From the Journal Star: “In a surprise move Monday, the Peoria District 150 School Board terminated its contract with treasurer/controller Pam Schau, an at-will employee, effective immediately.”
The district isn’t saying why they fired Schau — they can’t discuss personnel issues. But Schau herself told the newspaper that Superintendent Lathan called her after the meeting and told her “the board felt I was not providing sufficient leadership in the area of accounting.”
Schau’s contract allows her to be fired without cause, according to the paper. She’s been employed by District 150 just over a year.
Jon: I appreciate the link. I am not trying to poke a bees nest here or anything, but I find the statements in the budget a bit unbelievable. It is stated that there was a savings of $900,000 in salary because of the movement of teachers. I get that some non-tenured teachers may have been let go in order to bring in the tenured Kingman teachers. The report has a net total of 21 FTE. That means the salaries of the non-tenured teachers would have averaged $42,857. I think that sounds awfully high for brand new teachers in the district.
Also, listed is a bus savings of $640,000 due to the switch to three tier bell schedule. How come they don’t even consider an increase in bus costs due to school closings but are able to use a savings in their budget? I ask this because when Gorenz was questioned about increased bussing costs due to the large amount of new students on busses with closing schools, he said the school is reimbursed for bussing costs and it is not considered. Ummm, what?!? And, again, why do they get to use savings but not costs? You can’t convince me they were able to dismiss enough bus staff to make a $640,000 savings. I honestly don’t know bus driver/aide salaries however I am certain it isn’t anything which would result in this amount of savings.
I am asking these questions because this is not something of which I have a strong knowledge and do understand it may be something which can be explained. I refuse, though, to just trust some numbers on a page without a reasonable explanation of what they are based on.
Lost in this whole mess is the classless way that Schau was terminated.
She shows up to a regular Board meeting as part of her job. Board gets ready to move into Executive session, and she asks if she needs to stay around for anything once they reconvene in open session. They say “Nah, no problem, go home.” Lathan calls her up 90 minutes later and tells her she’s out.
You’ve got to wonder if the D150 board really cares about its public perception…I suppose they should have thought about how they were going to “shape the message” before they fired her, as I recall that was an important thing the Board wanted to work on.
I can’t help but notice the 6 precepts that D150 has on its website: Excellence, Collaboration, Integrity, Respect, Communication, Accountability. In my estimation, Schau’s firing violated every single one of those.
If they call them consultants then that bypasses the need for Illinois certification, doesn’t it?
Could it really be one last thing, Lynn?
I don’t doubt that you suggested the new head of security would be black – that’s why I didn’t try to quote you on that. What I did question was your claim that you “knew what you were talking about”, so I offered your own quotes that seemed to contradict that.
Thanks, I guess, for offering me your little lesson on racism, though I don’t know why you directed it to me. However, I agree we can all learn about racism from your comments.
teachingrocks – I always think it’s good to question the numbers – though without knowing all of the details, it is very difficult to analyze the results. There is a great deal of information out there, but there are so many variables, too. And to be honest, there can be some very different, though still credible, explanations. A lot of that is perspective – such as short term vs a long term view (I’m not suggesting anything about the matter at hand – just making a general observation)
That said, perhaps the savings in 21 FTE is calculated at salary plus benefits? As for the busing, I really don’t know how much of that is reimbursed (of course, it’s still an expense that taxpayers ultimately bear) but I wouldn’t be surprised that if the state previously paid all or the majority of it, it’s paying a lower percentage today, given all of its troubles. However, I do agree that there should be consistency in the way these cost/benefit issues are presented.
Hopefully, Demke is next. She doesn’t have time to talk with anyone and she is the HR Director! I know employees of the district who have requested to speak with her and she has flat out refused. Even people who have received communication from the district (regarding lawsuits) asking them to contact the district have been unable to speak with her when they call. She needs to go.
Could it be that maybe you are wrong? From reading your replies to this Lynn, it looks like you have no problem with reverse discrimination.
Considering district 150’s track record, it is entirely possible that someone could be telling the truth about them.
Think about it.
To “hey jon”
Please quote for me one of my comments that supports reverse discrimination (and please explain how you reach that conclusion)
And what is it do you think I’m wrong about? (again, please support what it is you think I’m saying – that you think is wrong – by copying and pasting one of my comments)
We’re no longer in Kindergarden so there is no need to copy & paste.
