140 thoughts on “Peoria parents and teachers to protest school closings at tonight’s School Board meeting”
Closing schools= more prisons
This adminsitration has been talking about “COMMINITY SCHOOLS” for years…doesn’t sound like community schools when your school is no where in the vicinity of where you live.
District 150 should be turning all their schools back into K-8 schools–I wonder how that cost would compare to the plans to close all the schools. I don’t know–is it possible to close a couple of schools and still do K-8?
Also, they need to admit right now that 7th and 8th grade at Manual is a total failure–put the 7th and 8th graders back in a middle school–or a newly organized K-8.
“teachon 08 Apr 2009
Closing schools= more prisons”
You forgot a few:
Closing schools = more gay marriage
Closing schools = more puppy torture
Closing schools = increased exposure to Godzilla attack
Closing schools = higher incidence of leprosy
Closing schools = famine
Closing schools = pestilence
Closing schools = death to all first born
…did I leave any out? wait, lemme get my fishing pole for all the red herrings out there…
dangling – glad you think that closing schools is so humourous. Did you see anyone laughing at the board meeting? Maybe you should think instead about tuning in to Dave Letterman to get your giggles. I’ll bet we can safely say you don’t have a kid that would be affected.
Sharon, I agree with you about the need to reconfigure the schools into a K-8 environment. The broader the base of dispersion for those middle schoolers with raging hormones, the better! Seriously, as you know, a K-8 environment really provides the kids with much needed stability with a building staff that has known them and their families for a longer period of time, and you have fewer territorial conflicts and gang activity.
Prairie Celt: Add those reasons to the already planned Glen Oak and Harrison, which will be K-8. There needs to be some consistency in District 150. Now we have a high school with a 7th and 8th grade, some primary schools going to the 5th grade and I hear rumors that TJ will house 6th grade in the new building. What a hodgepodge!
Sharon, you’re right. What the administration plans to do feels more like a knee-jerk reaction than a well-thought out, researched strategy to improve student achievement and keep the kids in school.
It is so sad that the children of Peoria have become disposable to those in charge of our public schools. They will deny this and say, in public, how much they care about the kids, but their actions say something very different.
It is probably already too late for the high school kids who have become lost, discounted and sidelined along the way, but it is not too late for those kids in the primary grades. We need to do whatever it takes to ensure their success.
Mary,
methinks you should google red herring and re-read my post. if not, um, well, i’m sorry for you.
i won’t be explaining the parody obviously lost on you.
1. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH HAZARD, YOUNG, ATTEA & ASSOCIATES
Proposed Action: That the Contract with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates covering the Superintendent search and
the Controller/Treasurer search be approved. Further, that the Community Superintendent Search Committee’s
proposed total budget of $45,000 be approved and that the timeline for commencing the candidate search be changed
to August/September, 2009.
This is from the agenda for the next board meeting. Is this standard for searching for superintendents? I’m just curious. If anyone has an answer it would be appreciated.
Yes it is standard, or at least past, practice. It is the Board of Education who employs a Superintendent and that is why the search is not conducted by the Human Resource Department but by a search firm – until Hinton was hired. He was personally “recruited” by a small group of BOE members (at least 4 so his confirmation was assured) and then they covered this by engaging a search firm. It really was not an “open” search, but a foregone conclusion. I hope this “behind closed door” hiring practice does not continue as we go forward. This is a critical decision and transparency and integrity in the selection process must be maintained if there is any hope of the public trust being restored.
Well said PrairieCelt.
When you say standard/past practice, is that for this district or large school districts in general? Where does that money come from? It seems like a lot of money for an employee search. I heard that this firm had something to do with placing Royster in one of her positions.
Terry Knapp has told me–not sure that he mentioned it at the board meeting–but there is “free” search available. I don’t know why the district doesn’t take advantage of that opportunity. I’m not sure if the same candidates would show up. I would assume that anyone looking for a superintendent’s job would be sure to list his/her name with any and all agencies.
teachingrocks: that is the past practice for District #150. The money comes out of the district’s budget because it is a direct BOE expense. Yes, the district has contracted with Hazard Young in the past for superintendent searches.
Sharon: not sure about that unless it is something with the IASB – they do have a publication for Illinois administrative positions, etc. I think administrative positions can also be posted with LUDA. The real issue is, are free searches effective and do they generate they same caliber candidates as a search firm? The BOE may be overwhelmed with candidates if they use a free search and since they do not utilize the district’s HR department, how would they handle and process them? A search firm’s fees includes many different services that the BOE would otherwise have to handle.
PrairieCelt: I don’t doubt that–as I’ve said before I wish that District 150 could lure a good superintendent away from a job instead of hiring one who is looking for a job. However, 150 doesn’t have that much to offer.
Sharon,
I disagree.
Cordially,
erik
Erik: I assume you disagree with District 150 not having much to offer. That is cynical of me–but I believe it does have much to offer only if an extraordinary person is willing to try the extraordinary. I just fear 150 cannot draw (or accept) that kind of person. Also, I, by no means, think that District 150 stands alone–most public schools, especially in the inner city, throughout our country face the same fate if drastic measures are not taken. jI have a great fear that private schools and/or the move to the suburbs will take destroy the public school.
Sharon I tend to disagree as well. There are people out there who would rise to the challenge and in fact seek it out. Very talented, very smart people get bored at ho-hum jobs and the D150 Super would be anything but that.
I’m not worried that we couldn’t find anyone – I just want to find the right one! Erik, do you know if there is a listing anywhere of who is on the search committee? I hope it includes at least one teacher and one parent, and does not include any current central admin or anyone associated with the current admin.
Diane: Of course, I agree–if all your ifs come to fruition. Much depends upon the board’s perception of “the right one.” Whoever is on the committee, they can only suggest, recommend, etc. Actually, it all depends on the choice of just four board members. I don’t think very many people doubted Dr. Royster as a choice–she made a tremendously good impression. Personally, I really believed in her and placed much hope in her, and I was disappointed. Maybe that’s why I’ve become so cynical–I wasn’t always. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see who is available and who is chosen. Whoever is chosen has to “hit the ground running.” He/She won’t have time for trial and error decisions. 150 is in crisis–does anyone disagree with that?
Andy Chiou heads the search committee. If anyone knows him, it great time for him to communicate. The proposed contract isn’t available online, which would be helpful, you may be able to get a copy via your board rep as well. I am curious to know if included in the scope is general public forums.
