Peoria Public Schools

Nobody

138 Comments

I realize this is old news, but I just have to lodge my disappointment that not a single person filed to run for the District 150 school board from District 3. I really am at a loss for words over this turn of events, so I’ll just reprint this paragraph from the Journal Star’s editorial last week:

Yet not a soul in District 3, the most affluent of the three neighborhood zones from which School Board members are chosen, could muster the interest to jump in the race. It would be one thing if everybody was happy with the status quo in a school district on top of its game, but that clearly is not the case. It suggests that Peorians have checked out on District 150. If that doesn’t spell doom for the district, neither does it characterize a healthy situation.

That pretty much sums up my feelings, too.

138 thoughts on “Nobody”

  2. So what are the district boundaries for the School Board? I don’t see it anywhere on their website.

  3. Finding anything on the new and “improved” 150 website is nearly impossible. For instance, the old website listed teachers according to the grade they teach–now all we get is a list of names and we can just guess what each teacher teaches. Some teachers have developed their individual website and some haven’t.

    All the AYP information is missing. I did check into that and learned that it is being updated to include current data.

    The minutes for November 22 and December 13 are still not posted. Transparency has not yet been achieved–I believe we’re going backwards.

  5. The 3rd school board district is generally north of Forrest Hill – with a few exceptions along Forrest Hill.

  6. anyone wants to put their effort where their mouth is, all you have to do is send a letter to the election commission and express an intent as a write-in and votes for you will be counted.

  8. Hard to believe with all those marchers last year. All those concerned parents marching against Wacky Wednesdays and the like. Sums it up.

  9. guess no one north of forest hill wants their name associated with all the lawsuits d150 is dealing with (losing). The Davis case still looms largely over the inept board (sans Martha Ross). I wouldnt want my good name associated this that group of bozos…

  10. Emtronics, I think you know that it takes money to run a winning campaign for any office–or backers with money. Also, most parents of school-age children (the ones who would be affected by Wacky Wednesdays) wish to be parents to their children–not to all of District 150’s children. Being a school board member requires many, many hours away from home, hardly a job for conscientious parents.

  11. Sharon, I agree but some of these same parents took time away from their kids to make t-shirts, form rally’s, march at board meetings, and meeting at various places. The school board run takes very little money. If it took money and hard work to get on the school board, then Ross wouldn’t be there. The only time I see a run for the school board as costing time, effort, and money, would be if more than one person was running for the same seat. So, you telling me it takes money I don’t buy. Here is a chance for someone in #3, where a lot of those parents were from, to step forward and get involved. If I remember right, this same group of people was behind Laura Petelle as one of their own and they were saying they would get more like thinking people on the board. Well?

    And before the Mouse (or someone else) gets in to criticize everything I post, I think Mrs. Petelle was doing a wonderful job for her district. Shame she is leaving the seat. I think she found out it’s a thankless job and the fact there is no line of people to replace her cements that fact. To sum up, it finally worked Peoria. People have been so negative on District 150, it is lost. The damage is done. Sharon you for one should know of the successes our schools have all the time. But all the bad press, the blogs, have pretty much sunk the schools in Peoria. Nobody likes to dwell on success. Not even one.

    BTW, District 2 seat is also vacant.

  12. Emtronics, how many people do you think are in our group? How many do you think come to our meetings? How many come to board meetings? Yes, many came out for that one event–and a good thing they did or the kids would have been cheated out of 45 minutes of learning per day. (and many of their children marched with them). Is Laura leaving–when did you hear that?

    Do you really believe the blogs have caused the failure of District 150–after all you’ve written about Peoria High I don’t think you should be casting those stones. This is the old story of killing the messengers.

  13. Emtronics, I truly do believe that those in the group do speak for those who are too busy teaching and/or raising their own children. I believe we have many silent partners–in fact, I am amazed by the number of people who contact us now and then. However, they don’t have time to run for the board. Just because they/we don’t want to run for the board doesn’t mean we shouldn’t speak up when we think there’s a better way.

  14. “I think Mrs. Petelle was doing a wonderful job for her district. Shame she is leaving the seat. I think she found out it’s a thankless job and the fact there is no line of people to replace her cements that fact.”

