” network. Authority, not race, has everything to do with it, and authority has often been misused. Lynn, I do know that answers seldom come from board members–and the honest truth is that board members are often operating without all the facts–they are kept in the dark, also. And they don’t part with info willingly.
    Jon, Richwoods students (and all others who go to summer school) aren’t looking for remedial help such as offered at Common Place; they want credits to graduate. The last I heard Common Place does not offer high school credit.

  27. Lets not forget all the “friends” and family hired by Ken Hinton. Last count, there were close to 28 family members, his children and in-laws and cousins by the score. That isnt even counting all the friends he has given very high paying positions, not to mention bogus consulting jobs because of his incompetence. Lets just call it the good ‘ole boy club, not necessarily just “white”.

  28. Sharon, DW’s question was:

    “what are the options for a student at Richwoods High School if he/she feels they need help over the summer to be prepared for the next grade level?”

    So, Common Place would seem to be a good place for someone who needs that extra help. I might add, you can seek out tutoring services at Sylvan or Kumon, as well.

    As for those needing credits to graduate, why do they need the credits? Because they failed the class(es) during the regular school year? Sounds like they need what Common Place offers.

    However, students can also obtain “recovery credits” via the Illinois Virtual School.

    http://ilvirtual.org/index.php?page=new-students-and-parents

    And, as I said before, ICC offers basic courses in English, Math, Science, etc. Are you familiar with “dual credit” courses?

  29. Jon, you know you are just arguing to be arguing and missing the point. District 150 is making a disrciminatory decision–last year Richwoods enrolled more students in summer school than did any other school. For English classes: Richwoods 83, Manual 10, Woodruff 15, Peoria High 45. This year no Richwoods student will be allowed. You do realize that some seniors (at Richwoods and non Title I students) have failed classes this semester. If they go to summer school, they can get their diploma in July–if not, they might not be able to take 2nd semester classes until this time next year (or maybe 1st semester), thus delaying graduation by 6 months to a year. Now you may think that is fair (since this discrimination has never happened to 150 before). Virtual classes I believe cost over $200 (I think that’s the amount a board member mentioned a few meetings ago). That’s when 150 decided that wasn’t the route they wanted to go for students in 150. The point is that 150 shouldn’t offer summer school at all if they can’t offer it for all students. District 150 is trying to keep students in District 150 (especially those from the Richwoods area); how is this going to help that effort? I think District Watcher may not have worded his/her question correctly–meant so that the student can pass this year’s course to be ready to go to the next level next year. High school ummer school has never offered just “remedial help,” only credit classes.

  30. Sharon said:

    “The point is that 150 shouldn’t offer summer school at all if they can’t offer it for all students.”

    I disagree. Again, there are Title I monies for those designated schools – THAT is how the district has chosen to use those monies. They CAN’T use the money for Richwoods students, since it isn’t Title I. Because of the Title I funds, it will NEVER be truly EQUAL – that EXTRA money will always be used for those students only – and I have NO problem with that.

    You would rather harm ALL students, it seems. Such a shame.

  31. Jon, I will be more interested in learning how parents feel about this discriminatory decision. First of all, ummer school is not a mandatory, state-funded offering. But it does use Title I money for some services that won’t be offered during the regular school year because the money (for the first time) will be used for summer school. However, this decision defies all past practices and puts many students in jeopardy of not graduating on time–and/or putting students in very overcrowded classes next year to make space for students who could have made up courses in summer school. In all fairness to you, I guess whoever put this idea forward on the agenda is just as blind as you are to the inequities of such a decision.

  32. #1 Yes, it is NOT mandatory – it is an EXTRA – and Title I funds are EXTRA funds
    #2 Because Title I monies haven’t been used for it before is an excuse NOT to do it?
    #3 Students are NOT in jeopardy of not graduating on time – Illinois Virtual School IS an option for those Richwoods students

    Ask yourself this: How would YOU choose to spend Title I funds that is either 1) not discriminatory or 2) bankrupts the systems by giving everyone the exact same option, (such as additional tutors or home/school facilitators)

    It’s unfortunate that you choose to call my opinions “wrong” and “blind” and dismiss them simply as argumentative. I started by saying I had no problem using Title I monies in this manner. I’ve showed many options for students to get remedial help as well as for credit courses. Yes, we have a difference of opinion. Nice discussion.