I’ve read where a person has said that some qualified white applicants applied for a public job but they were dismissed based on their race and from reading your posts you call that person a racist because that person either is or knows of someone who was ?possibly? a victim of racism.
Does it make someone a racist if they complain about ?possible? discimination?
It seems to me that you are supporting what could ?possibly? be racist decisions by calling the whistleblower a racist.
If you follow any of the news about district 150 then you could certainly see that what this person is saying could potentially be true.
Must we continue to bring up racial discrimination and reverse discrimination? Lynn your posts for the last few months have been very inflammatory. To Hey John- your accusations are ludicrous. Give it a rest and move on.
Lynn is just angry that it is no longer a white world. She is one of the white folks that just hasn’t accepted that fact yet. Things have and will continue to change for people like you, just look at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. 🙂
Lynn is now a whistleblower? Posting under a bogus name on a blog doesn’t mean she is a whistleblower! If she has legit concerns she should put up or shut up and report it to the IL Dept of Human Rights at http://www.state.il.us/dhr/. I doubt she will do this because I believe it is much easier for her to blow smoke here.
To “hey jon”
The reason I asked you to cut and paste is because NOWHERE did I call Lynn a racist. Can you back up your claim that I did?
Please read my comments carefully – I think them through and don’t make statements I can’t support.
For example, I said to Lynn, “I agree we can all learn about racism from your comments.”
Didn’t Lynn say, “When you punish one race because of wrongs in the past then that’s racism too.”?
Jon-
My post should read To Hey John. Sorry about the confusion. I am trying to support you 🙂 Will correct my previous post.
Jon here is your statement…”However, I agree we can all learn about racism from your comments.”
If you want to get technical then you didn’t exactly call someone a racist but you certainly implied that in your statement.
I’m 61 years old, retired and thank goodness I no longer live in Peoria because judging from the intelligence that I see from some of the bloggers on this forum it is of no surprise, to me, that the people that run district 150 are able to lead the public around like lambs to the slaughter.
Maybe this lynn is making all of this up, I certainly don’t know but I do know that it is wrong of you to call a person a racist because they complain about potential racial discrimination. I also noticed where you never addressed my statement about considering the way district 150 usually does things, that just maybe someone could be telling the truth. Your decision to ingore that speaks volumes about your ability to make a fair accessement of a situation.
So Jon, you and Lynn keep arguing about this matter and Jon you keep following & supporting the ones that operate district 150 because look how well it is working out for everyone. Lynn if you are telling the truth then I hope justice finally prevails but if you are lying then I also hope that justice prevails.
Susan,
“can you tell us if ANY of the new hires from N.C. are certified in IL.”
Typically out-of-state hires without an Illinois certificate are issued a provisional certification by ISBE while their Illinois certification is processed. I checked with HR, and the Regional Office of Education verifies that all new out-of-state hires at District 150 have initiated their Illinois certification process.
Contracts for certified, out-of-state hires are contingent on these employees receiving their Illinois certification.
Thanks Laura, I appreciate your dedication.
To “hey jon”
Perhaps you didn’t read my explanation (above) of that statement. Perhaps you inferred the wrong meaning?
As for your assertion that I didn’t address the possibility that reverse racism might exist at D150, it’s because I agree with you. It might. Racism (reverse or otherwise) might exist at Caterpillar or OSF, or in Peoria or Morton – you might see it right at your own grocery store.
Yes, it’s wrong to call someone a racist if they merely complain about potential racial discrimination. Wouldn’t you also agree that it would probably be bad if a giant meteor hit the earth (but since that didn’t happen either…)
Here’s one thing I think can be learned from all of this – if you want to make allegations that reverse discrimination exists in a particular matter, such as the hiring of the head of security, or if you make allegations that someone called another a racist, for example – then first get your facts straight and second, be prepared to defend your accusations – lastly, if it’s really important, go do something about it (take the matter up directly with the person, or their boss, or to the authorities).
And, yes, I do think Grenita Lathan will do a terrific job at D150 (not that my opinion matters 🙂 )
““can you tell us if ANY of the new hires from N.C. are certified in IL.””
