I’ve been looking at the Interactive Illinois Report Card for District 150. Here are the total expenditures of District 150 for a period of eleven years, 1997-2008; in the last column, I converted all the amounts into constant 2008 dollars to make it easier to compare apples to apples:
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Looking at the inflation-adjusted dollars, and acknowledging that it does appear to have started a downward trend, you’ll nevertheless notice that from 1997 to 2008, operational expense per student has increased over 17%. However, if you look at enrollment over roughly the same period (1998-2009), the trend is different:
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I wanted to include the 2008-2009 data so you could see that enrollment did go up slightly that year. Nevertheless, enrollment from 1998 through 2009 fell by 9.4%. As a result, operating expense per student has increased over 24% — from $9,184 in 1997 (in inflation-adjusted dollars) to $11,398 in 2008.
Questions: Why have operational expenses continued to climb while enrollment has been decreasing? Why are expenses $25.4 million more in 2008 than in 1997 (in inflation-adjusted dollars) when enrollment fell by over 1,400 students? Where is the money going?
O’neil is not the only student teacher who is working where people know them well. At our school last year a student teacher was the cousin of two children in the classroom she was in. She even looked out for them and the kids knew they were related. The Principal knew it, the teachers knew it. AND in the past Principals hired who they wanted and had them start working before Payroll even knew the person was an employee.
Question for Superintendent: I am not sure Dr. Lathan can or will answer that question because of that current legal matter going on.
The main focus of Dr. Lathan’s interview will consist of her background,
her education philosophies, influences…and how she hopes to turn
things around in Dist. 150. I am including (asked from another blog) a question her views on Charter schools, IBP, and such. One question I might
include is if she thinks a property tax increase might be needed to help
the District’s finances.
J dog – I just had this conversation with a local college administrator I know. She said that her school strongly discouraged student teaching at a familiar place, such as where you worked or your kids attend. However, she said she knew some exceptions have been made.
On the other hand, if you feel that such a situation is unfair to the cooperating teacher and other staff, would you be disappointed in each of the managers involved in the chain who were aware of the situation and yet let it happen, because the boss above them told them it was OK? Wouldn’t it have been easy for anyone with knowledge of the situation to simply make a call to Eureka College – thus letting them deal with the situation as they see fit? Or if you boss tells you to allow something to happen, you have no culpability? In other words, where do you draw the line?
I confess this is the first time that I have heard that student teachers cannot teach at a school where they themselves had been students. For instance, in a district with only four (now three) high schools, I would think it would be difficult not to allow Peoria graduates to teach at their home school. Peoria people are just bound to know people who teach someone in several 150 schools.
There used to be a rule that husbands and wives couldn’t teach in the same school. That was often a problem because a significant number of couples meet at the school where they are teaching. One was allowed to stay, and the other had to leave.
I do see a conflict (in the case under discussion) for a student teacher to be a parent of children in the school. Of course, one could make the case that a teacher with children in the same school should be avoided. In a district this small, that has to be a problem–but certainly a problem in small school districts such as Limestone, etc. Many families have more than one educator in the family.
Dennis–Some questions for Dr. Lathan:
1 – What is her philosophy about inclusion? I believe, Manual, in particular, has mainstreamed many students who were formerly in special ed, not regular division classes. What does Dr. Lathan see as the advantages and/or disadvantages of inclusion? Will she be asking the other schools to follow Manual’s practice or vice versa?
2 – How does she feel chronic discipline problems should be handled? Is she encouraging principals to cut down on suspensions, or is she encouraging them to follow the discipline procedures for students based on their number of offenses even if following the policies means that students are suspended and expelled in greater numbers?
I am about to express an opinion about which teachers may not agree with me. I think there should be a restriction as to how many times a teacher can have a student teacher. I believe students are often short-changed by having too many inexperienced teachers. I know of cases where year after year the same teachers had student teachers–and experienced teachers were, therefore, under utilized. Also, too many student teachers in one building (especially at the high school level) can lead to many discipline problems because these young people don’t have enough experience and/or authority to handle the problems.
Just what is your strong connection to D150, Jon? I know that you have mentioned that you don’t want to have false rumors flying around about D150 and its administrators but you never even entertain the possiblity that some of these so called rumors might, in fact, be true. You immediately attack a person who brings forth any suggestion of any misconduct of the D150 BOE or its administrators.
You seem to be the one who portrays himself as the epitome of honesty, so why not be honest and tell us what your real interest is in D150?