    Emtronics, you’re mistaken; that’s Jim Stowell’s seat that is open and that no one filed for. There are three seats that serve District 3 (me, Mr. Stowell, and Mr. Crawford). I have no plans to leave the Board, though I do anticipate missing a couple of meetings this summer when I have the baby.

    To be honest, though it can be a difficult job, I enjoy it quite a bit. But then, it’s the lion’s share of my non-toddler interaction most weeks! 😉

  16. “I truly do believe that those in the group do speak for those who are too busy teaching and/or raising their own children.”

    My wife falls in the former category and we both fall in the latter. From what I’ve seen of it, the DWG rarely represents our views. Certainly the DWG has many “silent partners” – just as it has many “silent dissenters”.

  17. IB program is a month behind pending review by the new administration. The admissions process has not even begun. No word if it is staying or going or what is happening to it.

  21. So–No, I wasn’t thinking about Laura–her being a mother, etc., didn’t cross my mind. There are some women who can do more than others can. Laura is great as a board member and as a parent. I was, however, concerned when Emtronics said she was leaving the board–I hadn’t heard that and hope it isn’t true. With a second pregnancy, though, it would be understandable.

    Laura, I started this post before I noticed yours–glad to hear that Emtronics had the wrong person.

    Jon, it always goes without saying that there are always two sides to every issue–and that both sides need advocates. That’s what is great about this country–there can be six sides to every issue. I have no objection to the competition; all sides need to get their views out where the board can make informed evaluations.

    Mahkno–I don’t like District 150 surprises. The main criticism I have of Dr. Lathan so far is the issue of which you speak. She is holding everything close to the vest–my fear is that the decisions will be made about which programs to keep and which to toss without any opportunity for discussion. In the case of the IB program, not allowing the application process to proceed seems like a signal.

    My two cents–sounds like a plan.

  22. Sorry about Ms. Petelle info. I was wrong about her leaving. I know she is District 3 and didn’t realize there is more than one district 3 seat. How confusing. As for someone or in this case, no one stepping up for this seat, well it’s sad none the less. Especially with all the organized efforts to rake this District over the coals for it’s decisions in the past.
    As for me writing about PHS, yes, I have written negatively about PHS but not about teachers and staff but about the thugs who start the fights, the lack of any parental involvement and shortage of police protection So, Sharon, don’t hand me that load. I have written more positive blogs on District 150 than I count and I have been called to task for it both on my blog and by phone calls at my home usually by people you say shit and then hang up. I am no fan of Lathan. I think she is useless and have always said so. It was you and others who said she was going to make a difference , give her a chance. I took a raking for that also although I think some now are beginning to see I am right. Nothing is changing. I know this as I appeared before the Board on the Cafe. Manager issue (what? last September?) in which you, Sharon, was there. I was promised after that by Lathan herself she would act on this one way or another. Guess what? The issue has been ignored and not even acknowledged. No calls returned and can’t get an appointment with her to discuss it. A typical. So…. all this aside, please tell me why no one, not one soul in the 3rd that lives out North, has stepped up for this seat? Telling me that parents are too involved with their kids or that it takes money is bull. Some of these wives and fathers have very good salaries and live in very nice homes. Some are stay at home mom’s. Stowell put kids through District 150,(very successful kids at that) works a job and still had time to get his butt raked once a week. Why not one of those loud mouths at the marches??

  23. Emtronics, I have never criticized teachers–nor has District Watch. That isn’t to say that teachers are perfect, but they have plenty of critics. I know that you are often positive about District 150, but you do complain about your own issues with District 150. I was just chagrined that you would believe that District 150’s problems are caused by those calling attention to the problems.

  24. Sharon, I never said the District’s problem were caused by those calling attention to the problems. What I have said is those who have called out the problems, marched, voiced their opinions to the wrongs they saw, demanded that the Board resign at one point, well, at least some of the members, should stand up and one of them take the open seat. All of a sudden, silence.