The issue is up for a vote Tuesday:
Board of Education
April 14, 5:00 PM
Special Meeting
Location: DLC Board Room
I have a minority business committee meeting I need to be at, so I won’t be able to attend.
Erik: From all I know of Andy Chiou, I have much respect for him. Also, I am very impressed with Emerge and her insights. However, I would need much convincing to see charter schools as District 150’s answer–and, of course, all I do is express opinions; I have no power, etc. There was an article in the PJS a couple of weeks ago that warned school districts of the negative effects of charter schools. With its present financial problems, I can’t imagine why District 150 would choose to divert so much of its revenues and control to a charter school. I know that President Obama does favor charter schools. Even that doesn’t convince me yet–but I guess the plans for the charter school on Moss are still underway (although nothing has been said about it since the board approved the decision to proceed). So I guess time will tell.
There are a couple of problems with any superintendent search. First, there are superintendent candidates who make a practice of floating their CV every three years or so – constantly on the move. It is a practice that makes no sense to me, but then why should it?
Second, even if we were operating under optimal, ideal conditions with our schools making AYP and a solid financial outlook, it is hard to attract the best talent available to Peoria. The top candidates, with a proven turn-around track record, are not interested in coming to a midwestern community this size. There is a preference for much larger metropolitan areas – small, midwestern communities just aren’t competitive in that job market. This is one area where a search firm can be helpful.
Sharon, Erik and Diane, please remember that with the amazing search capacity of the internet, any prospective candidate will thoroughly research D #150 before ever agreeing to interview. Many people will look at the “challenges” facing the district vs. the compensation package offered, and pass. Hopefully, a candidate will emerge who likes a tough challenge, has a successful “turn-around” track record, has experience in urban districts, has a proven track record in improving student achievement, has financial savvy, is willing to come to a community the size of Peoria, and will accept the compensation offered. Make no mistake about it – this is a make or break hiring scenario with very little margin for error.
STOP IT! Stop the madness. We do not need a superintendent… we do not need an administrative office at all. Haven’t the past 20 years or so proved anything? It doesn’t matter who is there… it is a bureaucracy that is self perpetuating like ALL bureaucracies…
Let the school run themselves… make the school board supervise… first of all, let’s get a school board that is qualified to supervise. The purpose of schools is education… not real estate, not politics, not financial investments.
As far as teachers… I am sick and tied of hearing about their financial problems and salary disputes. They are ALL over paid. Or EVERYONE is underpaid.. but who cares… GET IN THE CLASSROOM AND TEACH THESE KIDS TO READ AND THINK. Forget about helping them find a job. There isn’t going to be a job for them. Help them to learn how to think and create their own future.
ICC just sent out a memo to remind department heads to not “waste” their budget surpluses as the fiscal year winds down… WHERE are the adults? Do you really have to remind “responsible” guardians of our children’s future not to waste money?
“Every year around this time we experience what might be called “the fire sale” mentality. People think that because they have money in their budget they need to spend it or those funds will not be available the next year.”
“I am urging each of you to look at your spending with a critical eye. If the spending is not necessary or does not support our strategic priorities, then you absolutely need to think twice about the expense. If you feel you have to spend the money because it’s in your budget, then you probably shouldn’t be spending it”
What the ??? Who, other than a 10 year old with his allowance in a candy store, needs to be told this?
KCDad, I know you are very frustrated with the “status quo” but I also know you are well acquainted with the school code and the positions Illinois public school districts are legally required to staff; two of which are the position of Superintendent and the position of Controller/Treasurer. Unless and until the laws are changed, District #150 is legally required to have a Superintendent.
I wholeheartedly agree with your statement, “first of all, let’s get a school board that is qualified to supervise. The purpose of schools is education… not real estate, not politics, not financial investments.” I think that only twp of the currently seated BOE members have education credentials and backgrounds in education.
We desperately need better qualified individuals to run for the Board. I am hopeful that Laura Petelle – although only one vote – will be a change agent to begin turning things around. And if not, at least she won’t be just one more rubber stamp used by the status quo.
PrairieCelt: I definitely agree with your assessment of the search for a superintendent. I would also add that we should definitely prefer an experienced superintendent–and a really good candidate probably already has a job which, in these economic times, might not be eager to leave.
Just a side note: Does anyone notice that (on this blog) all of us remotely connected to the classrooms of District 150 almost always agree? Of course, not many board members or administrators respond–the rest of us all seem to see the same picture.
Kcdad: We often agree until you start talking about complete revolution–even if I agreed, that isn’t going to happen.
“As far as teachers… I am sick and tied (sic) of hearing about their financial problems and salary disputes. They are ALL over paid. Or EVERYONE is underpaid.. but who cares… GET IN THE CLASSROOM AND TEACH THESE KIDS TO READ AND THINK. Forget about helping them find a job. There isn’t going to be a job for them. Help them to learn how to think and create their own future. ”
Are you kidding me? I’m in the classroom trying to get them to read and think. They don’t want to do either. Where are the parents and why haven’t they cultivated this feeling before the students come to school? Where is the outrage over these children being completely abandoned by their parents? Having a parent in the same home or block doesn’t equal having a parent….. I am surrounded by wonderful teachers who work extremely hard to increase the reading levels of our students. Committed teachers do not have the ability to completely shut off the thoughts of “how can I do this a little better—how can I reach little Johnny or Mary–how can I engage the guardian in this process–what’s one more way to say this which might sink in this time–etc.” I cannot believe that anyone who cares enough about education to be on here talking about it would actually write something about the pay of teachers. We may not be in the “office” from 9-5 but our brains are on 24-7 and the students and their struggles are never far from the front and center.
I start freaking out anytime KCDad says something I agree with. Time for a rosary…
(not agreeing that teachers are overpaid though…)
Kcdad: I do agree with you with regard to “forget about finding them a job.” I am disturbed at many levels with the John Hopkins plan at Manual–but most of all with this emphasis of finding a career path. Let’s educate them (read, think, etc.,) before pinning them down to a career path–too much specialization. The specialization might seem more exciting–easier to sell in this “perception management” regime (thanks PrairieCelt for that phrase)–but kids must master the basics before they can choose a viable career path.