That’s not what I want to know… I want to know if there are no qualified candidates from Illinois and specifically from the Peoria area?
I didn’t realize that when we hire an employee that we automatically hire all their friends and relatives, too.
Thanks Charlie. You said what I thought….
On the “reverse” discrimination issue that some folks bring up:
Go to EmergePeoria’s blog. There are pictures of some of the new
folks coming in, along with staff retained.
http://emergepeoria.blogspot.com/2010/08/lathan-administration-is-almost.html
Besides herself, there are only 4 African-Americans on her ‘team’ so far. The rest are caucasian, although some could be other. She had held onto many already in place; not like she decided to replace EVERYONE with former colleagues from out-of-state.
I think this team will produce some WINS for District 150. GO GO GO!
You are legend in your own mind.
Dennis in Peoria
August 12, 2010 at 2:50 pm
On the “reverse” discrimination issue that some folks bring up:
Go to EmergePeoria’s blog. There are pictures of some of the new
folks coming in, along with staff retained.
http://emergepeoria.blogspot.c…..lmost.html
Looks like a Post Office line up of retreads and has-beens. Many of those in the “police line-up” are current cancers they should have been removed.
Not saying I am in agreement or disagreement with who is hired…just wanted to post the pictures, because perhaps some folks here didn’t know.
And I have not drank “Kool-Aid” for over 25 years. Thanks for deciding
to stay anonymous too, unlike some folks here, who post who they really are.
Couldn’t someone have told the security guy which way the camera was pointing in that picture?
Still too many white folks in that picture. That is why the kids can’t learn now in the district.
Charlie says, “I didn’t realize that when we hire an employee that we automatically hire all their friends and relatives, too.”
Where were you the entire time Hinton was Superintendent?
No. No. No. You don’t get it.
She’s BLACK. Therefore, she’s just like Kay Royster.
[/sarcasm]
Hinton hired his cronies, too. They just didn’t have to relocate.
I went out for lunch and came back to find all these racial discrimination comments. One rule of thumb that I follow is that one person’s racism doesn’t given me permission to become a racist. I have not seen or heard anything from Dr. Lathan that causes me to believe she is a “reverse racist”–a term with which I have great difficulty; I try to keep it out of my vocabulary. I do believe that all of us (black and white) are capable of racism–and racism in the workplace I do believe should be addressed when or if it is obvious. The issue of Dr. Lathan hiring so many of her friends is a legitimate issue (in my opinion), but I don’t associate that with racism of any kind.
Dennis, the last person who used the “Kool-Aid” reference was from Jim Stowell to me–this latest post definitely isn’t from Jim, however.
I just erred on Emerge’s blog by saying that C.J.’s blog doesn’t attact blattant racists–hopefully, the draw is just momentary.
Dennis, tell us why you hate your race so much?
Sharon, you’ve been “out to lunch” for years and haven’t returned.
“Where were you the entire time Hinton was Superintendent?”
Right here… why? Did I suggest Lathan was any different from Hinton or Royster or anyone who takes that position and uses it to give their friends jobs? I only wanted to know if there weren’t any local people “left over” from the last two administrations that were qualified enough for the jobs then to be qualified now?
BTW Dennis, writing [/sarcasm] after racist comments doesn’t excuse the racism. It has nothing to do with race. It has to do with bureaucracy. There is no way you can put Royster, Hinton and Latham in the same category as anything other than Peter Principle Bureaucrats.
Face it… oh never mind. You are being a jerk.
Not sure why people have to keep beating Kay Royster, but in her defense she only brought in three of her former colleagues. Latham already has doubled that with 7 to date, plus a probable eight one in the wings as the new controller. In Royster’s case when she started July 1 that was on the heels of a massive exodus on June 30 from central administration. The controller she hired was not a former associate, but came from ISBE out of the auditing operation. The other moves into the admin building were promotions within D150. Now Hinton was a whole different story – and a mighty sad one at that!
Thanks, Charlie. Face it–are you yet another face of that same person who loves to make snide remarks (under an assumed name)? My out to lunch comment was definitely an opening I couldn’t expect you to pass up. Dennis hates his race?? Would that be the human race? I hope all these comments under several different monikers are, also, all the same person (not the same as Face It). Please this blog is just the wrong one for such comments–just seems out of place with those who usually comment here.