    As for my causes, yes, we all have our battles. Mine has been for the overlooked, overworked, under paid Cafeteria managers who run the Districts 3 kitchens. They fell through a loop hole no one noticed and haven’t had a raise in over 4 years yet, they did away with one manager (used to be 4) which means they have taken on way more work. The secretaries got a huge raise for taking on more responsibilities some even obscene raises. They were mostly rescinded but still, they got a modest raise. The cafeteria workers have a union and they got a raise. The managers aren’t union but considered Staff although they are often excluded from school staff meetings and directories. Look on any high school web site and they list Staff but not the person who is responsible for feeding over 1000 kids plus feeder school children everyday so they can be alert and fed in class. The Manager is a second class citizen in the schools yet when Johnny pukes 20 minutes after lunch because is mom sent him to school sick, the school and the media run in and scream food poisoning from taco meat or whatever. Remember Loucks? Kid throws up in office, little girl sees kid puke, she pukes. They then go classroom to classroom as ask “Who is feeling sick?” Guess what? Half the kids said they did and got out of school. There’s a surprise. The news say it’s the food at lunch, the mothers, (when they could find and get a hold of them) threatened law suits, threats were sent to cafeteria workers including my wife who as been a manger for 14 years. The health department investigated as by law, they have to keep samples of all food served and labeled. The findings a few weeks later were no food poisoning and the kid was simply sick with the flu. Did they get an apology from the Admin? From the media? No. They got nothing but more bad press which if people hear bad things long enough, they tend to believe nothing can change or ever will. That is why I have a battle and that is why I am pissed no one from the great north of Peoria including those that marched and screamed for heads hasn’t applied for that vacant seat. BTW, my wife manages 26 people and some of them make more money than she does. What company pays their bosses less than the workers? What say you.

  25. Emtronics–Don’t mean to “beat you up” because I know you care about District 150, but you said (above) “To sum up, it finally worked Peoria. People have been so negative on District 150, it is lost. The damage is done. Sharon you for one should know of the successes our schools have all the time. But all the bad press, the blogs, have pretty much sunk the schools in Peoria.”

    Doesn’t that quote say that those of us calling attention to the problems have caused District 150 to fail? Sammy has asked board members to resign, but I am fairly sure the rest of us have never done so.

    I agree and share your criticism of the way the cafeteria staff are treated and mistreated.

  28. Sharon: Please, I am not beating you up nor am I beating on the District Watch people including Vespa. I am disappointed no one will claim the vacant seat but I have said that. I am not disapproving of concerned parents, nay the public, coming forward and questioning the practices of the school Admin and or Board. There is a forum for that. Board meetings etc etc. But, when we all air our laundry out in the public that cause those that aren’t so well informed to jump on the band wagon. Everyone likes a good hanging. It’s those people who really didn’t give a rat’s butt about the schools are all of sudden amplifying the bad publicity the schools are getting. It happens on the blogs as really, no one is sure who exactly some of the people who post really are. I may not be getting my thoughts across here the way I want but yes I agree the schools need help. We have problems. We have always had problems. Some shouldn’t be so hard on others. I’m guilty and I try real hard which is why I like to see the good side of our schools. They do succeed. They do teach. Children do get a great education. It does happen but it isn’t as news worthy as the Board buying homes, or an Admin getting arrested and charged for theft, or failing scores because most of the students are from poor backgrounds and the few trouble makers make the schools a scary place to work, the unions, the Admin. We need to work together to fix the problems cause by District 150’s demographic and questionable Admin decisions over the years but we don’t need to air it out for all the world to see. Transparently you say? Yes it’s good but people love the dirt and they play on it.

  30. Emtronics, I agree that there are those who don’t care at all who pick up on our criticisms (especially on PJS posts) and make ridiculous charges about teachers, students, etc. However, I don’t agree that all the things you listed (buying houses, adminstrators stealing) should be kept secret from the taxpayers. That’s what got the district into this mess–too many decisions and actions that never saw the light of day. Obviously, you found out what happened when you spoke at the board meeting (no longer televised) about the cafeteria problem–nothing.