KCDad: It’s a bold statement to say that teachers are overpaid. Most (keyword here is most) of the teachers that you’ll talk to won’t ever complain about their salary. I for one think we receive a fair salary. What do you think teachers do in the classroom? Have you taught before?
PCelt: I appreciate the answer. Thanks.
Sharon, you raised an interesting point. It is hard enough for a new college freshman to select a major, let alone a high school student selecting a career path at the age of 15 or 16. Haven’t seen the stats, but I’d wager that a pretty good percentage of college students change their major between their freshman and senior years.
Reality check – who really knew at the age of 18 – let alone 15 or 16 – what profession/career path would satisfy and fulfill them when they were 35-40 or older? There is something to be said about the old “major in liberal arts” philosophy that was once much more prevalent in our colleges and universities. Then, when the student was older and had experienced a little more of life, they chose a specialty in grad school. My opinion – it’s tough for college students, let alone high school students, to choose a professional/career specialization at that age; let’s step back, give them a good educational foundation (reading, writing, math, etc.) and let them go from there.
PrairieCelt: Right now I am working on a more specific criticism of next year’s Manual plan that was recently given out to prospective freshmen. Clearly, there were no teachers on that committee–just as I suspect there will be no teachers on the superintendent search committee.
Teachingisphun: I didn’t get into the salary argument because I’ve already had my say many times on this blog. However, I will break my brief silence for just a moment. About your comment “I for one think we receive a fair salary” –that is due to the contract of 2000, which has received some blame on this blog. I believe that contract was the first in my 43-year career that put teachers on a par with other professionals. I regard that contract as a “catching up” deal. In these bad economic times, teachers will probably take a hit and fall behind again. I know there is also the argument about working for only nine months–the problems is that we have to eat, pay rent, etc., for 12 months. Many teachers do not work in the summer and, if they do, they usually work at minimum wage jobs. Then, of course, there is Stowell’s argument that teachers should be required to work an “in building” 8-hour day. In this day of flex schedules, how many professionals actually work in a building, locked into one room for for even 6 hours? How many coffee breaks, long lunches, etc., do most professionals enjoy? Teachers miss out on those perks and work many hours on their own time.
teachingisphun: Yeah… I have taught before…
When students graduate and can’t read, can’t think for themselves and think Marxism, Communism and Socialism are the same thing, and Capitalism and Democracy are the same thing… YES… teachers are WAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY OOOOOOOOOOOOOverpaid.
We might as well close the schools.
teaching rocks: “They don’t want to do either.”
Of course they do… they just don’t want to read or think about what you want them to.
They know what school is about… it isn’t about learning anything except how to jump through hoops to get that diploma or certificate.
It isn’t the parents’ fault, it isn’t the students’ fault. It is the schools’ fault. They are the ones requiring people to be there… they are the ones determining curriculum… they are the ones who have abandoned all of the progressive principles of Dewey and the others.
Kcdad: I do know the difference between communism and socialism and between capitalism and democracy–so I guess I wasn’t overpaid. HA! As to the part about not being able to read or to think for themselves, I trust that you aren’t laying that whole burden on teachers. I know that college teachers regularly blame high school teachers when students aren’t prepared. I taught with some high school teachers who blamed primary school teachers. I have never taught at the primary level (K-5); I did do 6-8, so I don’t know about those challenges. However, I think there are many barriers that teachers face–even at that level–that keep them from reaching and teaching children. I tried not to lay blame–because I knew my own struggles, so I assumed the struggles begin at a fairly early age, especially in inner city schools.
Sharon, I don’t think the discussions about the 2002-05 contract, at least on my part, assigned “blame” to the teachers. If so, that was not my intent. No one said the teachers didn’t deserve the raise they receive. But at the end of the day, it was too rich for the district’s pocketbook. We can argue coulda, shoulda, woulda all day, but as things turned out, the district simply couldn’t afford it.
I would like to comment on the issue of teacher pay. First, to expect teachers to work an 8 hour day for the same compensation they receive now, that is based on a 6.5 hour day for a 180-day work year, is unrealistic. I just don’t think that will happen – this is not meant to construe that I am opposed to the idea, just that I really don’t believe the union will ever accept it.
Now, if you ask the teachers to work an 8 hour day at the same rate of pay they are now earning, I think the union would likely go for that. For example, if a teacher earns $50,000 per year based on a 6.5 hour day/180-day work year, their compensation to work an 8 hour day/180-day work year, at the same rate of pay, would be $61,545.60.
Based upon some of Jim Stowell’s public comments, I suspect what is really at the bottom of the discussion about the length of the teacher’s work day is the concept of hourly vs salaried or exempt vs nonexempt compensation. As things stand now, teachers are sort of halfway between each; they don’t receive time-and-one-half overtime pay, but they must be compensated for a 6th hour assignment, or required attendance for an after or before meeting, etc. If they were truly “salaried” and exempt, they would not be compensated for extra hours worked. For the union, and the teachers, that is where the disagreement will begin.
PrairieCelt: I think I agree with most of what you stated. I know you didn’t state that teachers were overpaid. I know that many people believe the “teachers deserve it, but the district couldn’t afford it” argument. I really am not knowledgeable enough about the district’s finances to answer that question. However, I will say that there are other things (like Edison and administrative salaries, houses on Prospect, Open Court reading series, and on and on) that the district couldn’t afford either.
I understand your argument about teachers being somewhere in between an hourly salaries position and a salaried position–interesting argument. This whole problem–as we’ve discussed before on this blog–is that Edison teachers are presently teaching longer hours and are paid more. Most teachers would jump at that chance. I don’t know what Jim will be proposing during negotiations. However, I believe one of two things will have to happen if Jim gets his way. Either all teachers will work longer and get paid more (doubt if that will fly) or all teachers will work longer for the same pay as the current non-Edison teachers. Then the Edison teachers might not be as happy as they are right now.
Another clarification: Teachers aren’t paid for all meetings before and after school–just for those that exceed the number of meetings specified by the contract. For instance, at Manual the principal made an agreement with Bradley University–without consulting the faculty–that would have required that teachers spend a considerable number of extra hours in seminars, etc., after school and at other times–for which we would not have been given extra pay. We fought that and won.
You went college, I presume, Sharon. You are certified as a teacher in this state… that you understand the differences is expected. So why don’t the students coming out of high school? Why don’t the people who vote (or don’t vote)? Why don’t our media and politicians?