New story on PJS (sorry for overdoing it), but, Now what:
ATLANTA — Offering big bonuses to teachers failed to raise students’ test scores in a three-year study released Tuesday that calls into question the Obama administration’s push for merit pay to improve education.
The study, conducted in the metropolitan Nashville school system by Vanderbilt University’s National Center on Performance Incentives, was described by the researchers as the nation’s first scientifically rigorous look at merit pay for teachers.
It found that students whose teachers were offered bonuses of up to $15,000 a year for improved test scores registered the same gains on standardized exams as those whose teachers were given no such incentives.
Get over it because…
Other people have done the same thing? Please, give me a break. Pretty weak argument!
If d150 wants to change their public persona, they need to suck it up and admit their mistakes regarding Julie McArdle who seems to have become the poster child for the little that was RIGHT with d150. BoE needs to MAKE IT RIGHT WITH MCARDLE!
I truly want the McArdle suit settled–and I certainly hope, and I can’t help but believe that it will turn out in her favor. However, I don’t think the current and/or past board and administrators can do anything at all about it now that it is in the hands of the courts. So many of the guilty parties are gone any way.
I think the district (without admitting the cause, of course) has already taken measures to insure that no principal has the kind of control over money that Davis “enjoyed.” This was a case of so many different offenses that I’m not sure what the board can do to insure that no such thing will ever happen again. The only thing that keeps such things from happening is to hire people with integrity (and to have people of integrity making judgment calls)–and that isn’t always the easiest quality to judge. Usually the negative (dishonesty) is easier to spot. 🙂
Ask McArdle if she was an “at will” employee or had a “no fault” termination clause that either party could act on,with sufficient notice. Wasn’t that the true reason for the hastily called board meeting? It has been referenced here that she had such a contract, but “didn’t read it”. Calling for making it right sounds like “pay me taxpayer money”. Besides a $400 pen, what other financial improprieties did she “blow the whistle” on?
Fess Up – people can keep wondering about my “connection” to D150, but there is nothing more than most other members of this community (I do happen to live within D150 boundaries).
I entertain the possibility of rumors being true – but ask many of those (not all – there are way too many to address) who bring them up to simply substantiate their claims. I think it is wrong to call someone, for example, a thief, tax cheat, liar, etc. and NOT be willing to substantiate those claims. If you think my questioning those allegations is an “attack”, so be it. In contrast, I do not believe I have called those making the true attacks liars, idots, etc.
(By the way, did you call Eureka College and report this situation? Seriously, if you or someone else reading this believes O’Neill was wrong, then why not simply call the College and report it? You don’t even have to use your name.)
Like most members of this community, I would like to see D150 succeed – I also believe that a new, stronger team is now in place. I’ve also been very critical of the district, in particular over financial matters. But when the critics make allegations that they are unwilling or unable to substantiate, then I think it lessens the effects of the valid complaints. In other words, the “radicals” hurt the movement towards more accountability rather than help it.
taxpayer; lets see. $1200 to peoria toyota pottery barn american girl thousands to one world cafe (claims to have bought teacher food)…….oh the activity fund from her last year is conviently missing……how about paying custodians “overtime” from the activity fund. you do know that she HAS been charged with 16 felony counts…..are you a putz?
Years ago, before I switched majors at ISU, I was an English Ed major. Instructors in the Education Department made it extremely clear to everyone that NO ONE was to hold a job down ANYWHERE during student teaching.
Charged yes, prosecuted by our states attorney – we’ll see. Add it all up and it’s what, $10k and procedural wrong doings? Some of you think the district (we taxpayers) ought to pay her a lottery. Please. If Keith speaks for her and she is asking for something else (not $$$), LMK. Don’t try to weigh facts not in evidence in an attempt to soak the taxpayer. Prosecute and convict Davis first, BEFORE you hold your hand out for a taxpayer payoff. Who are you – judge, jury, and chief arbitrator up on a perch?
P.S. From ICC to ISU, education majors that I went to school with were told they absolutely could NEITHER observe NOR student teach at a school at which they had either attended or worked. It was all about OBJECTIVITY concerning your student teacher evaluation. This isn’t rocket science, folks. If O’Neill claims she wasn’t aware of this, she clearly was not paying attention in class. Which begs the question, “What other classes was she not paying attention to in college?” This is something EVERY education major in the state knows.