  33. I do have trouble using Title I monies in this manner. I think summer school should be self-funded as it always was until about 2002 (when the district started losing considerable money every year) and that students should not be allowed to make up courses out of sequence during the regular school year and that they should not be allowed to take more than two English classes at a time. Honestly, I don’t believe taxpayers (with district money or Title I money) should be asked to pay for students who take courses a second time. And I do believe that the district doesn’t have to offer the same services to all students–but certainly for fair treatment of all students. Some students require services that others don’t. However, many students who need summer school are being left out–it’s discriminatory. The ones being left out need the service just as much as those being offered the service.

  34. Lynn…curious as to how you know ALL the applicants…Scales is now old news. The applicants you so well know you have left out your reasons for your perceived knowledge.
    The Hispanic you almost nailed on the head…
    The female is somewhat true but is a good officer…
    The black officer is a decent cop and probably has the least experience.
    The white officer did leave the district but came back…and has the most experience, including USMC leadership.
    IF he wasn’t “loyal” then why did he come back and then after he got hurt at another school, come back from Workman’s Comp early?…Maybe someone should talk to his black principal about him. He is always leaving here and having to go to other schools that Scales won’t do.
    Greeley isn’t for everyone. He was off on light duty when he started the case on the Greeley employee and he assisted in the Ricketts investigation and found something he turned over to PPD…

  35. Sharon, if you are talking discrimination based upon the level of services that students in District 150 receive, I hardly think that the children at Richwoods are being discriminated against.

    You are correct, some students have the privilege of a great number of services at certain schools in District 150 that others don’t. Where do we start the discussion? Richwoods, Washington Gifted, Quest Academy, Whittier, Lindbergh, Northmor Edison, Sterling.

    Is it really discrimination, or providing the best service to the particular client that you serve?

  36. Tracker let me clarify something I do not have the opinion that the white male and female applicants are wrong for the job. What I posted earlier is not my opinion of them. From what I understand that is the opinions of whose going to be doing the hiring. Now, you can ask me how I know that but I am going to tell right now that I won’t answer that one!

    From what I know they are both qualified, intelligent, honest and capable of performing the job of security chief. I only wish that they will have a fair chance against the pre-selected one because the other two shouldn’t even be seriously considered. If the District is die-hard on having a black security chief then they certainly have more qualified black officers already working for them other than the one they have pre-selected.

    While I agree with you that the white male is a good candidate I must differ with you in that he is not the most qualified. Being in the Marines doesn’t necessarily mean you were in a leadership role. But, again I will say from what I know he is a good man.

    I will also tell you this that if the white female or the white male, that are currently in the running, a lot of the highly questionable things that have taken place under Scales administration will stop, I do believe that. If you pick one of the other two then it will be the same old game over again.

    I hope that I have clarified myself and I apologize once again if I implied that those two weren’t qualified.

  37. Tracker I forgot to mention that if he turned something over to PPD in that technology investigation the administration is not going to chalk that up as a good mark for him.

    I think it should be but you and I both know they don’t like anyone uncovering their dirty deeds.

  38. What you guys are forgetting is that ANY alternative education is on the chopping block in our state, including gifted ed., IL Virtual High, PAHS, Academy at ICC, GED programs, Adult Ed, etc.

  39. “gifted ed., IL Virtual High, PAHS, Academy at ICC, GED programs, Adult Ed, etc.”
    No wonder public education is a mess… as many programs as there are students.

  40. Sorry Sharon, but I am with Jon. I think the District has come up with the best solution available to it given its limited budget. I agree with you in theory that taxpayers should not have to pay for “do overs,” but in practice, where would that really leave us as a community?

    Since the District has made the decision to offer summer school, it would be great if the summer school program could accommodate paying students as well. Then those needing credits from Richwood could still attend for a fee.

  41. Frustrated, how can you be with Jon when you say that those needing credits from Richwoods should still attend for a fee? There is no such option for Richwoods students. That was my whole point–that students should, at least, have that option as they did last year. And, Emerge, please remember that there are some Richwoods students who live in RiverWest who probably qualify for free lunch but they can’t go to summer school because they don’t attend a Title I high school. I’m not really looking for favors for the wealthy kids at Richwoods–I definitely believe they should have to pay for summer school, but they should be allowed to go to summer school. However, this isn’t the 1970s–there are kids at Richwoods who qualify for free lunch. I guess to understand you would have to have a student at Richwoods or one at another school who does not qualify for free lunch–and be in a situation where illness or being out of the country or just plain failed a class that needed to be made up to graduate on time. Then you would understand the unfairness of this decision. Depriving students of making up courses at summer school is not equal to depriving students of enrollment at Washington Gifted.