What you know or don’t know should have nothing to do with your paycheck. All that should be relevant is what your students are learning… or not learning.
PrairieCelt: “Now, if you ask the teachers to work an 8 hour day at the same rate of pay they are now earning, I think the union would likely go for that. For example, if a teacher earns $50,000 per year based on a 6.5 hour day/180-day work year, their compensation to work an 8 hour day/180-day work year, at the same rate of pay, would be $61,545.60.”
Hey! How about they get paid for doing their job, no matter how long it takes?
Kcdad: Did you ever apply to teach in District 150? Would you have accepted the pay or given it back?
kcdad-how about you jump off a bridge and make the world a better place!
kcdad: Don’t do it! This is the type of community dialogue we need to have open, inclusive and transparent government. We just might break the groupthink barrier! 🙂 Please keep you ideas coming…..
kcdad: You make comments about children not learning the difference between Democracy and Capitalism and Marxism vs. Communism vs. Socialism yet if we put those words in front of any 1st grader, would they be able to say those words or even be able to grasp the concept of those words? What did you learn in school? Were you brought up in public schools? If so did you turn out alright?
Are there incompetent teachers? Sure there are. Are you saying no students or parents are to blame though? A student walks through the hallway and socks a kid in the face. The aggressor obviously has to go to the office and miss out on learning. When a teacher is going through a lesson and a student does not want to pay attention, how is that the teacher’s fault? Short of putting on a clown suit and doing cartwheels, teachers use many methods of differentiation to make subjects and lessons interesting but when it comes down to it, it’s the student’s and parent’s responsibility as well. Suppose you smoke for years and years and your doctor tells you that you need to stop because it could kill you. You continue to do so and then one day you’re diagnosed with lung cancer. I suppose it’s the doctors fault huh? You can’t point all the fingers at teachers and expect them to be responsible for each student and parent’s choice. Asinine.
And yet we have them recite REPUBLIC every morning… do you think they not what that means?
The aggressor? You think an act of violence is a random unmotivated thing?
I am not going to argue with you about this… your cancer analogy is stupid… everyone dies… tomorrow, next year or in forty years… we are talking about education. We are talking about the TEACHERS’ job. There is nothing more pitiful than to hear a teacher admit, that she is just a babysitter. I heard it just the other day from a retired high school teacher who is now teaching in college.
The lessons are boring. You can’t do anything to make NCLB curriculum exciting. Our school system is wrecked. If I were kid I would do whatever I could to get out of it… fight, drugs, truancy…
We need to make school meet the needs and wants of the kids! That is all. We need to teach them to take charge of their own education, their own futures and their own lives. We do not need to to indoctrinate them how to get a job working for some company where they just sell their mindless labor and their boss steals millions and billions from the company.
Sharon… Yes I did… I never got an interview because my Masters in Education wasn’t enough for them. I completed my secondary certificate satisfactorily EXCEPT for student teaching, and they wouldn’t hire me on a provisional or alternate certificate program.
Would I have given the money back? To whom? What I wouldn’t have done is complain about making what I agreed to work for… hell all I care about is paying my mortgage, being able to buy books and being able to afford to see a doctor… I don’t think I have been to doctor since I moved to Peoria and started teaching.
Teach: Don’t think I haven’t thought about it… I’m too good a swimmer, though. (When is the last time you saw a 50 year old pass the Red Cross Lifeguard Tests? You remember Andy Weinberg, Pekin’s swim coach that recently left? I was his swimming instructor. I figure my lack of health care will eventually do me in “naturally”.
Coach Weinberg left?? That sucks… He was a great PE teacher.
Kcdad: We do take up space going over the same arguments–sorry! Your theory does not account for all the young people who enjoy school and succeed and then go on to lead productive lives in our society. At best, your argument does point to a need for an alternative school. In what existing country (especially in a communist nation) would we be able to find this perfect educational system ala Kcdad? In a communist system would young people be free to “think” to consider the merits of capitalism, the merits of believing in God? Someone asked you earlier where you were educated. I would also like to know where you learned “to think for yourself”–obviously, you did. Do you really believe that the rest of us who do not agree with you are not thinking for ourselves? Do you know of any past or present political or economic system in which mankind’s penchant for greed has been successfully obliterated? In your own classes, do you ever try to sway students to your own point of view? I do totally agree that NCLB is destroying our educational system by putting an emphasis on only measurable educational goals.
kcdad-and all this time i thought you were just a big blowhard….you do have a sense of humor!!!!! there is a human behind that computer! I’ll be easier on you next time now that i kinda like you.
You obviously missed the point of that analogy. The point is that teachers (most of them) give students the information that they need to be successful. That’s a teachers job!!! That’s what teachers do!!! The students should be held accountable for their own actions and learning with the help of parents as well. Don’t get me wrong, teachers should be held accountable as well and I think their should be more rigorous methods of teacher evaluation. It still humors me though that you don’t think the students or parents are responsible. As Sharon said, many students will go on to choose what they want to do and learn to think for themselves. Students are taught about choices and they will always make decisions for themselves.
University of Iowa, California State University @ Los Angeles, Illinois State University, US Army…
BA in Social Work, MA in Social Foundations of Education, concentrations in History, Psychology, Sociology, Business Administration, Religion… hmmm oh yeah, Counseling (family and personal), Covert Operations (counter insurgency, psychological operations, Nuclear Biological and Chemical warfare and defense… I ‘m sure there are others… oh, I was a census taker in 2000, I speak parts of 3 languages… I have been asked to get my license to preach and become a minister in my church…
Where did I learn to think for myself… a combination of Paul Tillich, Michael Schermer, Benedict Spinoza, Galileo, Martin Luther King, Jr, Einstein, Jesus, Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde… Harry Potter and Bambi… and many others. It probably all started when a human resources person at Caterpillar told me he would hire me if I were black and female, but since I am not… tough luck.
teachingisphun: A teacher is not supposed to be an information provider… if that were true, all you would need was mimeographed assignments. EDUCARE; from the Latin, means to DRAW OUT… not to pour in. A teacher’s job is to bring out the knowledge and wisdom from within the individual, to bring out the potential, the curiosity, the humanity… not to put stuff in.
What absolute hubris to think you have or know anything that someone else needs to become fully human. LOVE FIRST, THEN TEACH.