That seems extreme–you couldn’t hold a job anywhere. I could not have survived financially if I hadn’t had a job while I was in college. Of course, when I did my student teaching I was only at Manual (the old torn down one) 2 hours a day–not like student teachers who have to work a full day. Frankly, I think the old way was best for all kinds of reasons–mostly for the good of students. Student teachers should just not teach that many classes.
I rarely “openly” support Jon because we banter back and forth so much. However, he does often play the “Devil’s Advocate” in much the same way as Charlie sometimes does (I’m sure Jon won’t like the comparison–but I have respect for both). However, in this case, it wasn’t until the last few posts that I realized that Jon actually sees the wrong done to McArdle. He more often just takes the opposite point of view expressed by any of us and goes with it. Knowing your “real” views now and then is refreshing, Jon. Taxpayer. like it or not, the district because of its inept handling of the McArdle situation might very well end up paying much in taxpayer money.
Taxpayer-
” If Keith speaks for her and she is asking for something else (not $$$), LMK.”
And how would I let you know. You are hiding behind a screen name.
Taxpayer: Davis can’t seem to keep an attorney long enough to get to court. It is her harranging that has kept it from a judge and jury SO FAR. She was to have been in court the first and second week of August but had it continued because she needed a new attorney? If you are a mouthpiece for Davis et. al., I would advise you to READ the whisteblower lawsuit and evidence before you think all McArdle is looking for is a payout. The Davis criminal trial is separate from the civil suit. If you would like to know the hell that McArdle lived through because of Davis, ASK just about anyone at Lindbergh…..except the fab five…..
What is Dr. Lathan’s stand on retention? I am weary of primary students entering classrooms a year behind because District 150 doesn’t believe in retention. What is the policy?
Weary – excellent question. I hope this is one that Dennis includes.
Dennis – I continually hear disturbing rumors that the IB program may be eliminated. Maybe you could flesh this out with Dr. Lathan. Our family is interested in moving back into the District but only if the IB program is available. Parents make decisions on where to invest in a home based on schools and what they offer. I think it will continue to be hard for the District to entice families into its schools if the program offerings appear to be in jeopardy from year to year.
Jon, by not answering about your connection to District 150 diminishes your credibility too. You are not just an ordinary citizen that feels the need to defend all of the actions of the BOE and D150 Administration.
Fess up – I don’t know how I can be any more clear – as I said, I live within this community, in the boundaries of D150 – oh, and my name is Jon.
Thanks, though, for thinking I am not just “ordinary”. And thanks for thinking I must have some credibility – you know, at least enough for it to be diminished. What did the BOE vote on last meeting? I better look at each item and defend it so I don’t disappoint you.
In Jon’s defense, all of you who complain about his not revealing his identity have really no reason to keep badgering him. I know that I did tell him I was curious, but I made no demands for him to reveal himself. Many of you have very good reasons not to reveal your identities; I don’t see any reason that we can expect more of Jon. I really do believe that most of the time he plays Devil’s Advocate–which, on this blog, frequently means he has to defend District 150. 🙂 Also, I don’t know of any District 150 employees whose name is Jon. Jon doesn’t disagree with anyone more than he disagrees with me. That’s probably because I write more than others do, so he has more material with which to disagree.
Hear, hear Sharon.
Frustrated or Sharon, refresh my memory on what “IB” stands for? I know the B stands for bacalaurate (spelling bad, sorry).
When my daughter was student-teaching in her junior (mostly observing, with some assistance), and senior years while at ISU, she was able to work
part-time. She just couldn’t accept a student-teaching assignment at the school she graduated from, which was Pekin. She ended up doing her student-teaching at NCHS in Normal, and then Limestone. She is now in her
2nd year of teaching high school Spanish in the Springfield district. (Yes, I’m a proud dad)
Dennis, IB stands for International Baccalaureate program.
This whole student teaching subject brings up some questions in my mind. When I was in college in the Dark Ages, I did my student teaching in 1961 at the really “old” Manual and taught only one class a day for a semester–there was none of the extensive observing, etc., that goes on today.
I believe Bradley only charged me tuition for a 3-hour student-teaching class. With all these extended hours demanded of student teachers (junior and senior year), how much additional money are Bradley and other universities raking in on the backs of these students? I don’t believe the schools get any money for the students who just observe, but the supervising teacher does get paid.