    I have discovered that District 150 does respond only when an issue is made public. That’s why I am for revealing everything we know and why I am grateful for the blogs that give us that forum (very much including yours). I truly do not understand why more people do not come out to board meetings–the board and administration have every reason to believe that they can operate in secret.

    Unfortunately, I understand why no one in District 3 is coming forward to run for that seat–the most affluent in the city have fled District 150 and will flee the city when they get the chance.

    Has anybody asked you to work with them to fix the problems? I fear that they don’t want the kind of advice that most of us would give them. Quite honestly, no one asks teachers either (when I was there and no one is asking them now). The people who know the most about the problems (and, therefore, the solutions) are rarely consulted.

  31. Good posts Emtronics.

    And as for Catholics schools in Peoria. Don’t kid yourself, the curriculum is not as demanding as that offered by the District. My daughter used to help her Catholic school friends with their math homework . . . her District education put her a grade ahead of what was offered to her peers in Catholic school.

  32. District Watch will meet at Monical’s at 6 p.m. Sunday–all are welcome: Emtronics, Frustrated, Jon.

  33. Thanks for the invitation, Sharon. I’ve been to a few of those meetings and appreciate the desire and effort shown, even if I don’t share many of the same conclusions.

    I do recall Diane specifically talking about how the DWG needed to get people on the board of ed who shared the general vision of the group (and I recognize it’s a loose group and not everyone agrees on everything). She was talking about Gorenz’s seat, eventually won by Crawford. Diane talked about “recruiting” someone and giving them support – maybe that turned out to be Lickiss? Anyway, I wonder if there was a similar desire or effort for Stowell’s spot?

  34. Frustrated – if you’re saying that the IB program and Washington Gifted are more demanding academically than what is offered at Peoria Catholic schools, then sure, the Catholic schools’ curriculum is “not as demanding as what District 150 offers”.

    But that affects at most the top 5% of students. If your child performs in the 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th or even 90th percentile, for example, then I’d say that there are no clear cut differences between the curricula in terms of how demanding it is (though there may be different parental preferences).

    D150 has been able to offer those programs because of its size – it has 14,000 students compared to about 3,000 between the Peoria Catholic schools. In other words, the amount of differentiation, of choice, that D150 can offer makes it a strength for the district. But that doesn’t make the Catholic schools “weaker” academically, as your post seems to imply.

    You might want to take a look again at what St. Phils and St. Marks, for example, have to offer, including programs through IMSA and the Illinois Virtual School for more advanced learners.

  35. Jon – I understand your point, but . . . My point was that many of my friends and acquaintances sought refuge in private schools believing they offered a “better” education. I don’t believe that too be the case, depending on the District school.

    When my children attended Kellar they were friends with many children who attended St. Vincent’s and St. Thomas and I thought the curriculum seemed slower paced. Though my children attended Washington, I had friends whose children attended Lindbergh and Mark Bills and those schools as well, offered some accelerated classes so that their top students were getting a education very similar to that offered at Washington.

    Maybe I have a chip on my shoulder, because I always felt like people gave me such a superior attitude, like I must be poor and couldn’t afford private education because why else would I send by kids to District 150. I would be rich if I had a nickel for every conversation I had in which someone proclaimed (while looking down their nose at me) that they would “NEVER send their kids to a District 150 school.” I always felt the joke was on them.

    I will say I think ND is doing big things and is upping their curriculum and I will look at that option when I return to Peoria.

  36. Frustrated sez; “I would be rich if I had a nickel for every conversation I had in which someone proclaimed (while looking down their nose at me) that they would “NEVER send their kids to a District 150 school.” I always felt the joke was on them.”

    Yes the joke is on them. My boys went through District 150, Garfield, Trewyn, then Manual. They were Salutatorians only because both refused to go to Washington Gifted and they didn’t get a second language course as early which made them half points behind their peers. Still they got a great education, had wonderful teachers which we run into every now and then and one is a high school teacher and the other is an IT manager making more than I do. One is a Bradley graduate and the other is an ISU grad. The oldest will have his masters in a year. All from District 150 schools.