Closing schools= more prisons
This adminsitration has been talking about “COMMINITY SCHOOLS” for years…doesn’t sound like community schools when your school is no where in the vicinity of where you live.
District 150 should be turning all their schools back into K-8 schools–I wonder how that cost would compare to the plans to close all the schools. I don’t know–is it possible to close a couple of schools and still do K-8?
Also, they need to admit right now that 7th and 8th grade at Manual is a total failure–put the 7th and 8th graders back in a middle school–or a newly organized K-8.
“teachon 08 Apr 2009
Closing schools= more prisons”
You forgot a few:
Closing schools = more gay marriage
Closing schools = more puppy torture
Closing schools = increased exposure to Godzilla attack
Closing schools = higher incidence of leprosy
Closing schools = famine
Closing schools = pestilence
Closing schools = death to all first born
…did I leave any out? wait, lemme get my fishing pole for all the red herrings out there…
dangling – glad you think that closing schools is so humourous. Did you see anyone laughing at the board meeting? Maybe you should think instead about tuning in to Dave Letterman to get your giggles. I’ll bet we can safely say you don’t have a kid that would be affected.
Sharon, I agree with you about the need to reconfigure the schools into a K-8 environment. The broader the base of dispersion for those middle schoolers with raging hormones, the better! Seriously, as you know, a K-8 environment really provides the kids with much needed stability with a building staff that has known them and their families for a longer period of time, and you have fewer territorial conflicts and gang activity.
Prairie Celt: Add those reasons to the already planned Glen Oak and Harrison, which will be K-8. There needs to be some consistency in District 150. Now we have a high school with a 7th and 8th grade, some primary schools going to the 5th grade and I hear rumors that TJ will house 6th grade in the new building. What a hodgepodge!
Sharon, you’re right. What the administration plans to do feels more like a knee-jerk reaction than a well-thought out, researched strategy to improve student achievement and keep the kids in school.
It is so sad that the children of Peoria have become disposable to those in charge of our public schools. They will deny this and say, in public, how much they care about the kids, but their actions say something very different.
It is probably already too late for the high school kids who have become lost, discounted and sidelined along the way, but it is not too late for those kids in the primary grades. We need to do whatever it takes to ensure their success.
Mary,
methinks you should google red herring and re-read my post. if not, um, well, i’m sorry for you.
i won’t be explaining the parody obviously lost on you.
1. APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH HAZARD, YOUNG, ATTEA & ASSOCIATES
Proposed Action: That the Contract with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates covering the Superintendent search and
the Controller/Treasurer search be approved. Further, that the Community Superintendent Search Committee’s
proposed total budget of $45,000 be approved and that the timeline for commencing the candidate search be changed
to August/September, 2009.
This is from the agenda for the next board meeting. Is this standard for searching for superintendents? I’m just curious. If anyone has an answer it would be appreciated.
Yes it is standard, or at least past, practice. It is the Board of Education who employs a Superintendent and that is why the search is not conducted by the Human Resource Department but by a search firm – until Hinton was hired. He was personally “recruited” by a small group of BOE members (at least 4 so his confirmation was assured) and then they covered this by engaging a search firm. It really was not an “open” search, but a foregone conclusion. I hope this “behind closed door” hiring practice does not continue as we go forward. This is a critical decision and transparency and integrity in the selection process must be maintained if there is any hope of the public trust being restored.
Well said PrairieCelt.
When you say standard/past practice, is that for this district or large school districts in general? Where does that money come from? It seems like a lot of money for an employee search. I heard that this firm had something to do with placing Royster in one of her positions.
Terry Knapp has told me–not sure that he mentioned it at the board meeting–but there is “free” search available. I don’t know why the district doesn’t take advantage of that opportunity. I’m not sure if the same candidates would show up. I would assume that anyone looking for a superintendent’s job would be sure to list his/her name with any and all agencies.
teachingrocks: that is the past practice for District #150. The money comes out of the district’s budget because it is a direct BOE expense. Yes, the district has contracted with Hazard Young in the past for superintendent searches.
Sharon: not sure about that unless it is something with the IASB – they do have a publication for Illinois administrative positions, etc. I think administrative positions can also be posted with LUDA. The real issue is, are free searches effective and do they generate they same caliber candidates as a search firm? The BOE may be overwhelmed with candidates if they use a free search and since they do not utilize the district’s HR department, how would they handle and process them? A search firm’s fees includes many different services that the BOE would otherwise have to handle.
PrairieCelt: I don’t doubt that–as I’ve said before I wish that District 150 could lure a good superintendent away from a job instead of hiring one who is looking for a job. However, 150 doesn’t have that much to offer.
Sharon,
I disagree.
Cordially,
erik
Erik: I assume you disagree with District 150 not having much to offer. That is cynical of me–but I believe it does have much to offer only if an extraordinary person is willing to try the extraordinary. I just fear 150 cannot draw (or accept) that kind of person. Also, I, by no means, think that District 150 stands alone–most public schools, especially in the inner city, throughout our country face the same fate if drastic measures are not taken. jI have a great fear that private schools and/or the move to the suburbs will take destroy the public school.
Sharon I tend to disagree as well. There are people out there who would rise to the challenge and in fact seek it out. Very talented, very smart people get bored at ho-hum jobs and the D150 Super would be anything but that.
I’m not worried that we couldn’t find anyone – I just want to find the right one! Erik, do you know if there is a listing anywhere of who is on the search committee? I hope it includes at least one teacher and one parent, and does not include any current central admin or anyone associated with the current admin.
Diane: Of course, I agree–if all your ifs come to fruition. Much depends upon the board’s perception of “the right one.” Whoever is on the committee, they can only suggest, recommend, etc. Actually, it all depends on the choice of just four board members. I don’t think very many people doubted Dr. Royster as a choice–she made a tremendously good impression. Personally, I really believed in her and placed much hope in her, and I was disappointed. Maybe that’s why I’ve become so cynical–I wasn’t always. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see who is available and who is chosen. Whoever is chosen has to “hit the ground running.” He/She won’t have time for trial and error decisions. 150 is in crisis–does anyone disagree with that?
I know of no such listing.
Emerge is on the spot (once again…)
http://emergepeoria.blogspot.com/
Andy Chiou heads the search committee. If anyone knows him, it great time for him to communicate. The proposed contract isn’t available online, which would be helpful, you may be able to get a copy via your board rep as well. I am curious to know if included in the scope is general public forums.