Charlie has ruined this site for me. I don’t have much tolerance for jerks.
Little confusion here, not sure if 2 previous posters might be referring to me, or to Billy Dennis aka Peoria Pundit.
If it is me, and you say I hate my race…if you have never seen a picture of me, how do you know what race I am?
I don’t care who makes comments, just wish folks would stop being cowards and use their name.
Although too early to tell, I sincerely hope a year from now, those that are totally negative against Dr. Lathan, for whatever reason, will be ready to sit down for a dinner of crow if she is very successful in doing the job we all want her to do.
Jim has assured me on the other blog that he is not the one making snide remarks–glad to hear it although I always have an easier time accepting the remarks from Jim. 🙂 Dennis in Peoria, it will take some of us a little while to put total confidence in Dr. Lathan (we would have had that problem with any new superintendent regardless of race or gender). We have been on a roller coaster ride for the last ten years. Dr. Lathan is promising to turn everything upside down–that could be a very good thing or it could be a very bad thing. We just don’t know yet. There are so many educational philsophies out there from which to choose–we don’t know yet where Dr. Lathan fits in that spectrum. Having so many new faces in middle management was unexpected and probably has sent us spinning a bit. That has just never happened before. The superintendent has always chosen some–maybe even most–new people, but they have generally been people we knew placed in new positions. Having all these new people directly connected to Dr. Lathan ultimately might mean that we can brace for another total upheaval down the line. Superintendents don’t stay forever–that possibility is even greater if Dr. Lathan is successful; there will be better offers.
My take is that Dr. Lathan expects her people to work, do their jobs, and earn their taxpayer salaries. That probably won’t fly too well with some D150 veterans. It would be intelligent strategy to bring onboard those who you know by experience can and will do the job. I only wish she had come onboard six years ago to shake things up. (Personally, I have never understood the management strategy of taking the first year to watch and listen–do nothing–in order to get a feel for the community.) P.S. Don’t complain about FOIA–stand up and say “we have nothing to hide!”. Just think how different our district would look today if it weren’t for JM’s FOIA.
TR64–who is JM and what was his FOIA about? You’re probably right about waiting too long being as bad or even worse than jumping right in. We will soon know. School will start soon and this period of speculation can end.
Sharon–sorry–I meant Julie McArdle. Looking back, if it weren’t for her FOIA, she would have had no solid case–remember the claim that the credit card had been cancelled? What about the boundary exceptions? The credit card receipts? That evidence was provided by e-mail via D150 server–totally indisputable (sp?). Since that time, many, many on Wisc. Ave. have left. Granted, two were hired via the same search team that discovered Lathan (takeaway Schau, leaves Dimke). I disagree with Ross’s comments at the last board meeting (minutes on D150 website) that FOIA keeps money away from students. It seems that FOIA proved someone else was doing that.
I should have been able to figure that out (JM). Pam Schau’s payoff for breaking a contract costs money, too. Did anyone say that she should be kept for two years so as not to cost the district any money? I’m not concerned about the cost of FOIAs–the cost not to FOIA is, of course, much higher. I believe change has come and will come just because people now know that information might be FOIA’d. Hopefully, the district will learn to give us all information (good and bad) up front–that would be cheaper in the end.
Amen–we can thank Lisa Madigan for the FOIA changes in 2010. She seems to get it.
150 observer… I didn’t mean to wilt your pom poms.. you keep on cheering for the home team.
Well “Jim has assured me” and Dr. Lathan has “is promising to turn everything upside down” well what more could one asked for in assurance that everything will be okay?
Someone said that Lathan has hired her husband as a district employee too. Has anyone else heard that?
Larry, I haven’t heard this and would be shocked if this were true.
Why was Pam Shau’s termination NOT on the agenda for Monday night? Didn’t have a problem posting other employee names or “numbers”, yet this termination appears to have arrived like a thief in the night. Quite curious…..to say the least.
Just close your eyes, click your heels together and say Dr Lathan is going to make it all better. Do this several times a day and you’ll feel better.
Well, that proves it–“Face it” is not Jim Stowell. Clearly, someone else thinks I’m “out to lunch.” 🙂