    Sharon, again I never ever said that the arrest of a school official for stealing or buying homes should be kept secret. It shouldn’t and the public should be on the District’s ass to find out what is going on. Sadly though, this stuff is dragged through the blogs with guesses and hearsay. Facts aren’t always known and in the case of theft no one will know until the court decides yet many have hung this woman before the fact and many have hung the Board about the homes being a waste of money. Yet IMO, buying homes is an investment so how bad can it be? What if the District sold that property at a big profit? Would you all get up and clap? Nope, I doubt it. So it goes, problems aren’t solved but dragged around the various media and twisted and turned until uninformed people form an opinion. I’ll bet if you posted repeatedly that dog poop smell like roses and if enough people posted they thought so, someone would actually believe it and pick up a pile to see. OK that was extreme but I hope you see my point.

    As for coming to one of your District Watch meetings, no thanks. I go to Board meetings now and then but see no need to meet with people who mostly live in the 3rd and yet won’t step up and do something about the schools by taking that seat. I see nothing positive coming from that group.

  37. #150 does not value the pubic, “we know best” or “a vocal minority” culture is still in force. Until #150 is 100% up front and open, people will not “buy in” and support them. As for propery purchases what good was served in the Prospect property ? Has #150 invested in upgrades on the homes and property? Improved the neighborhood? The property is a cash drain and needs to be sold. when #150 buys property they remove it from the tax rolls.

  38. Marty: Amen.

    Akin to the Peoria County seeking input on the quality of life…. this is the survey used in prior years to gauge Peoria County citizens interest in the sales tax for the museum. Only 65% of the survey participants were opposed to this idea and our County Administrator stated that the survey results needed to be followed. Doublespeak in action. And the survey at that time cost taxpayers around $18,000. More wasteful spending to prop up the land of Oz.

    http://www.pjstar.com/news/x922113612/Peoria-County-seeking-input-on-quality-of-life

  39. Maybe we could talk the public north of Forrest Hill into just not showing up to school for a month or so…

    That would shut down the administration and fast… I would think losing a month of state revenue would get their attention.

    It certainly wouldn’t hurt the students any.

  40. Emtronics, I don’t think that most of us who go to District Watch meetings are from District 3–maybe Terry. Frustrated, I do appreciate your support for District 150 schools. Emtronics, the problem with the Prospect properties is that they were bought in secret before the plan for the new Glen Oak were made public. Then the plan was voted down. Therefore, the purpose of those properties were a total waste of money.

    That situation is one of the main issues that show the lack of transparency in District 150. Most of the district-owned property (especially old closed schools like Kingman and Tyng and the Prospect houses) aren’t likely to be sold any time soon.

  41. Jon, I, also, appreciate your kind words about District Watch. You must have attended the huge meetings when the 45-minute loss of time and the closing of a high school were the issues.

  42. My thoughts about the District 3 seat: I think the opening took people by surprise. At least, I didn’t anticipate that Jim Stowell would not run again. Most people have to think long and hard before taking on the responsibility of school board member. My guess is that there might be a write-in campaign and that the seat will be filled.

  43. Emtronics–I’ve tried to comment twice to your P.A.P. posts but they aren’t going through. Glad you are going to bat for the cafeteria workers. Yes, there are still some bad eggs in D150 who don’t respect the rights of others and think laws and policies don’t apply to them. Isn’t there a camera in the cafeteria that could verify the incident?

  47. It was originally presented with comment, but they were soon deleted and the comment option removed.

  49. The Journal Star has a policy that it doesn’t allow comments on police reports; that’s the been the policy for some time. It sounds like they forget to turn off the commenting function when they originally posted the story, then turned it off when they started getting comments on it.

  50. “the girl later told police he also shoved his fist into her face, making her believe he was going to hit her.”

    Didn’t happen. Too many adults and honest decent kids were there and saw what happened. This 14 year old girl with a long history of discipline problems is lying.

    They’ve got cameras at Central. Show the tape.

    And btw 150 didn’t cancel the show… The performers did. 150 suggested they get someone one day before opening to replace Lee because he was barred from being on Central property. “Call the Symphony, they ought to have someone who could do it”.

    This incident is SOOOOOOO District 150. Good luck with Maple Grove, Steve!

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