The issue is up for a vote Tuesday:
Board of Education
April 14, 5:00 PM
Special Meeting
Location: DLC Board Room
I have a minority business committee meeting I need to be at, so I won’t be able to attend.
Erik: From all I know of Andy Chiou, I have much respect for him. Also, I am very impressed with Emerge and her insights. However, I would need much convincing to see charter schools as District 150’s answer–and, of course, all I do is express opinions; I have no power, etc. There was an article in the PJS a couple of weeks ago that warned school districts of the negative effects of charter schools. With its present financial problems, I can’t imagine why District 150 would choose to divert so much of its revenues and control to a charter school. I know that President Obama does favor charter schools. Even that doesn’t convince me yet–but I guess the plans for the charter school on Moss are still underway (although nothing has been said about it since the board approved the decision to proceed). So I guess time will tell.
There are a couple of problems with any superintendent search. First, there are superintendent candidates who make a practice of floating their CV every three years or so – constantly on the move. It is a practice that makes no sense to me, but then why should it?
Second, even if we were operating under optimal, ideal conditions with our schools making AYP and a solid financial outlook, it is hard to attract the best talent available to Peoria. The top candidates, with a proven turn-around track record, are not interested in coming to a midwestern community this size. There is a preference for much larger metropolitan areas – small, midwestern communities just aren’t competitive in that job market. This is one area where a search firm can be helpful.
Sharon, Erik and Diane, please remember that with the amazing search capacity of the internet, any prospective candidate will thoroughly research D #150 before ever agreeing to interview. Many people will look at the “challenges” facing the district vs. the compensation package offered, and pass. Hopefully, a candidate will emerge who likes a tough challenge, has a successful “turn-around” track record, has experience in urban districts, has a proven track record in improving student achievement, has financial savvy, is willing to come to a community the size of Peoria, and will accept the compensation offered. Make no mistake about it – this is a make or break hiring scenario with very little margin for error.
STOP IT! Stop the madness. We do not need a superintendent… we do not need an administrative office at all. Haven’t the past 20 years or so proved anything? It doesn’t matter who is there… it is a bureaucracy that is self perpetuating like ALL bureaucracies…
Let the school run themselves… make the school board supervise… first of all, let’s get a school board that is qualified to supervise. The purpose of schools is education… not real estate, not politics, not financial investments.
As far as teachers… I am sick and tied of hearing about their financial problems and salary disputes. They are ALL over paid. Or EVERYONE is underpaid.. but who cares… GET IN THE CLASSROOM AND TEACH THESE KIDS TO READ AND THINK. Forget about helping them find a job. There isn’t going to be a job for them. Help them to learn how to think and create their own future.
ICC just sent out a memo to remind department heads to not “waste” their budget surpluses as the fiscal year winds down… WHERE are the adults? Do you really have to remind “responsible” guardians of our children’s future not to waste money?
“Every year around this time we experience what might be called “the fire sale” mentality. People think that because they have money in their budget they need to spend it or those funds will not be available the next year.”
“I am urging each of you to look at your spending with a critical eye. If the spending is not necessary or does not support our strategic priorities, then you absolutely need to think twice about the expense. If you feel you have to spend the money because it’s in your budget, then you probably shouldn’t be spending it”
What the ??? Who, other than a 10 year old with his allowance in a candy store, needs to be told this?
KCDad, I know you are very frustrated with the “status quo” but I also know you are well acquainted with the school code and the positions Illinois public school districts are legally required to staff; two of which are the position of Superintendent and the position of Controller/Treasurer. Unless and until the laws are changed, District #150 is legally required to have a Superintendent.
I wholeheartedly agree with your statement, “first of all, let’s get a school board that is qualified to supervise. The purpose of schools is education… not real estate, not politics, not financial investments.” I think that only twp of the currently seated BOE members have education credentials and backgrounds in education.
We desperately need better qualified individuals to run for the Board. I am hopeful that Laura Petelle – although only one vote – will be a change agent to begin turning things around. And if not, at least she won’t be just one more rubber stamp used by the status quo.
PrairieCelt: I definitely agree with your assessment of the search for a superintendent. I would also add that we should definitely prefer an experienced superintendent–and a really good candidate probably already has a job which, in these economic times, might not be eager to leave.
Just a side note: Does anyone notice that (on this blog) all of us remotely connected to the classrooms of District 150 almost always agree? Of course, not many board members or administrators respond–the rest of us all seem to see the same picture.
Kcdad: We often agree until you start talking about complete revolution–even if I agreed, that isn’t going to happen.
“As far as teachers… I am sick and tied (sic) of hearing about their financial problems and salary disputes. They are ALL over paid. Or EVERYONE is underpaid.. but who cares… GET IN THE CLASSROOM AND TEACH THESE KIDS TO READ AND THINK. Forget about helping them find a job. There isn’t going to be a job for them. Help them to learn how to think and create their own future. ”
Are you kidding me? I’m in the classroom trying to get them to read and think. They don’t want to do either. Where are the parents and why haven’t they cultivated this feeling before the students come to school? Where is the outrage over these children being completely abandoned by their parents? Having a parent in the same home or block doesn’t equal having a parent….. I am surrounded by wonderful teachers who work extremely hard to increase the reading levels of our students. Committed teachers do not have the ability to completely shut off the thoughts of “how can I do this a little better—how can I reach little Johnny or Mary–how can I engage the guardian in this process–what’s one more way to say this which might sink in this time–etc.” I cannot believe that anyone who cares enough about education to be on here talking about it would actually write something about the pay of teachers. We may not be in the “office” from 9-5 but our brains are on 24-7 and the students and their struggles are never far from the front and center.
I start freaking out anytime KCDad says something I agree with. Time for a rosary…
(not agreeing that teachers are overpaid though…)
Kcdad: I do agree with you with regard to “forget about finding them a job.” I am disturbed at many levels with the John Hopkins plan at Manual–but most of all with this emphasis of finding a career path. Let’s educate them (read, think, etc.,) before pinning them down to a career path–too much specialization. The specialization might seem more exciting–easier to sell in this “perception management” regime (thanks PrairieCelt for that phrase)–but kids must master the basics before they can choose a viable career path.