  42. Those Richwoods students CAN go to summer school – through the Illinois Virtual School, just as Dr. Lathan stated at the board meeting. The vote approving the plan was unanimous as well. Interesting to note that the district’s application for Title I funds specifically stated that it would be used for, among other things, summer school.

  43. Yes, Jon, those Richwoods students (some of whom are eligible for free lunch) can take classes at Illinois Viritual School for, I think, about $265 a course. Yes, I am extremely curious (curious enough to FOIA the info) about the Title I funds that have been returned every year–I certainly want to know more about that. And I have no problem with the Title I funds paying for Title I students–but the others should be given a more viable option than one that costs $265–and one that most likely carries with it a higher possibility of failure than being in a class taught by a human being that might be a bit more attuned to the student’s educational needs, etc. And I was amazed that Wolfmeyer had to call to the podium last year’s summer school principal to ask him if Title I funds had ever been used before for high school summer school. He and I had that discussion a year ago–and I then reported the info from the podium and have done so two times since, including tonight. I didn’t expect them to take my word for it–but I did expect them to come to the meeting with the information before they decided to vote for the first time in 150 history to use Title I funds for high school summer school–and to withhold summer school from so many. Tonight they made a decision about which they seemed to give very little thought–however, I did get the distinct impression that it was Lathan’s decision because she spoke very little this evening but did defend this decision as reported in the PJS. And then, the board (true to form) rubber-stamped it without questioning the inequities.

  44. Sharon – This is so much like all our discussions with you — if all can’t have access than none can? Sorry, just don’t get that kind of logic? Because Title I funds have never been used from summer school doesn’t mean it is not an appropriate and fitting use for the funds. I think it sounds like a District working within its limits. Where should the monies come from for the Richwoods students? I certainly don’t want other funds meant for general education to be used, given the budget deficit. Maybe the students at Richwoods that do not have funds to attend summer school will have to stay in school a semester longer. Stuff happens, life isn’t fair.

  45. Are you sure about this Sharon:

    “there are some Richwoods students who live in RiverWest who probably qualify for free lunch but they can’t go to summer school because they don’t attend a Title I high school”

    If the home school is Manual, Central or Woodruff and they waivered to Richwoods, I believe they can attend summer school.

    Has the Watch Group heard from students at RiverWest who attend Richwoods who are feeling slighted because of this change?

  46. Well, I believe the Richwoods students (in fact, all students) should pay for summer school as was always done. I’ve been trying to reconcile that belief of mine with all these new ideas, but the “old” idea worked best. Summer School is not a mandated program, but it is a much needed program; therefore, if the district can’t pay for it and until 2002 it didn’t even try to pay for it, then students should be responsible for this second round of classes at their own expense. I guess the idea of going an extra semester is OK unless it happens to be your own child–then maybe you would sing a different song. You already have made it known that you want not only special programs for your child but also special schools. I hope you remember that “stuff happens” and that “life isn’t fair” when you push for the best for your child–you know the messages you have sent to the Richwoods principal to improve offerings for the “better” students. Sorry, I just don’t understand your thinking. Summer school isn’t an “extra” that should be offered to only a few students. Also, I’ll wait to see how it works to have students who truly need extra help trying to pass courses on the district’s Apex computer program instead of being taught by humanbeings. It could well be Title I money down the drain.
    Also, last night the board voted to give the current principal of Woodruff the job of assistant HR director–a job that ordinarily pays may $50,000 or $60,000 tops. But Dunn will keep her principal’s salary of $110,000 or so salary. Now there’s enough money wasted that could pay for summer school. Also, in the past, agencies such as Urban League stepped in to offer scholarships to summer school for students who couldn’t afford the tuition. District 150 needs to beat some bushes to find some churches, etc., that would be willing to contribute to this much needed program. The minutes of every meeting lists all District 150 donors–no reason that summer school couldn’t be added to the list of causes for “charity.”

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