Personally, I’m not that fond of the new system. I stopped accepting student teachers when I had to give up all my classes to a student teacher–I got in the profession to teach, so I wasn’t willing to give up that privilege.
Jon as much as this might shock you I really don’t care what your name is because from the way you are willing to defend any stupid or quasi-criminal action of the BOE and or its administrators tells me what you are so the “mystery” is over.
So you hang in there and keep defending the rights of the downtrodden D150 BOE & administrators. All of this pro bono Good Samaritan work is going to wear you down. 😉
Fess up Jon – I’m glad the “mystery” is solved for you. Why, then, you kept asking me about my “connection” to D150, remains a mystery to me.
And, truth be told, it is a shock to me that you don’t care what my name is. I mean, here I thought you created the screen name “Fess up Jon” after me.
There is a difference in being a so called Devil’s Advocate and then just being one who will help cover up for someone no matter how wrong a person might be.
There are many people on this blog and the other blogs too who will defend the Board of Education and the staff even if the Board of Education and/or the staff were to take out a full page ad in the newspaper publically admitting what they were doing was wrong.
It is these kind of people that are the roadblocks to any real progress in District 150 because they refuse to see what is really happening in District 150.
Interesting thought about covering up a wrong, Peggy. If you had the O’Neill student teacher thing in mind, might I ask you directly, as I’ve asked generally twice before, whether or not you have called Eureka College to report the allegations and perhaps even find out if they are true? Hey, maybe even call Dave Haney at PJStar?
Me, I have no idea whether or not it happened. I do know Eureka College would be able to verify the allegations. That’s not a roadblock, that’s a road map to discovering the truth.
If not, what other “wrongs” that someone is helping cover up did you have in mind?
In this day and age of FOIAs, there really is no need to allow any “cover-ups.” Jon is right in that if anyone really wants to know if the student teacher violated any of Eureka’s rules, he/she should seek out the information. I would assume there is even a chance that such an effort has been or will be made by lawyers in the case against Davis (to find out if she violated Eureka’s rules). Finding out if a District 150 administrator violated a policy is much more important than accusing the person for whom the favor was done–in my opinion.
Jim Stowell has, on occasion, made general statements that seemed to accuse me of spreading rumors, but I don’t believe he has ever told me which of my many complaints about the district is a rumor. He continues to say that bloggers spread so many falsehoods that he can’t keep up with them in an attempt to correct the rumors. I say that some specific examples would make his accusations more believable. The truth is that I try not to spread rumors, but I do spread truth.
Dennis:
Ok, way more than you probably want to know but . . .
The IB program is recognized around the world as a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students to better succeed in a global world and as such, top universities in the U.S. find graduates of this diploma program highly attractive candidates for admission.
This is a fantastic program but it requires student prep work in the MS grades and early years of high school to be ready for the program, i.e. you must take a foreign language to earn the IB diploma, so students need to begin this phase of study as 9th graders, at the lastest.
The question for Dr. Lathan is why doesn’t the District embrace this program (CAT provided the initial seed money) with more vigor and focus on generating interest and preparing more students to take on this level of work????
The IB is a two year program beginning in 11th grade. A student customizes course work, selecting from 6 different areas of study at either a High Level (HL) or Standard Level(SL)of study (must pick 3 HL & 3 SL). Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 1 to 5.
Students must take externally prepared and graded tests (think ACT) in each of the six subjects and earn a satisfactory score in each in order to receive the diploma. Students scoring well on these subject matter exams can earn as much as a year’s college credit.
In addition there are 3 other core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding (these must be satisfied as well to earn diploma): (1) The EXTENDED ESSAY is a requirement for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying. (2) THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical). (3) CREATIVITY, ACTION, SERVCIE (CAS)requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Typically this requirement is satisfied with a combination of a certain number of hours unpaid work in social service, leadership responsibilities, and sport and/or artistic endeavors.
The TV Interview with Dr. Lathan went well, but not all questions, (mine and yours) were asked. I had a list for the host, but sometimes he goes his own route. She did talk about the IB, discipline issues, the Kick-off rally, and her hopes and goals for the District, and why she hired the team she has with her.
Mr. Engin Blackstone from Quest gave a good interview as well.
I will try to upload a sample of her interview by Friday.
The whole CAPtions show airs Sunday, Oct. 3 at 5 pm, Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 7 pm, and later that night at Midnight on Comcast Cable 22.