KCDad: It’s a bold statement to say that teachers are overpaid. Most (keyword here is most) of the teachers that you’ll talk to won’t ever complain about their salary. I for one think we receive a fair salary. What do you think teachers do in the classroom? Have you taught before?
PCelt: I appreciate the answer. Thanks.
Sharon, you raised an interesting point. It is hard enough for a new college freshman to select a major, let alone a high school student selecting a career path at the age of 15 or 16. Haven’t seen the stats, but I’d wager that a pretty good percentage of college students change their major between their freshman and senior years.
Reality check – who really knew at the age of 18 – let alone 15 or 16 – what profession/career path would satisfy and fulfill them when they were 35-40 or older? There is something to be said about the old “major in liberal arts” philosophy that was once much more prevalent in our colleges and universities. Then, when the student was older and had experienced a little more of life, they chose a specialty in grad school. My opinion – it’s tough for college students, let alone high school students, to choose a professional/career specialization at that age; let’s step back, give them a good educational foundation (reading, writing, math, etc.) and let them go from there.
PrairieCelt: Right now I am working on a more specific criticism of next year’s Manual plan that was recently given out to prospective freshmen. Clearly, there were no teachers on that committee–just as I suspect there will be no teachers on the superintendent search committee.
Teachingisphun: I didn’t get into the salary argument because I’ve already had my say many times on this blog. However, I will break my brief silence for just a moment. About your comment “I for one think we receive a fair salary” –that is due to the contract of 2000, which has received some blame on this blog. I believe that contract was the first in my 43-year career that put teachers on a par with other professionals. I regard that contract as a “catching up” deal. In these bad economic times, teachers will probably take a hit and fall behind again. I know there is also the argument about working for only nine months–the problems is that we have to eat, pay rent, etc., for 12 months. Many teachers do not work in the summer and, if they do, they usually work at minimum wage jobs. Then, of course, there is Stowell’s argument that teachers should be required to work an “in building” 8-hour day. In this day of flex schedules, how many professionals actually work in a building, locked into one room for for even 6 hours? How many coffee breaks, long lunches, etc., do most professionals enjoy? Teachers miss out on those perks and work many hours on their own time.
teachingisphun: Yeah… I have taught before…
When students graduate and can’t read, can’t think for themselves and think Marxism, Communism and Socialism are the same thing, and Capitalism and Democracy are the same thing… YES… teachers are WAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY OOOOOOOOOOOOOverpaid.
We might as well close the schools.
teaching rocks: “They don’t want to do either.”
Of course they do… they just don’t want to read or think about what you want them to.
They know what school is about… it isn’t about learning anything except how to jump through hoops to get that diploma or certificate.
It isn’t the parents’ fault, it isn’t the students’ fault. It is the schools’ fault. They are the ones requiring people to be there… they are the ones determining curriculum… they are the ones who have abandoned all of the progressive principles of Dewey and the others.
Kcdad: I do know the difference between communism and socialism and between capitalism and democracy–so I guess I wasn’t overpaid. HA! As to the part about not being able to read or to think for themselves, I trust that you aren’t laying that whole burden on teachers. I know that college teachers regularly blame high school teachers when students aren’t prepared. I taught with some high school teachers who blamed primary school teachers. I have never taught at the primary level (K-5); I did do 6-8, so I don’t know about those challenges. However, I think there are many barriers that teachers face–even at that level–that keep them from reaching and teaching children. I tried not to lay blame–because I knew my own struggles, so I assumed the struggles begin at a fairly early age, especially in inner city schools.
Sharon, I don’t think the discussions about the 2002-05 contract, at least on my part, assigned “blame” to the teachers. If so, that was not my intent. No one said the teachers didn’t deserve the raise they receive. But at the end of the day, it was too rich for the district’s pocketbook. We can argue coulda, shoulda, woulda all day, but as things turned out, the district simply couldn’t afford it.
I would like to comment on the issue of teacher pay. First, to expect teachers to work an 8 hour day for the same compensation they receive now, that is based on a 6.5 hour day for a 180-day work year, is unrealistic. I just don’t think that will happen – this is not meant to construe that I am opposed to the idea, just that I really don’t believe the union will ever accept it.
Now, if you ask the teachers to work an 8 hour day at the same rate of pay they are now earning, I think the union would likely go for that. For example, if a teacher earns $50,000 per year based on a 6.5 hour day/180-day work year, their compensation to work an 8 hour day/180-day work year, at the same rate of pay, would be $61,545.60.
Based upon some of Jim Stowell’s public comments, I suspect what is really at the bottom of the discussion about the length of the teacher’s work day is the concept of hourly vs salaried or exempt vs nonexempt compensation. As things stand now, teachers are sort of halfway between each; they don’t receive time-and-one-half overtime pay, but they must be compensated for a 6th hour assignment, or required attendance for an after or before meeting, etc. If they were truly “salaried” and exempt, they would not be compensated for extra hours worked. For the union, and the teachers, that is where the disagreement will begin.
PrairieCelt: I think I agree with most of what you stated. I know you didn’t state that teachers were overpaid. I know that many people believe the “teachers deserve it, but the district couldn’t afford it” argument. I really am not knowledgeable enough about the district’s finances to answer that question. However, I will say that there are other things (like Edison and administrative salaries, houses on Prospect, Open Court reading series, and on and on) that the district couldn’t afford either.
I understand your argument about teachers being somewhere in between an hourly salaries position and a salaried position–interesting argument. This whole problem–as we’ve discussed before on this blog–is that Edison teachers are presently teaching longer hours and are paid more. Most teachers would jump at that chance. I don’t know what Jim will be proposing during negotiations. However, I believe one of two things will have to happen if Jim gets his way. Either all teachers will work longer and get paid more (doubt if that will fly) or all teachers will work longer for the same pay as the current non-Edison teachers. Then the Edison teachers might not be as happy as they are right now.
Another clarification: Teachers aren’t paid for all meetings before and after school–just for those that exceed the number of meetings specified by the contract. For instance, at Manual the principal made an agreement with Bradley University–without consulting the faculty–that would have required that teachers spend a considerable number of extra hours in seminars, etc., after school and at other times–for which we would not have been given extra pay. We fought that and won.
You went college, I presume, Sharon. You are certified as a teacher in this state… that you understand the differences is expected. So why don’t the students coming out of high school? Why don’t the people who vote (or don’t vote)? Why don’t our media and politicians?
What you know or don’t know should have nothing to do with your paycheck. All that should be relevant is what your students are learning… or not learning.
PrairieCelt: “Now, if you ask the teachers to work an 8 hour day at the same rate of pay they are now earning, I think the union would likely go for that. For example, if a teacher earns $50,000 per year based on a 6.5 hour day/180-day work year, their compensation to work an 8 hour day/180-day work year, at the same rate of pay, would be $61,545.60.”
Hey! How about they get paid for doing their job, no matter how long it takes?
Kcdad: Did you ever apply to teach in District 150? Would you have accepted the pay or given it back?
kcdad-how about you jump off a bridge and make the world a better place!
kcdad: Don’t do it! This is the type of community dialogue we need to have open, inclusive and transparent government. We just might break the groupthink barrier! 🙂 Please keep you ideas coming…..
Jump!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kcdad: You make comments about children not learning the difference between Democracy and Capitalism and Marxism vs. Communism vs. Socialism yet if we put those words in front of any 1st grader, would they be able to say those words or even be able to grasp the concept of those words? What did you learn in school? Were you brought up in public schools? If so did you turn out alright?
Are there incompetent teachers? Sure there are. Are you saying no students or parents are to blame though? A student walks through the hallway and socks a kid in the face. The aggressor obviously has to go to the office and miss out on learning. When a teacher is going through a lesson and a student does not want to pay attention, how is that the teacher’s fault? Short of putting on a clown suit and doing cartwheels, teachers use many methods of differentiation to make subjects and lessons interesting but when it comes down to it, it’s the student’s and parent’s responsibility as well. Suppose you smoke for years and years and your doctor tells you that you need to stop because it could kill you. You continue to do so and then one day you’re diagnosed with lung cancer. I suppose it’s the doctors fault huh? You can’t point all the fingers at teachers and expect them to be responsible for each student and parent’s choice. Asinine.
And yet we have them recite REPUBLIC every morning… do you think they not what that means?
The aggressor? You think an act of violence is a random unmotivated thing?
I am not going to argue with you about this… your cancer analogy is stupid… everyone dies… tomorrow, next year or in forty years… we are talking about education. We are talking about the TEACHERS’ job. There is nothing more pitiful than to hear a teacher admit, that she is just a babysitter. I heard it just the other day from a retired high school teacher who is now teaching in college.
The lessons are boring. You can’t do anything to make NCLB curriculum exciting. Our school system is wrecked. If I were kid I would do whatever I could to get out of it… fight, drugs, truancy…
We need to make school meet the needs and wants of the kids! That is all. We need to teach them to take charge of their own education, their own futures and their own lives. We do not need to to indoctrinate them how to get a job working for some company where they just sell their mindless labor and their boss steals millions and billions from the company.
Sharon… Yes I did… I never got an interview because my Masters in Education wasn’t enough for them. I completed my secondary certificate satisfactorily EXCEPT for student teaching, and they wouldn’t hire me on a provisional or alternate certificate program.
Would I have given the money back? To whom? What I wouldn’t have done is complain about making what I agreed to work for… hell all I care about is paying my mortgage, being able to buy books and being able to afford to see a doctor… I don’t think I have been to doctor since I moved to Peoria and started teaching.
Teach: Don’t think I haven’t thought about it… I’m too good a swimmer, though. (When is the last time you saw a 50 year old pass the Red Cross Lifeguard Tests? You remember Andy Weinberg, Pekin’s swim coach that recently left? I was his swimming instructor. I figure my lack of health care will eventually do me in “naturally”.
Coach Weinberg left?? That sucks… He was a great PE teacher.
Kcdad: We do take up space going over the same arguments–sorry! Your theory does not account for all the young people who enjoy school and succeed and then go on to lead productive lives in our society. At best, your argument does point to a need for an alternative school. In what existing country (especially in a communist nation) would we be able to find this perfect educational system ala Kcdad? In a communist system would young people be free to “think” to consider the merits of capitalism, the merits of believing in God? Someone asked you earlier where you were educated. I would also like to know where you learned “to think for yourself”–obviously, you did. Do you really believe that the rest of us who do not agree with you are not thinking for ourselves? Do you know of any past or present political or economic system in which mankind’s penchant for greed has been successfully obliterated? In your own classes, do you ever try to sway students to your own point of view? I do totally agree that NCLB is destroying our educational system by putting an emphasis on only measurable educational goals.
kcdad-and all this time i thought you were just a big blowhard….you do have a sense of humor!!!!! there is a human behind that computer! I’ll be easier on you next time now that i kinda like you.
You obviously missed the point of that analogy. The point is that teachers (most of them) give students the information that they need to be successful. That’s a teachers job!!! That’s what teachers do!!! The students should be held accountable for their own actions and learning with the help of parents as well. Don’t get me wrong, teachers should be held accountable as well and I think their should be more rigorous methods of teacher evaluation. It still humors me though that you don’t think the students or parents are responsible. As Sharon said, many students will go on to choose what they want to do and learn to think for themselves. Students are taught about choices and they will always make decisions for themselves.
University of Iowa, California State University @ Los Angeles, Illinois State University, US Army…
BA in Social Work, MA in Social Foundations of Education, concentrations in History, Psychology, Sociology, Business Administration, Religion… hmmm oh yeah, Counseling (family and personal), Covert Operations (counter insurgency, psychological operations, Nuclear Biological and Chemical warfare and defense… I ‘m sure there are others… oh, I was a census taker in 2000, I speak parts of 3 languages… I have been asked to get my license to preach and become a minister in my church…
Where did I learn to think for myself… a combination of Paul Tillich, Michael Schermer, Benedict Spinoza, Galileo, Martin Luther King, Jr, Einstein, Jesus, Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde… Harry Potter and Bambi… and many others. It probably all started when a human resources person at Caterpillar told me he would hire me if I were black and female, but since I am not… tough luck.
teachingisphun: A teacher is not supposed to be an information provider… if that were true, all you would need was mimeographed assignments. EDUCARE; from the Latin, means to DRAW OUT… not to pour in. A teacher’s job is to bring out the knowledge and wisdom from within the individual, to bring out the potential, the curiosity, the humanity… not to put stuff in.
What absolute hubris to think you have or know anything that someone else needs to become fully human. LOVE FIRST, THEN TEACH.