Dennis – Dennis – sounds like all good areas of questioning for an initial interview with Dr. Lathan, especially the explanation about her team, which has been an “issue” for many that post on this blog. Perhaps she can come back on the show later for a more in depth discussion about particular topic areas related to the District. Though you would know it by reading the comments on this blog, there are still some good things happening within the District.
Sharon you are the most vascillating person that I see writing on these blogs. Are you lucid? You disagree, then agree, then disagree ad nauseam. Please retire COMPLETELY, okay?
Sorry, Please Retire, I don’t know where you are in the chain of command for retirees. 🙂
PRS, Sharon seems to put a lot of thought in her comments (Unlike you) and she sometimes listens to the other side of the argument and changes her opinion. You see, the thing about opinion is that they can be changed. It does not warrant being called senile.
Sharon is most unusual among message board/blog posters:
1} She doesn’t claim to know everything
2} She isn’t afraid to ask questions
3} She isn’t afraid to admit she is wrong
4} She isn’t afraid to change her mind when confronted with more info
5} She is civil to other posters even when they aren’t civil to her
There would be much better discussion here and on other message boards if more posters were like her.
Her only major deficiency is her inability to consistently use paragraph breaks. 🙂
When 150 observer and I agree, you know you can count on it being true.
Sharon is genuinely appreciated and respected.
150 observer–I have tried to improve with the paragraph breaks. 🙂 I do appreciate the kind words from the three of you. As much as I write, I can expect some people to disagree with me; I don’t necessarily expect rudeness, but that is what often happens when people blog anonymously. I use my own name in order to hold my own feet to the fire.
I’ll bet PRS supports the museum…
…and the fact that Sharon has helped out Hedy with the GED program…what’s the status of that, Sharon?
I’d be interested in having 2-3 members of the District Watch group on CAPtions sometime…just to get other viewpoints on the problems and solutions to improving Dist. 150.
Gee, PRS, if Sharon’s vacillating bothers you so, perhaps you appreciate her stubbornness? You know, her stubbornness to fight for what she believes is in D150’s best interests. Her stubbornness to discuss an issue by responding to questions and challenges. Her stubbornness to remain civil when those challenges of ideas become personal attacks. (Nice comeback, Sharon 🙂 )
Dennis, I try to avoid being on TV as much as possible. 🙂 I am loving GED. I had almost forgotten how much I love to teach. Of course, the young people (mostly, young men) are very motivated and very appreciative and just plain fun to be around. Since I usually teach only 2 or 3 at a time, everything is extremely informal–no real difference between teacher and student. Also, some of my former students work at Proctor or hang out at Proctor, so seeing them is an added benefit.
Speaking of the “chain of command,” I learned a bit more from Laural Petelle about the intent behind the chain of command directive. I no longer believe it is as restrictive as I thought (not a return to the old days). At least, Laura does not want to be left out of the loop–she wants to know when teachers have concerns, etc. The intent (as it has always been) is that teachers should go first to the appropriate person in the “chain” to try to get satisfaction, etc. However, that does not preclude teachers from airing their concerns to board members. She did say (and I agree) that board members can’t be expected to “fix” everything without going through channels, etc.
Jon, thanks–maybe people understand better now what I came to understand very early on: Your disagreements with my opinions (or the role you play as Devil’s Advocate) are not personal.
With all of the bloggers jumping in to defend Sharon is another great example of why nothing positive can get accomplished within District 150. Even though the fellow bloggers might dislike what Sharon is doing they don’t want an “outsider” to say anything wrong to or about her.
That is exactly what happens with District 150, is that all of the bloggers are quick to point out their faults but if an “outsider” says something negative then it time to “circle the wagons” and defend District 150 against the outsider.
If you keep defending what is causing the problem then how does anything change for the positive?
Sharon does seem to be a very nice person and my other post was just to illustrate a point. Blogs are a fascinating sociology tool. 🙂
PRS, yes, it is an interesting sociology tool. Perhaps you should give some consideration to your approach. While it’s one thing to point out how Sharon might seem to flip/flop on an issue, (I know a few people who often do just that) it’s completely different to conclude that she should, essentially, shut up and fully “retire”. Of course, that’s just my opinion – others have also concluded that I should keep it to myself.
But since you’ve continued the discussion, do you think, in retrospect, that your conclusion (completely retiring) was a bit harsh and unnecessary?
http://www.hulu.com/watch/2306/saturday-night-live-point-counterpoint-lee-marvin-and-michelle-triola